Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca Ferry Guide
Two strong operators, one iconic Mediterranean crossing. Choose between Balearia's 4-hour Eleanor Roosevelt fast ferry or a relaxed 7-8 hour overnight sailing with cabins, restaurants and a vehicle deck. The most popular car ferry route to Mallorca.
Crossing Time
4 h (fast ferry) / 7-8 h (conventional)
Daily Departures
Up to 3-4 combined
Operators
Balearia, Trasmediterranea
Distance
140 nautical miles (260 km)
The Barcelona-Palma Experience
The Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca ferry is the gateway to Mallorca for millions of Spanish families, road-trippers and holidaymakers every year. The crossing traverses the western Mediterranean in either a leisurely overnight voyage with cabins and full restaurant service, or a brisk four-hour dash aboard the Eleanor Roosevelt — an LNG-powered smart ship that is one of the most technologically advanced ferries in Europe. With two competing operators offering combined choice of departure times throughout the day, travellers have more flexibility on this route than almost anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Car transport is the route's biggest draw: taking your own vehicle to Mallorca unlocks the whole island and avoids inflated island rental prices.
Ferry Operator Comparison
Balearia
Fast Ferry & Overnight- Eleanor Roosevelt: 4-hour LNG fast ferry
- Hypatia de Alejandria and Cap de Barbaria conventional ships
- Overnight cabins, reclining seats and suites
- Self-service restaurant, bar and pool deck (Eleanor Roosevelt)
- Pet-friendly cabins and vehicle deck on all ships
Best for: Travellers wanting the fastest crossing or the most modern ship; families with cars
Visit BaleariaTrasmediterranea
Classic Overnight- Ciudad de Palma and Forza conventional ferries
- Overnight cabins and reclining seats
- Self-service restaurant and bar
- Vehicle and lorry deck
- Reliable schedules with good daytime options
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, commercial vehicle transport, reliable overnight sailings
Visit TrasmediterraneaTerminal Information
Port de Barcelona (Spain)
Departure Port
Address & Location
Moll Sant Bertran / Moll de Ponent, Port de Barcelona, Spain
Transport Connections
- Metro: Drassanes (L3) or Barceloneta (L4), 10-15 min walk
- Bus: Several lines stop near the port entrance
- Direct taxi rank and rideshare zones at port entrance
- Long-stay car parking within the port complex
Check-in Requirements
- Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before departure
- Foot passengers: 60 minutes before departure
- Cabin check-in opens 2 hours before sailing
Terminal Facilities
- Café and bar in terminal building
- ATM and currency exchange
- Tourist information point
- Free WiFi
- Family waiting area
Port de Palma, Mallorca (Spain)
Arrival Port
Address & Location
Moll de Ponent, Port de Palma, 07012 Palma, Mallorca
Transport Connections
- Bus: EMT lines connect port to Palma city centre (10 min)
- Taxi rank directly outside terminal
- Car rental desks in terminal and nearby
- Direct access to Palma ring road (Via Cintura)
Onward Travel
- Palma city centre: 10 min by bus or taxi
- Palma Airport: 20 min by car
- Alcudia: 55 min by car
- Soller: 35 min by car
Port Facilities
- Tourist information desk
- Car rental services
- Café and shops
- Free WiFi
- ATM
Booking Optimization Tips
Best Booking Times
- • Fast ferry (Eleanor Roosevelt): 8-10 weeks ahead in summer
- • Overnight cabins: 6-8 weeks ahead for July and August
- • Shoulder season (May, June, Sep): 3-4 weeks ahead
- • Winter sailings: 1-2 weeks is usually sufficient
Money-Saving Tips
- • Tuesday and Wednesday sailings are noticeably cheaper
- • Reclining seats save 40-50% over inside cabins
- • Overnight crossings replace a hotel night — factor that in
- • Check both Balearia and Trasmediterranea before booking
Peak Season Tips
- • Avoid the last week of July and first two weeks of August
- • Spanish public holidays push prices and demand sharply higher
- • Semana Santa (Easter) sells out weeks in advance
- • Vehicle spaces fill before passenger spaces — add car early
Practical Travel Information
Documentation Required
Identification
- • Valid passport or Spanish/EU national ID card
- • Children need their own travel document
- • No visa required for Schengen-area residents
Vehicle Travel
- • Valid driving licence
- • Vehicle registration documents (V5C or equivalent)
- • Valid motor insurance (Green Card recommended)
- • Reflective vest accessible in the vehicle cabin
Onboard Information
Crossing Comfort
- • Cabins available on all conventional overnight sailings
- • Reclining seats for budget travellers
- • Self-service restaurant and bar on all ships
- • Pool deck and premium lounge on Eleanor Roosevelt
Family Facilities
- • Children's play areas on conventional ferries
- • Family cabins with bunk beds available
- • Kids' menu in self-service restaurants
- • Pet-friendly cabins bookable in advance
Rent a Car in Palma de Mallorca
Pick up a rental car near Palma port and explore Mallorca at your own pace.
Europcar
5 min from portLargest European network with convenient pickup near Palma port
Sixt
10 min from portPremium fleet with modern vehicles available near the port
Hertz
8 min from portGlobal provider with a wide range of vehicles in Palma
Budget
5 min from portBudget-friendly rentals with competitive Palma rates