Which Palma Bus Lines Really Help Tourists — A Compact Guide

Short and practical: The most important bus lines in Palma, how to pay, where to transfer, and which routes are better walked.

Which Bus Lines Really Help Tourists in Palma

When you stroll through Palma for the first time, the bus network at first glance feels like a tangle. But don’t worry — a few lines are enough to get almost anywhere: the airport, the Cathedral, the Paseo Marítimo, Illetes, or Playa de Palma. In the city, Plaça d’Espanya is the hub: many connections depart from here, and you should plan your route from there.

Important things upfront

Payment: On the EMT city buses you usually pay in cash. Change is worth its weight in gold; cards (not yet) are not accepted. For the Airport Express line (A1/A2) different prices apply than for the normal lines — you should factor that in. Tip: If you walk past the Mercat de l’Olivar at 9:30 in the morning, you’ll not only find fresh oranges but also have the chance to get coins.

Line A1 — Airport ↔ City Center

The classic for the direct connection to the airport. It runs regularly (roughly every 15–20 minutes), costs a bit more than ordinary trips and is convenient if you have luggage. Important note: If you board toward the airport, alighting at intermediate stops is not provided — the bus continues to the airport.

Line A2 — Airport ↔ Arenal / Playa de Palma

For everyone whose hotel is on Playa de Palma: the A2 runs along the beachfront and stops at the well-known beach sections. Very popular with families and party-goers alike — depending on the time of day it can be crowded.

Line CC — Circular route through the Old Town (free)

Practical and surprising: There is a short circular route that covers many central points. For visitors, a real win, because the ride is often free — ideal to get a feel for the Old Town. Attention: This route does not run every weekend, usually on weekdays.

Other Useful Lines

Line 25 takes you from the center conveniently toward Playa de Palma — great if you want to avoid parking hassles. Line 4 goes to Plaça Columnes and on to Ses Illetes (Calvià): great beaches, lots of shade from pine trees. Line 1 is the connection to the harbor and the Paseo Marítimo; ideal for boaters or evening walks along the promenade. Line 20 is worth remembering if you need to get to Son Espases University Hospital. And if you want to go to the Cathedral or the Aquarium, board Line 35.

Practical Everyday Tips

Planning helps: In the mornings some lines are emptier, in the evenings (8–11 p.m.) it gets busier — especially in high season. Night buses exist; they’re convenient, but cost about the same as daytime buses. If possible, always have a few euros in coins on you. Plaça d’Espanya is a good meeting point: it’s easy to orient yourself and change lines there.

Short and honest: The bus network isn’t a puzzle once you know the few main lines. With a bit of curiosity and the right amount of coins you can get almost anywhere — and you’ll see more of Palma than in a taxi. Give it a try — and take time for a coffee in a small side street.