Shuttle Service from Palma Airport: The Easiest Ways to Reach Your Hotel
Shuttle Service from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Landing at PMI and want a smooth, good-value ride to your hotel? You’ve got four main choices: shared shuttle (cheapest door-to-door), private transfer (fastest and stress-free), hotel or tour coaches (pre-arranged), and public buses (best on a tight budget if you’re staying near the route). Below you’ll find typical travel times, what each option costs, what to expect with luggage/kids, and how to book.
⚡ Quick Picks (What to Choose)
- Tight budget, not in a rush (multiple drop-offs).
- Late arrival / family with kids & bags (direct to your door).
- Small group with golf bags/bikes.
- Staying near central Palma / Playa de Palma and packing light.
🧭 Typical Travel Times from PMI
(Real-world averages; traffic and resort location can vary.)
| Destination | Usual Time (Private) | Usual Time (Shared Shuttle) |
| Palma (Old Town/La Lonja) | 15–25 min | 30–60 min |
| Can Pastilla / Playa de Palma | 10–20 min | 25–50 min |
| Palmanova / Magaluf | 25–40 min | 45–75 min |
| Santa Ponsa | 30–45 min | 55–85 min |
| Port de Sóller | 40–60 min | 70–100 min |
| Alcúdia / Port d’Alcúdia | 45–70 min | 80–120+ min |
| Port de Pollença | 55–80 min | 90–130+ min |
| Cala d’Or | 55–80 min | 90–130+ min |
| Cala Millor / Sa Coma | 60–85 min | 95–140+ min |
Shared coaches or minibuses group passengers heading to the same area. You’ll wait at a meeting point in arrivals, then the vehicle does multiple hotel drop-offs.
Pros: Lowest door-to-door price; no navigating buses with luggage.
Cons: Waiting time at the airport + several stops; less ideal with overtired kids.
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, light packers, late-bookers on a budget.
🚖 Private Transfers – Fastest & Most Comfortable
A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you straight to your door—no waiting, no stops. Child seats can be pre-requested; vehicles scale from sedans to minibuses.
Pros: Quickest, stress-free; great with kids or heavy bags; perfect for late flights.
Cons: Higher price than a shared shuttle or public bus.
Best for: Families, groups, late arrivals, villa stays, tight schedules.
Book it: Compare fixed-price options.
Travelling in a group? Reserve a larger vehicle.
🏨 Hotel & Tour Coaches – If Already Included
Some package stays and tours include coach transfers. You’ll be guided to a desk or meeting point and board a large coach.
Pros: Often included in the price; simple if you’re on a package.
Cons: Big groups and many stops can mean longer journey times.
Tip: Confirm your pick-up point and emergency contact before you travel.
🚎 Public Buses – Cheapest If You’re Near the Route
Airport buses run between PMI and key zones (Palma, Playa de Palma/Can Pastilla, and seasonal resort routes). You’ll need to lift your luggage on/off and walk from the nearest stop to your hotel.
Pros: Lowest cost; frequent service on core routes.
Cons: Not door-to-door; can be crowded in peak times; slower with bags/children.
Best for: Travelers staying close to a bus stop and packing light.
👨👩👧 Families & Accessibility
- Child seats: Private transfers can provide infant/child seats on request.
- Strollers: All options handle strollers; private transfers are easiest at bedtime.
- Wheelchair access: Request an accessible vehicle in advance.
- Snacks & breaks: For longer resort runs, private drivers will usually schedule comfort stops on request.
🧳 Luggage, Sports Gear & Special Items
- Golf bags & bikes: Choose a larger vehicle class and note your gear when booking
- Surf/SUP & dive gear: Minivans/minibuses are safer bets.
- Market hauls: If you’re shopping on arrival, ask for a brief stop (private only).
💶 What You’ll Typically Pay
- Public bus: lowest cost per person (pay per ticket).
- Shared shuttle: budget-friendly door-to-door; per-person pricing.
- Private sedan (Palma/nearby): a fixed rate for the vehicle; good value for families.
- Longer resort private transfers: priced by distance/vehicle size; split across the group it’s often compelling.
Ready to compare? Hold a price with Check shuttle and transfer prices.
📅 Booking Tips & Arrival Flow
- Pre-book in peak months (May–Oct): More departure times and vehicle sizes to choose from.
- Late flights: Private transfer is safest for smooth after-midnight arrivals.
- Villa addresses: Drop a Google Maps pin in your booking notes with Add exact location for your driver.
- Return pick-up: Leave generous buffer time for security queues.
❓ FAQ
Is a private transfer worth it for Palma city stays?
If you’re two or more with luggage, yes—door-to-door is usually only modestly more than a shared shuttle and far faster. Compare options with Book a private airport transfer.
Can I bring a child without a pre-booked seat?
For safety and comfort, pre-book infant/child seats. Most providers can supply them—just select the number you need via Add child seats to your transfer.
What’s the best option for Alcúdia, Cala d’Or or Cala Millor?
For long resort distances, private transfers save time (especially at night). On a budget, a shared shuttle works—just allow for extra drop-offs. See what’s available with Check shuttle and transfer prices.
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