There are three main roads in Tenerife, several winding mountain roads excluded, that take you from the north to the south. Autopista del Norte de Tenerife highway (TF-5), heading towards San Cristóbal de la Laguna, is the recommended northern route from the southeastern parts of Tenerife like Puerto de la Cruz. From the east coast reaching south is easy via Autopista del Sur de Tenerife (TF-1). If you’re driving south from the east coast, remember to follow the road signs as the TF-2 leads to TF-1 once you reach Santa María del Mar.
There isn’t a big difference in duration between the two Puerto de la Cruz routes to Las Americas. The northern road is longer but straighter which usually makes it a faster option. The length of the drive from the west coast is 72 and from the east 107 kilometres in total. Google Maps estimate is an hour to hour and a half, depending on the time of the day and traffic. The western route is slightly slower but leads through the beautiful mountain village of Santiago del Teide. Whichever route you choose, remember to reserve enough time for your trip – On weekday mornings the TF-5 gets crowded and slows down between Puerto de la Cruz and Tacoronte.
The third route from Puerto de la Cruz heads towards Orotava along the TF-21 highway. The road takes you through the town of La Orotava to Parque Nacional del Teide and to the base of the volcano, 2400 meters above sea level. Reaching south takes a bit longer but the two hour drive is rewarded with beautiful scenery.