Car, buss or taxi? To and from Palma de Mallorca Airport
For first-time visitors (perhaps for many others too for that matter), arriving at Palma de Mallorca Airport can be quite an experience — especially during high season. After leaving the aircraft, collecting your luggage, and making your way through the busy arrivals hall, one thing becomes clear: it’s time to decide how to get to your destination.
Perhaps you have a plan. If not, what options do you have? Fortunately, there are several transport options available, depending on your budget, travel plans, and level of comfort.
Taxi – fast and convenient
Taxis are easy to find at Palma Airport. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal, clearly signposted and well organised.
Taxis operate on a fixed tariff system, with prices depending on distance, time of day, and luggage. During peak season or late hours, waiting times can increase, but overall this is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach your accommodation.
Drivers are generally friendly, help with luggage, and are usually familiar with the hotels they are driving to. Taxis are equipped with taximeters and operate with day and night fares (21:00–07:00). A trip to central Palma takes around 15–20 minutes and costs approximately €25. Payment can be made by credit card or in cash.
Keep in mind that Saturdays are particularly busy during the high season due to heavy air traffic. This often leads to queues, as many travellers choose taxis to get into Palma. You should also be prepared for fast-moving traffic, both on the way to and within the city, with drivers often going quicker than you might be used to.
Of course, it is possible to book a taxi from the airport to any place on the island, example: travel time and price, from the airport (4 people per car):
Valdemossa, 30 minutes, €45–55
Palmanova, 20-30 minutes, €40–45
Port d’Andratx, 40 minutes, €75–85
Port de Sóller, 40 minutes, €70–80
Cala d’Or, 1 hour, €110–115
Cala Millor, 1 hour, €85–105
Alcudia, 50 minutes, €85–100
Cala Ratjada, 1 hour and 15minutes, €95–115
The complete price list can be found here: http://www.radiotaxiciutat.com/reservar-taxi2.aspx?lang=EN
Bus – affordable and reliable
Public buses offer a budget-friendly alternative and connect the airport with Palma city and other parts of the island.
The airport bus stops are located just outside the arrivals terminal. The most popular route is the airport bus to Palma city centre, A1, which runs frequently throughout the day and takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The bus stops at Plaza Espana and continues to Avenida de Jaume III. Buses depart every 15 minutes (30th minute after 21.00) and costs 5€ for youth and adult.
More info about stops and timetable: https://www.emtpalma.cat/es/linea/-/L/17/aeroport-palma-centre
There are also intercity bus lines that connect the airport with destinations across Mallorca, making it possible to reach many areas without changing transport. Tickets are affordable, but space for luggage can be limited during busy periods.
A2 to S’Arenal
A11 to Camp de Mar via Magaluf and Peguera
A32 to Can Picaford via Inca and Alcudia
A42 to Cala Bona via Manacor, Portocristo and Cala Millor
A51 to Campos via S’Arenal and Llucmajor
Worth keeping in mind, many of the buses that run these routes are city buses. There are places designed for luggage on board as well as usb ports for mobile charging. Some lines such as the A42 from Cala Bona to the airport can be full on Saturdays.
The ticket price is determined by the distance to the destination and the number of stops and is always the lowest if the ticket is booked online. Example travel time and fare, from the airport:
Palmanova with bus line A11, travel time about 45 minutes, fare €5–12 pp
Cala d’Or with bus lines A51 and 515, travel time about 1,5 hrs, ticket price €10–15 pp
Alcudia with bus line A32, journey time about 1 hour and 30 minutes, ticket price €8–13 pp
Valldemossa with bus lines A1 and 203, journey time about 1 hour and 45 minutes, ticket price €9–11 pp
Cala Ratjada with bus lines A42 and 411, journey time about 2 hours, ticket price €13–18 pp
More Info: https://www.tib.org/en/inici
Airport transfers
Private transfer – comfort and peace of mind
If you prefer a hassle-free arrival, a private transfer can be a good option. Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your destination without stops along the way.
This option is particularly popular for families, larger groups, or travellers arriving late at night. While more expensive than public transport, it offers comfort, fixed pricing, and peace of mind.
One-way travel to the centre of Palma costs from €30 to over €100. The parking lot is located directly outside the arrivals terminal.
Car rental – total freedom
Not the first choice if you are only going to be in Palma over a week-end. But definitely the best option if you want complete flexibility during your stay in Mallorca. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, visit smaller beaches, and reach places that are difficult to access by public transport.
A few car rental companies have offices at the airport, just eafter the arrivals haul. Others are located outside the airport area and offer free shuttle services. The transfer usually takes no more than 5–10 minutes. During high season, it’s highly recommended to book your car in advance to secure better prices and availability.
The range of car models is wide and prices naturally vary. However, if your requirements are modest, it’s possible to find cars from around €30 per day during the high season. In the low season, prices for a Group A car can drop to as little as €10 per day. Using a price comparison website before booking is always a good idea.
Car rental companies with offices at the airport: Sixt, Europcar, RecordGo, Hertz, Okmobility, Goldcar, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.
Bus via tour operator
When booking a package holiday, you usually have the option to add a transfer to your hotel. It’s an affordable and convenient choice, as you don’t have to arrange transportation on your own. In most cases, the transfer is by bus and includes several stops, depending on where other travellers are staying. Some tour operators also offer private transfers, which are ideal if you want to avoid multiple stops and travel directly from the airport to your hotel
Which option should you choose?
The best way to get to and from Palma de Mallorca Airport depends on your travel plans:
- Taxi if you want speed and convenience
- Bus if you’re travelling light and on a budget
- Private transfer if you value comfort and simplicity
- Car rental if you plan to explore the island beyond the main resorts
No matter which option you choose, planning ahead will save you time, money, and stress — especially during Mallorca’s busy summer months.
