Fred. Olsen Express has reinstated its popular route connecting the ports of La Estaca on El Hierro and Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife. This service, which began operating again on December 31st, marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to strengthen connectivity within the Canary Islands.
According to Juan Ignacio Liaño, Fred. Olsen Express’ Fleet Director, reintroducing the El Hierro route is a fitting conclusion to the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
He highlighted the importance of the connection, stating, “The first journey took place at midday on the last day of 2024, marking the start of regular sailings on this route. Our commitment to the Island of El Hierro reinforces our role as the maritime highway linking the islands.”
The route is serviced by the Bentago Express, a state-of-the-art fast ferry specifically upgraded for this purpose. The vessel can accommodate up to 880 passengers and 230 vehicles per trip, offering an array of onboard facilities, including pet-friendly areas, a café, a children’s zone, Gold Class seating, a shop, free Wi-Fi, and entertainment via the On-Board Club app.
Fred. Olsen Express currently operates 16 weekly crossings during winter—eight departures from each port—with an increased schedule of 20 crossings planned for the summer months. The service is designed to maximise convenience and flexibility, featuring multiple fare options and a Ferry Bus service for seamless travel between Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Tickets for the route are available through Fred. Olsen Express' usual sales channels, including their website, mobile app, call centre, port offices, and partner travel agencies.
A Leader in Maritime Connectivity
Since its inception in 1974, Fred. Olsen Express has been a pioneer in maritime transport in the Canary Islands. The company’s inaugural route connected San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos, and over the years, it has expanded its fleet and operations to cater to the growing needs of the archipelago.
Currently, the company operates a modern fleet of eight high-speed ferries, three mini ferries, and two cargo vessels, covering six inter-island routes and one coastal route in southern La Gomera. Additionally, Fred. Olsen Express connects the Canary Islands to mainland Spain via routes linking Gran Canaria and Tenerife with Huelva.
With an average of 22,000 annual trips, Fred. Olsen Express transports over 3.5 million passengers, 63,000 pets, and one million vehicles each year. Since its establishment, the company has served more than 86 million passengers, underlining its role as a cornerstone of inter-island travel and commerce in the Canary Islands.
