Canary Islands Ferry
Tenerife - El Hierro Ferry
The only ferry to El Hierro - departure times, check-in, car and pets, arrival in La Estaca and onward travel on the island
- 2 hours 20 minutes from Los Cristianos to Puerto de La Estaca, one departure a day
- Fred Olsen Express with the catamaran Bentago Express, all year round, vehicles on board
- Check-in: 20 minutes on foot, 40 minutes with a vehicle
Route Guide
Tenerife - El Hierro Ferry at a Glance
Table of Contents
All about the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry connection: the port of Los Cristianos, departure times, check-in with Fred Olsen Express, car and pets on board, and the arrival in Puerto de La Estaca.
Getting There and the Los Cristianos Terminal
The ferry departs from the port of Los Cristianos in Arona, with the terminal on Calle del Espigón at the end of the beach promenade. From Tenerife South Airport it's around 20 minutes; from the TF-1 motorway, follow the signs for Puerto. Fred Olsen Express has a sales desk in the terminal; foot passengers go straight to boarding with a printed or mobile boarding pass.
Check-in and Departure
Under Fred Olsen Express's conditions of carriage, you need to be ready to board 20 minutes before departure, or be at the quay 40 minutes beforehand with a vehicle. The outbound sailing from Los Cristianos is usually in the late afternoon, and the return from La Estaca usually in the early afternoon, with a morning sailing on some days. Keep your ID or passport in your hand luggage; residents show proof of address for the discount.
On Board
The Bentago Express is a fast catamaran with a lounge, cafeteria and outer deck; you won't need a cabin for a 2-hour-20-minute crossing. Payment is in euros, by card.
Vehicles, Bicycles and Pets
Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles are carried, with vehicle type and registration number needed in the booking. With a rental car from Tenerife, check the rental agreement beforehand, as many rental companies exclude the crossing; on El Hierro itself there are rental cars at the airport and in Valverde. Register pets when booking, as spaces are limited; Fred Olsen Express offers its own crate in the lounge, Pet Rooms on deck and the Pet Sofa. More in the guides Taking a Motorhome to the Canary Islands and Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.
Arrival in La Estaca and Onward Travel
Puerto de La Estaca lies on the east coast, around ten minutes from Valverde and 15 minutes from the airport. The island has few buses and long distances to El Pinar, La Restinga and the Golfo valley, so a car of your own or hired on El Hierro is the norm. Taxis wait at the port when the ferry arrives.
Tickets and Fares
Fred Olsen Express sells tickets online and at the counter. Canary Islands residents get the official discount of 75 percent, and large families a discount too. Since only one ferry a day runs and the catamaran's vehicle spaces are limited, booking early pays off, especially during holidays. The current prices are shown in the booking window, and a comparison of all Canary Islands routes is in the price overview.
Tenerife - El Hierro
From Los Cristianos to El Hierro in 2 Hours 20
From Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife to Puerto de La Estaca, the port of Valverde on El Hierro, in 2 hours 20 minutes. Fred Olsen Express operates the route with the catamaran Bentago Express, one departure a day in each direction, all year round, with vehicle transport.
The outbound sailing from Los Cristianos is usually in the late afternoon, and the return from La Estaca usually in the early afternoon; that's not enough for a day trip, but works for an overnight stay on the island.
- Crossing
- 2 hrs 20 min
- Operator
- Fred Olsen Express
- Frequency
- one departure a day
Next Departures
FAQ Tenerife - El Hierro
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry connection
How long does the ferry from Tenerife to El Hierro take?+
2 hours 20 minutes from Los Cristianos to Puerto de La Estaca with the catamaran Bentago Express from Fred Olsen Express.
When does the ferry run?+
One departure a day in each direction, all year round. Usually in the late afternoon from Los Cristianos, and in the early afternoon from La Estaca, with a morning sailing on some days. The times for your travel day are shown in the timetable.
When do I need to be at the port?+
Under Fred Olsen Express's conditions of carriage, you need to be ready to board 20 minutes before departure, or be at the quay 40 minutes beforehand with a vehicle. Don't forget your ID or passport.
How much does the ferry to El Hierro cost?+
That depends on the vehicle and booking time; Canary Islands residents pay significantly less with the official discount. The current price is shown in the booking window, and a comparison of all Canary Islands routes is in the price overview.
Can I bring my car?+
Yes, the Bentago Express carries cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles; the registration number needs to go in the booking. With a rental car from Tenerife, check the rental agreement beforehand. Details on campers are in the guide Taking a Motorhome to the Canary Islands.
Can my dog come along?+
Yes, after registering when booking; spaces are limited. Fred Olsen Express carries pets in their own crate in the lounge, in Pet Rooms on deck or on the Pet Sofa. More in the guide Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.