A Short Journey That Sets the Tone
We get asked about this more than almost anything else, and it makes sense. After a flight, the last thing anyone wants is confusion at arrivals. The good news is that Tenerife South Airport sits close to Las Américas, and the journey down is straightforward whichever way you choose to do it. Having lived here for years, we thought it would help to lay out the options plainly, without any of the upselling you often find on comparison sites.
How Far Is It, Really
Las Américas is one of the closest resort areas to the airport on the whole island, which is one of the reasons we love this stretch of coast for guests arriving on short breaks as much as longer stays. The drive is quick, mostly along the motorway, and does not involve any mountain roads or complicated junctions. It is a gentle introduction to the island rather than a test of anyone's patience.
Private Transfers
For most of our guests, particularly larger groups arriving together, a pre-booked private transfer is the simplest option. You are met at arrivals, your luggage is taken care of, and you are driven directly to the villa without having to think about currency, queues or negotiating a fare. This tends to work particularly well for families and groups travelling with children, surfboards or a lot of luggage between them, which describes quite a few of the parties who stay with us. If you are coming as a larger group, it is worth checking that whichever transfer you arrange has a vehicle genuinely large enough for everyone and your bags together, rather than assuming a standard car will do.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the airport rank and are a perfectly good option if you would rather not book anything in advance, or if your travel plans are a little fluid. Drivers are used to the route down to Las Américas and know the resort well. It is sensible to agree or confirm the basis of the fare before you set off, and to have the exact address of your accommodation ready to show the driver, since some of the villa roads in this area are quieter residential streets rather than main thoroughfares. We are always happy to send clear directions and a pin location in advance so this is never an issue for our guests.
Car Hire
If you are planning to explore beyond the resort during your stay, whether that is heading up to the north of the island, visiting the national park, or simply enjoying the freedom of coming and going as you please, hiring a car from the airport is worth considering. Collection desks are inside the terminal, and the drive to Las Américas afterwards is easy enough for a first go at driving on unfamiliar roads. The one thing we would say is to think ahead about parking at your accommodation. Some villas have generous private parking, others less so, and it is worth confirming this before you arrive rather than discovering it on the day.
What It Tends to Cost
We are cautious about quoting figures here, because prices shift with fuel costs, demand and the time of year, and we would rather you check current rates directly than rely on anything that might be out of date by the time you read this. As a general rule, a private transfer for a group works out sensibly priced when split between everyone travelling, taxis are metered and transparent, and car hire costs vary considerably depending on the vehicle size and length of hire. Our honest advice is to compare a couple of options once your flights are booked, since prices do move around, and to book transfers or hire cars a little in advance during busier months when availability can tighten.
Our Own Recommendation
If you are a larger group, we tend to suggest a private transfer booked in advance, simply because it removes any uncertainty at the end of a travel day and everyone arrives together. For couples or smaller parties keen to explore the island properly, hiring a car for at least part of the stay opens up beaches, villages and viewpoints well beyond Las Américas that are well worth the detour. Taxis sit nicely in between the two, ideal if your plans are not fully fixed yet.
Whichever way you choose to travel down from the airport, you will find yourself in Las Américas within a short while, ready to put your feet up. We designed The Surf Villa properties with exactly that arrival moment in mind, whether that is settling into the pool and jacuzzi at The Surf Villa 3, taking in the sea views at The Surf Villa 2, or gathering the whole group under one roof at The Surf Villa. Do have a look at our live calendar to see availability and start planning your journey down.