Public Transport in Mallorca

Stinus Olesen

Public Transport in Palma and Mallorca

Public Transport in Mallorca is a comprehensive network that lets you explore almost every corner of the island with ease. The system is reliable, safe, and continuously modernized to enhance both convenience and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a local commuting daily or a visitor exploring the island’s charm, the public transport options in Mallorca cater to all.

Two Main Companies

Mallorca’s public transport is managed by two main companies: TIB (Transports de les Illes Balears) and EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transports Urban de Palma). Although these companies have separate ticketing systems, schedules, and routes, together they form a well-connected transport network. Whether you’re riding a bus through the countryside or catching a train to the next town, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Mallorcan life.

TIB: The TIB network includes buses, trains, and metro lines that cover both rural and urban areas across the island. TIB’s airport buses, known as AeroTib, connect Palma’s airport to many of the island’s key tourist areas like Alcúdia, Santa Ponsa, and Magaluf. TIB buses are easily recognizable by their yellow and red colors.

EMT: EMT handles Palma’s city buses, which are blue. Their routes cover Palma, the surrounding areas, and also run to and from the airport. EMT offers an efficient way to get around Palma’s attractions, beaches, and neighborhoods.

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TIB and EMT

TIB: Plan ahead: Always check the timetables for your return trip if you’re heading out for a day trip, as the last bus might leave earlier than expected. During peak tourist season (April to November), there are more frequent services, but some routes only operate during this time.

Arrive Early: It’s wise to be at the bus stop 5-10 minutes before departure. On busy routes in Palma, buses may depart slightly ahead of schedule if they reach full capacity.

-Seasonal Adjustments: While the network is extensive during the tourist season, there’s still good coverage in winter, especially from Palma and the larger towns.

EMT: Signal to Stop: In Palma, even if there’s a crowd at the bus stop, it’s important to signal to the driver. Otherwise, the bus may drive past without stopping.

Crowded Buses: Like in many big cities, crowded buses can be a risk for pickpocketing. Always stay mindful of your belongings.

Payment Options: Currently, EMT buses accept cash, and exact change is recommended. Airport routes cost €5, and other routes are typically €2 for a single journey. Multi-trip tickets are also available at vending machines across Palma.

Airport and Palma

Airport to Palma: Use EMT’s A1 or A2 routes.
Airport to Tourist Areas: Use AeroTib buses to reach destinations like Alcúdia, Santa Ponsa, or Platja de Muro.
In and Around Palma: Use EMT’s city buses.
Exploring the Island: TIB buses numbered 100–500 connect Palma with the rest of the island.
From Your Resort to Attractions: Use TIB buses for day trips or beach outings from your holiday base.

Arriving in Palma Airport

When arriving at Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport, there are several transport options:

To Palma and Nearby Areas: EMT’s blue buses (A1 or A2) take you directly to Palma and its surroundings.
To Major Tourist Resorts: AeroTib buses connect the airport to key resort areas like Alcúdia Bay, Magaluf, and Santa Ponsa. AeroTib is a relatively new service (introduced in 2017) designed to offer direct routes during high season, reducing the need for taxis or car rentals.

Aerotib Routes and Timetable

Aerotib offers several key routes:

A11: Camp de Mar > Peguera > Santa Ponça > Magaluf > Palmanova > Airport

A32: Can Picafort > Platja de Muro > Port d’Alcúdia > Sa Pobla > Inca > Airport

A42: Cala Bona > Cala Millor > Porto Cristo > Manacor > Airport

A51: Campos > Llucmajor > S’Arenal > Airport

Ticketing for Aerotib

You can pay with cash (coins and small notes) or by credit card. Paying with cash incurs a higher fare as TIB is phasing out cash payments. With a credit card, simply tap when boarding and tap out when you leave. You can use a single card for up to five people. If you forget to tap out, there’s a small penalty of €0.50 per person.

Online ticket purchase is also available. Select your date, start, and end destination to receive a QR code for access. Multiple tickets can be bought in one transaction, with a unique QR code for each passenger. Check the Tib website for further details on tickets for TIB.

TIB Buses for Exploring Mallorca

TIB’s yellow and red buses with numbers 100–500 connect virtually every corner of Mallorca. Whether you want to visit a beach, go hiking, or explore a different town, these buses are a great option. Popular routes include:

101: Palma – Port Andratx

103: Palma – Santa Ponsa

203: Palma – Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Port Sóller

301: Palma – Port Pollensa

302: Palma – Alcúdia

334: Alcúdia – Formentor

TIB Bus Ticketing

Onboard payments are accepted via cash or contactless credit cards, though cash payments are being phased out. The fare is calculated by a zone system, and you’ll never pay for more than four zones, regardless of distance. Be sure to tap in and out with your credit card to avoid penalties.

Tickets can also be purchased online, with QR codes for easy access. Multi-leg journeys are possible within 60 minutes of disembarking.

Timetables with TIB’s buses

Map of TIB’s total bus and train network

TIB Train and Metro Network

Mallorca’s TIB train network connects Palma with towns like Inca, Manacor, and Sa Pobla, offering a comfortable and modern way to travel. There are three train lines:

T1: Palma – Inca

T2: Palma – Sa Pobla

T3: Palma – Manacor

The metro primarily serves locals and students, with two lines (M1 and M2) operating around Palma. Map of Estació Intermodal.

Train and Metro Ticketing

Tickets can be bought at machines in stations, and prices depend on the distance traveled. The zone-based fare system applies to both the train and metro. Keep your ticket handy for both entry and exit through the barriers.

Timetables for the trains. Check the TIBs website for further details on tickets for TIB.

Important links to public transport in Mallorca

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More About Transport in Mallorca

EMT operates over 30 different routes in Palma and its surrounding areas, including four night buses. They are an efficient way to explore Palma’s beaches, attractions, and shopping districts. Notable routes include:

A1: Airport to Palma Center

A2: Airport to El Arenal

CC: A free circular bus in Palma’s old town

25: Palma Center to Playa de Palma/Arenal Beach

4: Palma Center to Illetas Beach

35: Palma Center to Can Pastilla Beach

46 and 4: Routes passing the Fundació Miro Museum

N1-N4: Night buses

Ticketing for EMT Buses

Cash payments are accepted on board, with fares for regular routes at €2 and airport routes at €5. The buses only accept up to €10 notes, but if your total is more than €10, they’ll accept €20 notes. Multi-trip tickets can be purchased from vending machines in Palma or from EMT’s office in Palma.

Price overview for EMT’s buses.

A 10-trip ticket costs €15 and is valid for single trips without transfers (except airport routes). Pets are allowed on EMT buses, with small pets traveling free in bags and dogs requiring a muzzle and costing €0.30.

Sightseeing Buses

For tourists, a red sightseeing bus operates around Palma and nearby attractions, including Castell Bellver. It’s run by a different company, offering a hop-on-hop-off experience, though it’s more expensive than public transport.

Notable Exception: Sóller Train

For the iconic journey to Sóller, you’ll need to take the historic “Orange Train,” which is run by a separate company. It’s a unique experience, passing through scenic landscapes on a vintage train.

Final Tips for Public Transport in Mallorca

Public Transport in Mallorca is well-organized, with frequent connections to almost every part of the island. Whether you’re heading to a hidden beach, exploring charming villages, or simply traveling between tourist hotspots, this guide provides everything you need to navigate with ease. Enjoy your journey!

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