Can I pay for TIB bus tickets on Mallorca with a credit card, or should I bring cash?

Locals generally keep a small amount of cash handy when using the TIB bus network crossing the island, especially for rural routes where card payment options are less common. While Palma’s urban transport system has become increasingly digitized, with ticket machines and apps allowing contactless card purchases, many buses in smaller towns like Alcudia or Pollenca still rely on cash fares paid directly to the driver. It’s advisable to carry some coins or small bills just in case, particularly on lines serving more remote villages in the Serra de Tramuntana.

The main roads like the Ma-13 and Ma-19 see frequent service, but on these routes, ticket machines accepting card payments remain infrequent on board. The Soller railway, popular with visitors heading to the mountain town, offers digital ticketing options, but the traditional TIB buses have been slower in switching to seamless cashless payments. Checking the official TIB website or mobile app before setting out can provide current info on ticket sales and payment methods. When boarding in Palma or other larger hubs, contactless payment is increasingly accepted, making it easier to avoid fumbling for change while heading to favorite spots such as Cala Llombards or the Formentor peninsula.