Ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife

Tickets, prices & schedules

The ferry connection from El Hierro to Tenerife is active all year round, with up to 3 daily crossings during the high season. Ferries set sail from Puerto de La Estaca and arrive in Los Cristianos. The trip normally takes just under 2.5 hr and ticket prices start from about €50.

Fred. Olsen and Naviera Armas serve the ferry connection between the Canary Islands with high-speed ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When traveling by ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife, you can take advantage of regular discounts of up to 50% offered to specific traveler categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can typically expect lower ferry ticket prices for:

  • Children (4-11 years old)
  • Young travelers (under 26)
  • Senior travelers (60+)
  • Large families (Spanish citizens)

Additionally, residents of the Canary Islands of entitled to discounts of up to 85% on ferry tickets.

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old normally travel free of charge.

On-board services and amenities

The high-speed ferries serving the El Hierro - Tenerife route are equipped with a range of modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey. On board, you will typically find seating in air-conditioned lounges, snack bars where you can get a quick bite or drink, designated pet-friendly areas and amenities for travelers with disabilities. Some ferries also have a Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during your journey.

Cabins and accommodation

Due to the short length of the trip from El Hierro to Tenerife, the high-speed ferries do not have cabins available. Standard onboard seating is included in the ticket price.

However, for a more comfortable ride, you can book a seat with a meal and priority boarding, which cost from about €70 or a seat in the VIP lounge, with prices starting at around €90.

Luggage

The ferry companies serving the El Hierro - Tenerife route each have their own baggage allowance policy:

  • On Fred. Olsen ferries, you can carry up to 20 kg of luggage. There are also trolleys to transport your bags and lockers for €1.
  • With Naviera Armas, you are allowed up to 4 items of baggage weighing a total of 60 kg. The company also offers trolleys to help you transport your luggage.

Traveling with pets

Pets are allowed on all ferries to El Hierro from Tenerife, provided you include them in your booking. While pets are allowed in seating lounges and on the passenger decks, they are not allowed in dining areas. When outside their carriers, they must wear a leash.

Don’t forget to bring along the necessary health documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the journey.

Good to know: for more information, you can check out our guide on traveling with your pet in Spain.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Tenerife from El Hierro

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from El Hierro to Tenerife:

  • The port in El Hierro can get busy, especially in the summer, so we recommend arriving there at least 45 min before your departure. If you are traveling with your vehicle, it’s best to be at the port 1.5 hr ahead of departure, for a smooth boarding process.
  • The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your motion sickness medication options.
  • If you are heading to Los Cristianos on a day trip, make sure you book your return ticket on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry well in advance.
  • Treat your four-legged companion to the ultimate pet vacation by trying out some of the best dog-friendly activities in Tenerife.
  • Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, towel and sunscreen and plan a visit to Castro Beach, one of the real hidden gems in the Canary Islands.
  • From Tenerife you travel by ferry to many more of the Canary Islands, such as La Palma, Gran Canaria and La Gomera. On our Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry itineraries for island hopping in the Canary Islands and plan your trip hassle-free.

Where to take the ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife

The ferry to Tenerife normally sets sail from Puerto de La Estaca (or port of Valverde), on the northeast coast of El Hierro.

The port is located in the Valverde municipality, approximately 8.5 km from El Hierro's capital, Villa de Valverde, and about 8 km from El Hierro Airport. Bus routes 11 and 7 run from the capital to the port and the ride takes only 15 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Tenerife?

Ferries from El Hierro normally arrive in Los Cristianos in Tenerife. The seaside town on the southwest shores of the island is about 75 km from the capital town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

In the area around the port of Los Cristianos, you will find cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, as well as hotels, ATMs, tour operators, and car rental agencies.

How long is the ferry ride from El Hierro to Tenerife?

The duration of the El Hierro - Tenerife ferry trip is normally 2h 20m.

El Hierro - Tenerife ferry companies

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FAQs

Yes, ferries traveling from El Hierro to Tenerife have car decks for the transportation of vehicles. Prices start at around €30 to transport a car or motorbike and €35 for a camper van.

Note: book your vehicle tickets as early as possible, since availability may be limited for last-minute bookings.

Yes, the El Hierro - Tenerife route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries. The fastest ferry, the Bentago Express, takes 2 hr 20 min to reach the island.

The distance between El Hierro and the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife is approximately 67 nautical miles (125 km).

When booking your El Hierro - Tenerife trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.