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How to get around Mallorca: a complete transport guide to explore the island
Mallorca: an island that begs to be explored
There’s something every traveler realizes as soon as they land in Mallorca: the island is much bigger than they imagined. With over 3,600 square kilometers of surface area, 550 kilometers of coastline, and geography that ranges from Caribbean-like beaches to mountains over 1,400 meters high, Mallorca is not a destination to stay still. Here’s the dilemma. You have a week (or maybe just a few days) to discover hidden coves in the north, medieval villages inland, vertigo-inducing cliffs in the Tramuntana, traditional markets, Michelin-star restaurants, family beaches, and those boat trips everyone recommends. How do you do it? The answer is transportation. And there isn’t a single correct answer. Depending on your travel style, your budget, the size of your group, and the experiences you want to have, the best option for getting around Mallorca can be very different. This guide comes from years of experience welcoming travelers from all over the world in the Port of Alcudia. We’ve heard hundreds of stories: from those who rented a car and discovered coves that don’t appear on any map, to those who regretted not doing so and spent hours waiting for buses. We also know people who chose public transport and enjoyed conversations with locals who recommended the best restaurant in town. There is no wrong way to get around Mallorca. But there are smarter ways depending on what you’re looking for. And that’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
The mental map you need: understanding distances in Mallorca
Before talking about cars, buses and taxis, it helps to put distances into perspective. Mallorca looks small on the map, but mountain roads, summer traffic and the spread of points of interest can make journeys take longer than expected.
From Palma airport the approximate times are: to Palma city center 15–20 minutes, to Alcudia or Port of Alcudia 50–60 minutes, to Pollença 55–65 minutes, to Sóller via the tunnel 30 minutes (or 50–60 minutes via the mountain road), to Cala Ratjada 70–80 minutes, and to Santanyí 45–50 minutes.
From Palma you can reach Valldemossa in 20 minutes, Deià in 35 minutes, Port de Sóller in 35 minutes via the tunnel (or 50 minutes via the scenic road), Cap de Formentor in 75–90 minutes, and the Caves of Drach in about 60 minutes.
From Alcudia distances are shorter to the north: Pollença is only 10 minutes away, Cap de Formentor 30–40 minutes, Playa de Muro 10 minutes. To the south, Palma is 50–60 minutes away and Sóller around 45 minutes.
These times are approximate and can vary significantly in high season (July–August), when roads to popular beaches and the Serra de Tramuntana become congested. The road to Cap de Formentor, for example, has access restrictions in summer precisely due to overcrowding.
With this mental map, you can start planning. If your hotel is in the south and you want to visit the north, be prepared to spend time getting around. If you stay in the Alcudia area, you’ll have the north at your feet, but Palma will be an hour away.
Car rental in Mallorca: total freedom to explore
Let’s be honest: if you want to make the most of Mallorca, a rental car is the most versatile option. It gives you total freedom to reach hidden coves, change plans on the fly, stop at that viewpoint that suddenly appears, and not depend on timetables or fixed routes. But renting a car also has its own quirks in Mallorca. Here’s everything you need to know.
1Where to rent and what to expect
Palma airport has the largest range of car rentals. You’ll find all the international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) and also local ones (Goldcar, Record, Centauro, OK Rent a Car). Local companies often have more competitive prices, although insurance conditions and service can vary.
Key tips:
2Driving in Mallorca: what you should know
Mallorca’s main roads are in good condition. The highway connecting Palma to Alcudia (Ma-13) is fast and comfortable. Secondary roads to inland villages are narrow but well paved.
Where things change is in the Serra de Tramuntana. The mountain roads are spectacular but demanding: tight turns, steep gradients, no shoulders, and in some stretches, just enough room for two cars to pass. If you’re not used to mountain driving, take it slow and use pull-outs to let faster drivers pass.
The Ma-2141 road from Andratx to Pollença, passing through Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. But it also deserves respect. If you do it, enjoy it without rushing.
Parking:
You can check our guide to what to see in Mallorca in 3 days to plan optimized routes if you rent a car.
3How much it costs to rent a car in Mallorca
Prices vary enormously depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and the type of vehicle. In low season (November–March) you can find a basic compact car from €15–20/day. In mid season (April–June, September–October) prices range around €25–40/day. And in high season (July–August) be prepared to pay from €50/day, sometimes exceeding €80–100/day if you book last-minute.
On top of that, add insurance (if you choose extra coverage), fuel, and possible airport fees. A one-week rental in August, with full insurance, can easily be around €400–600.
Is it worth it? If you plan to move around a lot, visit the Tramuntana, explore coves in the east and north, and want total flexibility, yes. A car gives you access to experiences that would otherwise be impossible or very complicated. If your plan is more relaxed (hotel beach, an organized excursion, walks around town), you might be able to skip the car and save that money for other experiences.
