When you’re planning on going on holiday, you’ll no doubt be searching for the best things to do, places to visit, and destinations to completely immerse yourself in to get to grips with a new exciting culture to the max.
When I first arrived in Mallorca, I was completely taken aback by just how diverse and sprawling the island is — from rugged mountain roads and remote beaches to charming inland villages and lively coastal towns. Getting around Mallorca isn’t just about transport — it’s about making the most of your time here, unlocking corners of the island that you might otherwise miss.
Whether you’re chasing hidden coves in the Serra de Tramuntana, heading into Palma for a day of culture and shopping, or just planning lazy beach days near your villa, the way you choose to travel around Mallorca can seriously shape your experience. And trust me — having explored the island in pretty much every way possible (rental car, local bus, ferry, even cycling through almond groves!), I’ve learned a thing or two about what works best depending on your style of trip.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best ways to get around Mallorca — from renting a car and using public transport to more unique options like scenic train routes and boat taxis. So whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, here’s how to travel around Mallorca smoothly, stress-free, and with the freedom to explore everything this incredible island has to offer.
One thing that pleasantly surprised me on my first trip to Mallorca was just how well-connected and easy it was to explore. Spain is known for its solid transport network, and Mallorca—despite being an island—really lives up to that reputation. From scenic train routes to reliable buses and affordable car hire, I found getting around not only easy but actually enjoyable. So, if you’re planning your trip and wondering how best to travel around the island, here’s everything I learned from experience—so you don’t have to do all the research yourself!
Before arriving, I wasn’t sure what to expect from public transport on a Mediterranean island. But after using it myself, I can confidently say it’s one of the most convenient and budget-friendly ways to see the island. Here’s a breakdown of each option I tried:
While Mallorca’s train network isn’t huge, it covers several major parts of the island. I loved how relaxing it was to hop on a train from Palma and enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic.
There are three main routes, all starting in Palma:
I took the train to Inca one afternoon and really enjoyed the calm, air-conditioned journey. Just a tip: there’s no direct train to Palma Airport, so you’ll need to use a bus or taxi for that leg. You can check schedules and fares on the official Transports de les Illes Balears website.
Depending on the day of the week, and the time at which you are planning to travel, the schedules and prices of these Mallorca trains vary. You can find further details of this via the Transports de Les Illes Balears official website.
If you’re planning on travelling to the airport in Palma, there is no train route available to get to and from here, so you will have to find alternative methods of transportation, such as a taxi or bus.
If there’s one train ride you don’t want to miss, it’s the Ferrocarril de Sóller. This historic wooden train runs from Palma to the beautiful town of Sóller, and honestly, it felt like stepping back in time. The train winds through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, tunnels, and valleys—it was one of the highlights of my trip.
The whole experience costs around €25 per person, and the views alone are worth every cent. It runs twice a day, and you can catch it from the main station in Palma. If you have time, definitely build this into your itinerary!
You can catch this unique locomotive experience from Palma or Sóller Stations with departures happening twice daily in the morning and evening. For the full leg from Palma to Sóller or vice versa, the journey costs €25 per person. You can find more information on specific departure times and excursions to the destinations stopped at en route on the train system’s official website.
I used the buses a lot during my stay, especially when I wasn’t in the mood to drive. They’re clean, regular, and go just about everywhere.
There are two main services:
In Palma, I found the EMT buses very easy to use—tickets are just €2 for a single journey, and you can pay on board. I even used them to get to the airport, which was super convenient.
For longer trips, I used the TIB buses from Palma’s Intermodal Station. Prices start from €1.80 depending on your destination, and the buses were impressively punctual and comfortable. You can buy tickets at the station or on board, and all the route info is available on the TIB website.
The EMT buses also serve as a direct route to the airport for your outbound and inbound travel needs. More information about routes, fares and otherwise can be found on the EMT Palma official website.
Mallorca’s TIB buses, on the other hand, depart from Palma’s Intermodal Station, with tickets available to purchase at a ticket office inside these premises. You’ll also be able to easily access information about the bus services you’re looking for here also from timetables at the ticket office.
