| Option | Duration | Price | Rating | Cable car | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset and stargazing | See the offer page | See the offer page | 4.7 (465 reviews) | No | Couples, photos, night sky | See |
| Teide and Masca VIP tour | See the offer page | See the offer page | 4.7 (762 reviews) | No | Full day, no car | See |
| Cable car on your own (official site) | About 1 hour | 43 euros return, 24 one way | 4.35 (23,608 reviews) | Yes | Going up at your own pace |
Prices and ratings read on 6 November 2026; they change with the date and the group size.
The cable car in practice
- Height. It climbs 1,199 m from the base station (2,356 m) to the upper station (3,555 m); the summit is at 3,718 m.
- Hours from 25 October to 31 December 2026: 9:00 to 17:00, last ascent 4:00 pm, last descent 4:50 pm. Bad weather, wind in particular, can stop it; the operator emails or texts around 8:30 am if so.
- Stay. Without a summit permit, the stay at the top is limited to one hour.
- Free changes up to 6:00 pm the day before.
- Not allowed: children under 3, pregnant women and people with heart problems. Closed hiking or sports shoes are compulsory; heels, flat soles, open shoes and beach shoes are refused.
- Parking. The base car park has 220 spaces and fills up, which is why a tour with pickup is easier.
Reaching the summit
The last 160 m to the crater rim (trail PNT 10) needs a permit booked in advance on the Tenerife ON portal. It is not included in the cable car ticket. Since 19 January 2026 non-resident adults pay 15 euros, according to local press at the launch; the portal itself was blocked to us, so check the fee there. Bookings open every Monday at 7:00 am (Canary time) for a rolling 28 days, according to the same reports. The permit is personal and valid for a two-hour window; show your ID with it. Guided summit excursions that include the permit exist on the cable car operator's own site. For safety questions, see is Tenerife safe. For guided walks, see Tenerife hiking tours.
Typical mistakes
- Turning up without a summit permit and expecting to reach the crater.
- Wearing sandals or trainers with smooth soles, and being refused at the cable car.
- Booking the sunset tour and expecting the cable car: it is a different product.
- Dressing for the coast: it is much cooler at altitude, so bring a jacket in every season.
More day trips: the best Tenerife excursions and Masca.
FAQ
Which Teide tour should I choose?
The sunset and stargazing tour (4.7 from 465 reviews) for the experience; the Teide and Masca tour (4.7 from 762 reviews) for a full day of sightseeing.
Do I need a permit to reach the summit?
Yes, for the last stretch: a personal, paid permit booked in advance on Tenerife ON. The cable car ticket does not include it.
How much is the cable car?
43 euros return for a non-resident adult and 24 euros one way, on the operator's official site, read 6 November 2026.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
