Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of the busiest in Spain, handling a huge volume of summer holiday traffic from across Europe. The airport sits about 9 km east of the city centre — close enough for a quick transfer, though Mallorca's road network gets congested at peak times. The main public transport link is the EMT bus route A1, supported by a well-organised taxi system and a network of private transfers for resort-bound travellers.
EMT Bus A1: the direct city link
The A1 (also labelled as the airport express bus) is run by EMT Palma, the city's municipal bus operator, and is the principal public transport connection between the airport and the city centre. It runs from the airport terminals to Plaça d'Espanya, the main transport interchange at the heart of Palma, in roughly 30 minutes in normal traffic.
From Plaça d'Espanya, you have direct access to the city's urban bus network, the Tren de Sóller heritage railway, and the TIB interurban buses to towns around the island. It is a genuinely useful hub.
The A1 runs frequently throughout the day and into the evening, with broadly half-hourly services at quieter times and more frequent departures during the summer peak. Tickets are purchased on board or at the bus stop machines. The fare is low compared to a taxi and represents good value for solo travellers or couples.
In peak summer season (July–August), road congestion between the airport and Palma can significantly extend journey times. Allow extra time if you have a connection to catch, especially if taking the train on from Plaça d'Espanya.
Bus to Port and Tourist Areas
If your hotel is in the resort strip of El Arenal / Platja de Palma — the long beach running east of the city — the EMT line 25 connects the airport to that area without going into the city centre first. Other TIB interurban routes serve resorts across Mallorca from Plaça d'Espanya, so Palma is a natural interchange rather than a dead end.
Taxi: comfortable but more costly
Taxis are available from the official rank immediately outside each arrivals exit. Mallorca uses a metered fare system with supplements for airport departures and large luggage items. Journey time to the city centre is typically 20–30 minutes, varying considerably in high season. For a group of three or four, splitting a taxi brings the per-person cost close to the bus fare while saving time and avoiding the crowds at peak departures.
Only use taxis from the official rank — yellow cars with a black stripe in Palma. Unlicensed vehicles occasionally approach passengers in terminals during busy periods.
Ride-hailing and private transfers
Cabify operates in Palma; Uber has had limited presence in the Balearics, so check availability in the app before relying on it. Pre-booked private transfers are a popular choice for travellers heading directly to hotels in Alcúdia, Port de Pollença, Cala d'Or and other resorts around the island, where public transport involves changes and significantly longer journey times than a direct transfer.
Hire car: the island option
Mallorca is one of Europe's most popular self-drive destinations, and the airport has a large concentration of hire car desks. Picking up a car on arrival makes excellent sense if you intend to tour the island's Serra de Tramuntana mountains, visit smaller coves on the east coast, or stay outside Palma. Road infrastructure is good, and many of the island's best corners are impractical without your own transport. Parking in central Palma is limited and paid, so consider dropping the car before entering the city proper.
Getting around Palma without a car
Within the city, the EMT bus network is extensive and taxis are plentiful. Palma is also very walkable in the historic centre, and cycling infrastructure has improved considerably. The historic cathedral, old town, and waterfront are all reachable on foot from most central hotels. For day trips to Sóller in the mountains, the Ferrocarril de Sóller is one of the most scenic narrow-gauge railways in Spain, departing from Plaça d'Espanya.
Which option should you choose?
The EMT A1 bus is the practical first choice for solo travellers and pairs heading into central Palma: it is cheap, direct and drops you exactly where you need to be for onward connections. A taxi suits groups or anyone with heavy luggage who wants a door-to-door service. If you are heading to a resort rather than the city, a private transfer is usually the most practical and often the most economical option once you factor in the combined bus and taxi cost at the other end.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus from Palma Airport to the city centre?
Yes. The EMT line A1 runs directly from the airport terminals to Plaça d'Espanya in central Palma, taking about 30 minutes. It operates throughout the day with frequent departures in summer.
How much does a taxi from Palma Airport to the centre cost?
Taxis are metered with an airport supplement. The total to the city centre depends on traffic and the exact destination; journey time is typically 20–30 minutes. It is considerably more than the bus but convenient for groups or late arrivals.
Is there a train from Palma Airport to the city?
There is no mainline rail connection between the airport and the city. The Ferrocarril de Sóller and the Tren de Sóller depart from Plaça d'Espanya in the city — you need to reach the city first by bus or taxi.
How do I get from Palma Airport to Alcúdia or Port de Pollença?
Public transport involves travelling into Palma and changing to a TIB interurban bus, which adds time. Many travellers to northern Mallorca use a pre-booked private transfer from the airport for a direct door-to-door journey.
Sources and further reading:
- EMT Palma bus routes and fares: EMT Palma (emtpalma.cat).
- Interurban bus network: TIB (tib.org).
- Airport information: AENA (aena.es).
- Ferrocarril de Sóller: fssoller.es.