Given the TIB buses serve longer distance routes to a variety of destinations across the island, the prices of these fares vary but are all still considered to be very affordable, starting from as little as €1.80 per person one way.
Further information on the exact routes and timetables of the TIB buses can be found on the Transports de Les Illes Balears official website.
Mallorca’s metro system is restricted to only Palma, but this truly comes in handy for quickly whipping around the city in a heartbeat if you’re planning on visiting here during your trip.
Whilst it is the smallest metro in Spain, it is mighty. With 2 lines that take you around the city's main destinations, it offers cheap single ticket prices, from €1.55 per person, and a frequent timetable, with its trains running as frequently as every 15-20 minutes during its most busy hours. However, the route does become limited when only its M1 line operates less frequently on weekends.
Other than this, the metro in Palma can be a nifty way of getting around Mallorca during your next holiday here.
Renting a car gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re planning to visit rural areas, remote beaches, or mountain villages. I picked mine up straight from Palma Airport (super easy) and went with a local company offering a great rate.
The roads are in great shape, and driving was mostly relaxed—except for busy Palma traffic during rush hour. Just be aware that during festivals or events, some roads might close, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Car hire is getting pricier lately, so it’s worth booking early. If you're weighing up cost vs. convenience, think about your itinerary—public transport may be all you need, depending on where you're staying.
Mallorca has several reputable car rental agencies spread across its island. You’ll find a range of local companies, most of which offer very reasonable deals for renting their vehicles, and also larger well-known firms including the likes of Europcar, Enterprise, and Hertz, amongst others.
You’ll also find a large concentration of these reputable agencies to be within Palma’s airport, so it’s more than convenient to fly here to commence your journey and pick up your rental car straight away to hit the roads of Mallorca immediately.
You’ll find, like any Spanish and wider European destinations, that the more populated areas and larger cities tend to be busier for drivers. Otherwise, the country offers long stretches of road that allow for leisurely and easy driving experiences with little to congestion at most times.
If you are planning on travelling in Mallorca in its busiest and most popular destinations, you may want to avoid doing so during peak traffic hours, when people will be driving to and from work, as well as when any major festivals or events are taking place, when road routes may be shut.
The road surfaces are generally of good quality across the island, particularly the most popular routes connecting major cities, towns, and settlements.
Car rentals in Mallorca, however, are becoming increasingly expensive due to the high demand for their vehicles. As such, you may want to weigh up the advantages of having a car on the island against the cost you may have to pay in the long run for this leisure. Especially given that it is more than possible, and affordable, to easily navigate and get around Mallorca via its public transport methods.
For quick journeys—like heading out to dinner or to the airport with luggage—taxis were great. Just a heads-up: Uber and other rideshare apps aren’t available on the island. Only licensed taxis are allowed, so look for the official ones with a green (available) or red (occupied) light on top.
You can flag one down at a rank or book in advance, which I’d recommend especially for airport runs. Fares are generally fair, though they do go up at night, on weekends, and on public holidays.
It’s fair to conclude that getting around Mallorca is more than easy, and accessible, using the right transport methods. Dependent on your plans, the right transport method for you may vary.
Mallorca buses offer a fantastic way to travel within settlements, and between them, offering versatility and convenience alongside affordability. Mallorca trains, on the other hand, offer more limited routes but particularly picturesque, and unique, experiences.
Nevertheless, the options for getting around Mallorca are plentiful and you’ll never be short of at least one option to venture to all of the island’s exciting destinations during your next visit.
For those considering travelling to Mallorca for their next holiday, here at Vida Villas, we offer a range of Mallorcan villas that are perfect for all groups, from couples retreats to large friend reunions and intimate family trips to this Spanish treasure.
And best of all, a selection of our villas are centrally located in some of Mallorca’s most popular destinations where you can stay well connected to other parts of the island via the use of its public transport systems. Some of our properties are also nearby frequented and busy road routes, so you can always easily access any part of Mallorca from your doorstep with ease.
But why not contact a member of our team to discuss your plans for your holiday further? Our specialist team of expert advisors will be happy to discuss the options we have available for you to ensure you find the most suitable rental home for your trip.
