Tenerife South–Reina Sofيa Airport, the primary gateway to Tenerife’s sunny shores, offers a functional and pleasant experience for travellers. Located in Granadilla de Abona, 60 kilometres from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the airport is well-connected to the island’s resorts and capital. Public transport includes Titsa bus lines 111, 343, and 415, with Line 111 serving Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos every 30 minutes for £8–£12, taking about 40 minutes. Line 343, an express service, links to Tenerife North Airport in 50 minutes for £10.
Taxis outside the arrivals hall reach Santa Cruz in around 45 minutes for £80–£100, while car rentals from Avis, Hertz, and Sixt are available on the ground floor. Shuttle services by Flibco cater to tour groups, and passengers with reduced mobility can access ramps, lifts, and assistance if booked 48 hours in advance.
The airport’s single terminal spans three levels, designed for efficiency. The ground floor houses check-in counters, baggage claim, and transport access, while the first floor contains security, 40 boarding gates (10 with air bridges), and a commercial area. The basement handles additional luggage services. The layout is straightforward, with clear signage, though security queues can extend to 45 minutes during peak summer months or school holidays. Passport control for non-Schengen arrivals may add 30–60 minutes, so travellers should arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. The lack of air bridges for some gates means boarding may involve a short walk to the aircraft, so weather preparedness is advised.
On-time performance is generally dependable, with real-time updates available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Delays can occur due to high passenger volumes in July and August or winter weather, particularly fog. The airport serves over 150 airlines, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI Airways, with frequent flights to Manchester, London, and Amsterdam. Minimum connection times are efficient—25 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 45 minutes for international flights—making transfers smooth, though non-Schengen passengers should account for passport checks.
Dining and retail options cater to diverse tastes. The first floor’s commercial area features 13 eateries, including Café & Tapas and Café Ritazza, open 24/7 for snacks and drinks, and Burger King for quick meals. La Jamonerيa serves Spanish delicacies, while duty-free shops offer perfumes and alcohol. Nineteen shops, including Relay for books and a pharmacy, provide essentials, though prices can be high. The Montaٌa Roja VIP Lounge, accessible for £31, offers showers, Wi-Fi, and a terrace.
Facilities ensure comfort and accessibility. Free Wi-Fi is unlimited at 2 Mbps, with a premium option for faster speeds. Charging points are scattered throughout, and a children’s play area is located airside. The terminal includes a chapel, ATMs, currency exchange, and a pharmacy open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Baggage wrapping and lost property services are on the ground floor, and over 800 parking spaces start at £5 per day.
The terminal closes from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, restricting overnight stays, but nearby hotels like Santa Barbara Golf and Ocean Club are a short drive away. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is comprehensive, with lifts and dedicated restrooms.Tenerife South Airport provides a practical and welcoming experience for travellers. B
