Getting around Mallorca can be either wonderfully easy or unnecessarily stressful. The island offers several transport options, but not all of them are equally suitable when you’re travelling on holiday or for work.
At certain times of the year — especially during the summer months — traffic can be heavy and parking quickly becomes a real challenge. Faced with this reality, alternatives such as trains, buses and private transfers allow you to avoid these inconveniences, explore the island without stress and enjoy Mallorca exactly as you imagined.
And all of this without giving anything up. These options give you the freedom to leave the wheel behind, take in Mallorca’s beautiful landscapes, relax and move comfortably around the island — enhancing your overall travel experience from the very start.
What Is the Best Way to Get Around Mallorca on Holiday?
If you’d rather forget about parking, driving unfamiliar roads or navigating busy traffic, trains, buses and private VTC transfers are your best allies when travelling around Mallorca.
Beyond comfort, these transport options offer good connections to the island’s key areas and to many of Mallorca’s most popular holiday destinations.
For example, many visitors choose to book a private transfer from Palma Airport directly to their hotel — whether that’s in Palma city itself or in popular resorts such as Alcúdia, Palmanova, Cala Ratjada or Calas de Mallorca. Private transfers in Mallorca operate island-wide, connecting the airport with virtually any destination.
Booking a transfer also gives you the opportunity to explore routes beyond the usual tourist paths, optimise travel time and make the most of every minute of your stay.
Getting Around Mallorca by Private Transfer
With a private transfer in Mallorca, everything is organised in advance: pick-up point, schedules and routes. There’s no rushing, no uncertainty and no stress.
At SaltyDriver, for example, we design transfers tailored to each client’s needs, offering personalised options and local recommendations that help you make the most of every journey.
With a professional driver at the wheel, you avoid unnecessary detours, unexpected diversions, long taxi queues and endless bus stops. Most importantly, you remove the uncertainty of arriving late — or at the wrong place altogether.
Although private transfers are not the cheapest option, they are often the preferred choice for travellers who value speed, comfort and reliability. There are no waiting times, no fixed schedules and no transfers to change — and no need to worry about parking once you arrive.
When Should You Book a Private Transfer in Mallorca?
Private transfers are the best option if comfort and punctuality are your priorities. They are particularly recommended for:
- Arrivals and departures at Palma Airport
- Group travel or business trips
- Family holidays, especially when travelling with grandparents or children
- Short stays or accommodation in Palma city centre
- Corporate events or wedding transport in Mallorca
They are also ideal if you are travelling with lots of luggage, a bicycle or pets, as private transfers offer far fewer restrictions than buses or trains.
What to Consider When Booking a Transfer in Mallorca
It’s essential to choose a licensed and professional transfer service with fixed prices from Palma Airport to any part of Mallorca — such as the service offered by SaltyDriver, with its wide VTC vehicle fleet.
Make sure there are no hidden charges for luggage or flight delays, and check that customer support is available 24/7. It’s also advisable to receive your driver’s contact details in advance, in case of any last-minute changes.
For added peace of mind, ask whether airport waiting time is included. At SaltyDriver, all drivers wait inside Palma Airport’s arrivals terminal, holding a sign with the client’s name.
A professional driver will also assist with luggage and escort you directly to the vehicle.
Always book in advance, especially during high season. At SaltyDriver, you can reserve your transfer directly via the website or app (with instant fixed pricing) for airport pick-ups or drop-offs. For other routes or bespoke services, you can contact info@saltydriver.com.
Local drivers are also an invaluable source of advice — from avoiding traffic jams to accessing restricted areas and reaching hotels smoothly and efficiently.
Choosing the Right Private Transfer Vehicle in Mallorca
One of the main advantages of booking a private transfer is the ability to choose the vehicle that best suits your trip — something that simply isn’t possible with public transport.
This allows you to personalise your journey based on the number of passengers, luggage requirements and desired comfort level.
At SaltyDriver, the VTC fleet includes:
- Standard cars (up to 4 passengers)
- VIP vehicles (up to 3 or 7 passengers)
- High-end transfer vehicles for families or groups (up to 8 passengers)
- Hybrid and electric vehicles
Getting Around Mallorca by Train
If you’re arriving at Palma Airport by transfer and plan to use the train later, it’s best to head directly to Palma’s Intermodal Station, located in Plaça d’Espanya. From here, you can access trains, metro lines and buses.
The TIB public train service is a good option for travelling to inland towns and the eastern part of the island without worrying about traffic or parking. However, you’ll need to adapt to fixed timetables and arrange additional transport once you reach your destination.
From Palma, trains connect you with some of Mallorca’s most traditional towns — ideal if you have time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Popular destinations accessible by train include:
- Inca, known for its leather tradition and Camper factory
- Binissalem, the island’s main wine-producing area
- Sa Pobla, a town with deep agricultural roots
- Manacor, home to the famous pearl factories
When Is the Train a Good Option in Mallorca?
Travelling by train is ideal if you’re staying in or near Palma. All services depart from the Intermodal Station at Plaça d’Espanya.
It’s a good option for day trips inland, with three main lines:
- Palma–Inca (T1)
- Palma–Sa Pobla (T2)
- Palma–Manacor (T3)
Trains are punctual and efficient, but they do not reach coastal areas and often require combining transport options (bus or transfer).
Bicycles are allowed free of charge, although restrictions may apply during peak hours. Pets are also permitted under specific conditions.
A Must-Do Experience: The Sóller Train (1912)
One of Mallorca’s most iconic transport experiences is the historic Sóller Train, inaugurated in 1912.
This beautifully preserved railway connects Palma with the Sóller Valley in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through tunnels and dramatic mountain scenery.
When to Take the Sóller Train
- Ideal for visiting one of Mallorca’s most picturesque areas
- Perfect if you prefer not to drive narrow mountain roads
- Helps avoid heavy traffic into the valley during high season
The station is located opposite Palma’s main train station (Eusebi Estada Street). Tickets are more expensive than standard public transport and can be purchased online. Service is limited in winter due to maintenance.
Getting Around Mallorca by Bus
The TIB bus network is the island’s most extensive public transport system, connecting Palma with towns, beaches and tourist areas across Mallorca.
Buses operate on five main routes:
- Line 100: South-west Mallorca (Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponça, Andratx)
- Line 200: Serra de Tramuntana (Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx)
- Line 300: North Mallorca (Alcúdia, Pollença)
- Line 400: East Mallorca (Manacor, Cala Ratjada, Cala Bona, Cala Millor)
- Line 500: South-east Mallorca (El Arenal to Colònia de Sant Jordi)
Buses are modern, air-conditioned and allow luggage, but journeys can be long and frequencies lower in rural areas and during winter.
Enjoy Mallorca Without Complications
Transport plays a key role in enjoying Mallorca — an island of 3,640 km² filled with charming villages, lively resorts and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.
Choosing the right way to get around allows you to save time and enjoy the island from the very first moment.
If you need more information about private transfer services in Mallorca, feel free to contact us via our online form, email or by phone at (+34) 871 96 14 71 — with no obligation.
