Transport to and around Mallorca

Getting to Mallorca by air

The quickest way to get to Mallorca from Britain is to fly. Because Mallorca is such a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of cheap flights to Palma from almost all UK airports.

If you go with a budget airline, it’s worthwhile packing some food for the journey because sandwiches on board are pricey.

If you'd like to get flights and accommodation sorted in one, Directline Holidays offer some excellent Deals to Majorca.

Getting to Mallorca by ferry

If Mallorca is part of a longer holiday for you, you can get there by ferry from Barcelona or Valencia. It’s easy to book this online before you go, if you want to. I always find it comforting to have done this because I know I’ve got a ticket and it’s already paid for so I don’t need to worry about budgeting for it.

Once you’re in Mallorca, you can travel to mainland Spain or to other islands by ferry. See Day Trip to Menorca.

Public transport in Mallorca

For both trains and buses from Palma, head to the Plaça d'Espanya.

There are two railway lines in Mallorca, one mainly scenic and the other more for practical use. The scenic one goes from Palma to Sóller and back, through the wonderful Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, and is well worth doing just for the views. The other line runs from Palma through Inca to Sa Pobla.

There is a pretty good bus service around Mallorca, particularly in the summer, but the timetables are somewhat erratic and I prefer to have my own car.

Taxis in Mallorca

Taxis are reasonable value for short journeys but expensive for long journeys. If you want to go far, you’re much better off hiring a car.

Driving in Mallorca

In my opinion, the best way to travel about the island is by car. It’s by no means exorbitant to hire a car in Mallorca and then you’ve got the freedom and reliability of your own transport.

Do remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road! The speed limits are 120 kph on motorways, 100 kph on main roads, 90 kph on minor roads and 60 kph in urban areas. By law, you need to wear your seat-belt.

If you’re thinking of driving into a little old town such as Pollensa, I recommend you leave your car on the outskirts and walk in – mainly because some of the streets are so narrow that it can be extremely stressful trying to navigate them without scraping your car against a wall.

Bicycling in Mallorca

Depending where you’re staying, you should easily find a place where you can hire a bike. The biking can be marvellous. There are long stretches of flat road along the coast which have stunning views. There are stunning views in the mountains as well but the biking can be hard work!