Barcelona to Mallorca: The Ferry Ride That Feels Like a Heist (But Legal and Way Cheaper)

Why a Ferry? Because Planes Are for People Who Hate Adventure
You’re scrolling through flight prices, sweating at the thought of paying €150 for a 45-minute trip where you’ll be crammed between a crying baby and someone who thinks deodorant is optional. Stop. There’s a better way. A slower, wind-in-your-hair, I’m-actually-on-vacation-already way. The ferry.

And not just any ferry—we’re talking Barcelona to Mallorca for as low as €26. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-six euros. That’s less than a decent paella in touristy Barceloneta. Less than a round of overpriced airport mojitos. Less than your dignity after realizing you forgot to check in online and now have to pay €50 for a seat next to the toilet.

Ferries are the rebel’s choice. The slow traveler’s middle finger to the chaos of budget airlines. The only way to arrive somewhere feeling like you’ve already started your holiday instead of like you’ve survived a hostage situation.

Reserve your seat from €26 on a ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca and check https://ferrybarcelonamallorca.com/ to compare schedules, tickets, and companies.

The Ferry Companies: Whos Who in the Floating Zoo
Not all ferries are created equal. Some are sleek, modern, and packed with amenities. Others are… let’s say rustic—like your uncle’s fishing boat if your uncle had a gambling problem and a soft spot for questionable interior design. Here’s the breakdown:

Balearia: The Fancy One (But Still Affordable)
Vibe: We have a pool, a spa, and Wi-Fi that almost works.

Price: Starts at €26 (if you book like a hawk).

Perks: Reclining seats, cabins if you’re bougie, and a bar where the beer is only slightly overpriced.

Downside: Youll have to resist the urge to Instagram every second.

Trasmapi: The Reliable Workhorse
Vibe: We get you there. No frills, no nonsense.

Price: Usually a bit more than Balearia, but with fewer surprises.

Perks: Theyve been doing this forever. They know what theyre doing.

Downside: The decor hasnt changed since 1998.

GNV: The Wildcard
Vibe: We might have a disco. Or a cinema. Or both. Who knows?

Price: Competitive, but check for last-minute deals.

Perks: If youre lucky, youll feel like youre on a mini-cruise.

Downside: If youre unlucky, youll feel like youre in a floating hostel.

Schedules: Because Time Is a Construct (But Ferries Are Not)
Ferries don’t run on your watch. They run on island time, which is a fancy way of saying "whenever they feel like it." But generally, here’s the deal:

Route

Duration

Frequency

Best Time to Book

Barcelona → Palma

6-8 hours

Daily (multiple)

Now. Seriously, now.

Barcelona → Alcúdia

5-7 hours

Less frequent

When you remember to check.

Pro tip: Night ferries exist. You sleep, you wake up in Mallorca, and you’ve saved on a hotel. Boom. Instant life hack.

Ticket Prices: The Game of How Low Can You Go?
€26 is the starting price, but like a tequila shot at 3 AM, things can escalate quickly. Here’s how to keep it cheap:

Book early. Ferries are not like Ryanair—they dont wait for you to panic-buy at the last minute.

Travel off-peak. June? Expensive. September? Cheaper. January? You’ll have the boat to yourself (and maybe some seagulls).

Skip the cabin. A reclining seat is fine. Youre not a princess. (If you are, ignore this.)

Bring snacks. Ferry food is the culinary equivalent of a gas station sandwich.

Hidden fees? They claim there are none. Well see.

The Experience: What to Expect (Besides Seasickness)
The Good
Views. The Mediterranean isn’t just a backdrop for Instagram—it’s real, it’s blue, and it’s right there.

Space. No ones elbowing you for the armrest.

Freedom. Walk around. Stare at the horizon. Pretend youre in a music video.

The Bad
Seasickness. If youre prone to it, bring pills. Or a bucket. Your call.

Delays. Weather happens. Ferries dont.

Boredom. Bring a book, a podcast, or a very patient friend.

The Weird
The people. You’ll meet backpackers, families, and at least one guy who looks like he’s smuggling something. (He’s not. Probably.)

The entertainment. Sometimes there’s live music. Sometimes there’s just a guy playing the accordion. It’s a surprise!

Booking: Because Adulting Means Clicking Buttons
Its instant. No printing, no fuss. Just:

Pick a date.

Pick a seat (or dont, live dangerously).

Pay.

Show up.

No hidden fees? They swear. But always double-check. Companies love a good "service charge" or "port tax" sneaked in at the last second.

Why Mallorca? (As If You Need a Reason)
Because Barcelona is amazing, but Mallorca is magic.

Beaches that look like they were Photoshopped.

Mountains for when you feel guilty about lying on the beach all day.

Old towns where the streets are so narrow youll question how cars even exist.

Food. Sobrasada. Ensaimada. Pa amb oli. Your stomach will thank you.

Should You Do It?
Yes. If you:

Hate airports.

Love the sea.

Want to arrive somewhere feeling like a human, not a sardine.

Enjoy bragging about how you got to Mallorca for less than a taxi ride.

No. If you:

Need to be somewhere yesterday.

Get seasick looking at a bathtub.

Think slow travel is a punishment.

So, Whats the Catch?
There isn’t one. €26. No hidden fees. No stress. Just you, the sea, and the slow, sweet realization that you’ve outsmarted the system.

Now go book that ferry before someone else does. And when you’re sipping a cheap beer on deck, watching the sunset, remember: you’re winning at life.