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How to Get from Palma Airport to Alcudia: All Transport Options Updated
From Palma Airport to Alcudia: what you need to know before you land
You've booked your holidays in Alcudia — probably the best decision you'll make this year — and now you need to sort out the journey from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to your hotel, apartment or resort in the north of the island. It's one of the most common questions among first-time Mallorca visitors, and rightly so: the distance is not insignificant. Son Sant Joan Airport is located about 8 km east of Palma, and Alcudia sits at the far northern tip of the island. The road distance is approximately 60 km via the Ma-13 motorway (the most direct route), which takes between 40 and 55 minutes by car depending on traffic, your arrival time and the time of year. In peak season (July–August), getting into the Alcudia area can add an extra 10–15 minutes. The good news is that you have several real options for making this journey, each with its own advantages, and none is particularly complicated. In this guide we explain them all — with updated prices, timetables, pros and cons — so you can choose the one that best suits your situation: whether you're travelling solo or in a group, with children or with lots of luggage, on a tight budget or prioritising comfort. And one tip before we start: whichever option you choose, the journey itself is worth it. The Ma-13 motorway crosses the heart of the island with views of the Serra de Tramuntana to your left and the Pla de Mallorca to your right. It's your first taste of this island's beauty, and a preview of what awaits you at the Bay of Alcudia.
Public Bus (TIB): the cheapest option
Mallorca's public transport system (TIB – Transport de les Illes Balears) connects the airport with Alcudia via a combination of routes that, with a little planning, is perfectly viable and by far the cheapest option.
Option A: Line A32 (airport → Alcudia direct, summer only)
From June to mid-September, TIB line A32 connects Palma Airport directly with Can Picafort, passing through the Alcudia/Playa de Muro area. This is the most convenient public transport option as it requires no changes.
Option B: Airport → Palma Intermodal Station → Alcudia (year-round)
Outside peak season, or if the A32 timetable doesn't match your flight, the alternative is to get to Palma city centre first and then take a bus to Alcudia:
1. Line A1 from the airport to Palma Intermodal Station (Plaça d'Espanya): departs every 12–15 minutes, takes about 20 minutes and costs around €5
2. From the Intermodal Station, take line 351 (Palma → Alcudia → Port of Alcudia): departs approximately every hour, takes 50–60 minutes and costs around €7–9
Total price: approximately €12–15 per person (one way)
Total duration: between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours (including waiting time for connection)
Pros: very affordable, especially for solo travellers or couples. Buses are modern, air-conditioned and have luggage space.
Cons: requires a connection outside summer season, timetables are limited (especially at night), and if your accommodation isn't near a stop it can be awkward with suitcases. The last bus on line 351 usually departs around 21:00–22:00.
Tip: download the TIB app or check their website before travelling to verify exact timetables, as they change between low and high season. You can also buy tickets with the intermodal card for discounts.
Taxi: door to door with no fuss
The taxi is the most direct and straightforward option. You walk out of the airport, get in, tell the driver your destination and in under an hour you're in Alcudia. No waiting, no connections, no dragging suitcases further than a few metres.
Key facts:
The airport taxi rank is right outside the terminal on the ground floor. There are usually taxis available, although during peak hours in high season (Friday and Saturday afternoons in July–August) there may be a 10–20 minute queue.
Pros: no advance booking needed, door to door, the driver knows the route. Ideal if you arrive late at night and there are no buses.
Cons: it's the most expensive option if you're travelling solo or as a couple. The price is non-negotiable (metered). Some drivers only accept cash, though more and more have card machines.
Tip: if there are 3–4 of you, the taxi becomes a very competitive option when you split the cost (€18–24 per person), and it's faster and more comfortable than the bus. Confirm the meter is running before you set off.
Private transfer or shuttle: comfort at a fixed price
A private transfer sits between the taxi and the bus: a driver meets you at the airport with a sign with your name, helps with your luggage and takes you directly to your accommodation in Alcudia. The difference from a taxi is that you book and pay in advance, you know the exact price before you travel and, in many cases, the vehicle is larger and more comfortable.
