Tenerife is a popular tourist destination in the Canary Islands of Spain but it has always had one drawback – the lack of public transport. Now, it looks like that problem will be resolved as the island is planning a train network to help locals and travelers to get around. If the project is finally approved, it is set to cost €5.65 billion (roughly $6 billion).

Tenerife planning an island-wide train network

Travelers shouldn’t get excited right now, as while Tenerife officials have announced the plans for an island-wise network, it will likely only be available in 2045. However, once created, the network will make accessing its beaches and other attractions more straightforward. It will also reduce congestion on the island’s roads.

Authorities plan to create four new train services using a total of some 80 km (50 mi) of tracks. Meanwhile, due to Tenerife’s mountainous landscapes, 22 km (14 mi) of the road will run through tunnels.

About the potential rail link

Authorities estimate that each train will be able to carry some 450 passengers at a maximum speed of 220 km/hr 137 mi/hr). Meanwhile, the train service will open in stages and could service some 7.5 million passengers by 2040. Moreover, the project has an estimated total cost of €5.65 billion (roughly $6 billion).

While discussions have been ongoing for 20 years about the infrastructure upgrade, things are now speeding up. Authorities estimate the work on the train lines is set to start by the end of the current legislative term, which is in 2027. Meanwhile, to make the project workable, each individual railway connection will be created in stages.

Pablo Rodriguez, the Regional Councilor for Public Works and Mobility told the Daily Express newspaper:

Instead of needing €4 billion upfront, we are discussing segments that require €300 or €400 million, making it more feasible financially.

Where will the train network run?

While there is little detail about the route of the new train network, it has been revealed that the South Train will run on the eastern coast of Tenerife. Meanwhile, the North Train will run alongside the TF-5 motorway. Moreover, the service will offer high-speed connections between the most popular locations – Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Realejos. The service will also run the West Train, which will likely run between Adeje and Icod de los Vino.

Of interest to note, the latest announcement could attract a similar project in the nearby island of Gran Canaria, which has been planning one for two decades. Should that plan come into fruition, the train line will run down the island’s eastern coast.

Meanwhile, following the recent discussions about Tenerife, the regional government for the Canary Islands now insists that both islands – the most populated in the archipelago – will launch their railway projects by the end of 2027.

While there is still a way to go to confirm the project and build the network, this is good news for both popular Canary Islands.