To Mallorca by car? Cost, Ferry & Route

For many, the Spanish island of Mallorca is the epitome of sun, beach and Mediterranean lifestyle. What you often don't know: The way there does not always have to be by plane. Driving your own car to Mallorca opens up a whole new perspective on the journey – from the journey via France to the ferry that takes you to the island.

But how do you plan such a trip properly? What routes are there, how do you prepare for the ferry trip and what challenges could there be along the way? In this guide, we'll show you step by step how to make your road trip to Mallorca an unforgettable experience.

⏰ Summary

• At least 2,000 kilometres to Mallorca
• Remember tolls and vehicle checks
• Ferry from France or Spain
• Don't underestimate the costs of ferry and fuel
• No wild camping in Mallorca

If you are interested in a new car, here are a few offers:

 

Driving to Mallorca – Costs, Ferries & Tips for Your Trip

Even from the south of Germany, it is a good 2,000 kilometers to Mallorca - you should plan this route well if you want to go to the island by car or campervan.

Is it possible to drive to Mallorca?

Yes, you can drive to Mallorca with your own car, so you are flexible and do not need a rental car. You should already consider the journey as a destination and make stops along the way at places that interest you. This keeps the car journey relaxed - even if you have a dog with you or are going on holiday with children or babies.

From Germany to Mallorca – Which route is the best?

The route is quite long and depending on which direction you start from, there are plenty of options to drive to Mallorca. A popular route, however, is via France and by ferry from Toulon to Alcúdia. You drive through great landscapes in France and come through the different regions on well-developed motorways, which makes the journey comfortable yet varied.

The ferry crossing is also convenient, as there are different cabins and services available. It takes about 11 hours – which is significantly longer than the ferry you use when driving to England or London.

 

Tolls & motorway costs in France and Spain

If you go on holiday to Mallorca by car, there are tolls in France and also a toll in Spain. Depending on whether you stop in French cities, you should also pay attention to environmental zones in France.

In any case, inform yourself before departure and take care of a toll box or a vignette already in Germany. This makes the journey much more relaxed.

Tips for a stress-free road trip through France & Spain

To ensure that you can get to France and then Spain by car without any problems and without stress, you should pay attention to the following things:

• Vehicle check before the trip: oil level, light, tire pressure, test car battery.
• Kosten planen: Maut, Sprit, Fähre, Übernachtung, Verpflegung ect. einrechnen.
• Routenplanung: Welche Zwischenstopps? Wo wird übernachtet? Welche Sehenswürdigkeiten will ich sehen?
• Pausen einlegen

 

Die besten Routen von Deutschland nach Mallorca mit dem Auto

Es kommt ganz darauf an, ob du möglichst schnell in Mallorca ankommen willst oder ob die Fahrt selbst schon zur Reise gehören soll – dementsprechend ist die beste Route nicht immer für jeden die gleiche. Hier haben wir ein paar beliebte Routen von Deutschland nach Mallorca:

1. Deutschland – Toulon – Alcúdia

Entscheidest du dich für diese Route, bist du auf der schnellsten Strecke zur Fähre. Je nach dem von wo aus Deutschland du kommst, dauert die Autofahrt bis ins französische Toulon bis zu 16 Stunden (reine Fahrzeit ohne Pausen). Die Fähre braucht von Toulon nach Alcúdia nochmal ca. 11 Stunden.

2. Deutschland – Barcelona – Alcúdia oder Palma

Ebenfalls beliebt sind die Fährverbindungen ab/von Palma. Um in der Hauptstadt anzukommen, musst du mit dem Auto bis Barcelona fahren. Das dauert bis zu 18 Stunden, dafür braucht man mit der Fähre bis Alcúdia nur noch ca. fünf Stunden. Um bis Palma zu kommen sind dann nochmal zwei Stunden Fahrzeit mit dem Auto einzuplanen.

3. Deutschland – Valencia – Palma

22 Stunden fährt man bis Valencia und dann dauert es nochmal acht Stunden mit der Fähre bis Palma. Wer sich aber Valencia ansehen und dort einen Zwischenstopp einlegen will, kann jede Menge erleben.

4. Deutschland – Dénia – Palma

Entlang der Küste des spanischen Festlandes kannst du bis Dénia fahren. Die Stadt liegt zwischen Alicante und Valencia und ist mit 2.300 Kilometern am weitesten entfernt. 23 Stunden kann die Autofahrt dauern, dafür ist auch hier die Fährverbindung mit lediglich 5 Stunden nicht mehr so problematisch.

Welche Fähren fahren nach Mallorca mit Auto?

The following car ferries will take you to Mallorca with your vehicle: Corsica Ferries, Balearia, Grandi Navi Veloci, Trasmed GLE and Menorca Lines. If you are travelling with your dog, then only Corsica Ferries and Balearia come into question. The other ferries do not offer pets.

