There are two bus companies that provide an airport bus service in Mallorca: EMT, which runs within Palma, and TIB, which runs the rest of Mallorca. EMT buses are blue, while TIB buses are red and yellow. EMT buses only accept cash payments, with some routes only accepting notes smaller than €10. TIB buses accept both cash and contactless card payments, with card payments being cheaper.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Bus company | EMT (blue buses) or TIB (red and yellow buses) |
Bus payment methods | Cash or bank card |
Cash payment specifics | Try to have the exact amount of money, maximum €10 |
Bank card payment specifics | Tap card at the entrance and exit of the bus |
Bank card payment benefits | Discounted fares, no need to tell the driver your destination |
What You'll Learn
Paying with cash
If you're taking the bus in Mallorca, it's important to know that there are two different bus companies servicing the area: EMT and TIB. EMT buses are blue and typically run within Palma, whereas TIB buses are red and yellow and service the rest of Mallorca.
EMT Buses
EMT buses only accept cash payments onboard, with a maximum payment of €10. Notes larger than €10 may not be accepted, so it's best to have smaller notes or coins ready. Tickets are purchased separately onboard the bus and cannot be bought online beforehand. Single tickets cost €1.50 for most places in Palma, but to get on line 1 to the port, it costs €3.
When boarding an EMT bus, entry is always made through the front door. If you need to buy a ticket, stand on the right; if you're paying with a Citizen's Card or Targeta 10 (Card 10), stand on the left.
TIB Buses
TIB buses offer more flexibility in payment methods. You can pay with cash or your bank card. If paying in cash, only banknotes of €20 or less are accepted. Tickets can be purchased onboard the bus or online beforehand for a 40% discount. Tickets cost as little as €1.80 per trip.
When using a bank card on TIB buses, you can tap on and off, validating your card when getting on and off the bus. This method is generally cheaper than paying with cash, and you can use the same bank card for yourself and up to four other members of your family or friends.
Buses from the Airport
When taking a bus from the airport, you'll likely be using the EMT bus service. These buses can only be paid for in cash, and notes larger than €10 may not be accepted. The bus from the airport to Palma costs €5 one way, and you can buy your ticket onboard.
Tips
- If you need to break a large note, consider doing so before boarding, as drivers may not accept notes larger than €10.
- If possible, bring smaller notes or coins to make paying for your bus fare easier.
- For TIB buses, consider paying with a bank card to take advantage of the discounted fare and the convenience of tapping in and out.
- Remember to stand on the correct side when boarding an EMT bus to avoid inconvenience and crowding.
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Paying with a bank card
In Mallorca, there are two bus companies: EMT and TIB. EMT buses are blue and usually run within Palma, whereas TIB buses are red and yellow and cover the rest of the island.
If you are travelling on a TIB bus, you can pay with a contactless bank card. Simply tap your card on the validator when you get on and off the bus. You can use the same bank card for yourself and up to four other people. The charge for the journey will appear on your bank statement the following day.
You cannot pay with a bank card on EMT buses. For these, you will need to pay in cash. EMT buses only accept a maximum of €10 in notes, so it is recommended to have some change or small notes with you.
If you are travelling to or from the airport, you will need to take an EMT bus, which means you will need to pay in cash.
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EMT buses
If you are boarding an EMT bus at the airport, you will need to buy a ticket from the driver. The bus costs €5 one way and can be caught from a bus stop opposite the public arrivals hall.
If you are getting on with a baby buggy, you will need to position the pushchair on the central platform and activate its safety measures before validating your card or paying the driver for your ticket.
If you are buying a regular ticket, try to have the exact change, as the driver may not be able to provide it. If you are using a Citizen's Card or Targeta 10, you must hold it up to the validating machine, which will show your remaining balance. If the machine emits three consecutive beeps, this means the operation has not been successful, and you will need to speak to the driver.
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TIB buses
TIB (Transports de les Illes Balears) buses are a public transportation system in Mallorca. They are distinct from EMT buses by their red and yellow colours. TIB buses usually service routes outside of Palma, while EMT buses operate within the city.
Paying for TIB Buses
TIB Bus Routes
- A11: Airport to Palma, via Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponca, and Peguera
- A32: Airport to Can Picafort, via Alcudia/Playa de Muro
- A42: Airport to Cala Bona, via Cala Millor
- A51: Airport to Campos, via S'Arenal and Llucmajor
- L515: Cala D'or to Campos
- L501: Campos to Palma
- 301: Palma to Soller
- 302: Alcudia to Palma
- 104: Palma to the airport
- A1: Airport to Palma
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Paying with a Citizen's Card
The Citizen's Card is a contactless card that allows individuals to pay for bus tickets without carrying cash. The card can be used by both residents and non-residents of Palma, as long as they have residence in the Autonomous region of the Balearic Islands.
To obtain a Citizen's Card, individuals who reside in Palma or in municipalities that have signed agreements with the city of Palma should contact their respective Town Hall. There are several Town Hall Offices (OAC) within the city of Palma where a petition for a card can be submitted.
The Citizen's Card can be used to pay for bus fares on the EMT Palma network and the TIB's Metro1 line. When using the card, individuals must hold it up to the validating machine, which will display the remaining balance. If the machine emits three consecutive beeps, it indicates that the operation was not successful, and the user will need to check with the driver.
In addition to paying for bus fares, the Citizen's Card offers several benefits. It allows for free bus changes between different urban routes within a 90-minute time frame. Users can also take advantage of reduced individualized fares based on specific profiles, such as resident, student, pensioner, or extended family. The card can be recharged at various locations, including paper shops, kiosks, newsagents, and commercial establishments, as well as special machines installed at main bus stops in Palma.
It is important to note that the Citizen's Card cannot be used for airport bus lines, and separate charges will apply when using these lines in conjunction with the Citizen's Card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pay with a bank card on TIB buses, which are red and yellow. You can't pay with a bank card on EMT buses, which are blue and white.
You can tap your contactless bank card on the validator at the bus door when you get on and off the bus. You can use the same card for up to five people.
Yes, you can pay with cash on both TIB and EMT buses. EMT buses only accept a maximum of €10, and only accept smaller notes.
No, you can't pay with a bank card on the airport buses. You will need to pay in cash.