Public transport in Mallorca: more options than you think
Mallorca has a public transport network that, although it doesn’t reach every corner, connects the main tourist areas quite well. If you don’t want to drive or prefer a more sustainable approach, it’s a viable option for many plans.
1The TIB bus network: coverage and how it works
Transporte de les Illes Balears (TIB) operates Mallorca’s intercity bus network. It covers routes from Palma to almost every important town and tourist area.
The main routes from Palma are: Line 351/352 to Alcudia, Port of Alcudia and Can Picafort, with high frequency in summer (every 15–30 minutes) and an approximate duration of 1 hour to Alcudia. Line 210/211 is the scenic Tramuntana route, passing through Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Port de Sóller. Line 102 connects to the south: Llucmajor, Campos, Santanyí and Cala d'Or. In the north, Line 412 links Alcudia with Pollença and Port de Pollença, and Line 441/442 runs from Can Picafort to Artà, Capdepera and Cala Ratjada.
Schedules and frequencies vary by season: in summer there are more services, while in winter some are drastically reduced. You can check timetables and routes on the TIB website or on Google Maps, which integrates Mallorca’s public transport fairly well. Tickets are bought from the driver (cash) or with an intermodal card, which is cheaper if you’ll use the bus several times. Buses have air conditioning and luggage space.
As for indicative prices, the Palma–Alcudia trip costs roughly €8–10, and Palma–Sóller about €5–7. Round trips or multi-ride cards offer discounts.
2The Sóller train: an experience in itself
If there’s one means of transport in Mallorca that’s worth it for the journey itself, it’s the Sóller Train. This historic narrow-gauge railway, inaugurated in 1912, connects Palma with Sóller crossing the Serra de Tramuntana.
The 27-kilometer journey takes about an hour and passes through tunnels, viaducts and spectacular mountain scenery. The wooden carriages keep the charm of the early 20th century. It’s more of a tourist attraction than a practical transport option, but if you visit Sóller, taking this train is a unique experience.
From Sóller, a historic tram (also wooden) goes down to Port de Sóller in about 20 minutes, passing through orange and lemon groves.
Prices are approximately €25 round trip for the Palma–Sóller train, and about €8 round trip for the Sóller–Port de Sóller tram. Combined tickets are also available. It’s recommended to book in advance in high season, as the train has limited capacity and is very popular.
3Palma metro and EMT city buses
Palma has two metro lines that connect the city center with residential areas and the University. For tourists, their usefulness is limited, although Line M1 can be handy if you stay in the Son Sardina or Marratxí area.
EMT city buses cover Palma and its metropolitan area. They’re useful to move between the center, the port, the urban beaches (Can Pastilla, Ciutat Jardí) and shopping areas. A single ticket costs around €2.
To reach the airport from Palma city center, EMT’s A1 line is the most affordable option (around €5, 20–30 minutes).
Taxi and transfers: comfort without complications
If you don’t want to drive but also don’t want to depend on bus schedules, taxis and transfer services are comfortable alternatives, especially for specific trips.
1Taxis in Mallorca: availability and prices
Taxis in Mallorca are white with a diagonal colored stripe on the door. They use a taximeter for most urban trips, although for long distances it’s sometimes possible to agree on a fixed price.
Approximate prices from the airport are: to Palma city center €20–25, to Alcudia or Port of Alcudia €85–100, to Pollença €90–105, to Sóller €50–60, and to Cala d'Or €70–85. These prices may vary depending on the time (there are night and holiday surcharges), luggage, and traffic conditions.
Where to find taxis? At the airport there is a taxi rank outside the terminal. In Palma you’ll find ranks at Plaza de España, Paseo del Borne and next to the cathedral. In tourist areas such as Alcudia, Pollença and Sóller there are ranks at the main spots. You can also call radio-taxi dispatch centers by phone or use apps like FreeNow (formerly MyTaxi).
Taxis are especially useful to reach places with poor public transport access or for airport–hotel transfers if you don’t want to rent a car from day one.
2Transfer services: advance booking and fixed price
Private transfers are an increasingly popular option, especially for the airport–hotel trip. You book in advance, you know the exact price beforehand, and they pick you up with a sign with your name.
The advantages over a taxi are clear: fixed price with no surprises, the driver waits even if your flight is delayed, vehicles are often more comfortable with the option to choose size, and you can request child seats if traveling with kids. As disadvantages, you have less flexibility (you must book in advance) and if your flight arrives much earlier, you might have to wait.
