El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, has to be earned. There are no direct flights from mainland Europe: to set foot on the island, you have to travel via another island in the archipelago, usually Tenerife.
Here are all the options for organizing your journey to El Hierro, depending on your departure point and preferences.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
How to get to El Hierro: quick answers
- By air: internal flights from Tenerife Nord (approx. 40min) or Gran Canaria, operated by Binter Canarias
- By ferry: from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife (approx. 2h30), with or without car
- No direct international flight to El Hierro: a transit via Tenerife (or another island) is essential.
- Most common combination: international flight to Tenerife, then domestic flight or ferry to El Hierro
- If you’re taking large luggage, opt for the ferry.
See possible flight times.
See possible ferry schedules.
We detail each option below to help you choose the best solution for your situation.
Even if there are no direct flights, it’s well worth a visit! See our selection of the most beautiful places.
Where is El Hierro
El Hierro is an island in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.
It is part of political Europe as a territory of Spain, but lies geographically off the northwest coast of Africa, at the level of the Sahara.
It is the westernmost and southernmost island of the Canaries.
The island is small. So no matter where you’re staying, arriving at the airport or port makes no difference to you.
On the map below, you can see where the port and airport are located in the north-east of the island.
The 2 ways to reach El Hierro
Two modes of transport link the other Canary Islands to El Hierro: air and ferry. There are no direct flights to the island from mainland Europe or Africa. A connection is therefore required, usually in Tenerife. We explain how each option works.
By air: the fastest option
El Hierro has a small airport (code VDE), located to the east of the island, about 10km from Valverde, the capital. This airport only handles inter-island flights. Binter Canarias operates almost all routes.
The most frequent route departs from Tenerife North (Los Rodeos airport, code TFN). The flight takes about 40 minutes. Depending on the season, we generally see between 2 and 4 flights a day, but frequency can vary. There are also less regular connections from Gran Canaria (code LPA).
A few important points to remember:
- The aircraft are small-capacity (ATR 72 type), which means that seats fill up quickly, especially in summer and during the vacations.
- We recommend that you book your tickets well in advance, especially if you’re traveling in high season.
- Flights may be cancelled or delayed in the event of strong winds: El Hierro is an island exposed to the trade winds.
- Luggage weight is often more limited than on international flights, so check Binter’s conditions before packing your suitcase.
By ferry: the option with or without a car
The second option for reaching El Hierro is by ferry. Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen operate the service from the port of Los Cristianos, south of Tenerife. The crossing takes around 2h30 and arrives at the port of Puerto de la Estaca, on the east coast of El Hierro.
The great advantage of the ferry is that you can take your vehicle with you. This is an essential point, as El Hierro does not have a well-developed public transport network. We believe that having a car on site makes exploring the island much easier.
A few useful details:
- Crossings are not daily every day of the week: consult the Naviera Armas calendar for service days.
- In the high season, vehicle spaces sell out quickly, so we recommend booking several weeks in advance.
- The sea can be rough on this crossing, especially between November and March: take a seasickness treatment if you are sensitive to it.
- Passenger fare without vehicle is available; car supplement depends on vehicle size
Fred Olsen, the other major ferry company in the Canaries, does not serve El Hierro at the time of writing. However, check for possible changes before you leave.
It’s time to book your ferry crossings!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
There’s so much to discover: be sure to rent a car.
It’s not a very touristy island, so book early for the best choice.
The different combinations to reach El Hierro
As there are no direct flights from Europe or Africa to El Hierro, you need to combine an international flight with inter-island transport. Here are the main options available to you.
Option 1: international flight to Tenerife + internal flight to El Hierro
This is the fastest combination. You land in Tenerife, then take a Binter flight to El Hierro.
One logistical detail to bear in mind: most international flights arrive at Tenerife South (Reina Sofía airport, code TFS), while Binter flights to El Hierro depart from Tenerife North (Los Rodeos, code TFN). The two airports are about 1h15 apart by car, or 1h apart by bus (TITSA line). We advise you to allow enough time between your two flights, at least 3 hours, to absorb any delays and transfers.
If your international flight arrives in Tenerife North, the connection is quicker and easier, as you stay in the same airport.
