Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, welcomes over 33 million visitors annually to its stunning beaches, historic towns, and Mediterranean charm. If you’re planning your first visit, understanding your travel options will help you reach Mallorca efficiently and affordably. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting to Mallorca from abroad.
Since Mallorca (or Majorca) is an island, the two options to get there is by air or by sea.
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Flying to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Flying is by far the fastest and most popular way to reach Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca Airport (airport code: PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is located just 8 kilometers east of Palma city center and serves as the island’s main international gateway. As Spain’s third-largest airport, PMI handled 33.3 million passengers in 2024, representing a 7% increase from the previous year.
Airport Overview
The airport features four modern modules (A through D) with 88 gates total. Module A handles non-Schengen international flights, Module B serves domestic routes, Module C manages European Schengen flights with over 30 gates, and Module D accommodates a mix of domestic and international services. The airport operates 24/7 and offers comprehensive facilities including WiFi, information desks, VIP lounges, a 24-hour medical station, pharmacy, ATMs, currency exchange, and various dining options.
Airlines and Routes
In autumn 2025, 67 airlines operate from Palma de Mallorca with connections to 160 destinations worldwide. The airport is exceptionally well-connected to major European cities through both budget and full-service carriers.
Budget Airlines Operating to Mallorca:
- Ryanair– Europe’s largest low-cost carrier with extensive routes from Germany, UK, Poland, Spain, and across Europe
- EasyJet– Major connections from London (multiple airports), Manchester, and other UK cities, plus European routes
- Vueling– Spanish carrier with strong domestic and European network
- Wizz Air– Popular for routes from Poland and Eastern Europe
- Jet2– UK-focused leisure airline
- Eurowings– German connections from multiple cities
Full-Service Carriers:
- Lufthansa– Germany’s flagship carrier with Frankfurt and Munich routes
- British Airways– Premium service from London
- Iberia– Spain’s national carrier with Madrid connections
- Air Europa– Spanish airline serving domestic routes
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)– Routes from Stockholm and Nordic cities
- Norwegian Air– Scandinavian connections
Flight Times and Connections from Major Countries
Flights From Germany to Mallorca:
German travelers enjoy excellent connectivity with flight times ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours. Major departure cities include Frankfurt (2 hours 10 minutes), Munich (2 hours 10 minutes), Berlin (2 hours 40 minutes), Düsseldorf (2 hours 20 minutes), Hamburg (2 hours 40 minutes), and Cologne. Airlines like Ryanair, Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Condor operate multiple daily flights, with tickets starting as low as €30 during off-peak periods.
Flights from the United Kingdom to Mallorca:
The UK has some of the best connections to Mallorca with approximately 2 hours 25 minutes flight time from London. Direct flights operate from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle, and Leeds. Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet offer flights starting from £25-27, while British Airways provides premium service.
Flights from Spain to Mallorca (Domestic):
Domestic connections are particularly frequent, with flights from Madrid (1 hour 25 minutes), Barcelona (50 minutes), Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, and other Spanish cities operated by Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling, and Ryanair. Over 9 million domestic passengers traveled through PMI in 2024.
Flihgts from Sweden to Mallorca:
Swedish visitors can fly direct from Stockholm (3 hours 40 minutes), Gothenburg, and other cities via SAS, Norwegian Air Sweden, and Ryanair. Stockholm Arlanda Airport offers the most frequent service with up to 15 direct flights weekly during peak season.
Flights from Poland to Mallorca:
Polish travelers have direct connections from Warsaw (approximately 3 hours) and Poznań operated by Ryanair, Wizz Air, and LOT Polish Airlines. Flights from Warsaw start as low as PLN 106 with budget carriers.
Flights from the United States to Mallorca:
Since 2022, United Airlines operates the only direct transatlantic service from New York (Newark) to Palma. The seasonal route runs from late May through October with four weekly flights using Boeing 767-400 aircraft, covering the journey in approximately 9 hours. This service represents a significant milestone, with 70% of passengers being Americans and 30% Balearic residents. Most other US travelers connect through major European hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, or Paris.
Booking Tips for Flights
Book flights 4-8 weeks in advance during summer months (June-August) when demand peaks. Budget carriers often run promotional fares starting from €30-50 from major European cities, especially during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares compared to weekend departures.
Traveling to Mallorca by Ferry
Taking a ferry to Mallorca offers a scenic and practical alternative, especially if you’re bringing a car, traveling with pets, or carrying substantial luggage. While slower than flying, ferry travel provides a relaxing Mediterranean crossing with comfortable amenities.
Main Ferry Routes and Operators
Ferries from Barcelona to Mallorca:
The most popular mainland route operates to either Palma de Mallorca or Alcúdia (northern Mallorca). Journey time is approximately 7-7.5 hours on conventional ferries or 3.5 hours on Baleària’s fast ferry Margarita Salas to Alcúdia. Operators include Trasmediterránea, Baleària, and GNV with daily crossings. Ferry tickets start from €20-27 for passengers without vehicles, while bringing a car costs €162-282 depending on season and ferry type.
Ferries from Valencia to Mallorca:
Valencia offers at least 3 daily ferry crossings to Palma operated by GNV, Trasmed, and Baleària. Conventional ferries take 7-9.5 hours with ticket prices starting around €30. This route provides convenient access for travelers from central and southern Spain.
Ferries from Dénia to Mallorca:
Dénia, located near Alicante, is the closest mainland port to Mallorca. Baleària operates at least one daily crossing with both fast and conventional ferries arriving in approximately 5 hours 15 minutes. Passenger tickets range from €78-210 depending on season and accommodation type.
Ferries from Other Balearic Islands:
Inter-island ferries connect Mallorca with Ibiza (2-4 hours, €54-107) and Menorca (1.5 hours), with daily year-round service and increased frequency during summer.
Ferry Amenities and Advantages
Modern ferries feature comfortable seating, cabins for overnight crossings, restaurants and cafés, entertainment areas, and vehicle decks. Key advantages include the ability to bring your own vehicle (avoiding car rental costs), traveling with pets, carrying extra luggage without airline restrictions, and enjoying a scenic sea journey.
Overnight ferries on longer routes like Valencia-Palma allow you to book a cabin, sleep during the crossing, and arrive refreshed in the morning – effectively saving a night’s accommodation.
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Mallorca is a major Mediterranean cruise destination, with the Port of Palma being one of the busiest cruise ports in the Balearics. Cruise ships typically dock at one of six terminals across two main areas:
Muelle de Poniente (Terminals 1-4): The main modern cruise terminal located about 2.5 miles from Palma’s Old Town, used by Royal Caribbean, MSC, Costa, and most major cruise lines.
Dique del Oeste (Terminals 5-6): Used when the main terminal is full, located approximately 3 miles from town near Porto Pi shopping center.
All terminals offer tourist facilities including information desks, restrooms, cafés, telephone services, and police stations. Cruise lines typically provide shuttle bus services to the city center, and taxis are readily available at both terminal areas.
