Bencomo Express Fred Olsen
Bencomo Express
âš“ The Bencomo Express is one of the fastest fast ferries in the Canary archipelago and the flagship of the Fred Olsen Express fleet for high-speed inter-island links. She works mainly between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma, covering the crossing in around 2 hours 30 minutes, and also runs the Tenerife–Lanzarote route. With room for more than 1,200 passengers and 340 vehicles, she is one of the fast ferries with the greatest vehicle capacity in service in the Canary Islands.
The Bencomo Express was built at the Incat shipyards in Tasmania (Australia), a world benchmark in the construction of high-speed aluminium catamarans, and joined the Fred Olsen Express fleet in 2003. She measures 126.6 metres long, which makes her one of the longest catamaran fast ferries in service in Spain. Her Incat wave-piercing catamaran hull design gives her a steady ride even in a moderate sea, which counts for a great deal in Canary Atlantic waters.
A name rooted in Canary history
The ship is named after Bencomo, mencey (king) of the Taoro chiefdom in pre-Hispanic Tenerife and one of the foremost leaders of Guanche resistance to the Castilian conquest in the late fifteenth century. Bencomo was the principal adversary of the conquistador Alonso Fernández de Lugo at the battles of Acentejo (1494), where the Guanches inflicted one of the heaviest defeats in the history of the conquest of the Canaries. His name is a symbol of identity and pride for the Canary people.
History and background of the ship
The Bencomo Express (IMO 9206712) is one of the most iconic catamarans in the history of high-speed shipping in the Canaries. She was built in 1999 at the Incat Tasmania yard in Hobart (Australia), hull number 053, with an aluminium wave-piercing design conceived specifically to handle the inter-island Atlantic swell at high speed. She left Australia named Benchijigua Express — the second ship in the operator's fleet to carry that name — although on arrival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife she was renamed Bentayga Express, the name under which she ran with great success for five years. In 2004, following an internal reshuffle of names, she became permanently the Bencomo Express, in honour of the historic Guanche mencey of Taoro.
Her main route has been the "sea bridge" between the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Puerto de Las Nieves (Agaete, Gran Canaria), working in tandem with her inseparable sister ship the Bentago Express. Thanks to her outstanding reliability and versatility, she also covers the Los Cristianos–San Sebastián de La Gomera route regularly and provides extra capacity on the Santa Cruz de La Palma service.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Wave-piercing catamaran fast ferry |
| Length overall | 126.6 m |
| Beam | 30.5 m |
| Draught | approx. 4.2 m |
| Service speed | 36–38 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,250 people (approx.) |
| Vehicle capacity | 340 vehicles (approx.) |
| Propulsion | 4 MTU diesel engines + Wartsila waterjets |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Construction material | Marine aluminium |
| Hull design | Wave-piercing catamaran (Incat) |
| Shipyard | Incat Tasmania (Australia) |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Joined Fred Olsen | 2003 |
| IMO number | 9271579 |
| Flag | Spain |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Santa Cruz de La Palma | 2 h 30 min | Check |
| Santa Cruz de La Palma → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 2 h 30 min | Check |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Lanzarote (Arrecife) | ~8 h | Check |
| Lanzarote (Arrecife) → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~8 h | Check |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | ~1 h 20 min | Check |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, availability and ship allocation. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine. Fred Olsen may assign different ships to each sailing depending on demand.
Departure ports in the Canaries: what you need to know
The Bencomo Express operates mainly from the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the largest port in the Canary Islands and one of the most important in the Atlantic. The Fred Olsen passenger terminals are clearly signposted and have short- and long-stay car parks, an air-conditioned waiting area and ramp boarding for vehicles.
If you are heading for La Palma, the arrival port is Santa Cruz de La Palma, right in the centre of the island's capital and only a few minutes' walk from the old town. It is one of the most picturesque harbours in the Canary archipelago.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 60 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 30 minutes if you are a foot passenger. In high season (summer, Christmas and Easter) it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Tenerife–La Palma route with the Bencomo Express starts at roughly €45 each way on the standard fare, depending on the season and how far ahead you book. Prices can vary a great deal at times of high demand.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare for inter-island routes. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) both when booking and at boarding.
- Large family: discount applied according to category (general or special). Check the conditions when you book.
- Young travellers (up to 25): Fred Olsen offers reduced fares for young people on certain routes. Check availability.
- Fred Olsen loyalty card: the operator's points scheme for frequent travellers. Collect points and redeem them against discounts.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat (Economy) |
| With family or a group of friends | Standard seat with table |
| Looking for more comfort and quiet | Business / Club lounge |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With small children | Standard seat (near the children's area) |
| With reduced mobility | Accessible seat (request when booking) |
Bencomo Express · Accommodations
Economy seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Comfortable seats in the passenger cabin, with access to all the ship's public areas. Perfect for travellers who put price first on crossings of 2 to 8 hours.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ Access to the outside deck
Business lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with larger, more comfortable seats. More room between seats, a quieter atmosphere and priority service. Ideal for frequent travellers and anyone who wants to rest during the crossing.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Seats with more legroom
✓ Quieter surroundings
✓ Sockets and an individual table
Outside deck · In the open air
An open area on the ship's top deck. The perfect spot to take in the Atlantic scenery between the islands, with panoramic views of the Canary coastline. Free access included with any ticket.