Prices are usually similar to or slightly higher than a taxi, but the convenience of having everything organized makes it worth it for many travelers. There are many transfer companies in Mallorca: you can book through platforms like GetTransfer, Hoppa, or directly with local companies. Many hotels also offer their own transfer service or can recommend one.
How to get to the Port of Alcudia for your boat trip
If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about taking a boat trip in the Bay of Alcudia. And one of the questions we get asked most is: how do I get to the port? The Port of Alcudia is the departure point for all our Coral Boats excursions. It’s located on the north coast of Mallorca, about 60 kilometers from Palma airport. Here we explain all the options to get there, depending on where you’re coming from and what’s most convenient for you.
1If you stay in Alcudia, Port of Alcudia or Playa de Muro
You’re in luck: the port is just around the corner. From beachfront hotels in Playa de Alcudia or Port of Alcudia, you can walk there in 5–15 minutes depending on your exact location.
From the town of Alcudia (the walled old town), the port is about 3 kilometers away. You can walk 30–40 minutes along the promenade, go by bike (there is a bike lane), or take a short taxi ride (€5–8).
From Playa de Muro and Can Picafort, the port is 10–15 minutes by car. There are local buses, but a taxi or your own car is more practical if your excursion is at a specific time.
Our recommendation: Arrive at the port 15–20 minutes early. That way you have time to park (if you come by car), find our boarding point, and enjoy the harbor atmosphere before setting sail.
2If you stay in Pollença or Port de Pollença
Pollença and Port de Pollença are only 10–15 minutes by car from the Port of Alcudia. It’s a very simple drive on flat roads.
By car: Take the Ma-2220 south and then the Ma-12 towards Port of Alcudia. There is free and paid parking near the port.
By bus: Line 352 connects Port de Pollença with the Port of Alcudia several times a day. The trip takes about 20–25 minutes.
By taxi: A taxi from Port de Pollença to the Port of Alcudia costs approximately €15–20.
If you plan to visit Cap de Formentor after the excursion, staying in Pollença is perfectly on your way.
3If you stay in Palma or the south of the island
From Palma or the southern areas, the trip to the Port of Alcudia takes about 50–60 minutes via the Ma-13 highway.
By your own car or rental car: This is the most convenient option if you already have a vehicle. The highway is toll-free and the drive is quick and easy. You can park at the port and leave the car while you take the excursion.
By TIB bus: Line 351/352 connects Palma with Port of Alcudia. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are several departures daily, but it’s worth checking the schedules to make sure you arrive on time.
By taxi or private transfer: If you don’t want to drive, you can hire a taxi (€85–100) or a private transfer. Some people choose this option one way and then spend the day in Alcudia, returning by bus.
Our recommendation: If you’re coming from Palma just for the excursion, consider spending the whole day in the area. After the boat tour, you can have lunch at one of the port restaurants, stroll through Alcudia’s old town, or go for a swim at the beach. That way the journey is more worthwhile. You can check our guide to things to do in Alcudia for ideas.
4Transfer service with Coral Boats
We understand that organizing transportation can be one more concern when you’re on holiday. That’s why at Coral Boats we offer a transfer service for those who want to get to our excursion without complications.
If you’re staying in an area without convenient public transport or you simply prefer not to worry about anything, we can arrange hotel pickup and transfer to the port. Ask us when you book and we’ll give you the price depending on your accommodation location.
It’s especially useful for:
For more information about our excursions and services, visit our page of boat tours from Alcudia or contact us directly.
Alternative options: bicycle, scooter and more
Beyond cars, buses and taxis, there are other ways to get around Mallorca that can be perfect depending on your travel style.
1Bicycle rental: for cyclists and adventurers
Mallorca is a cycling paradise. Every spring, thousands of professional and amateur cyclists come to train on its roads. If you like bikes, renting one can be a fantastic way to get around, at least in some areas.
For serious cyclists:
For relaxed rides:
A bicycle isn’t practical for long distances or if you have limited time, but as a complement to a car or public transport, it can give you very special experiences.
2Scooter or motorbike rental
Motorbikes and scooters are popular in Mallorca, especially in summer. They give you more freedom than public transport and make parking easier than a car.
To ride a scooter up to 125cc you need a car driving license with at least 3 years of seniority. For larger motorbikes, you need an A license.
Advantages:
Drawbacks:
If you’re traveling as a couple without kids and want flexibility at a good price, a scooter can be an interesting option to explore areas near where you’re staying.
3Organized excursions with transport included
If you don’t want to deal with transport but you want to see different parts of the island, organized excursions with hotel pickup can be a solution.
There are tours that pick you up from the main hotels and take you to discover the Tramuntana, the Caves of Drach, traditional markets or wine wineries. Transport is included in the price and you don’t have to worry about anything.
