The capital of Catalonia and Mallorca are separated by 203 km of sea route. Therefore, there is little choice of transportation to get there and back: by ferry or by plane. The first option is more interesting, while the second is faster and cheaper.
Ferries between Barcelona and Mallorca
Huge sea ferries, 175 — 200 meters long, run daily between Barcelona and Mallorca. On board can accommodate from 800 to 1500 passengers and 200—600 cars.
Most of the flights to the island are night flights, with most of the dark hours of the day. Departure to Barcelona is in the daytime. The cost of the trip depends on how you prefer to spend your time on the way: sleep in a cabin or watch movies and listen to music in a tourist chair. Staterooms are more comfortable but will cost more.
There are cafes, bars and restaurants, stores and Wi-Fi available on the ferries. Large vessels have outdoor swimming pools. You can bring your pet or car on the trip.
Ferry transportation is provided by two Spanish companies: Balearia (Balearia ) and Trasmediterránea (Trasmediterránea). Sometimes flights of Italian GNV are added. You can buy tickets in advance on the companies' websites, at kiosks in the ports or at travel agencies. I prefer to compare prices and issue tickets on the Omio aggregator — the fares are the same, but it is much more convenient to buy in Russian, and sometimes you can find cheaper flights of other carriers.
Trasmediterránea
Trasmediterránea is a company founded in 1917. From Barcelona, ferries leave from the port (Puerto de Barcelona), the pier of San Bertrán (Muelle de San Beltrán). In Mallorca, depart from the port of Palma, the island’s capital. Boarding ends half an hour before departure, or an hour if traveling with a car. You can take with you luggage up to 30 kg if you have bought a seat in a chair, and 40 kg — in a cabin.
- Flight schedule: Barcelona — Mallorca daily at 23:00, travel time — 8 hours; on Sundays additional flight at 9:00, travel time — 6 hours 30 minutes. Mallorca — Barcelona daily at 12:00, 7 hours 30 minutes; on weekends additional flights at 23:59, 8 hours.
- Approximate cost: tourist chair — 50 €, cabin — 155 €. In low season — from 21 € per chair. Children under 2 years old are free of charge, from 2 to 13 years old — 50% discount.
Balearia
Two Balearia depart daily from the port of Barcelona, Moll Adossat pier. One ferry goes to the port of Alcudia and the other to the island’s capital, Palma. Be careful when buying tickets: Alcudia is a town in the north of Mallorca, from it to the capital of the island you will have to drive about 60 km.
The Balearia ferries are larger than the Trasmediterránea. Passengers can choose between two classes of seating: Simple and Superior. The ferries have cabins for four people and single cabins with a large bed.
The Balearia ferry ticket price includes luggage. You can take as much as you can carry on board at one time.
- Schedule: Barcelona — Alcudia at 23:00, travel time — 6 hours, Barcelona — Palma at 23:00, travel time — 7 hours 30 minutes. Alcudia — Barcelona at 10:01, travel time — 9 hours, Palma — Barcelona at 12:30, travel time — 7 hours 45 minutes.
- Approximate cost in high season: chair — 46 €, cabin — 148 €. In low season prices start from 23 €. Discount for adults over 60, students and large families — 20%. Children under one year old are free of charge.
Planes from Barcelona to Mallorca
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Mallorca is by airplane. The island’s only airport is located one kilometer from Palma.
There are more than a dozen direct flights from Barcelona to Mallorca every day, and you’ll only spend 45—50 minutes on the road. Add to this time half an hour to get to and from the airports and check-in at the airport.
Airplanes of three major Spanish companies fly between the capital of Majorca and Barcelona: Iberia, discounter Vueling Airlines and Air Europa. The low-cost Irish Ryanair also has direct flights.
The cost depends largely on the season, the day of the week and how far in advance you buy your ticket. You can fly from Barcelona to Mallorca for 15 — 20 €, provided that you do not take your luggage with you. If you are traveling with a suitcase, you will have to pay about 20 € for it.
The ferry is mainly used by Mallorca residents, with discounts of up to 80%. The ferry is also beneficial for those who want to take their own car, if you get to Barcelona in your own car, this is your option. The ferry is often chosen by those who, for whatever reason, do not like to fly or want to visit a large sea vessel.
Otherwise, airplane is the preferred way to travel between Barcelona and Mallorca: fast and economical.