✓ Free access with any ticket
✓ Panoramic Atlantic views
✓ Standing area and seats in the sun
Bencomo Express · On-board services
Café and food on board
The Bencomo Express has an onboard café serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. You will find baguettes, sandwiches, hot dishes, soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic drinks. On longer crossings, such as the Lanzarote route, the café widens its range.
Outside deck
One of the great pleasures of travelling on the Bencomo Express is her outside deck, from which you can enjoy views of the Atlantic and, on clear days, the spectacular outline of Teide seen from the sea and the La Palma coast as you arrive. It is especially worth heading out in the last few minutes before berthing, when the views over the harbour of Santa Cruz de La Palma are among the finest in the archipelago.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Bencomo Express has adapted access for passengers with reduced mobility, including boarding ramps and reserved spaces in the passenger cabin. We recommend contacting Fred Olsen Express in advance to arrange boarding and confirm the availability of adapted places and services on each crossing.
Propulsion technology: high-speed waterjets
The Bencomo Express is powered by four high-output MTU diesel engines driving Wartsila waterjets, the water-jet propulsion system most widely used on large catamaran fast ferries worldwide. It allows cruising speeds of 36 to 38 knots with excellent manoeuvrability in Canary harbours and less hydrodynamic drag than conventional propellers.
The wave-piercing catamaran hull developed by Incat Tasmania is a technological benchmark: the twin hulls with their wave-cutting bows reduce the impact of the swell, damping the ship's pitching and improving comfort on board — something that matters all the more in the Canary Atlantic, where sea conditions can be tougher than in the Mediterranean.
The Bencomo Express and the Fred Olsen Express fleet in the Canaries
The Bencomo Express is part of the Fred Olsen Express fleet, the operator with the biggest presence on high-speed inter-island links in the Canary Islands. Fred Olsen Express runs several fast ferries between the islands, including the Benchijigua Express — one of the highest-capacity fast ferries in the world when she was built — and the Bentago Express, among others.
Ships are allocated to routes flexibly and this can change with the season, demand and operational needs. In high season the Bencomo Express is typically put on the busiest routes, while in low season she may be assigned to secondary routes or undergo scheduled maintenance.
Frequently asked questions about the Bencomo Express
Which routes does the Bencomo Express operate?
She mainly operates the Santa Cruz de Tenerife–Santa Cruz de La Palma route. Depending on the season and demand, she may also cover Tenerife–Lanzarote and Tenerife–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Fred Olsen may reassign ships to different routes.
How long does the Bencomo Express take from Tenerife to La Palma?
The crossing between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Does the Bencomo Express carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle hold for around 340 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 60 minutes beforehand. In high season, allow extra time.
What accommodation does the Bencomo Express offer?
There is an Economy seat (standard, the cheapest option), a Business lounge (exclusive access with more room and comfort) and an open-air outside deck with panoramic views, included with any ticket.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) both when booking and at boarding.
Are pets allowed on the Bencomo Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on board. You need to book a place for your pet when you buy your ticket and comply with the operator's rules. Check the specific conditions when you book.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted access and reserved places. We recommend contacting Fred Olsen Express before you travel to arrange boarding and confirm that adapted services are available.
How much does it cost to travel on the Bencomo Express?
An Economy seat starts at roughly €45 each way on the standard fare on the Tenerife–La Palma route. Canary Islands residents pay 75% less. Prices vary with the season and how far ahead you book. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 60 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 30 minutes is enough. In high season (summer, Christmas and Easter) we recommend allowing extra time.
Is there a café on board the Bencomo Express?
Yes. The Bencomo Express has an onboard café serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing: baguettes, hot dishes, drinks and snacks.
Why is she called the Bencomo Express?
The ship is named after Bencomo, the Guanche mencey (king) of the Taoro chiefdom in pre-Hispanic Tenerife, a leader of the resistance to the Castilian conquest in the fifteenth century and a symbol of Canary identity.
Where was the Bencomo Express built?
She was built at the Incat shipyards in Tasmania (Australia) in 2002, a world benchmark in the construction of high-speed marine aluminium catamarans. Her wave-piercing hull design is one of the most advanced for open-sea sailing.
How fast does the Bencomo Express sail?
The Bencomo Express sails at a service speed of between 36 and 38 knots, which makes her one of the fastest fast ferries in operation in the Canary Islands. That speed comes from her four MTU engines and the Wartsila waterjet system.
