Climbing the Teide: cable car, summit permit and tips

In short: At 3,715 m, the Teide is the highest mountain in Spain. The cable car takes you to just below the summit, but for the last few metres you need a permit via the Tenerife ON portal. It used to be free, but according to media reports a fee has applied since January 2026.

How does the cable car work?

The cable car (teleférico) runs from the lower station to the La Rambleta upper station. It saves you the long climb on foot, but it does not replace the permit for the summit.

• Operating hours: daily from 9:00 am. Closing time varies by season between 5:00 pm and around 6:40 pm, and the last trip up is one hour before closing (as of October 2026).
• Tickets: online with a fixed time slot.
• Wind: in strong wind the cable car does not run. Check the operating status on the operator’s website in the morning before you set off.
• At the top: from La Rambleta, two trails that do not need a summit permit lead to viewpoints, the Mirador de La Fortaleza and the Mirador del Pico Viejo.

How much does the summit permit cost?

You may only walk the trail from La Rambleta to the crater, the Sendero Telesforo Bravo, with a permit. Booking is via the Tenerife ON portal. Since 19 January 2026, two trails have charged a fee during certain time slots (ecotasa, an environmental levy). The amounts come from media reports, and you will find the current status on the portal.

According to media reports, children under 14 pay nothing. The quota for the summit trail is 300 people a day. If you walk up via Montaña Blanca all the way to the summit, you pay for both trails. There are separate permits for the sunrise and sunset slots.

What equipment is mandatory?

There are checks at the entrance. According to media reports, anyone without the equipment is turned away without a refund, and fines of up to 600 € may apply.

• Permit and original ID
• Long trousers, warm clothing, gloves, hat
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Sun protection, water and food
• Charged mobile phone, torch, emergency blanket

You will already feel the altitude at the upper station: walk slowly, drink plenty and turn back if you feel dizzy. Smoking is prohibited outdoors in the national park.

What is worth doing without the summit?

The park is worth a day even without the cable car or a permit. The Las Cañadas caldera is freely accessible.

• Roques de García: a circular trail around the famous rocks opposite the Parador, about one and a half to two hours.
• Montaña Blanca: the climb on foot towards La Rambleta, long and strenuous, with a fee during the time slots.
• Stars: the sky is very dark, and several operators offer tours with telescopes.

More routes on the island are in Hiking on Tenerife.

Getting there and parking: what is changing?

Currently, you drive into the park by hire car via La Orotava, La Esperanza or Vilaflor. The car parks at the cable car and the Roques de García are full from late morning, so be up there before 9 am. Regular buses run only very rarely, and for choosing where to stay, see Tenerife north or south.

According to media reports, the island government (Cabildo) has announced access controls on the main roads and reservation-only parking, and from 2027 also shuttle buses from several coastal towns. Whether this already applies is stated on Tenerife ON. The other destinations are listed under Tenerife sights. If you stay longer in winter, you have a better chance of a windless day: Wintering in the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: Quartl · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0