Fred Olsen
Fred. Olsen Express (Fred. Olsen, S.A.) is a ferry operator founded in 1974 and headquartered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, specialising in fast ferries between the Canary Islands and in the maritime link with Huelva. The company was born with the historic service between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos and today underpins much of the archipelago's mobility with key routes such as Agaete - Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Los Cristianos - San Sebastián de La Gomera and Playa Blanca - Corralejo.
Its position in the market rests on a high-speed fleet, a very high frequency on the busiest corridors and a passenger experience focused on speed, comfort and flexibility. Its current network combines fast trimarans and catamarans with services for foot passengers, vehicles, pets and ro-ro cargo, as well as operating the mainland–Canary Islands line from Huelva.
Fred. Olsen Express concentrates its offer on the main maritime corridors of the Canary Islands, with fast inter-island routes and a regular service between Huelva and the archipelago. Journey times and frequencies vary by season and operational reinforcements, but these are the most representative routes currently operated by the company.
Canary Islands – main routes
Agaete - Santa Cruz de Tenerife 1 h 20 minUp to 8 daily sailings › Los Cristianos - San Sebastián de La Gomera 50 minUp to 4 daily sailings › Los Cristianos - Santa Cruz de La Palma 2 h 30 minUp to 4 daily sailings › Los Cristianos - Valverde 2 h 20 minDaily sailings › Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Morro Jable 2 hUp to 4 daily sailings › Playa Blanca - Corralejo 25 min12 crossings daily ›La Gomera – coastal route
San Sebastián de La Gomera - Playa de Santiago 30 minRegular service › Playa de Santiago - Valle Gran Rey 40 min2 crossings daily ›Mainland Spain – Canary Islands
Huelva - Santa Cruz de Tenerife 35 h 30 min – 39 h3 crossings per week › Huelva - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 42 h 30 min3 crossings per week ›Frequencies and timetables may be adjusted according to season, demand, temporary reinforcements or sea conditions. On the Huelva service, the exact duration may vary depending on the port call and weekly schedule.
These are four of the most representative connections operated by Fred. Olsen Express, chosen for their speed, passenger demand and strategic importance within the Canary Islands network.
The shortest crossing between Gran Canaria and Tenerife with Fred. Olsen Express, taking around 80 minutes, with a very intensive daytime timetable. A highly practical route for short breaks, business travel and journeys with a car.
Type: inter-island fast ferry · Ideal for: quick trips between the two island capitals
The route that gave rise to the company remains one of its great icons. It links Tenerife and La Gomera in around 50 minutes and is essential for both residents and short-stay tourists alike.
Type: historic fast ferry · Ideal for: day trips and everyday commuting
With a crossing time of around 25 minutes and a very high frequency, this is one of the most agile routes in the archipelago. It provides easy passage between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura for both foot passengers and vehicles.
Type: short high-frequency crossing · Ideal for: combining the eastern islands in a single trip
One of the main maritime gateways between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands with Fred. Olsen Express. Designed for long-distance travel with a vehicle, more luggage and more comprehensive accommodation options.
Type: mainland Spain – Canary Islands ferry · Ideal for: travelling with a car, removals or extended stays
The Fred. Olsen Express fleet combines high-speed fast ferries, mini-ferries and ro-pax ferries for the Huelva service. Among the best-known vessels are the Benchijigua Express, a 127 m trimaran with capacity for 1,291 passengers and 340 vehicles; the Bañaderos Express, 118 m long and carrying 1,100 passengers; the Bajamar Express, also 118 m with space for 276 vehicles; and the Betancuria Express, a 115 m fast ferry with capacity for 1,598 passengers and 357 vehicles.
These are some of the most representative vessels in the Fred. Olsen Express fleet and the ones that best illustrate the company's commitment to high speed and ro-ro capacity.
Benchijigua Express
A 127 m trimaran fast ferry with capacity for 1,291 passengers and 340 vehicles. One of the company's iconic vessels, typically associated with the Tenerife – La Gomera – La Palma connections.
Bañaderos Express
A 118 m trimaran carrying 1,100 passengers and 276 vehicles. Built in 2021, it stands out for its focus on sustainability, stability and comfort on the Gran Canaria – Tenerife route.
Bajamar Express
A 118 m trimaran capable of carrying 1,100 passengers and 276 cars. It incorporates MARINELINK technology and offers amenities including panoramic lounges, a shop, cafeteria and Gold Class.
Betancuria Express
A 115 m fast ferry with capacity for 1,598 passengers and 357 vehicles. One of the highest-capacity vessels in the fleet for routes with heavy demand for both passengers and cars.
Vessel assignment may vary depending on the date, route, season and operational requirements of the company.
Fred. Olsen Express operates from strategic harbours on all the islands where it maintains commercial routes, as well as the mainland terminal at Huelva.
Fred. Olsen Express publishes several promotional fares and special reductions for inter-island travel. Some do not apply to the Canary Islands – Huelva service, so it is always worth checking the specific terms and conditions for the chosen route.
Always check the documentary requirements, validity dates and included routes before completing your booking, as promotional conditions may change.
Accommodation on Fred. Olsen Express varies depending on the type of crossing. On inter-island fast ferries, lounges and seats predominate, whilst on the Huelva service the range is more comprehensive for long-distance travel.
Prices vary according to season, how far in advance you book, occupancy, accommodation type and whether a vehicle or pet is included. On high-demand dates, premium seats and cabins tend to sell out first.
The operator allows passengers to travel with personal luggage up to a maximum of 20 kg per person. Each passenger must be able to manage their own luggage, and in the lounge one main item plus hand bags are permitted, provided they do not obstruct gangways or occupy seats. On inter-island routes there may be trolleys and lockers available for depositing luggage during boarding and disembarkation.
Fred. Olsen Express accepts cars, motorbikes, vans and bicycles on many of its routes, as well as other vehicles such as motorhomes or trailers where the service and vessel permit. It is important to enter exact dimensions when booking. The company reminds passengers that the vehicle deck is not accessible during the crossing and that hazardous goods may not be transported without prior authorisation.
The operator offers specific options for travelling with animals: Pet Carrier in a carrier within a designated area, Pet Room in an outdoor kennel with a camera, and Pet Sofa in an indoor space with a mat and lead. The pet must have its own ticket and availability is limited. Compliance with health regulations is required, including microchip and vaccinations, and the company sets a general maximum of two pets per person unless express authorisation has been granted. If the passenger chooses to leave the animal in the vehicle during the crossing, they do so at their own responsibility.
On routes to Huelva and on any high-occupancy sailing, it is advisable to book well in advance if travelling with a vehicle or pet and to check the required documentation before boarding.
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