Getting around Palma de Mallorca

Public transport

Palma has a comprehensive bus network, operated by Empresa Municipal de Transports de Palma de Mallorca (EMT) (tel: +34 971 214 444; www.emtpalma.es). The transport network operates regular daily services from 0615 to 2100. The airport bus runs every 15 minutes, until 0200 every day (except Sundays) in summer. Most buses pass through the main bus station in Plaça d’Espanya, and timetables and route maps can be found at every bus stop.

Palma’s two-line metro system (tel: +34 971 177 777; www.consorcidetransports.org) links the city centre with the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) campus and the Estació Intermodal with Marratxí Estació.

Taxis

You can hail white taxis in the street or pick them up at ranks. A green roof-light marked lliure or libre indicates they are available for hire. To order one in advance, call Taxi Palma Radio (tel: +34 971 401 414). Meter fare includes VAT (rates rise at night and on Sundays and holidays). Tipping is not expected, but if you would like to tip, the usual amount is 5 to 10% of the meter fare.

Driving

Driving in Palma is relatively straightforward, with major sights clearly signposted. However, there are several one-way systems which can be confusing, be sure to know your traffic signs well before attempting to drive in Palma. It can be difficult to find parking in the historical centre of Palma, but there are numerous paid car parks. Blue markings with a meter signify pay to park for a limited period of time while yellow markings signify no parking.

Car hire

As Palma has an excellent bus network, it is only worth hiring a car if you intend to leave the city and explore the island.

Hire companies include Avis (tel: +34 902 110 261; www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: +34 902 105 055; www.europcar.es) and Goldcar Europa (tel: +34 902 119 726; www.goldcar.es).

Bicycle hire

Palma is a great city to explore on two wheels especially on the bike lane that runs along the Passeig Marítim waterfront promenade. The public bikeshare system run by Palma City Council (tel: +34 971 225 522; www.bicipalma.es), has more than 30 stations across the city. Three- and five-day subscriptions are available to non-residents, after which the first 30 minutes of any journey are free.

Palma on Bikes, Avenida Antoni Maura 10 (tel: +34 971 718 062;www.palmaonbike.com), rents out bikes for one day to two weeks, and organises guided bike tours ranging from city tours to three-hour mountain bike trips around the island.

Berganti Bikes, Avenida Bartolomé Riutort 59 (tel: +34 971 744 096; www.bergantibikes.com), is another great place to hire quality mountain bikes.

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