Tenerife South Airport (TFS/GCTS): The Premier Gateway to the Canary Islands
Tenerife South Airport (IATA: TFS, ICAO: GCTS), officially known as Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur Reina Sofía, stands as the vital connection point for millions of tourists flocking to the sun-drenched resorts of Tenerife’s southern coast. As the second-busiest airport in the Canary Islands, TFS is a crucial international hub managed by Aena, efficiently linking popular destinations such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos with over 100 cities across Europe and beyond. The airport continues to experience significant growth, with recent annual passenger traffic approaching 12 million, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s dynamic tourism economy.
Key Airport and Operational Information
To ensure a smooth travel experience, here are the essential details regarding Tenerife South Airport:
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur Reina Sofía |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | TFS / GCTS |
| Location | Granadilla de Abona, approximately 60 km (37 miles) south of Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
| Coordinates | 28°02′40″N 16°34′21″W |
| Operator | Aena (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea) |
| Recent Passenger Traffic | Approx. 11.5 – 12 million (Latest annual figures) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time Zone | UTC/GMT +0 (Canary Islands Time) |
Terminal Services and Enhanced Facilities
TFS operates through one streamlined terminal building, which has been continuously modernized to handle high passenger volumes, offering a much-improved, spacious experience following the recent completion of expansion phases.
Key Traveler Services:
- Connectivity: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected easily.
- Retail and Gastronomy: A comprehensive selection of retail outlets, including multiple large duty-free shops (offering cosmetics, liquor, and local products), alongside diverse dining options ranging from quick-service cafes to sit-down restaurants.
- VIP Lounge: The Sala Montaña Roja VIP Lounge offers a quiet retreat for both departing and transit passengers, featuring complimentary snacks, drinks, business facilities, and comfortable seating.
- Accessibility (PRM): The airport provides full accessibility and dedicated services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). It is highly recommended to request assistance in advance through your airline.
- Security & Safety: Enhanced security checkpoints and designated fast-track options (where available) help expedite the pre-flight process during peak seasons.
- Hours of Operation: While the main terminal is functional for all scheduled flights, it may be closed to the public in the late hours (typically between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.) when no flights are scheduled.
TFS Airlines, Routes, and Connectivity
Tenerife South’s flight network is heavily focused on European leisure travel, serving as a primary base for major low-cost carriers and leisure airlines. This vast network makes TFS an essential link between Northern Europe and the subtropical Canary Islands.
Key Operating Carriers (A Selection):
- Leisure & Flag Carriers: British Airways, TUI, Iberia Express, Aer Lingus, Condor, and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
- Major Low-Cost Airlines (High Traffic): Ryanair (often the largest operator by departures), easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
- Inter-Island Travel: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly provide frequent and essential connections to other islands in the archipelago, including Gran Canaria (LPA), La Palma (SPC), and El Hierro (VDE).
Popular & Strategic Destinations:
TFS is primarily connected to the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Key routes include:
- United Kingdom: London (multiple airports), Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Dublin.
- Germany: Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich.
- Spain (Domestic): Madrid, Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Seville.
- Seasonal/New Routes: Increasingly, the airport is seeing new seasonal services to Eastern European capitals and occasionally longer-haul charter flights.
Ground Transportation and Access
Located directly off the TF-1 motorway, Tenerife South Airport offers multiple efficient transfer options to the island’s popular southern resorts and the capital in the north.
| Mode of Transport | Description | Estimated Fare/Cost | Estimated Journey Time (to Costa Adeje) |
| Taxis | Available 24/7 directly outside Arrivals. Official, metered service. | €30 – €45 | 20 – 30 minutes |
| Public Bus (TITSA) | Cost-effective and reliable public transport network. | Approx. €3.70 (Line 111) | Approx. 45 – 60 minutes |
| Car Rental | Major international (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) and local rental agencies are located in the main terminal. | From €25/day (varies greatly) | Varies by destination |
| Private Transfers | Pre-booked, dedicated services for direct hotel drop-offs (popular choice). | Varies, usually slightly higher than taxi. | 25 – 35 minutes |
| Parking | Short-term (P1) and Long-term facilities available directly adjacent to the terminal. | From €10 – €15 per day (long-stay) | N/A |
Note on Bus Services (TITSA): The Line 111 connects TFS to Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. The Line 343 offers an express service connecting TFS directly to Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Puerto de la Cruz.
Nearby Attractions and Regional Highlights
The airport’s strategic location provides easy access to Tenerife’s natural and man-made wonders, making it the perfect starting point for any Canary Islands adventure.
- Mount Teide National Park: Home to the towering Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible via the TF-21 road.
- Water Parks: Proximity to world-class attractions like Siam Park (one of Europe’s best water parks) and Aqualand Costa Adeje.
- Beaches: Just a short drive from the island’s famous golden and black sand beaches, including Playa del Duque and Playa de las Américas.
Contact and Official Information
| Type | Detail |
| Address | E-38610 Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, CANARY ISLANDS, Spain |
| General Phone | +34 913 211 000 / +34 902 404 704 |
| Lost Property | +34 913 211 000 (General Aena Contact) |
| Official Website | www.aena.es |