Palma de Mallorca Airport

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is Spain's third busiest airport and the main gateway to the Balearic Islands. Located approximately 8 km east of Palma city center, the airport serves as a major hub for European leisure traffic, handling over 30 million passengers annually.

The airport has a single terminal building divided into four modules:

• Module A: Primarily handles Schengen flights, including Vueling, Air Europa, and various European carriers
• Module B: Mixed Schengen and charter operations, easyJet operates from here
• Module C: Inter-island flights (to Menorca, Ibiza) and some Schengen services
• Module D: Non-Schengen international flights and additional Schengen capacity during peak season

Key characteristic: PMI is highly seasonal. During summer months (June-September), the airport operates at near-maximum capacity with significantly longer queues. Off-season (November-March), the airport is noticeably quieter with faster processing times.

Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling are the dominant carriers, connecting Mallorca to destinations across Europe. During summer, the airport sees heavy charter traffic from Germany, UK, and Scandinavia.

PMI is located 8 km (5 miles) east of Palma city center. The airport is well-connected to the city and major resort areas:

Method	Time to Palma Center	Cost
Bus Line 1	20-30 min	€5
Taxi	15-20 min	€20-25
Cabify/Bolt	15-25 min	€15-25
Rental car	15-20 min	Varies

Resort destinations:

• Magaluf: 25-30 min by taxi (€35-45)
• Alcudia: 50-60 min by taxi (€80-100) or bus
• Soller: 40-50 min by taxi (€60-75)
• Pollensa: 50-60 min by taxi (€75-95)

Traffic on the Ma-19 motorway is generally light, but can be congested during summer Saturday changeover days.

Important: Uber does not operate in Spain. Use these alternatives:

Taxis

Official taxis (white with a colored stripe) are readily available outside the arrivals hall:

• To Palma city center: €20-25 (metered)
• To Palma cruise port: €25-30
• To Magaluf: €35-45
• To Alcudia: €80-100
• Airport supplement: €3.25 included in meter

Taxi ranks are located directly outside arrivals, available 24/7. Taxis use meters rather than flat rates (except for some resort transfers).

Tips:

• Confirm the driver will use the meter before departure
• Major credit cards accepted in most taxis
• Large groups may need a taxi van (available at the rank)

Rideshare Apps

Cabify and Bolt operate in Mallorca:

• Download apps before arrival
• Pickup from designated rideshare areas
• Fares to Palma center: €15-25
• Often slightly cheaper than taxis, especially during off-peak hours

FreeNow (formerly mytaxi) also connects you with licensed taxis via app.

Bus Line 1 (EMT Palma)

The Line 1 bus connects the airport to Palma city center via the seafront promenade.

Fare: €5 one-way (exact change or contactless)

Journey time: 20-30 minutes to Plaça d'Espanya

Route: Airport → Joan Miro → Passeig Maritim → Plaça d'Espanya (central station)

Frequency: Every 12-15 minutes (peak hours) / Every 20 minutes (off-peak)

Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 2:15 AM

How to take Line 1:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Bus"
2. Bus stop is directly outside arrivals hall
3. Pay driver (exact change) or tap contactless card
4. Alight at Plaça d'Espanya for city center connections

Tips:

• The €5 fare is the same for all stops
• Buses can be crowded with luggage during peak season
• Air-conditioned vehicles

TIB Buses (Island-Wide)

The TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) network connects the airport to resort destinations across Mallorca:

• A32: Airport → Arenal → S'Arenal
• A42: Airport → Can Pastilla
• TIB 501: Airport → Inca → Alcudia/Port d'Alcudia

Fares: €5-15 depending on destination

Tip: For resort destinations, check TIB schedules as frequency varies. During summer, additional services operate. Taxis or pre-booked transfers are more convenient for resort hotels.

No Rail Connection

PMI does not have a direct rail connection. The Palma Metro and Soller Railway do not serve the airport. Use bus or taxi to reach Palma's train stations.

