The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of four main islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — set in the western Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. Renowned for their crystalline turquoise waters, dramatic limestone mountains, and a stunning array of hidden coves, the islands attract everyone from beach lovers and hikers to world-class clubbers and luxury travelers. Each island has its own distinct character: Mallorca offers the most variety with its Gothic capital Palma, the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains, and a world-class food scene; Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its prehistoric monuments and pristine wild beaches; Ibiza is globally famous for its nightlife and bohemian spirit; and tiny Formentera offers some of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary beach scenery.
- Public
- TIB buses cover main tourist routes but don't reach remote beaches; frequency varies
- Taxi
- Readily available, metered, and reliable; apps like Taxi Palma available
- Rental
- Car rental is the best way to explore the islands fully; book in advance in peak season
- Walking
- Historic centers of Palma, Mahón, and Ibiza Town are very walkable
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- €25 from PMI to Palma center, 20 min
- Taxi Info
- Metered taxis from official ranks outside arrivals; fixed zone rates apply
- Bus
- €5, TIB bus line 1 from PMI to Palma center every 15 min
- Bus Info
- Public bus from airport to center; journey 30-40 minutes
- Private
- €40-60, pre-booked private transfer
- Private Info
- Book online in advance; many hotels offer airport pickup service
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
TIB buses: €1.75-5 per journey depending on distance; frequency every 30-60 min
Alternatives
Taxi apps (Taxi Palma, Kaptea), scooter rental, boat taxis to remote beaches
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- €3.50 base fare + €1.10/km (Palma rates); higher at night and weekends
- Apps
- Taxi Palma, Freenow
- App Names
- Taxi Palma, Freenow
- Typical Fare
- €15 for typical city to beach journey in Palma
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
TIB coaches connect main towns across each island from €2-8
Flights
Inter-island flights from €30 on Air Europa and Iberia Express
Private
Ferry between islands from €25; fast ferry from €35
Rental
Car rental from €30/day with full insurance
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
The Balearic Islands are served by three international airports (Palma, Mahón, Ibiza) and connected to mainland Spain and each other by ferry. Within each island, public buses, taxis, and car rentals are the main transport options.
Airports
Palma de Mallorca Airport
Ibiza Airport
Menorca Airport (Mahón)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
TIB App
Official Balearic Islands bus app with routes, schedules, and real-time tracking
Freenow
Taxi booking app working in Palma
Baleàlia Lines
Book inter-island ferry tickets from Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car for at least 2-3 days to reach the best hidden coves and beaches
Book inter-island ferries weeks in advance for July-August crossings
The Sóller train and tram from Palma is a must-do tourist experience
Download the TIB bus app for real-time schedules
Formentera is best explored by bicycle - the island is flat and well-marked
Ibiza's party buses (Discobus) run all night connecting clubs in summer