The Terminal: Estación Marítima
All three ferry operators – Baleària, Trasmediterránea, and GNV – use the Estación Marítima at Muelle de Poniente (West Quay) in Palma. This is a single port complex, which makes things much simpler than Barcelona where operators use different terminals. The port is located on the western side of Palma's harbour, with the city centre and cathedral just a short distance to the east.
Getting From the Port
By Bus
- EMT Line 1: Port → City Centre → Airport
- Fare: €3 (exact change helpful)
- Frequency: Every 15–20 min
- First bus: Around 05:30 (timed for ferry arrivals)
- To airport: Approx. 30 min
- To Plaça d'Espanya: Approx. 10 min
By Taxi
- Taxi rank: Directly outside the terminal
- To city centre: €10–15 (5–10 min)
- To airport: €25–30 (15–20 min)
- To Magaluf: €35–45 (25 min)
- To Alcudia: €90–110 (50 min)
- Tip: Taxis in Palma are metered and reliable
On Foot
- To the Cathedral: 15 min flat walk
- To Plaça Major: 20 min
- To Paseo Marítimo: 5 min along the waterfront
- Route: Follow the harbour promenade east
- Pleasant waterfront walk, well-lit and safe
Car Hire
- Major hire companies available at the airport
- Some offer port collection – arrange in advance
- Cheaper to hire at the airport than the port
- Pre-book online for the best rates
- If collecting at airport, take bus line 1
Port Facilities
- Cafés: Open from around 05:00 to coincide with ferry arrivals – good for a coffee and pastry
- ATMs: Available inside the terminal
- Tourist information: Seasonal info point at the port
- Toilets: Clean facilities in the terminal building
- Luggage trolleys: Available near the disembarkation area
- Accessibility: Step-free access throughout, lifts available
- Wi-Fi: Limited – use your mobile data
Early Morning Arrival: What to Do
Ferries from Barcelona arrive between 05:00 and 06:30. At that hour, Palma is just waking up. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your early arrival:
- Breakfast at the port café: Simple but adequate – coffee and a croissant to start your day
- Walk to the cathedral: See La Seu in the golden early morning light before the crowds arrive
- Early check-in: Some hotels allow early check-in or luggage storage – contact yours in advance
- Mercat de l'Olivar: Palma's main market opens at 07:00 – perfect for breakfast
- Catch the first bus: If heading to the airport or another part of the island, the early bus connections are well-timed
Departing from Palma
If you are taking the return ferry from Palma to Barcelona:
- Check-in opens: Typically 2 hours before departure
- With vehicle: Arrive 90 minutes before sailing
- Foot passengers: 60 minutes before (30 min for Trasmed)
- Evening departures: Use the afternoon to explore Palma or visit the beach
- Leave luggage: Some hotels will store bags after check-out