PMI offers parking adjacent to the terminal:

Terminal Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
General Parking	Opposite terminal	From €14/day	3-min walk, covered
Express Parking	Closest to terminal	From €25/day	1-min walk, short stays
VIP Parking	Dedicated area	From €20/day	Covered, wider spaces

Long-Stay Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Access
Long Stay	From €8/day	Free shuttle (5 min)
Economy	From €6/day	Free shuttle (8 min)

Tips:

• Book online at aena.es for discounts up to 50%
• During summer peak season, parking can fill up - book in advance
• Short-term parking rates are high; use drop-off zone for quick pickups
• First 15 minutes free in general parking

PMI offers reasonable dining options, though variety is typical of a leisure-focused airport:

Landside (Before Security)

• Rodilla: Spanish sandwich chain, quick and reliable
• La Viña: Coffee and pastries
• McDonald's, Burger King: Fast food options

Airside (After Security)

Module A:

• Enrique Tomás: Spanish jamón specialist - excellent for authentic cured meats
• La Boqueria: Mediterranean dishes, seafood
• Costa Coffee: Coffee and snacks

Module B:

• Burger King, Pans & Company: Fast food and sandwiches
• Café Java: Coffee, pastries, light meals
• Eat: Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches

Module C:

• La Mallorquina: Local Mallorcan pastries (ensaimadas)
• Cervecería: Spanish beer and tapas

Module D:

• More limited options; basic café and snack bars

Best for quality: Enrique Tomás for Spanish ham, La Mallorquina for a traditional ensaimada pastry (a Mallorcan specialty).

Tip: Don't leave Mallorca without trying an ensaimada - the spiral-shaped sweet pastry is the island's signature treat. Available in plain or cream-filled versions.

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Network name: "Airport_Free_Wifi_AENA"

How to connect:

1. Select the network
2. Open browser - redirected to AENA portal
3. Register with email or social media account
4. Accept terms to connect

Details:

• Duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming
• Quality can degrade during peak summer hours when the terminal is crowded

Tip: For faster, more reliable connections, use lounge WiFi if you have access.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in Palma city:

Airport Locations

• Vodafone: In arrivals hall
• Press shops and convenience stores: Prepaid SIMs available
• WH Smith: May stock basic prepaid SIMs

Major Spanish Carriers

• Movistar: Best overall coverage in Spain
• Vodafone: Strong network, good tourist plans
• Orange: Competitive pricing
• Yoigo: Budget option

Pricing

Prepaid tourist SIMs start around €15-20 for 10-15GB. Airport prices may be €5-10 higher than city shops.

Tips:

• For better prices, buy a SIM at any Vodafone or Orange store in Palma (Passeig del Born or Avinguda Jaume III)
• EU roaming is included on all standard Spanish SIMs
• eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) can be purchased and activated before arrival
• Coverage is excellent across Mallorca, including beach resorts and mountain areas

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in arrivals and departures areas.

Major banks with ATMs at PMI:

• CaixaBank (most common)
• Santander
• BBVA
• Euronet (avoid - high fees)

Currency: Euro (€)

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change are available in arrivals but offer poor rates (5-10% markup typical). Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• Use bank ATMs (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) rather than independent ATMs (Euronet, Travelex) to avoid excessive fees
• When ATMs ask "with or without conversion" - always choose without for your bank's rate
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout Mallorca
• Many beach bars and small shops prefer cash, especially at resort areas
• Spanish ATMs may have daily withdrawal limits (typically €300-600)

PMI offers standard duty-free and retail options:

Duty-Free

World Duty Free operates the main duty-free stores after security:

• Spanish wines (Rioja, Ribera del Duero)
• Spirits (Spanish brandy, gin)
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Tobacco products

Notable Stores

Airside:

• Mallorca Gift Shop: Local products, souvenirs
• Camper: Spanish shoe brand (born in Mallorca)
• Sunglass Hut: Essential for the Mediterranean sun
• Hudson News / WH Smith: Books, magazines, snacks

Mallorcan Products Worth Buying

• Ensaimadas: Traditional Mallorcan pastries (boxed for travel)
• Sobrassada: Mallorcan spreadable cured sausage (check import rules)
• Hierbas: Traditional Mallorcan herbal liqueur
• Mallorcan pearls: Majorica brand artificial pearls
• Olive oil: Local Mallorcan varieties
• Flor de Sal: Sea salt from Ses Salines

Tip: The airport is a convenient place to buy boxed ensaimadas as last-minute gifts - they're sold in special travel packaging.

