Getting Around Palma
Palma de Mallorca is a compact, largely walkable city, and most visitors find that a mix of walking, public transport and the occasional taxi covers everything they need. The island beyond the city is a different matter: it is too large to cover on foot or by bike alone, and buses, while they connect most of the island, run on limited schedules, especially at weekends. If your plans stretch beyond Palma, a rental car is the most flexible option; if you are staying in the city, you can comfortably rely on your feet and public transport.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is the best way to explore Palma itself. The historic centre has narrow streets, and even drivers are advised to park and walk rather than attempt to navigate them by car. The city has also become increasingly bike-friendly, making cycling a realistic option for getting around town.
A useful perk for visitors: if you have used the city's public transport, you can pick up a free rental bike at the information point at the Intermodal Station on Plaça d'Espanya. Bikes must be returned the same day. Opening hours vary by season, so check locally when you arrive.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Palma's public transport network is coordinated by the Consorci de Transports de Mallorca (TIB), which brings together the island's bus services and the rail network centred on the city. The Intermodal Station on Plaça d'Espanya is the main hub, where you can connect between services and pick up tickets, passes and information.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses connect most of the island, though schedules are limited, particularly at weekends, so plan ahead if you are relying on them for day trips. Tickets can be purchased on board, and fares vary depending on where you depart from and where you are going.
For multiple journeys, the rechargeable Intermodal Card is the practical choice. It is available at the Palma Intermodal Station and can be topped up for repeated trips.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Palma are metered and typically cream and black, and they serve tourist attractions, resorts and hotels. They are most practical within Palma and for trips to and from the airport rather than for covering the whole island. Rates are higher late at night and on public holidays, so expect to pay more outside standard daytime hours.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Mallorca Airport, sits just southeast of the city. It is served by airlines including Iberia, Vueling and Air Europa, with connections from mainland Spanish cities such as Madrid and Valencia. Ferries, including car-capable services, also reach Palma from Barcelona, Ibiza and Valencia if you are arriving by sea.
For the onward trip into Palma, taxis are a practical option, as they are best suited to journeys within the city and to and from the airport. Rental cars are available at the airport from agencies including Avis, Hertz and Europcar, along with local firms such as Sixt and Centauro, which are sometimes cheaper. If you do rent a car, note that an international driving permit is required, using a phone while driving is illegal, and rental company maps are often outdated, so it is worth buying a current map at a bookshop or petrol station.