A Guide for Students: How to get around the island

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In this guide, we’ll uncover the pathways of Tenerife’s public transportation, revealing how to navigate its buses, trams, and other alternative modes of travel to make the best of your Erasmus+ internship stay and have unforgettable experiences. Understanding how to navigate Tenerife’s transportation system not only enhances the travel experience but also reveals a diversity of possibilities, from traversing rugged coastlines to delving into the island’s rich history.

1. Understanding Tenerife’s Public Transportation Network

The island of Tenerife has a well-designed bus/guagua public system, namely “Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife” – TITSA-, available for tourists, residents, locals, and anyone on the island. TITSA offers an extensive network of routes covering every corner of the island. From urban centers like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz to remote villages nestled in the mountains, TITSA buses, namely Guaguas, provide a reliable and affordable means of getting around the island.

Additionally, Tenerife boasts a modern tram system, Tram Tenerife, which serves the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna. The tram network spans approximately 12.5 kilometers and includes urban and suburban areas, providing convenient access to shopping districts, cultural attractions, educational institutions, and residential areas.

2. Payment Methods

The company “TITSA”, ensures different payment methods, like: Cash, Mobile Payments, Ten+ Travel Card, and Ten+ Mobile application.

Ten+ Travel Card can be bought online on the ten+ mobile app, at any info point, or directly from a ticket machine, usually located in TITSA’s main interchanges/terminals, like the one in Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Recharging your reusable card can be easily done from a ticket machine, where you can consult your current card balance.

The Ten+ mobile application can also be a useful tool to get information about the public transportation system in Tenerife, bus schedules, ticket prices, and other essential information. You can find out more about the application here. If you plan to visit more places in one day, we recommend you buy a 1-day ticket, available in the app, that can be used multiple times.

3. Navigating Public Transportation

Seeing yourself in a new country can be challenging, as you will be facing many new things. One of them, and an important one, is the public transportation system, which can be helpful during your stay in Tenerife. We are here to give you some tips and tricks so that when you arrive, you’ll be able to get everywhere you want around the island.

First of all, it is essential to check the bus schedule to ensure there are no changes and your bus will arrive on time. You can do it by using Google Maps, which will help you find the right bus station and schedule. While in the bus station, you can check the arrival time by scanning the QR code available at the bus station, where you’ll see the schedule of all the upcoming buses. As sometimes Google Maps is not too accurate with the timeline of the buses, don’t worry about a 10-15 minute delay.

Good to know:

While waiting for the bus, remember to signal the driver with your hand if you intend to board. Buses in Tenerife stop only in case someone signals to the driver or if someone will get off the bus.

When you reach your stop on the bus, be sure to press the red “Stop” button to alert the driver. They will only stop if signaled or if someone is waiting to board.

4. Alternative Transportation Options

Beyond its public transportation system the Island of Tenerife offers a wide range of alternative options to get around the island. Here are some alternative options you can go for while on the island:

Car Rental
Bike Rental
Taxis

Tenerife island is well known for being a tourist destination, meaning there are many options to get around the island, like renting a car, which is possible due to the many car rental options available. Depending on what experience you’re looking for, there is the option to rent a bike or even a motorbike. Another alternative can be taking a taxi, which can be less time-consuming.

Conclusion

Exploring Tenerife’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture is a big part of the Erasmus+ internship adventure. Figuring out how to use Tenerife’s buses and trams, especially with handy apps like Ten+, makes it easy for students to go wherever they want. Plus, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, but about the journey, making new friends, immersing in the culture, trying new things, and creating memories for a lifetime.

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