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Choosing flights to Tenerife mostly comes down to three decisions: which of the island’s two airports suits your holiday, which UK airport you fly from and when you travel. Tenerife is a year round destination, so there is usually something available in every month, but prices and availability move with the season. This guide explains the airports, how long the flight takes, which airlines have been known to fly there, and how to approach winter fares. Schedules and fares change often, so treat what follows as a planning guide and check live details before you book.
Which Tenerife airport is best?
Tenerife has two airports, and picking the right one can save a long transfer.
- Tenerife South (TFS): the main airport for most international holiday flights. It is closest to the popular resort areas in the south and south west, such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. If you are staying in a resort in these areas, this is usually the sensible choice.
- Tenerife North (TFN): mainly used for inter island and mainland Spain flights, and some other routes. It is closer to Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, Santa Cruz and the north of the island, but it can have fewer direct options from the UK.
If you are not sure, work back from your accommodation. Look at where you plan to stay, check the transfer distance from each airport and consider whether you will hire a car. A cheaper fare to the wrong side of the island can cost you time and money in transfers. Our guide to holidays in Tenerife describes the main resort areas, which will help you match airport to destination.
How long is the flight to Tenerife?
From the UK, the flight is generally somewhere in the region of four to five hours, depending on your departure airport, the route and the wind on the day. It is a longer journey than most Spanish mainland destinations, but it is manageable as a short haul trip with no jet lag, as the Canary Islands normally run on the same time as the UK or one hour behind at most. Always check the exact scheduled duration on your booking, and allow time for check in, security and transfers at both ends.
Because the flight is longer than a typical European hop, think about comfort. A seat with extra legroom, snacks and drinks, entertainment, a neck pillow and layers for cabin temperature can all help. Families may want to check seat selection rules so that children sit with adults.
Which airlines fly direct to Tenerife?
Several UK and European airlines have been known to operate direct flights to Tenerife from UK airports, including low cost carriers, holiday airlines and larger network carriers. Examples that have served the route in recent years include easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Ryanair and others, but routes, seasons and operators change from year to year. Do not rely on any list, including ours. Check the current timetable for your departure airport on the airline site or a comparison tool.
Direct flights are available from many UK airports, including London airports, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh, as well as a number of regional airports. If you live in Sussex, our guide to holidays from Gatwick explains what to expect from the nearest major airport. Depending on the timetable, you may find a direct flight from Gatwick during the main season, but always confirm for the dates you want.
Package holidays, which include flights, accommodation and sometimes transfers, can also be worth comparing. In some cases they are better value than booking separately, and they can offer protection if things go wrong. Our all inclusive holidays guide and cheap holidays guide cover how to compare these options.
What is cheapest in winter?
Tenerife is popular in winter because the weather is usually milder than in the UK, so demand can stay strong from autumn through to spring. That means winter is not always cheap, especially around Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter. That said, there are some patterns worth knowing:
- Avoid the school holiday peaks if you can. Prices often rise when families travel. Travelling just outside those dates can make a large difference.
- Midweek flights are often cheaper than Friday, Saturday and Sunday departures, though this varies.
- Early January and late January can offer better prices than the festive period, but compare dates on your own route.
- Book early for peak dates, and watch for sales and deals for others.
- Be flexible. A calendar view in a flight search tool shows the cheapest days in a month at a glance.
- Compare airports. A different UK departure airport can be cheaper, but add the cost of getting there and parking.
For more detail on weather and seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit Tenerife. If you are open to a last minute break, our last minute holidays guide explains the trade offs.
How to find and compare flights
A methodical approach saves money and stress.
- Start with a search tool. Comparison sites show many airlines at once. Our guide to Skyscanner cheap flights explains how to use flexible search and price alerts.
- Check airlines directly. Some carriers do not appear on every comparison site, and fares can differ. Our guide to Ryanair fares covers how a low cost carrier prices extras.
- Add up the full cost. Include hold luggage, hand baggage rules, seat selection, airport transfers, parking and any food and drink.
- Check baggage rules. Allowances vary by airline and fare type, and fees at the airport can be higher than online.
- Set price alerts. If your dates are fixed, alerts help you spot drops.
- Read the terms. Check changes, cancellations and refunds before paying.
North or south: which side of the island suits you?
The island has quite different moods on each side, and your choice of airport usually follows your choice of base. The south is generally drier and sunnier, with large resorts, beaches, restaurants and nightlife, which is why most holiday flights land there. The north is greener, cooler and more cloud prone, with historic towns, botanical gardens and a more local feel. Mount Teide sits in the middle and can be reached from either side, so you can still explore the whole island by car or on organised tours.
If you want a classic beach holiday, flying into the south is the obvious route. If you prefer walking, culture and a quieter pace, the north may suit you, even if it takes a little more effort to find a flight. Some visitors split a stay between both sides, which is where flying in to one airport and out of the other can help, though it is worth checking whether open jaw tickets are available and priced sensibly.
Transfer time is the practical test. Estimate the journey from each airport to your accommodation, and consider how you will travel on arrival, whether by taxi, bus, transfer or hire car. A late evening arrival can limit public transport, so it is worth planning this before you book rather than at the baggage carousel.
Planning your trip
Once you have chosen your flights, a few practical steps make for a smoother trip.
- Check your passport is valid for the dates you travel and that you meet current entry requirements. Rules can change, so check official UK government and Spanish government guidance.
- Arrange travel insurance early, and check that it covers any activities you plan, such as hiking.
- Think about transfers. Taxis, buses and hire cars are all options, and the best choice depends on your resort. See our car hire guide if you plan to drive.
- Plan arrival and departure times. Late night arrivals can limit transport options.
- Consider airport parking or rail connections at home.
- Pack for a range of temperatures. The south is often warmer and drier than the north, and higher ground can be much cooler.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to fly to Tenerife South or North?
It depends on the route and dates. South is more common for holiday flights, but compare both and add the cost of transfers to where you are staying.
Are there direct flights to Tenerife from Gatwick?
Direct flights have operated from Gatwick in the past, but schedules vary. Check current timetables for your dates.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Tenerife?
Prices vary by route, but periods outside school holidays, and midweek departures, are often better value. Compare dates using a flexible search.
Do I need a visa for Tenerife?
Entry rules for UK passport holders change from time to time. Check official government guidance before you travel, including passport validity and any new entry systems.
Should I book flights and hotel together?
Sometimes a package is better value and gives extra protection. Compare it against booking separately for your dates.
How early should I get to the airport?
Follow the guidance from your airline and airport. Allow extra time during busy periods and school holidays.
Can I fly to Tenerife for a long weekend?
It is possible, but the flight time means you will lose part of each end day. A week or more usually gives better value.
Always confirm schedules, baggage rules, entry requirements and prices on official sources before you book, as these change. This guide is general information only.