Touching down in Mallorca feels great. Sun, sea, and a short hop into Palma. This guide keeps it simple so you get from the airport to the city fast, with no drama.
Your options at a glance
- Pre-booked transfer or taxi: door to door, no meter surprises.
- City bus A1: budget friendly, runs often, stops in the centre.
- Car hire: freedom for day trips, extra effort on arrival.
Fastest path: pre-book a transfer
If you value time and certainty, arrange a car in advance. You meet the driver in the terminal, ride straight to your hotel, and skip queues. For a smooth start, book a taxi from Palma Airport. You get a fixed price before you fly and a vehicle that fits your group and luggage.
Why this is worth it
- Fixed fare: know the total before you land.
- Meet and greet: helpful after a late arrival or with kids.
- No waiting: you go when you are ready.
Standard taxi at the rank
Airport taxis are easy to find outside Arrivals. Fares use a meter. An airport supplement may apply. The drive into central Palma is short, roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and where you stay.
Tip: have your hotel address ready on your phone. If you travel with sports gear, ask the driver about space and any surcharges.
Budget route: the A1 city bus
The A1 bus links the airport with key stops in Palma, including the waterfront and the main transport hub. It picks up at Arrivals and Departures. Travel time is about 25 to 35 minutes. Buy tickets at the machine or from the driver, then keep them for checks.
When the bus makes sense
- You pack light and do not mind a brief walk from the stop to your stay.
- Your hotel sits near Plaça d’Espanya, Jaume III, or the seafront.
- You land outside peak heat or you are used to city buses.
Car hire for explorers
Planning day trips to Sóller, Deià, or the coves in the southeast? A rental car is handy. Pick up in the terminal and head straight for the Ma-19. Remember parking rules in the old town are strict. Many hotels offer garages for a fee.
How long does it take?
- Transfer or taxi: about 15–25 minutes to most city hotels.
- Bus A1: about 25–35 minutes, plus time to walk from the stop.
Distance from the airport to the centre is short, roughly 10 km. Traffic is heavier on summer afternoons and Sundays.
Costs, simply put
Bus tickets cost less than a coffee in many airport cafés. Taxis use a meter and may add an airport fee. Pre-booked transfers give you a final price upfront, which helps with group travel and budgeting.
Arrival playbook
- Follow the signs: they are clear in English and Spanish.
- Cash or card: ATMs and exchange kiosks sit in Arrivals, but most services take cards.
- Maps ready: save your hotel pin offline in case mobile data is slow.
- Heat check: summer temps hit hard. Carry water for the bus queue.
When to pre-book vs. go with the flow
- Pre-book a transfer if you land late, travel with kids, carry bulky luggage, or stay outside the centre.
- Grab a taxi if lines are short and you want to be on the road now.
- Take the bus if you have time, travel light, and your stop is close. Yes it can be busy in peak months.
About Kiwitaxi
Kiwitaxi.com connects travellers with licensed local drivers. You choose the car class, see the price in advance, and get support if plans change. Simple and calm after a flight.
Final word
Palma rewards a quick, clean arrival. Pick the option that fits your trip, not the one that looks cheapest on a sign. If in doubt, lock in a transfer and start your holiday the moment you walk out of the gate.
What say you?
Thoughts on getting from Palma Airport to Palma City?
Let’s hear it!
