Whether you’re on holiday with the family making plans to explore, or a resident raising an independence-craving teen, getting around Mallorca can be a breeze when you get to grips with the island’s easy-to-navigate, budget-friendly public transport network. Here’s a simple family friendly guide to get you and the kids on the move.
Bus, Metro, and Train Services Most lines operate from (or connect to) the main station, Estació Intermodal, at Plaça d’Espanya in Palma. This central bus and train station is located underground, along with its ticket office, public bathrooms, luggage storage, cafes and a supermarket. It is also conveniently located for those wishing to stroll into the old town or visit Palma’s big El Corte Inglés department store, plus there’s a super train themed playground just around the corner at Parc de Ses Estacions.
Buses
There are two bus lines you need to know – the blue, white and green Palma city buses (EMT) operating throughout Palma, and the red and yellow inter-island buses (TIB) taking you from city or airport across the island.
EMT Buses (Palma)
- Routes: Connects Palma & neighbouring towns with the city centre, most stopping at Estació Intermodal. 2 lines also operate from the airport, to Palma city centre or Arenal.
- Tickets: Buy on board (2€ per journey, 3€ to the port, 5€ to the airport – 2024 prices). Cash only, accepts up to 10€ notes. Prepaid cards (10€ for ten journeys) are available at the new recharge machines (limited stations), ticket offices & some news kiosks.
- Children under 5 travel free with a ticketed adult.
- Pushchairs: For pushchairs, buggies or prams, use the middle door to park in the designated area.
- More info: Visit EMT Palma for timetables and routes.
TIB Buses (Island-wide)
- Routes: Departing from the central bus station as Plaça Espana and covering 6 regions with lines 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and ‘A’ (Airport), each line with a number of routes to cover the broader area. Comfortable buses with air conditioning, some with luggage racks others with under bus storage.
- Tickets: Contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) is the easiest and most economical. Tap ON and OFF, one card can be used for up to 5 people. Prepaid online tickets save 40% (vs cash) using a QR code for entry/exit, but are not currently available for airport tickets. Cash payment is also accepted on board (up to 20€ notes).
- Children under 4 travel free if not occupying a seat (otherwise they pay adult fare)
- Pushchairs: Boarding with pushchairs varies by bus-type type; the larger (cross-island) buses will require you to fold it and place it in the hold (ask the driver to open it before boarding). Some ‘local’ TIB buses will allow you to board with the pushchair open. Be prepared to wake a sleeping child!
- More info: Visit TIB for timetables and fares. Note that peak routes can be busy in summer (and you may have to wait for the next bus)
Metro (TIB)
Palma’s M1 metro line connects the city centre (Plaça Espana) with the University (UIB), soon expanding to Parc BIT (end 2024). Board with your pushchairs, stations have lifts/ramps for wheelchairs as required. Tickets can be purchased in cash or by card / contactless at ticket machines or stations.
Train (TIB)
From Estació Intermodal in Palma, trains go to Inca (T1), Sa Pobla (T2), and Manacor (T3). All main stations are accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. Visit TIB for routes and timetables. Tickets can be bought with cash, card or contactless at stations. Note that the Soller train (ferrocarril & tram) are NOT included in the network.
Residents Benefits
- Intermodal Card: Residents (adults & children aged 4-16) with a NIE and Mallorca address can apply for this card, allowing free (2024, tbc 2025) or discounted travel across TIB and EMT networks. Apply at customer service points (Palma, Magaluf, Alcudia…) or your local town hall. Info and forms are here. A min. balance of €5 should be maintained on the card. Remember to tap in AND out!
- Citizen’s Card: Discounted or free travel for residents of Palma, participating municipalities and some wider Baleric concessions. On EMT Palma routes only. More info here.
Taxis & Transfers
Taxis are comfortable, regulated (white in colour, taxi licence displayed at all times), and metered. In summer however, they can be scarce at peak times and should not to be relied on when traveling in the heat with small children unless pre-booked (see below). Private transfers offer a reliable alternative, particularly if you are not travelling with the correct child seat.
- Capacity: Almost all taxis take a maximum of 4 passengers (no matter how small the 5th child is – its the law). Larger families will likely need two taxis or a private transfer.
- Hailing: Find the closest taxi rank (usually signposted or ask a local) or, if lucky, hail on the street. You may also pre-book by phone (where available) or on the ‘1taxi!’ app. Local contacts include:
- Taxis Palma Radio: +34 971 401 414
- Calvià Taxis: +34 971 134 700 / +34 971 680 970
- Alcúdia Taxis: +34 971 549 870 / +34 971 549 766
- Child Seats: Children are permitted to travel in the rear of a taxi without a child-restraint system or car seat as long as the taxi is only driving around an urban or city area (no motorways / long distances). If travelling with children in a taxi, it is always advisable to use a child seat, consider booking a private transfer with the correct seat pre-fitted.
- Private Transfers: Convenient for families of 5+, larger groups or those requiring pre-fitted car seats; many companies offer the service on the island, browse a few of our favourites in travel & transport. Note that children of 135cm or less in height are not allowed to travel in the front of taxis or private cars unless certain exemptions are met (more info here) and must travel in the rear with a correctly fitted child or booster seat. Note that all children under 12yrs (and those above 12yrs if their height is 135cm or less) are required to use the correct child restraint car seat in the rear of the car.
- Uber: Is available on the island but ride options are limited to regulated premium vehicles. The Uber app will also request typical local taxis and Uber does have a number of larger 7+ seaters.
And finally, for those arriving at the airport;
Arriving at Palma Airport with the family, you have a number of options;
- Taxi: Head to the main taxi rank for a metered local taxi (you will likely need 2 taxis if more than 4pax, 7-seaters are rare). If you are traveling without a car seat and the journey involves motorway travel, you will need to book a private transfer with the correct car seat fitted.
- EMT bus: Hop on the EMT bus A1 (to central Palma) or A2 (to Arenal)
- TIB bus: Take a TIB ‘A-line’ bus towards Cala Bona/Cala Millor, Campos, Alcudia/Can Picafort or Palmanova/Camp de Mar (with stops)
- Private Transfer: available where pre-arranged. Don’t forget to book your child car seats in advance.
- Private Car Hire: all major car rental companies are represented (and don’t forget to book your child seats).
Happy Travels!
