Getting to Menorca: flights, ferries and buses
Menorca airport is close to Maó; ferries run from Mallorca and the mainland. Here are the basics.
Menorca is reached by air or by sea, and once you land the choice is between hiring a car, using the island’s bus network or taking taxis and transfers. This guide covers the main options and the distances involved. Once you are there, our guides to the best beaches in Menorca and to Talayotic Menorca show where the roads lead.
By air
Menorca airport (MAH) is about 4.5 km from Maó and handled 4.2 million passengers in 2025 (Aena). There is no direct bus from the airport to Ciutadella: take line L10 to Maó bus station, then line L1.
By ferry
- Alcúdia (Mallorca) – Ciutadella: around 1 h 15 min by fast ferry (Baleària), from about 30 EUR per passenger.
- Barcelona – Menorca: fast ferry to Ciutadella from around 3 h 30 min; conventional ferries take 7 to 9 hours, often overnight.
- Valencia – Maó: about 16 h 30 min with a stop in Ibiza.
On the island
The main road, the Me-1, links Maó and Ciutadella in about 45 km. The bus between the two takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on source.
More about the airport
Menorca airport is a mainly tourist airport, with many charter flights in summer, and according to Aena it handled about 4.2 million passengers in 2025 across 105 routes. Spain and the United Kingdom account for the largest number of passengers, and Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid are the main domestic destinations. Because most services are seasonal, choice and frequency are far greater in summer than in winter, so check current schedules with the airlines.
According to Wikipedia, bus line 10 links the airport with Maó bus station in about ten minutes, running daily from around 06:00 until roughly 22:45; treat those hours as a guide and check the current timetable.
Ferry connections
Ferries arrive at two ports: Ciutadella in the west and Maó in the east. According to the ferry-booking site Ferryhopper, Menorca has links with Barcelona, Valencia, Palma and Alcúdia in Mallorca, and, in season, Toulon in France. Frequency varies widely by route and season: Alcúdia has the most crossings, while the Valencia and Palma routes are much less frequent. Vehicles can be taken aboard on the main routes, and cabins are available on overnight sailings.
| Route | Approximate crossing |
|---|---|
| Alcúdia to Ciutadella | About 1 h 15 min by fast ferry (longer on slower sailings) |
| Barcelona to Ciutadella | From about 3 h 30 min by fast ferry |
| Barcelona to Ciutadella or Maó | 7 to 9 hours by conventional ferry |
| Valencia to Maó | Up to about 16 hours, depending on the sailing |
Fares depend on the season, the vehicle and the cabin, so compare prices and timetables directly with the operators. Book early for July and August, especially with a car.
Maó to Ciutadella
The two main towns are about 45 km apart. The Me-1 runs across the island through Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferreries, and it takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car. The public bus network is called TIB and is run by several companies; line L1 links the two towns and line L14 is an express version. Timetables change with the season and some coastal routes only operate in summer.
From the airport to your accommodation
| Destination | Distance | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Maó | About 5 km | About 10 min |
| Fornells | About 30 km | 27 to 35 min |
| Cala Galdana | About 36 to 37 km | 32 to 35 min |
| Ciutadella | About 45 to 47 km | 40 to 45 min |
Taxi fares are set by distance and rise at night, on public holidays and with airport surcharges. Ask for an estimate before you set off, and consider a pre-booked transfer if you have children, luggage or a group.
Buses to the beaches
Some beach routes run in summer only. Lines L68 (Cala Turqueta), L69 (Macarella) and L66 (Son Saura) leave from Ciutadella, while seasonal buses serve Son Bou and Es Grau from Maó. Many north-coast beaches, such as Pregonda and Binimel·là, have no public transport. Check the last return bus, and see the beach guide for details on each cove.
Which option suits you
- Several beaches and villages: a hire car, booked well ahead in summer.
- Staying in Maó or Ciutadella: buses plus the occasional taxi.
- Walking: the Camí de Cavalls, a 186 km coastal path, links many coves on foot.
Timetables and prices change: check with the operator. Data consulted 30 September 2026.
More in Spanish: cómo llegar y moverse and ferry a Menorca.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a bus from the airport to Ciutadella?
No direct bus: take L10 to Maó then L1.
How far is Menorca airport from Maó?
About 4.5 km.
Which ports do ferries use?
Ciutadella in the west and Maó in the east. Routes connect with Barcelona, Valencia, Palma and Alcúdia, plus a seasonal link with France. Check timetables before you travel.
How long is the ferry from Barcelona?
A fast ferry to Ciutadella takes from about 3 h 30 min; conventional ferries take 7 to 9 hours, often overnight.
Can I take a car on the ferry?
Yes, vehicles are carried on the main routes. Book early for July and August.
Do I need a car in Menorca?
Not strictly. Buses link the main towns and some beaches in season, but many north-coast beaches have no public transport, so a car, taxi or boat gives more freedom.