Mallorca has a small railway network which consists of three separate electrified lines from Palma de Mallorca and Inca. Most famous is a vintage Tren de Soller from Palma to the a seaside town of Soller. This railway line is famous for stunning views. Mallorca has a metro light system and a vintage tram in Soller. There are plans to extend the rail network to Alcúdia, Arta and Felanitx.
Last updated: 29.01.2024
The first railway line in Mallorca was put into operation in 1875 and connected the cities of Palma de Mallorca and Inca (28.6 km). Over the following years, the railway network was extended. Until at the end of the 19th century the length of the railway network in Mallorca reached 155 km.
Between 1905 and 1921, the Palma – Campos and Manacor – Arta railway lines were built.
The 1960s saw the decline of the railways – important railway lines were gradually closed. In 1981 traffic on the line from Palma de Mallorca to Inca was suspended.
Since the 1990s, a program of rehabilitation of railway lines has been implemented. The effects are impressive – trains are running again, a metro has been built, and the railway is one of the island’s greatest tourist attractions.
Train travel in Mallorca – metro
The metro in Mallorca has two lines. The first one was built in 2005-2007 – it is 7.2 km long and has 9 stations. The opening took place on April 25, 2007. Soon Mallorca was hit by floods and the metro was repeatedly flooded. The trains did not run from September 2007 to July 28, 2008. The line called M1 connects the Placa de España in Palma de Mallorca with the University of the Balearic Islands.
The metro runs every 15 minutes during rush hours and every 30 minutes at other times. The journey between the starting and ending stations takes 13 minutes.
In 2013, the second metro line (M2) was opened between Spanish Square and Marratxi station. This is not a classic metro line, because its shared part of his route with the Palma de Mallorca – Inca railway line. This was possible because in Majorca there is one height of railway and metro platforms.
The M2 line is 8.5 kilometers long and serves 10 stations.
Train travel in Mallorca – SFM trains
Currently, there are three railway lines in Mallorca:
T1 – Palma de Mallorca – Inca (Tren Inca)
T2 – Palma de Mallorca – Sa Pobla (Tren Sa Pobla)
T3 – Palma de Mallorca – Manacor (Tren Manacor)
All passenger trains depart and end at Palma Intermodal station situated in Plaça d’Espanya.
The journey from Palma Intermodal Station to Inca lasts around half an hour. Trains run frequently.
All routes pass through Inca and part of the Palma de Mallorca – Inca line is used as the second metro line in Palma de Mallorca.
The total length of railway lines in Mallorca is 77 kilometers.
At the terminal stations, trains are theoretically connected to buses transporting passengers to seaside resorts.
Railway connections and metro lines are operated by Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM).
Fares are based on a map of zones. You can buy a ticket at the ticket offices or at the machines in the stations.
SFM – official website, timetable, prices
Transport de les Isles Balears (TIB) – additional information about fares
Railway map of Mallorca (Wikimedia)
Vintage tram in Sóller
The historic tram in Sóller is a railway attraction in Majorca known all over the world. The tram connects the town of Soller with the port of Puerto de Soller. driving through the city center. Tram line was inaugurated in 1913.
The tram ride takes about 15-20 minutes and the route is 5 kilometers long.
The tram departs regularly from Soller between 8.00 am and 8.35 pm and from Puerto de Soller between 8.30 am and 9.05 pm.
The tram in Sóller is operated by Ferrocarril de Sóller.
Train travel in Mallorca – Tren de Sóller
Ferrocarril de Sóller also runs tourist trains on the Palma de Mallorca – Sóller route. Trains have been running continuously since the railway was built in 1912 – the line was built as a private railway.
Initially, the train was used by the inhabitants of Sóller and villages along the route, but now, due to the travel time, it is a typical tourist attraction, as it has no chance of competing with buses because of slow ride.
The Tren de Sóller train is often confused with the historic Sóller tram, perhaps because of the tram-like wooden carriages. The train is sometimes called an “Orange Express”.
The train receives very good reviews due to its beautiful views from the windows and retro carriages. The one-way journey takes one hour and 10 minutes. The rail gauge on this route is 914 mm.
Train don’t runs throughout the year – there is a winter break.
Train and tram ticket prices are relatively high.
Tren de Sóller – official website, timetable and prices
Related articles:
Railways in Europe by country
Train travel in Spain