The same applies to boat excursions. Although we don’t include hotel pickup as standard, we do offer the option to arrange a transfer if you need it. That way, you can enjoy our morning tour or sunset excursion without worrying about how to get to the port.
For families with children or groups celebrating a special event, a transfer can make the difference between a stressful day and a perfect one.
Quick comparison: which option to choose for your situation
To help you decide, here’s a summary based on different traveler profiles.
If you want maximum freedom and you’ll be moving around a lot, the answer is clear: rent a car, without a doubt. If you’re staying in a tourist area and plan beach time plus an excursion or two, a combination of bus or taxi for longer transfers works well, and walking or cycling for day-to-day movement.
If you’re traveling as a couple without kids and want something different, consider a scooter or motorbike to move around the area, complemented with the occasional taxi or organized excursion for longer distances. If you’re traveling with small children, a rental car is almost essential: you need child seats, space for beach gear and flexibility with schedules. You can consider transfers for specific days if you don’t want to drive.
If you don’t want to worry about anything, the winning combination is: airport–hotel transfer, organized excursions with transport included, and taxis for occasional trips. If you’re on a tight budget, the TIB bus can take you almost everywhere. It’s slower and less flexible, but it works well. Complement it with a taxi if needed.
If you’re coming for just a few days and only want to see the essentials, check our Mallorca in 3 days guide and decide whether a car is worth it depending on the itinerary you choose.
Practical tips from those who know the island
After years welcoming travelers in the Port of Alcudia, we’ve learned a few things that can save you time and headaches.
About traffic: On Saturdays in July and August, the road from the airport to the north gets congested in the morning (arrivals) and towards the south in the afternoon (departures), so plan with extra time. The Cap de Formentor road has access restrictions in summer: check before you go or consider arriving by boat or bus. On Sunday mornings there’s a market in Alcudia and Pollença, and parking is almost impossible if you arrive late.
About parking: In the Port of Alcudia there is free parking a 5-minute walk from the marina; if you arrive early, you’ll find a spot without a problem. In Palma, use public parking garages like the Cathedral parking or Plaza Mayor parking, which are central. In Tramuntana villages, start early if you want to park near the center.
About fuel: There are gas stations in all tourist areas. Some close on Sundays, but self-service stations work 24/7. Prices are similar to the rest of Spain, slightly below the European average.
About driving: Local drivers know the roads and can drive fast; if you feel pressured, use pull-outs to let them pass. In the Tramuntana, yield to tourist buses on tight bends because they can’t maneuver easily. Watch out for cyclists, especially on mountain roads: respect safe passing distance.
About public transport: Google Maps works well for planning bus routes. Carry cash to pay the driver if you don’t have an intermodal card. In summer, tourist buses can be full, so leave extra time.
Summary: choose based on your situation
To recap everything we’ve covered, here are the main takeaways. If you’re going to move around the island a lot and value flexibility, a rental car is your best ally. If you prefer not to drive and your plan is more relaxed, public transport combined with occasional taxis can work well. For those traveling in a group or wanting total comfort, private transfers are an excellent option. And if you’re staying in the north and want to take a boat trip with us, you’ll reach the Port of Alcudia without complications from anywhere in the area.
Beyond transport: experiences that make the difference
Getting around Mallorca isn’t just going from point A to point B. It’s discovering that hidden beach bar where they serve the best paella. It’s stopping at a Tramuntana viewpoint because the sunset light is too beautiful not to enjoy. It’s arriving at a cove at eight in the morning and having it all to yourself.
The means of transport you choose will shape these experiences. With a car you’ll have total freedom. On the bus you’ll meet other travelers and maybe discover unexpected recommendations. On an organized excursion, someone will have taken care of finding the best spots for you.
The island is waiting: move and discover
Mallorca is an island that reveals itself to those who explore it. Every mountain road hides an unexpected viewpoint. Every inland village has a square where time stands still. Every cove, even the most hidden ones, has something that makes it unique.
Transport is just the means. The goal is to discover, feel, live the island. It doesn't matter whether you do it in a rental car, in a bus seat with sea views, in the sidecar of a motorbike, or on the deck of a traditional boat sailing across the Bay of Alcudia.
What matters is that you move. Not staying only on the hotel sunbed (although that has its moment too). Getting lost on secondary roads. Stopping whenever you feel like it. Changing plans if you discover something better.
And if at some point during your trip you feel like seeing Mallorca from another perspective, from the sea, we'll be waiting for you in the Port of Alcudia. Our boat excursions take you to coves that don't appear on the GPS, to corners where the only sound is the waves, to that Mediterranean that is still as blue as you imagined.
Have a great trip. Enjoy the roads. And, if you're up for it, happy sailing. See you at sea.