Types of transfer available:
Indicative prices (one way, airport → Alcudia):
Main companies and platforms:
Several companies operate transfers in Mallorca. You can book through platforms such as Hoppa, GetTransfer, Welcome Pickups or directly with local companies like Mallorca Transfers or Shuttle Direct. Many hotels and tour operators also offer their own transfer service — it's worth asking when you book your accommodation.
Pros: fixed price with no surprises, the driver waits for you even if your flight is delayed (they monitor arrivals), comfortable vehicles, child seats on request, ideal for families or large groups.
Cons: must be booked in advance (at least 24–48 hours), less flexible than a taxi if you change plans at the last minute.
Tip: if you're travelling with young children, a private transfer is probably the best option. You can request child restraint seats included in the price, something that isn't always available in taxis. Also, if you book well in advance, prices tend to be more competitive than taxis.
Car Hire: total freedom to explore Mallorca
If your Alcudia holiday includes plans to explore the island on your own — visiting inland villages, driving along the Serra de Tramuntana, heading to southern coves or simply having total independence during your stay — hiring a car at the airport is the most practical option.
Palma Airport has a dedicated car hire zone on the ground floor, with offices of all the major companies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Goldcar, etc.) and also local firms that often have more competitive prices.
Key facts:
Pros: maximum flexibility, total independence, you can explore the island at your own pace. Economical when you spread the cost over several days and passengers. Lets you reach coves and spots that public transport doesn't cover.
Cons: in peak season, availability drops and prices soar — book as far in advance as possible. Parking in tourist areas (Port of Alcudia, old town) can be tricky in summer. If you're only going to be in Alcudia and don't plan to travel much, it may not be worth it.
Practical tips:
For a complete guide on getting around the island, don't miss our article on transport and car hire in Mallorca.
Quick comparison: prices, times and which option suits you
So you can decide at a glance, here's a direct comparison of all the options:
Which is the best option for your situation?
Practical tips for your journey
Regardless of which option you choose, these tips will save you time and headaches:
About Palma Airport (PMI):
About the route:
About arriving in Alcudia:
You've made it to Alcudia: what to do in the first few days
You've survived the airport, the journey and the temptation to keep staring at the scenery through the window instead of setting up the GPS. Now you're in Alcudia and you're probably wondering what to do first.
The honest answer: whatever your body tells you. But if you need a nudge, here are our suggestions for the first few days:
Day 1 — Getting your bearings: stroll around the Port of Alcudia, head down to Playa de Muro and take your first swim. The water will surprise you. Have dinner at one of the promenade restaurants with sea views.
Day 2 — Explore the town: visit Alcudia Old Town, walk along the medieval walls, peek at the Roman amphitheatre of Pollentia. If it's Tuesday or Sunday, don't miss the weekly market.
Day 3 — The sea is calling: this is the day to get on a boat. A boat tour around the Bay of Alcudia is, without exaggeration, the experience our visitors remember most. Hidden coves you can only reach by sea, crystal-clear waters for snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, a glass of homemade sangria while the sun glitters on the Mediterranean... This is the Mallorca you can't experience any other way.
Our tours depart directly from the Port of Alcudia, so you don't need a car or extra travel. You can choose between the morning tour, the full-day tour or the Sunset Magic cruise — all three include swimming stops, snorkelling gear and paddleboards, and drinks on board.
For more ideas, check our complete guide on things to do in Alcudia.
Getting from Palma Airport to Alcudia is easier than it seems. By bus, taxi, transfer or hire car, in under an hour you'll be in one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean. And once you're there, the best way to discover the real Mallorca is from the water.
At Coral Boats we're waiting for you at the Port of Alcudia to show you the north coast like nobody else can: aboard a traditional Mallorcan llaüt, with stops at secret coves, snorkelling, paddleboarding and the best homemade sangria in the Mediterranean. Book your spot and start your holiday the way it deserves: with your feet in the water.
