Palma de Mallorca Airport
Palma de Mallorca, ES · 8 km (5 mi) east of Palma
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| EMT Bus Line A1 City center bus · Every 15–20 min in summer daylight hours; reduced headways in low season | 20–30 min airport–central Palma depending on traffic | €5 single |
| EMT Bus Line A2 Can Pastilla and s'Arenal bus · Roughly every 20–30 min in daytime; more limited early morning and late evening | 10–20 min to Can Pastilla depending on stops and traffic | €5 single |
| Hotel Shuttle Buses Pre-booked coach · Timed to tour-operator flight arrivals; no fixed public schedule | Can range from 30 min to over 90 min depending on resort and number of hotel stops | Usually included in package price; standalone shared shuttles often €10–20 per person to main resorts |
| Intercity Buses Island routes · Intercity routes from Palma to main resorts often every 30–60 min in summer daytime; reduced in low season and evenings | Airport–Palma by A1 ~20–30 min, then typically 45–90 min onward depending on resort and route | Airport–Palma A1 ~€5, then intercity buses often under €10 to major resorts |
Insider notes
On peak summer Saturdays, arrive 2.5-3 hours early for UK and non-Schengen flights to avoid long queues in Modules A and C.
Refill your water bottle at airside fountains to avoid paying €2 for bottled water after security.
Before departure, grab a taste of Mallorca from Santo Cristo or Forn d’es Pont for artisanal snacks.
Welcome
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is not your typical airport hub; it's a leisure-first destination catering primarily to waves of holiday charters and low-cost carriers. During peak summer Saturdays, it morphs into a bustling "sun charter factory" while retaining off-season tranquility. Located just 8 km east of Palma, PMI offers unique access to Mallorcan bakeries and tapas right at the gates, a rarity among airports.
At a glance
Handling over 33.3 million passengers a year, PMI features a single terminal designed to streamline the flow of travelers. Though the airport houses only four gates, it's a key point for airlines like Air Europa, Ryanair, and easyJet. Despite its compact size, the airport facilitates a variety of culinary and shopping adventures with 19 restaurants and 14 shops.
Terminals & layout
PMI operates one main passenger terminal, coded as T. This terminal is divided into modules, each serving specific types of flights. The airport’s modules can take on the feel of bus stations during peak times, especially with charters and low-cost flights to and from UK and EU destinations. Module C is particularly noted for its low-cost carrier gates, so plan accordingly by grabbing your needs from the central food cluster before trekking down to the far gates.
Getting to and from the city
Reaching central Palma is straightforward with several transit options. The EMT Bus Line A1 connects the airport to central Palma in 20-30 minutes for €5. For beach areas like Can Pastilla, EMT Bus Line A2 provides a 10-20 minute ride at the same fare. Taxis offer a more direct trip, taking 15-25 minutes to reach central Palma with fares approximately €18-25, depending on traffic. For those staying further afield, pre-booked transfers to resorts like Alcúdia can cost around €60-80 one way, taking roughly 45 minutes in light traffic.
Traveller essentials
The airport is operational 24/7, but facilities like cafes and shops follow seasonal schedules, with reduced hours in winter and full operation during the summer months. Wi-Fi is free across the airport, but power outlets can be scarce, especially during summer rushes, making it advisable to charge devices in quieter areas of modules B and D.
Dining & shopping highlights
While PMI has a broad selection of eateries and shops, some local gems stand out. Santo Cristo offers authentic Mallorcan pastries, while the Enrique Tomás Experience provides a taste of high-quality cured meats. For more mainstream options, Burger King and McDonald’s are also on-site. During the off-season, expect fewer choices as many outlets, especially in modules A and C, reduce their hours.
Lounges
Travelers looking for a bit of relaxation can choose from four Sala VIP lounges—Valldemossa, Llevant, Formentor, and Mediterraneo—each offering pay-at-the-door access or entry through memberships like Priority Pass. At €46, the Sala VIP Mediterraneo in particular offers a retreat from the holiday crowds.
Insider tips
- Time: On peak summer Saturdays, arrive 2.5-3 hours early for UK and non-Schengen flights to avoid long security queues in Modules A and C.
- Money: Refill your water bottle at airside water fountains to avoid paying €2 for bottled water after security.
- Local: Before departure, grab a taste of Mallorca from Santo Cristo or Forn d’es Pont for artisanal snacks.
- Insider: The Valldemossa VIP Lounge offers a more pleasant experience with high ceilings and good views compared to module-specific lounges.
- Quiet: If you arrive early for a pickup, wait at Foods & Goods or La Bellota on Level 0 outside the terminal for a quieter atmosphere.
- Avoid: Most food and retail operations reduce hours or close between November and March, so don't rely on them for late-night flights.
- Insider: Use Priority Pass credit at O’Learys for a hot meal option when lounge buffets are underwhelming.