When people move to Mallorca, their first thought is usually a car. Yet public transport on the island is far better developed than most people expect. Particularly in Palma and on the main routes into the surrounding area, you can get around comfortably and cheaply by bus, train and metro. This guide gives you a comprehensive overview of all means of transport, tickets and practical everyday tips.
Overview: public transport on Mallorca
The public transport network on Mallorca consists of several systems that together form a fairly dense network:
TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) runs the intercity buses, which cover virtually every corner of the island. EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transports) is responsible for city buses within Palma. SFM (Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca) operates two modern train lines into the interior. The Metro Palma connects the city centre with the northern suburbs. And the historic Tren de Soller has been running through the Tramuntana since 1912.
All systems converge at the Estacio Intermodal in Palma. This central hub at the Placa d'Espanya is the starting point for most connections and the best place to get a Tarjeta Intermodal.
TIB buses - the whole island connected
The backbone of intercity travel on Mallorca is the TIB bus network. With over 60 routes it connects Palma with all the main towns on the island. The buses are modern, air-conditioned and generally punctual.
Key TIB routes:
- Line 210 (Palma - Valldemossa - Deia - Soller): one of the most scenic bus routes in Europe, running through the Serra de Tramuntana
- Line 301 (Palma - Inca): fast connection to the centre of the island
- Line 302 (Inca - Alcudia): continuing northwards
- Line 340 (Palma - Arta, via Manacor): connection to the east
- Line 352 (Palma - Alcudia - Can Picafort): direct link to the north coast
- Line 501 (Palma - Andratx): heading south-west
Prices and tickets:
Single fares cost between 2 and 10 euros depending on the zone. With the Tarjeta Intermodal you save up to 50 per cent. Most routes start at the Estacio Intermodal in Palma. You can pay the driver in cash or use the Tarjeta Intermodal contactlessly.
Frequency:
The main routes run every 30 to 60 minutes in season (April to October). In the low season (November to March) some routes are less frequent. Some routes to small beaches or remote locations run only once or twice a day in winter, or are temporarily suspended. Always check the current timetables on the TIB website or app beforehand.
Tip: Bus ride through the Tramuntana
Line 210 from Palma to Soller via Valldemossa and Deia is a real experience. The journey takes about an hour and passes through some of the island's most spectacular scenery. Take the bus instead of driving and enjoy the views without having to concentrate on the winding roads.
EMT city buses in Palma
Within Palma de Mallorca, the EMT handles local transport. Around 30 bus routes connect the various neighbourhoods and generally run every 10 to 20 minutes.
Key EMT routes for newcomers:
- Line 1: Port - Placa d'Espanya - city centre
- Line 5: connects the centre with Son Gotleu and other eastern districts
- Line 21: Palma centre - Son Sant Joan Airport (very important for arrivals and departures)
- Line 25: Palma - Playa de Palma - El Arenal
- Line 46: city centre - Santa Catalina (popular expat neighbourhood)
Prices:
A single journey costs 2 euros, payable in cash to the driver. It is significantly cheaper with the Tarjeta Ciudadana (residents card), which brings the fare down to under 1 euro per trip. As a registered resident of Palma (with empadronamiento) you can apply for this card at the EMT office. You will need your NIE number, proof of empadronamiento and a passport photo.
NitBus (night bus):
On Friday and Saturday nights the NitBus runs on several routes through Palma after midnight. This is particularly handy when you are out in the city in the evening and do not want to rely on a taxi.
All timetables and real-time arrival information are available in the EMT Palma app, which is free to download.
Metro Palma
Since 2007 Palma has had a metro line. Line M1 runs from the Estacio Intermodal in the centre via the UIB (University of the Balearic Islands) to Marratxi. The journey takes only around 15 minutes.
The metro is particularly useful if you live near the university or in Marratxi and commute regularly into the centre. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes and accepts both single tickets and the Tarjeta Intermodal.
The metro network is currently limited to this one line. There are ongoing discussions about expansion, but as of 2026 nothing is under construction. The existing line is nevertheless reliable and punctual. At the Estacio Intermodal you can seamlessly connect to all TIB buses and SFM trains.
Train connections: Inca, Manacor, Sa Pobla
The SFM operates two regular train lines connecting Palma with the interior:
Line T1: Palma - Inca The busiest connection runs from Palma via Santa Maria, Consell and Binissalem to Inca. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Trains run every 20 to 30 minutes during the day.
Line T2: Palma - Manacor This line continues further east to Manacor, Mallorca's second-largest town. The journey takes about an hour. Frequency is slightly lower than on the Inca line.
Line T3: Palma - Sa Pobla From Inca the line continues north to Sa Pobla. This route is particularly relevant for commuters living on the plain north of Inca.
