Is it better to take the train or the bus to visit the villages?

It really depends on your destination. If you're heading to Inca, Sa Pobla, or Manacor, the train is great—it's fast, comfy, and you'll skip the traffic jams. However, for coastal villages or the mountains (like Valldemossa or Sóller), the red bus is your only bet. Google reviews are consistent: the train is more reliable for timing, but the bus reaches all the spots where tracks don't exist. Keep in mind there’s also the vintage wooden train to Sóller; it's stunning and iconic, but more of a pricey tourist experience than a practical way to commute.

SFM trains run three lines from the Estació Intermodal, under Plaça d'Espanya in Palma: T1 to Inca, T2 to Sa Pobla and T3 to Manacor. They're good for the inland villages along the line, such as Binissalem, Inca, Sineu, Petra or Manacor, and for Sineu's market on Wednesdays or Inca's on Thursdays. For the coast you usually need to change to a TIB bus from the station.

The Sóller train is a different thing: it leaves from its own station next door, and in 2026 it costs €23 single and €30 return between Palma and Sóller, plus €10 for the tram to the port. It's a lovely ride through the Serra, not everyday transport. If you want to get to Sóller, Valldemossa or Deià and back cheaply, the bus is the option. In high season the mountain buses are full: go early.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mallorca towns have a train station?

Those on the three SFM lines from Palma: T1 to Inca (via Marratxí and Binissalem, among others), T2 to Sa Pobla (with stops such as Muro) and T3 to Manacor (via Sineu and Petra). The coast has no train: you get there by TIB bus.

How much is the Sóller train?

In 2026, €23 single and €30 return between Palma and Sóller; €11 single to Bunyola. The combined ticket with the return train and the tram to Port de Sóller is €40. It's a historic train, more a day out than a way to commute.

Updated in October 2026