Canary Islands Ferry
Tenerife - La Palma Ferry
The connection to the Isla Bonita - departures, check-in, car and pets, arrival in Santa Cruz de La Palma
- Around 2.5 hours from Los Cristianos to Santa Cruz de La Palma, all year round
- Fred Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias with two departures a day each
- Check-in: Fred Olsen 20 minutes on foot and 40 with a car, Baleària 60 and 90 minutes
Route Guide
Tenerife - La Palma Ferry at a Glance
Table of Contents
All about the Tenerife - La Palma ferry connection: the port of Los Cristianos, check-in with both operators, the ships, car and pets on board, and the arrival in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Getting There and the Los Cristianos Terminal
Ferries to La Palma depart 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. Both operators have desks in the terminal. The occasional night ferry from Santa Cruz de Tenerife departs from the Estación Marítima Puerto-Ciudad on the Muelle de Ribera.
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. Baleària Canarias requires 60 minutes without and 90 minutes with a vehicle. Keep your ID or passport in your hand luggage; residents show proof of address for the discount.
On Board
Fred Olsen Express operates the catamarans Benchijigua Express and Bencomo Express, Baleària Canarias Pepita Castellví and Volcán de Tirajana. For a two-and-a-half-hour crossing, lounge seating is enough; a cafeteria and outer deck are on board, and a cabin is only available on the night ferry from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Payment is in euros, by card.
Vehicles, Bicycles and Pets
Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles are carried by both operators, 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. Register pets when booking; Fred Olsen Express offers a crate, Pet Rooms and the Pet Sofa, while Baleària Canarias offers Pet&You mats and quiet kennels. More in the guides Taking a Motorhome to the Canary Islands and Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.
Arrival in Santa Cruz de La Palma and Onward Travel
The ferries dock at the Estación Marítima in Santa Cruz de La Palma, with ticket counters, a bar and a waiting room, right next to the old town of the island capital. Island buses and taxis run from the port, with car rental desks nearby; the airport is around ten kilometres to the south. If you're heading on to La Gomera, simply stay on board on the Baleària sailings with a stop there.
Tickets and Fares
Both operators sell tickets online and at the counter; Canary Islands residents get the official discount of 75 percent, and Fred Olsen Express also offers a large-family discount. Baleària Canarias offers a fare with free cancellation. Booking early pays off with a vehicle, as spaces on the catamarans are limited. The current prices are shown in the booking window, and a comparison of all Canary Islands routes is in the price overview.
Tenerife - La Palma
From Los Cristianos to La Palma in 2.5 Hours
From Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife to Santa Cruz de La Palma in around two and a half hours. Fred Olsen Express operates Benchijigua Express or Bencomo Express, Baleària Canarias Pepita Castellví or Volcán de Tirajana, with two departures a day each; some of the Baleària sailings call at San Sebastián de La Gomera on the way.
In addition, the Baleària ferry on the mainland route calls at Santa Cruz de La Palma once a week on its way from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Cádiz, a crossing of around six hours.
- Crossing
- around 2.5 hrs
- Operators
- Fred Olsen Express, Baleària Canarias
- Frequency
- around 4 departures a day
- From
- €43
- Balearia
- Naviera Armas
- Fred Olsen Express
Next Departures
FAQ Tenerife - La Palma
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about the Tenerife - La Palma ferry connection
How long does the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma take?+
Around two and a half hours from Los Cristianos, with both operators. Baleària Canarias sailings with a stop in La Gomera take correspondingly longer. The occasional night ferry from Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes around six hours.
How often does the ferry run and when do I need to be at the port?+
Around four departures a day in each direction, two each from Fred Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias. With Fred Olsen Express you need to be ready to board 20 minutes before departure, 40 minutes with a vehicle; with Baleària Canarias it's 60 minutes without and 90 minutes with a vehicle. The times are shown in the timetable.
How much does the ferry to La Palma cost?+
That depends on the operator, vehicle and booking time; 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 or motorhome?+
Yes, both operators carry cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles. 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. Fred Olsen Express carries pets in their own crate, in Pet Rooms or on the Pet Sofa, while Baleària Canarias offers Pet&You mats or quiet kennels. More in the guide Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.
Where does the ferry arrive on La Palma?+
In Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island capital. The Estación Marítima with ticket counters, a bar and a waiting room is right at the port next to the old town; the Fred Olsen Express counter opens an hour before each departure. All connections on the island are listed on Ferry to La Palma.