- Estimated total duration: international flight + 40min internal flight (+ transfer between airports if necessary)
- Advantage: it’s the shortest route
- Disadvantage: sometimes requires a change of airport in Tenerife; no car in El Hierro (unless rented locally).
Option 2: international flight to Tenerife + ferry to El Hierro
This option allows you to take your rental car (picked up in Tenerife) onto the ferry. It’s particularly interesting if you want to have a vehicle at your disposal as soon as you arrive in El Hierro, or if internal flights are fully booked.
From Tenerife South airport, the port of Los Cristianos is just a 15-minute drive away. This is a great advantage. From Tenerife North, it takes around 1h15 to reach the port.
- Estimated total duration: international flight + transfer to Los Cristianos + 2h30 crossing
- Advantage: possibility of transporting a vehicle; the port is close to Tenerife South airport.
- Disadvantages: non-daily crossings; dependence on sea weather; longer journey times than by air.
Option 3: international flight to another island + internal flight to El Hierro
If you can find a low-cost flight to Gran Canaria (Las Palmas airport, code LPA), Binter also offers flights to El Hierro from this island. However, the frequency is lower than from Tenerife.
This may be a good option if you’re combining visits to several islands on the same trip. We especially recommend it for travellers whose program already includes Gran Canaria.
See our guide to Gran Canaria.
Option 4: international flight to Tenerife + stay in Tenerife + ferry or flight to El Hierro
Rather than passing quickly through Tenerife, you can spend a few days there before heading for El Hierro. We find this formula particularly enjoyable: it lets you discover two islands with very different atmospheres in a single trip.
Tenerife offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities. You can then take the ferry to Los Cristianos or an internal flight to El Hierro for the second part of your stay. This approach also has a logistical advantage: it eliminates the stress of connecting on the same day as your international arrival.
Ferry or plane: how to choose?
The choice between ferry and plane depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to consider when making your choice.
Choose the plane if…
- You want to minimize travel time
- You plan to rent a car directly in El Hierro
- You’re sensitive to seasickness
- You travel light and don’t need to carry much equipment
Choose the ferry if…
- If you’d like to take your vehicle with you for greater freedom on the island
- Binter flights are fully booked or too expensive for your dates
- You have bulky equipment (diving gear, hiking gear, bicycles, etc.).
- You love sea crossings and coastal scenery from the boat
Getting around the island on arrival
El Hierro is a small island (around 27km from north to south and 29km from east to west). The distances are short, but the roads are winding and sometimes steep. In our opinion, a car is almost essential to enjoy the island to the full: public transport is limited to a few low-frequency bus routes.
There are several car rental agencies at the airport and port. We advise you to book in advance, as the number of available vehicles is limited, especially during the summer months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly direct to El Hierro from Europe?
No. There are no direct flights from mainland Europe to El Hierro. The island’s airport only handles inter-island flights, mainly from Tenerife and Gran Canaria, operated by Binter Canarias. So you have to transit via another island in the Canaries.
How long is the total journey from Europe?
From France, for example, allow around 4 to 5 hours’ flight time to Tenerife, followed by a 40-minute domestic flight or 2h30 by ferry. Adding transfers and waiting times, allow a full day’s travel to reach El Hierro, especially if you combine international flights and ferries.
Do I need a car in El Hierro?
We highly recommend it. The bus network is limited and schedules are infrequent. The island is small but the roads are winding: a car gives you the freedom to visit the various points of interest at your own pace. You can either take a vehicle on the ferry from Tenerife, or rent one locally at the airport or port.
What if my flight or ferry to El Hierro is cancelled?
Wind-related cancellations are possible, especially in winter. In the event of cancellation, Binter usually offers a replacement on the next available flight. Naviera Armas can postpone your ferry crossing. We suggest you include an extra night in Tenerife in your schedule to make up for this eventuality, especially if you have to catch an international return flight.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO El Hierro
- Best of
Why visit El Hierro
Best attractions in El Hierro
Hiking (coming soon)
Arches (coming soon)
Natural pools (coming soon)
- Practical advice
How to get to El Hierro
Getting around (coming soon)
Rent a car and drive (coming soon)
When to visit (coming soon)
How long
