Travel by Bus in Mallorca – Complete Guide to TIB & EMT

Bus Travel in Mallorca
Mallorca has an extensive bus system that connects Palma with nearly every corner of the island. It’s split between:
- TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears): Red and yellow buses that run between towns and resorts.
- EMT Palma: Blue and white city buses serving Palma and nearby suburbs.
For visitors, buses are one of the most affordable and eco-friendly ways to explore the island, whether you’re heading from Palma to Alcúdia’s beaches, Sóller’s mountains, or Es Trenc’s salt coast.
👉 Related: Train Travel in Mallorca | Driving in Mallorca
🗺️ TIB – Intercity Buses
TIB buses connect Palma’s Estació Intermodal (Plaça d’Espanya) with towns and resorts across Mallorca.
Route | Destination | Duration from Palma | Best For |
302 | Alcúdia & Port d’Alcúdia | ~1h 10m | Beaches, marina, family resorts |
301 | Can Picafort | ~1h 20m | Long sandy beaches, nightlife |
501 | Campos & Ses Salines | ~1h | Salt flats, Es Trenc beach access |
520 | Cala d’Or | ~1h 40m | Popular southeast resort |
204 | Port de Sóller (via Sóller) | ~40–50m | Mountain day trips |
200 | Valldemossa & Deià | ~40–60m | Tramuntana cultural gems |
- Tickets: Buy via TIB app, on board (contactless only), or at Intermodal station.
- Discounts: Intermodal card reduces fares significantly.
- Luggage: Large suitcases are stored under the bus.
👉 Related: Explore Alcúdia, Mallorca | Sóller Guide
🚍 EMT Palma – City Buses
Palma’s EMT network covers urban and suburban routes, perfect for:
- Airport Transfers – Line A1 connects Palma Airport → City Centre in ~20 minutes.
- Beaches Near Palma – Lines to Cala Major, Illetas, Playa de Palma, Can Pastilla.
- Neighborhoods – Santa Catalina, El Molinar, Son Vida, and more.
Line | Route | Duration | Best For |
A1 | Palma Airport ↔ City Centre | ~20 min | Fast, affordable airport link |
3 | Portopí ↔ Cala Major ↔ Illetas | ~25–30 min | Beaches west of Palma |
25 | Palma Centre ↔ Playa de Palma ↔ Arenal | ~30 min | Popular beach resorts east of Palma |
7 | Circular route via Santa Catalina & Paseo Marítimo | ~20–30 min | Easy city sightseeing |
👉 Related: Playa de Palma Guide
➤ Discover More: Mallorca Fashion Outlet
Planning a shopping day near Palma? Get our complete guide to shops, outlet map, train/bus directions, cinema, dining, and money-saving tips — all in one place.
👉 Mallorca Fashion Outlet – Complete Palma Weekly Guide
💶 Tickets & Costs
- TIB Buses: Palma–Alcúdia from ~€6.50 (cheaper with Intermodal card).
- EMT Buses: Single ticket ~€2–5 depending on route (A1 airport line: €5).
- Payment: Contactless card, app, or cash (only EMT accepts coins).
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, get the Intermodal Card at Palma’s station for discounts on both TIB buses and trains.
📅 Timetables & Frequency
- TIB Buses: Every 30–60 minutes on popular routes (Alcúdia, Sóller). Less frequent for smaller towns.
- EMT Buses: Every 5–20 minutes during the day. Night buses available on weekends.
👉 Full schedules: TIB Official Site | EMT Palma Website
🌟 Why Take the Bus in Mallorca?
- 🚗 No parking stress in busy resorts.
- 🌱 Eco-friendly compared to car rentals.
- 💶 Affordable way to travel long distances.
- 🚍 Good coverage – especially from Palma to beach resorts.
Do I need a car if I use buses?
Not necessarily — most towns and popular beaches are connected, but remote coves are only accessible by car.
Can I take a bus directly from Palma Airport to resorts?
Are buses reliable in Mallorca?
Yes, especially the main routes. In summer, buses can be crowded — board early in Palma.