Can I take my car on the ferry when traveling to Mallorca, and what should I know about the process?

Most residents who travel to Mallorca by ferry from the mainland bring their cars to get around the island with ease. Ferries arriving at Palma and Alcudia regularly accommodate vehicles, so booking your car’s passage in advance is wise, especially during the busy summer months when space fills quickly. Online reservations make it straightforward to secure your spot, and you'll need to specify your vehicle type—cars, motorcycles, and even campervans are generally accepted.

On arrival at ports such as Barcelona or Valencia, vehicles line up in designated areas before boarding. It’s best to arrive early as boarding is often on a first-come, first-served basis for cars. Once on board, crew directs drivers to the vehicle deck, where you'll be parked for the duration. Passengers then move upstairs to the passenger decks, as the vehicle area remains off-limits during the crossing for safety reasons.

Taking your car on the ferry opens up the island’s hidden corners, from the winding roads of the Serra de Tramuntana to pristine coves like Cala Llombards and Es Trenc beach. You can easily drive the Ma-13 across to the picturesque villages of Soller or Deia, or head north via the Ma-19 to Pollenca and Formentor. Renting a vehicle locally is an option, but ferrying your own car can make outdoor adventures and stopping for local specialties—like pa amb oli with sobrassada or a glass of Binissalem wine—much more flexible and rewarding.