The trains are modern and air-conditioned. Prices are especially good with the Tarjeta Intermodal. All trains depart from the Estacio Intermodal in Palma, the same hub as buses and metro.
Tip: Visit weekly markets by train
The trains to Inca and Sineu are ideal for visiting weekly markets. Take the train in the morning, stroll around the market and head back to Palma in the afternoon. The weekly market in Inca (Thursday) is one of the largest on the island and easy to reach by train.
Tren de Soller - nostalgia on rails
A special highlight is the Tren de Soller. The historic railway, dating from 1912, connects Palma with the mountain village of Soller and passes through the Serra de Tramuntana. The roughly one-hour journey runs through 13 tunnels and over several viaducts - a genuine experience, not just for tourists.
The Tren de Soller is both a tourist attraction and a functioning means of transport. The route was never modernised, and the wooden carriages exude the charm of another era.
Prices:
- Tourists: around 25 euros one way
- Residents (with proof): significantly reduced price
- Return ticket: slightly cheaper than two single tickets
From Soller the historic tram continues to the port at Port de Soller. This leg also costs extra, but it is a lovely experience.
Note: Book ahead in summer
In high season from June to September the Tren de Soller is often fully booked. Reserve your tickets online via the official website to avoid finding yourself turned away. Mornings are the busiest time.
Tarjeta Intermodal and tickets
The Tarjeta Intermodal is the most important card for anyone who uses public transport on Mallorca regularly. It is valid for TIB buses, the metro and SFM trains and offers discounts of up to 50 per cent compared to single tickets.
How to get the card:
- Go to the Estacio Intermodal in Palma (Placa d'Espanya)
- Buy the card at the counter or machine (cost: 3 euros)
- Load credit (from 5 euros)
- Simply hold it against the reader for each journey
The card is impersonal and can be used by several people, provided each person validates separately. Credit can be topped up at the machines at the Estacio Intermodal, at many TIB stops and online.
For Palma residents: Tarjeta Ciudadana
The Tarjeta Ciudadana is the residents card for EMT city buses in Palma. With it you pay under 1 euro per trip instead of 2 euros. The condition: you must be registered in Palma (empadronamiento). Apply for the card at the EMT office with your NIE, proof of empadronamiento and a passport photo.
The two cards complement each other: the Tarjeta Intermodal for everything outside Palma (intercity buses, metro, trains) and the Tarjeta Ciudadana for EMT city buses within Palma.
Apps and timetables
Three apps are particularly useful for getting around on public transport on Mallorca:
TIB app: timetables for all intercity buses, real-time information and journey planning. The app shows you the next connection from your location and notifies you of delays or cancellations.
EMT Palma app: city bus timetables in Palma, real-time arrival times at every stop and a route overview. Particularly handy: you can see in real time when the next bus is coming.
Google Maps: for planning journeys with transfers between different systems, Google Maps works well on Mallorca. Data for TIB, EMT and the metro is integrated.
Alternatively, you will find all timetables on the official websites of TIB (tib.org), EMT (emtpalma.cat) and SFM (trensfm.com).
Taxi and additional options
Beyond public transport, there are other mobility options on Mallorca:
Taxi: Taxis on Mallorca are white with a green roof stripe. The base fare is around 3 to 4 euros and the per-kilometre rate is about 1 euro. A trip from the airport to central Palma costs roughly 20 to 25 euros. You can find taxis at taxi ranks, order one by phone (Radio Taxi: 971 755 440) or book via the FreeNow app.
Bicycle and e-scooter: Palma has a public bike-sharing system (BiciPalma). E-scooters from providers such as Lime and Tier are also available. For shorter distances in the city these are a good alternative. If you prefer to explore the island at your own pace, our guide on the ferry to the mainland has more travel tips.
Rental car: For excursions to remote areas or the beach, a rental car is occasionally worth it. In low season you can get a small car for 20 to 35 euros per day. Providers such as Sixt, Europcar and local companies have branches at the airport and in Palma.
Tips for everyday life
Here are the most important recommendations for using public transport on Mallorca day to day:
Get both the Tarjeta Intermodal and the Tarjeta Ciudadana (if you live in Palma) right from the start. This saves you money on every journey and means you do not have to hunt for change.
Allow a little extra time in the winter months. The frequency of many bus routes is reduced between November and March, and some services disappear entirely.
Use the Estacio Intermodal as your main base. From here you can reach virtually every part of the island, whether by bus, train or metro.
For everyday life in Palma the combination of EMT bus, metro and bicycle is perfectly adequate. You do not need a car in the city. For excursions into the surrounding area you can fall back on TIB buses or an occasional rental car.
If you live inland or in a smaller village, your own car is almost indispensable. The bus connections exist, but the frequency is not enough for daily commuting. In that case it is worth looking at our guide to buying a car on Mallorca.