Getting around
Mallorca without a hire car – how public transport works
Three systems cover the island: city buses in Palma, intercity buses to all larger towns and the train to the interior.
Is a holiday without a car right for me? Transfer from the airport
The intercity lines connect Palma with almost all larger towns.
The short answer
Can you get around Mallorca without a car?
Within Palma and along the large coastal resorts, yes: EMT city buses, TIB intercity buses and the SFM trains to Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor cover the main routes. It gets difficult with remote fincas, small coves without a bus service and day trips to several places one after another.
The three systems at a glance
Prices as a rough guide – the operators’ current fares always apply.
EMT Palma (city buses)
- Network
- Over 30 lines in Palma and the surrounding area
- Fare system
- More closely integrated into the TIB system since 2026
- Payment
- Contactless bank card on all buses
TIB network (bus, train, metro)
- Network
- Intercity bus, SFM train and metro on the same zone fare
- Zones
- 0 to a maximum of 4 zone jumps
- Coast
- Trains do not go to the sea
Standard prices with a bank card
- 0 jumps
- €1.80
- 1 jump
- €2.70
- 2 jumps
- €3.60
- 3 jumps
- €4.50
- 4 jumps
- €5.40
Special case: the Sóller railway
The historic narrow-gauge railway to Sóller dating from 1912 and the tram to Port de Sóller are tourist attractions in their own right. They are independent of the regular bus and rail system and not included in its fares. The current official prices:
Sóller railway and tram (official prices)
- Palma – Sóller, single
- €23
- Palma – Sóller, return
- €30
- Tram Sóller – Port de Sóller, single
- €10
- Combined ticket Palma – Port de Sóller – Palma
- €40
Tickets & payment
In 2026, residents of the Balearic Islands travel free with the Tarjeta Única or Tarjeta Intermodal on the TIB network – intercity bus, train and metro. The card is reserved for residents; holidaymakers pay the standard fares by bank card or with a single ticket.
Bus, train and metro on the TIB network use the same zone fare system with 0 to a maximum of 4 zone jumps. If you pay with a contactless bank card, simply hold it to the reader when boarding – no advance booking and no app. Depending on the number of zone jumps, standard fares range from €1.80 (0 jumps) to €5.40 (4 jumps).
Higher fares apply on the TIB airport lines – the amount depends on the route and the number of zone jumps. Since 2026, EMT has been more closely integrated into the common system in terms of fares and technology, and contactless bank card payment is possible on all EMT buses.
Tarjeta Única
The digital intermodal card is still in its pilot phase in 2026: registered residents travel free with it, but it is not yet available everywhere as a mobile ticketing system for all lines.
Where can you get to easily without a hire car – and where not?
Well connected
Palma, Playa de Palma and the larger coastal resorts along the main lines, such as Alcúdia, Cala Millor and Santa Ponça.
Difficult
Remote fincas, small coves in the south and east without a bus service, and spontaneous trips to several places on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the bus from the airport to Palma cost?
EMT line A1 connects the airport and Palma centre. It is best to check the current journey time and price directly with EMT Palma, as fares can change.
Can I take the train to the sea?
No. The SFM trains run inland to Inca, Manacor and Sa Pobla, not directly to the coast. For beaches you need buses or a hire car.
Is there a day ticket for bus and train?
TIB does not offer a day ticket for holidaymakers; you pay per journey, most easily by contactless bank card. Current fares are on tib.caib.es.
How do I pay on the intercity bus?
The easiest way is with a contactless debit or credit card directly when boarding. No advance booking is necessary.
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