Getting around Majorca
Majorca is a large island when compared with the other Balearic Islands and its good network of roads, coupled with two train lines along popular tourist routes and an extensive bus system, makes getting around Majorca straightforward and easy.
The best way to get around Majorca is by car and there are numerous car hire companies in Palma de Mallorca and also in other major resorts and various places scattered around the island. Majorca has four short motorways: the airport-bound PM19; the PM20 Palma bypass; the PM1 linking the capital with Palma Nova and Magaluf; and the PM27 linking Palma with Inca.
A number of other main roads radiate out from the capital to various points around Majorca and it is possible to completely loop the island by car. Some of the mountain roads have incredible switch-backs (U turns) that should be negotiated with care, especially in the high season when the roads are at their busiest. Scooters can also be rented in various resorts, but are not recommended as fatal accidents on the island are common.
Majorca has two train lines that head north from Plaça de España in Palma; one goes to Soller, a picturesque mountain trail in Majorca’s northwest, and the other to Inca, Majorca’s second city situated in the island’s centre. The Soller journey is highly recommended as it pitches and rocks its way among lovely landscapes scattered with olive groves. The train also carries on to Puerto de Soller on the coast.
Majorca’s efficient bus service is the second best way to get around the island. Regular buses run to virtually all of the island’s resorts; however, services to inland destinations are less frequent.
For resort hopping, using the local taxi service is a quick and easy way for getting around. Taxis are fairly inexpensive, with tariffs posted at taxi ranks, and taxis are usually metered. If they are not metered, always agree on the price before getting in. Water-taxis between resorts are also available.
Getting to and from Palma de Mallorca International Airport
Bus number 25 is the most efficient service from the airport to Palma and it departs every 30 minutes for the 25-minute non-stop journey. Bus number 17 also plies the same route with stops along the way. The PM19 motorway and Paseo Maritimo lead to the centre of Palma, while those heading for Magaluf and Palma Nova should take the PM20 Palma bypass and then the PM1 towards the resorts. Taxis take 15 minutes to reach central Palma and leave from door D outside Arrivals.
