Island-hopping in the Balearics: which ferries between Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera

The four inhabited islands of the Balearic archipelago are linked year-round by ferry. The most useful routes day to day: Ibiza-Formentera in around 30 minutes (up to 60 departures a day in summer), Mallorca-Ibiza in around 2 hours 15 minutes by fast ferry, and Alcudia-Ciutadella in around 1 hour to reach Menorca. If you are an empadronado resident, you pay 75 percent less (89 percent for Formentera residents on the route from Ibiza). Here is how to move between islands, and which crossing suits which trip.

Which ferry lines link the islands?

Three crossings cover most inter-island travel. The durations below are for fast ferries; fares are "from" prices, recorded in 2026, excluding a car and outside high season.

These links run year-round, with far more departures between June and September. To bring a car, expect a supplement and book early in summer.

Ibiza-Formentera: the simplest crossing, and the gateway to bohemia

Formentera has no airport: you reach it only by sea, almost always from the port of Ibiza. The crossing takes about 30 minutes, and in high season departures run back to back, up to around sixty a day, roughly every 30 minutes, split between Balearia, Trasmapi, Aquabus and Formentera Lines. It is the bohemian escape par excellence: the turquoise waters of Ses Illetes, cycling from one cove to the next, and the slow pace that made the island's reputation. Formentera residents get an enhanced 89 percent discount on this route.

Reaching Menorca: the fast Alcudia-Ciutadella ferry

From the north of Mallorca, the port of Alcudia links to Ciutadella, in the west of Menorca, in around 1 hour by fast ferry (Balearia; Menorca Lines also runs the route). It is the ideal gateway to the calmest island in the archipelago, a biosphere reserve, made for wild coves and coastal paths.

Mallorca-Ibiza: from quality of life to the party

Between Palma and Ibiza (Eivissa), the fast ferry takes around 2 hours 15 minutes (Balearia, Trasmed), with a handful of departures a week depending on the season. On one side, Mallorcan quality of life, the Serra de Tramuntana and year-round living; on the other, Europe's clubbing capital from May to October, and a far quieter north outside season. A single day at sea separates two very different moods.

The 75% resident discount: who qualifies, and how?

Every citizen empadronado in a Balearic municipality qualifies for a 75 percent discount on sea links between the islands (and on domestic flights to or from the Balearics). Formentera residents get 89 percent on the Ibiza-Formentera route. You need an up-to-date residence certificate (empadronamiento), which operators check at booking. Remember to renew it so you do not lose the benefit.

Which island for which trip?

• Mallorca: quality of life, the Serra de Tramuntana, Palma and its terraces, ideal for families and year-round living.
• Menorca: calm, the biosphere reserve, coves that have stayed wild, and the Cami de Cavalls.
• Ibiza: the party and the international crowd in summer, clubbing and sunsets; an authentic north the rest of the year.
• Formentera: bohemia, turquoise beaches and switching off, provided you accept the island's pace.

Frequently asked questions about ferries between the Balearic Islands

Can you island-hop without a car?
Yes. Ferries carry foot passengers, and each island has buses and rental options on the ground. A car stays useful in Menorca and Mallorca, less so in Formentera where a bike is often enough.

How long does the Ibiza-Formentera crossing take?
Around 30 minutes, with up to around sixty departures a day in summer, roughly every 30 minutes.

Is there an airport in Formentera?
No. You reach Formentera only by ferry, almost always from the port of Ibiza.

What discount do Balearic residents get?
75 percent on links between the islands, and 89 percent for Formentera residents on the route from Ibiza, on presentation of the empadronamiento certificate.

Can you bring a car?
Yes, on conventional ferries, with a supplement. In July and August, book your car passage several weeks ahead.

Durations and fares are indicative and vary by season; timetables, fares and car spaces change, so check and book directly with each operator before you travel. Information verified in August 2026. The Daily Baleares is an AI-assisted publication with human review.