Free bus shuttles to Teide this weekend as Cabildo brings in access restrictions
The Tenerife Cabildo has activated special access controls for Teide National Park this weekend (20th–21st December) due to the likelihood of large crowds heading up the mountain to see the snow.
The operation, described as “dynamic”, is designed to prevent traffic collapse, ensure visitor safety, and protect the fragile high-mountain environment at one of the island’s most iconic attractions.
The authorities underline three priorities: public safety, orderly mobility, and minimising environmental impact. Heavy visitor numbers during previous snowfalls have caused traffic jams, blocked emergency access, and created hazardous conditions on the island’s high-altitude roads.
Traffic limits and schedule
A dynamic traffic-control system is in place from 6.00pm last night, Friday 19th December, until 10:00am on Monday 22nd December. Roads will not be fully closed, but private vehicle access will be restricted depending on road saturation and control points.
Visitors travelling by car should expect limitations, and spontaneous private ascents may not be permitted during peak times.
Use public transport: free shuttles in operation
Eulalia García, the island councillor for Mobility, urged the public to use collective transport. To support this, TITSA will operate free shuttle buses from three locations:
• Vilaflor – to the Teide Cable Car
• La Esperanza (C/ La Sardinera) – to the Izaña junction
• Aguamansa (La Caldera) – to Portillo Alto
Ascents will be permitted between 10:00am and 2:00pm, with final return services at 5:00pm. From 2:00pm to 5:00pm, shuttle buses will operate only for descending passengers to prevent congestion.
Discretionary transport
Authorised excursion coaches may access Teide only via the TF-21 (Vilaflor–Cable Car) between 10:00am and 6:00pm, with ascents limited to 10:00am–2:00pm and the 2:00pm–5:00pm window reserved for departures.
Road closures and restrictions
Key high-mountain access points will be closed to private traffic at the following kilometres:
• TF-21 (La Orotava): PK 16.5, near Aguamansa
• TF-21 (south): PK 53, at Boca Tauce
• TF-24 (La Esperanza): junction with TF-523 at PK 23.8 (Cruce de Los Loros)
Inside the National Park, speed limits will be reduced to 50 km/h, and the road between Portillo Alto (PK 34) and the Cable Car (PK 43) will be closed to through-traffic. Additional closures of trails, recreational areas, and forest tracks may be introduced depending on weather conditions.
Dámaso Arteaga, councillor for Roads, urged maximum caution and asked drivers to follow all instructions from control personnel and security teams.
Restrictions do not apply to authorised staff working in the park or surrounding forest areas, emergency services, employees of facilities located within the park, or guests staying in official accommodation in the Teide area.
Plan ahead
The Cabildo is urging residents and tourists to plan their visit carefully, use the designated public transport, and respect all safety instructions. Officials stress that although Teide’s snow is spectacular, the national park is a protected natural area, not a theme park, and must be treated with care to ensure a safe and sustainable experience for everyone.
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