Anyone planning to travel through Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna on 12 June should prepare for significant traffic disruption as both municipalities activate major security and mobility plans for the visit of Pope Leo XIV.
The papal visit will include movements through the metropolitan area, visits to key locations in La Laguna and Santa Cruz, and a large open-air Mass at the Port of Santa Cruz. As a result, road closures, parking restrictions, public transport changes and security checkpoints will be in place throughout the day.
Major Restrictions in Santa Cruz
One of the biggest impacts will be around the Port of Santa Cruz, where the main religious event will take place.
The TF-4, one of the capital’s main access roads, will be closed in the inbound direction from 03:00. From 09:00, access restrictions will become more extensive, with entry limited to authorised vehicles and official escorts.
The area surrounding the port will remain closed between 06:30 and 17:00, affecting:
• Avenida Constitución
• Avenida Marítima
• Francisco La Roche
• The Monumento a la Victoria area
Additional temporary closures are expected along the route used by the papal convoy, including:
• Avenida Manuel Hermoso Rojas
• Méndez Núñez
• El Pilar
• Villalba Hervás
• Plaza de España
• Avenida Marítima
The busiest period is expected to be between 10:00 and 12:30.
Parking Restrictions and Public Transport Changes
Parking will be prohibited in numerous central streets from shortly after midnight on 12 June.
Several taxi ranks within the security perimeter will also be temporarily suspended.
Public transport will operate under special arrangements:
• Several TITSA routes serving Anaga will terminate at Muelle Norte
• A shuttle service will connect Muelle Norte with the Intercambiador
• A dedicated bus lane will be introduced to improve traffic flow
The tram service will also be affected.
MetroTenerife has confirmed that Line 1 will operate with double trams but will be limited in Santa Cruz during the late morning due to restrictions around the city centre and port area.
Historic Centre Restrictions in La Laguna
La Laguna will implement extensive traffic controls throughout its historic centre.
Restrictions begin progressively from 10 June, with vehicle removals and parking limitations in various streets and public car parks.
Affected areas include:
• Plaza del Cristo
• Mercado Municipal surroundings
• Plaza del Adelantado car park
• Various streets throughout the historic centre
On 12 June, traffic restrictions will intensify from 09:30, affecting roads including:
• Avenida de la Trinidad
• Camino Las Mercedes
• Anchieta
• Padre Herrera
• Nava y Grimón
• Plaza del Adelantado
TF-13 Closure
One of the most significant measures in La Laguna will be the complete closure of the TF-13 (Vía de Ronda), which connects Las Mercedes with the TF-5 motorway.
Traffic from the northeast of Tenerife will be diverted through the San Benito area, with alternative routes using streets such as:
• Pozo Cabildo
• Tabares Barlet
• Lucas Vega
Additional adjustments are also expected around the Padre Anchieta roundabout and Avenida de La Trinidad.
Advice for Drivers
Authorities in both municipalities are recommending that residents and visitors avoid using private vehicles wherever possible and instead rely on public transport.
As security arrangements may be adjusted throughout the day, drivers are advised to check official updates before travelling.