Priority Pass Lounges

Sala VIP Valldemossa (Module B, after security):

• The main Priority Pass lounge at PMI
• Hot and cold buffet with Spanish options
• Alcoholic beverages included
• Seating for approximately 150 guests
• Can be crowded during summer peak season
• Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM (may extend during summer)

Sala VIP Formentor (Module D, non-Schengen):

• For non-Schengen departures
• Similar amenities to Valldemossa
• Generally less crowded
• Priority Pass accepted

Airline Lounges

• Air Europa Sala VIP: For Air Europa business class passengers and SUMA Elite members
• Iberia Sala VIP: For Iberia Plus status holders and oneworld Sapphire/Emerald

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum cardholders can access Priority Pass lounges
• Some premium Visa and Mastercard products include Priority Pass
• Diners Club lounges may also be accessible

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes available at lounge reception (approximately €35-45) or through LoungeBuddy app.

Tip: During summer, the Valldemossa lounge can reach capacity. Arrive early if you have a long wait before your flight.

Near the Airport

• Hotel Palma Bellver by Melia: 4-star hotel, 10-minute taxi from airport. Sea views, pool, restaurant. From €100/night.

• Innside by Melia Palma Bosque: Modern hotel near Palma center, 15-minute taxi. From €90/night.

• Ibis Palma: Budget-friendly option near the airport. Basic but comfortable. From €60/night.

In Palma (Recommended)

For overnight stays, Palma city offers better value and atmosphere than airport hotels:

• Hotel Born: Boutique hotel in a 16th-century palace, central Palma. From €120/night.

• Hotel Tres: Design hotel in the old town. Rooftop terrace with cathedral views. From €140/night.

• Hostal Brondo Architect: Budget-design hybrid in central Palma. From €70/night.

For Early Departures

The first bus (Line 1) departs Palma at 6:00 AM. For flights before 8:00 AM, consider:

• Staying near the airport
• Booking a taxi the night before (approximately €20-25)
• Using a transfer service (many hotels can arrange this)

Tip: Palma's old town hotels offer character and easy access to restaurants. A taxi from the center to the airport takes only 15-20 minutes.

Mallorca is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, known for its beaches, mountains, historic towns, and vibrant tourism scene.

Getting to Key Destinations

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Palma Cathedral	20-25 min	Bus 1 or taxi
Palma Old Town	20-30 min	Bus 1 to Plaça d'Espanya + walk
Magaluf	25-35 min	Taxi or TIB bus
Port de Soller	50-60 min	Taxi or bus + Soller train
Alcudia	55-70 min	Taxi or TIB 501 bus
Valldemossa	35-45 min	Taxi or TIB bus

Palma City Highlights

• Palma Cathedral (La Seu): Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea. Interior features work by Gaudi. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Bellver Castle: Circular Gothic castle with panoramic city views.
• Old Town (Casc Antic): Medieval streets, Arab baths, artisan shops.
• Passeig del Born: Main boulevard for shopping and strolling.
• Es Baluard: Contemporary art museum with harbor views.

Beyond Palma

• Serra de Tramuntana: UNESCO World Heritage mountain range. Drive or take the historic Soller train.
• Valldemossa: Picturesque mountain village where Chopin stayed.
• Deia: Artists' village with boutique hotels and Robert Graves' former home.
• Port de Soller: Charming port town connected to Soller by vintage tram.
• Alcudia: Roman ruins, medieval walls, and family-friendly beaches.
• Cap de Formentor: Dramatic cliffs and lighthouse at the island's northern tip.

Beach Guide

• Playa de Palma: Long sandy beach, 10 minutes from airport. Beach clubs and water sports.
• Es Trenc: Unspoiled beach on the south coast. Clear water, natural dunes.
• Cala Deia: Small rocky cove, excellent for swimming. Popular with artists and writers.
• Cala Llombards: Sheltered cove with turquoise water. Less crowded than main resort beaches.

Transport Tips

• Rent a car to explore the island properly - public transport to mountain villages and remote beaches is limited
• The Soller Train is a scenic vintage railway from Palma to Soller (1 hour, approximately €25 return)
• TIB buses connect major towns but service is infrequent to remote areas
• Cycling is popular - many roads have dedicated bike lanes

Food & Drink Essentials

• Pa amb oli: Bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil - the Mallorcan staple
• Ensaimada: Sweet spiral pastry, plain or filled
• Sobrassada: Spreadable cured pork sausage
• Tumbet: Vegetable dish similar to ratatouille
• Frito mallorquin: Fried lamb or pork with vegetables
• Hierbas: Sweet herbal digestif made from local herbs

Best Time to Visit

• Peak season (June-August): Hot weather, crowded beaches, highest prices
• Shoulder season (May, September-October): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, better value
• Off-season (November-March): Mild weather, quiet beaches, many resorts closed

Tip: September is ideal - warm sea temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices than peak summer.