Palma’s new boat bus takes to the water: routes, ticket prices and what passengers need to know

Palma has officially launched its long-awaited boat bus, giving cruise passengers a new way to reach the city centre while offering a glimpse of how the Mallorcan capital could transform travel along its busy waterfront.

The Bus Nàutic began operating on Sunday, November 1, marking the arrival of a new maritime transport option in the Port of Palma. The service is being introduced in stages, with the first routes focusing on cruise ship passengers before a wider public transport connection is added in 2027.

Operated by Mallorcan company Palma Cruises under a temporary agreement with the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB), the boats are intended to help reduce pressure on Palma’s roads, particularly Avenida Gabriel Roca, when large cruise ships bring thousands of visitors into the city.

Where does Palma’s boat bus operate?

The initial launch covers Lines 2 and 3, which connect cruise terminals with the city centre.

Passengers can travel from the cruise facilities at Dique del Oeste and Muelle de Poniente towards the Muelle de la Lonja, close to Paseo Sagrera. This provides an alternative to making the journey by road, bringing visitors closer to Palma’s historic centre.

The main arrival point is at Escalera Real, next to La Lonja, where passengers can find a ticket sales point. Tickets are also available at the cruise terminal arrival areas.

Services currently run approximately every 30 minutes to one hour, depending on cruise ship movements and activity in the port.

How much do tickets cost?

Although the service is designed to offer a convenient alternative to road transport, passengers should be aware of the fares before boarding.

A standard single ticket costs €10, while a return journey is priced at €18.

Residents will have access to discounted travel passes, making the service considerably more affordable for regular users.

The Bono 100 costs €50 and provides 100 single journeys over 12 months, working out at just 50 cents per trip. There is also a Bono 20, priced at €20 and valid for six months.

These reduced fares are intended to encourage local people to make use of the maritime transport network rather than relying entirely on cars.

When will the boat bus serve Palma residents?

The next major stage is scheduled for January 15, 2027, when Line 1 is expected to begin operating.

Unlike the initial routes, which concentrate on cruise passenger transfers, this regular inner-port connection is specifically intended to serve Palma residents and everyday users.

It will link Muelle de Poniente, La Lonja and the Tráfico Local area, providing a new way to access the waterfront’s restaurants, leisure facilities and other attractions.

During the high season, the planned timetable will run continuously from 9am until 7pm, with extended services until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and the evenings before public holidays.

Future plans also include developing a maritime connection towards Portitxol, potentially opening up further possibilities for travelling along Palma’s coastline.

A new chapter for Palma’s waterfront

The boat bus is being introduced as part of a wider effort to improve mobility around the port and reduce the number of vehicles needed to transport cruise passengers.

The APB has awarded Palma Cruises temporary management of the service for an initial year, with the possibility of annual extensions for up to three years or until a permanent operator takes over.

A new public tender, covering a potential 15-year concession, is also being prepared after the previous process fell through when a consortium led by TUI withdrew.

The port authority has highlighted sustainability as another important consideration, with low-emission technology forming part of the requirements for the future service.

For now, Palma’s new boat bus has made its first journey, offering a different perspective on the city and potentially changing how visitors and residents move around its waterfront.