The relative complexity of procurement under public-private partnership (PPP) means that tendering periods can be longer compared to traditional procurement models. Reducing the tendering period is therefore an important challenge if PPP is to deliver infrastructure on time and within budget. Using data from 59 PPP projects in Ireland we find that the average tendering period has been 34 months. Analysis using duration analysis shows that tendering periods have fallen over time and are positively but not strongly associated with the capital value of projects. Tendering periods are longer for projects that do not involve private finance with the majority of such projects procured by local authorities. We use two case studies of PPP procurement to explore these issues further. Both cases highlight the complex array of factors that can impact on tendering periods some of which are outside the control of the procurement authority.