Los Cristianos → El Hierro
Los Cristianos to El Hierro Ferry
Editorial route guide, not live supplier information. Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated. Search your dates to check supplier-reported sailings and request a quote; this guide does not establish availability or booking support.
The ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to El Hierro is operated by Fred. Olsen Express, taking approximately 2 hours 20 minutes on a direct fast ferry. Sailings run year-round, typically once daily in winter with extra departures added on some days in summer, and you can travel with your car and your pet.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operator
- Fred. Olsen Express; Naviera Armas also serves this route
- Crossing time
- Approximately 2h 20min to 2h 30min, direct
- Frequency
- At least 1 daily departure year-round, with extra sailings added on some days in summer (historically Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays)
- Price from
- Approximately €39-58, depending on season
- Departure port
- Los Cristianos, Tenerife
- Arrival port
- Puerto de La Estaca, Valverde, El Hierro
- Distance
- 81 nautical miles (151 km)
- Year-round service
- Yes
- Cabins
- Not applicable, this is a fast-ferry seated service
- Vehicles
- Yes: cars, motorbikes; declare vehicle details when booking
- Pets
- Yes: pet carrier (under 10kg), pet sofa, or outdoor pet room; reserve at booking or up to 48h ahead
Ferry operator on the Los Cristianos to El Hierro (Valverde) route
Fred. Olsen Express runs this crossing with the Bentago Express, part of its high-speed fleet. Winter has historically offered a single daily departure (Los Cristianos 17:00, El Hierro 14:00 on the return), with additional Monday, Friday, and Sunday sailings added in summer.
How long is the ferry from Los Cristianos to El Hierro (Valverde)?
Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes on the fastest direct sailings, with some crossings taking up to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the vessel and conditions.
How much does the Los Cristianos to El Hierro (Valverde) ferry cost?
Fares typically range from around €39 to €58 depending on season and how far ahead you book. Canary Islands residents qualify for a 75% discount on the passenger fare, and other standard Fred. Olsen discounts (under 26/over 60, family car packages, group bookings) also apply on this route.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from the port of Los Cristianos on Tenerife's southwest coast, a free ferry bus connects from Santa Cruz de Tenerife if you're arriving from the north without a car. Ferries arrive at Puerto de La Estaca in the Valverde municipality of El Hierro, about 8km from the island's capital.
When to book your Los Cristianos to El Hierro (Valverde) ferry
Because this route runs less frequently than Fred. Olsen's busier lines, book ahead if you need a specific date, especially if travelling with a vehicle, since space is more limited on a route with fewer daily sailings.
Travel tip: a day trip is possible but tight
A same-day round trip between Tenerife and El Hierro can work if the outbound and return times line up, but since the crossing takes over 2 hours each way, staying at least one night on El Hierro gives you a more relaxed visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes on the fastest sailings, up to about 2 hours 30 minutes on others.
Does this ferry run every day?
Yes, at least once daily year-round, though the exact schedule can vary, historically with a single winter departure and extra sailings added on some days in summer.
Is Fred. Olsen the only operator?
No: Naviera Armas also serves the Tenerife to El Hierro crossing.
Can I get to the port without a car?
Yes: a free ferry bus connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife with the port of Los Cristianos.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes: a pet carrier (under 10kg), pet sofa, or outdoor pet room are available; reserve when booking or up to 48 hours ahead.