Tenerife Railway Project: A Big Step Forward for the Island

The long-awaited railway in Tenerife is finally moving closer to reality. The Spanish Government, the Canary Islands Government and the island councils have signed an agreement to develop train projects in both Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The investment is expected to exceed €4 billion, marking a turning point for transport in the Canary Islands.

This decision is especially important for Tenerife South, where traffic jams on the TF-1 motorway create daily problems for both residents and tourists. A modern railway line promises to ease pressure on the roads and offer a cleaner, faster way to travel.

Tenerife South Train Line Comes First

The first section to be built will be the southern railway, running from San Isidro to Costa Adeje. The project will cover 30 kilometres, cost around €800 million and cut the journey time to just 13 minutes. Along the way, the line will connect key areas such as Las Chafiras, Tenerife South Airport, Los Cristianos port and El Mojón hospital.

When complete, the southern line is expected to remove around 100,000 cars from the TF-1 motorway every day. This would reduce annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 72,000 tonnes, making the project not only practical but also environmentally significant.

A Second Phase to Connect the Capital

Once the first stage is complete, the plan is to extend the route from Santa Cruz to San Isidro. This second phase will add 51 kilometres of track and allow passengers to travel from the capital to Adeje in only 39 minutes. The investment is expected to reach €1.5 billion, and the line could carry as many as 67,000 passengers every day.

Northern Railway Still Under Review

While plans for the southern route are moving ahead, the northern railway is still under study. Three companies are currently working on feasibility projects, but officials admit that the northern terrain and population density make this line more complex.

Political Support and Funding

Spain’s Secretary of State for Transport, José Antonio Santano, has confirmed that the government has already invested more than €50 million in railway studies for the Canary Islands. He stressed that Madrid is committed to moving the project forward and expressed hope that European Union funding will also play a role.

Local leaders see the agreement as a milestone. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo called it an important step toward sustainable mobility, saying that modern infrastructure is vital for jobs, innovation, competitiveness and reducing emissions. The President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, explained that a new environmental impact study for the southern line is underway and should be ready in about 18 months.

Why the Train Matters for Tenerife South

Tenerife South is the busiest part of the island. It is home to the main airport, tourist resorts such as Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, and many businesses that depend on visitors. The TF-1 motorway is often packed with cars, especially during peak hours. A fast and efficient railway will make life easier for locals and tourists, giving them a reliable alternative to driving. It will also improve access to hospitals, ports and the airport, while helping holidaymakers spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the beaches, restaurants and attractions that make Tenerife South so popular.

A Century-Old Dream Getting Closer

The idea of building a railway in Tenerife is not new. The first proposal dates back to 1909, when a line was planned between Santa Cruz and Garachico. More than a century later, the island is finally closer to turning this vision into reality. With political backing, major investment and a clear strategy, Tenerife could soon enter a new era of public transport that benefits residents, tourists and the environment alike.