Ferry connections from Barcelona, Valencia & Dénia

• From Barcelona to Mallorca you can travel by Balearia, Grandi Navi Veloci or Trasmed GLE. There are 6 sailings a week and the journey time is between 7 and 8.5 hours.
• From Valencia to Mallorca you can also travel with the ferry operators mentioned above. Balearia offers 13 sailings per week, Grandi Navi Veloci 6 and Trasmed 7 sailings per week. It takes between 7.5 and 8 hours.
• From Dénia to Mallorca you have to travel with Balearia, only this ferry company offers a crossing. There are about 4 departures a day and the journey takes about 5 hours.

 

How much does it cost to drive to Mallorca by car?

It is not possible to give an exact estimate of the costs, but it is possible to give an approximate estimate. This only means the cost of the outward and return journey, hotel stays and the actual holiday are added on top.

• Fuel costs: approx. 2,700 kilometers from Munich to Barcelona and back. With an assumed consumption of 9 liters of Super per 100 km and a gasoline price of 1.80 euros per liter, you get fuel costs of about 440 euros.
• Ferry: We take the following example: Ferry from Barcelona – Palma: 2 adults and a child with a 4-bed cabin in high season (round trip) – cost about 830 euros.

For gasoline and ferry to Mallorca and back, about 1,300 euros are due – of course, this can vary depending on the fuel consumption of your car, the starting point in Germany and the season.

How to book the ferry to Mallorca by car

It is best to check the websites of the ferry companies mentioned above, choose a ferry and enter your travel dates. You'll also need the length and width of your car, and you'll need to consider whether you want to book a cabin (it costs extra), a recliner (which also costs extra), or none of these – then you'll need to stay in the public seating areas during the crossing.

It is also possible to book breakfast or other meals if the journey takes longer. In any case, it is important that you book the ferry as early as possible, because then the price is usually lower and you still get a ticket.

Kosten für die Reise mit dem Auto nach Mallorca

Mallorca ist nicht um die Ecke, doch eine Fahrt mit dem Auto auf die Baleareninsel kann dennoch günstiger sein als zu fliegen – vor allem, wenn man als Familie unterwegs ist. Die genauen Kosten sind natürlich individuell verschieden, wir können aber ein paar Anhaltspunkte geben.

Spritkosten: Wie viel kostet die Fahrt nach Mallorca?

Wie hoch die Spritkosten sind, hängt davon ab wie viel dein Auto verbraucht, welchen Sprit du tanken musst und von wo in Deutschland du startest. Für die Hin- und Rückfahrt kannst du aber sicher zwischen 400 und 550 Euro an Spritkosten rechnen.

Tolls on the way to Spain

On the way to Spain, tolls are charged in France. In most cases, the toll is charged per kilometre. So you pay for the distance you drive on the motorway as soon as you leave it. In Spain, it depends on whether you use the Autovia or the Autopista, because on the Autovia you can drive in sections without having to pay tolls.

Expect about 70 to 90 euros in tolls for France and Spain.

Ferry costs for car and passengers

The cost of the ferry is highly dependent on the season and how early or late you book. The later you book, the more expensive the ferry gets – and the high season is of course much more expensive than low seasons. For two adults and one child with a car and an additionally booked cabin, the trip from Barcelona to Palma and back costs a total of about 830 euros in the high season.

Alternative: Rental car in Mallorca instead of your own car?

If you want to travel by plane, then of course you don't have your own car with you - here a rental car makes sense to be able to easily explore the island. If you have traveled by car, renting a car only makes sense if, for example, you want to visit remote places and an off-road vehicle is necessary, which you don't have. Or vice versa, if you have arrived with a large car and want to drive to crowded cities where a small car would make more sense.

Mallorca by motorhome – Everything you need to know

If you always want to have your home with you, then a trip by motorhome to Mallorca is a good option. But make sure that you behave correctly - otherwise the holiday can quickly become stressful.

 

Can you travel to Mallorca by motorhome?

Yes, that is possible. Choose the right ferry companies and stick to the rules for camping on the island - then nothing stands in the way of a great holiday.

Motorhome ferry to Mallorca – providers & costs

You can also take the ferry to Mallorca with your campervan. The providers Trasmed and Grandi Navi Veloci in particular offer spaces for motorhomes. We again assumed the following scenario: 2 adults and 1 child with a camper and overnight with a cabin on the outward journey. The costs refer to the round trip in the high season and are about 500 euros.

Camping & Pitches in Mallorca – Where can you stand?

Right at the beginning: Wild camping is prohibited in Mallorca. If you can't make it to a campsite or haven't been able to get a place, you can stay overnight wherever you are allowed to park regularly. But standing means standing – and not camping. So you are not allowed to set up tables and chairs in front of the camper.

In principle, however, you should take care of pitches at campsites in advance, as these are usually fully booked during peak travel times.

Conclusion: By car to Mallorca - yes or no?

Travelling to Mallorca by car takes time. If you decide to do this, you should definitely plan enough time and also see the trip as part of the vacation. Make stops at beautiful places in France and Spain, so the journey is more equalized and you arrive in Mallorca more relaxed. As far as costs are concerned, traveling by car and ferry can be cheaper, especially for families.