Navigating Ibiza: Your Guide to Public Transport, Car Rental, and Taxi

Ibiza is a beautiful island with a lot to offer, from stunning beaches to exciting nightlife to more laid back spots to get some peace and quiet. There are many fun tours and well rated activities that you can choose to do in Ibiza. In fact it’s an excellent choice for families, with several affordable and child-friendly activities.

To decide on how to travel in Ibiza, you need to consider factors such as cost, comfort, and speed of travel, which are particularly relevant if you are travelling with children. So, what is the best way to get around Ibiza?

Renting a car is considered the best way to get around Ibiza, especially for families. This is due to its flexibility and comfort, as well as the potential for it to be more cost-effective. While public transportation on the island is affordable, it can be inconsistent and may not always run on schedule.

However, I totally understand that only some people wish to drive while on holiday. In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of the different transportation options available on the island, so you can make an informed decision about the best way to get around Ibiza.

This information was gathered in January 2023.

Car Rental

In my opinion, renting a car in Ibiza is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, particularly if you have younger children.  It gives you the flexibility and freedom to plan as you go, take as many bathroom breaks as required, and have less luggage to lug around since it would be in the back of the car.

There are many car rental companies located on the island, and prices can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the rental.

Be sure to shop around for the best prices and consider using Discover Cars. They have an excellent rating on Trustpilot because they provide customers with high-quality car rental services and exceptional customer support, resulting in positive reviews and recommendations from satisfied customers.

Driving in Ibiza can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not used to narrow roads and winding mountain passes. However, if you’re comfortable behind the wheel, renting a car can be a great way to see the island’s hidden gems.

Ibiza Public Transport

Ibiza has a decent public transport system that includes buses and ferries. The buses run frequently but are not very reliable and they can be crowded during peak season. There are also water taxis and ferries that run between the different towns and villages on the island, which can be a fun way to explore.

The cost of public transport is relatively cheap, and there are various tickets and travel cards available for purchase. However, it’s important to note that the public transport network is not extensive, so there may be better options for getting to certain locations.

Buses 

There are several bus companies that operate on the island of Ibiza, which can make things confusing. However, on average, buses run every half an hour to an hour, with busier routes running more frequently. You can check the bus map information at bus stops, ticket offices, the Ibiza Bus app, or the Ibiza Bus website. The two latter options outline the routes run by the following bus companies in Ibiza:

• Voramar El Gaucho S.L.
• San Antonio S.L. Bus
• Bus Companies H.F. Vilás S.L.
• Discobus S.L. Buses 
• Lucas Costa S.L.

The bus network connects the main towns and villages, including Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia, San Antonio, and San Juan. 

Upon arriving at the airport, there are 3 bus routes you can take to reach the destination you wish: the L10, L9 or L24. The L10 will take you to the port in Ibiza Town, the L9 goes to the San Antonio bus station via San Josep, while the L24 connects Ibiza Airport with the touristic zone of Santa Eulària and Cala Nova. The last two lines are seasonal and available only in summer. 

Tickets and Prices

Bus fares are very cheap; they vary from €2 to €5, depending on the journey. You can buy a ticket from the driver when you board the bus by using cash. Although drivers will have change, many won’t accept a note larger than €20, so try and have some coins on you if you plan to be using the bus to get around Ibiza. Children under the age of 5 can ride for free, but strollers must be folded during the trip.

Ferries 

The routes map above shows additional ferry routes, but they may not necessarily operate all year round. There are also other ferries from popular resort towns to some of these destinations and others.

The Direct Ferries website is a great platform because it offers a comprehensive selection of ferry routes and operators. That includes those that travel to Formentera from different locations in Ibiza. It allows customers to easily compare prices and schedules and find the best deals for their travel needs. 

Alternatively you might want to book a cruise with an open bar and buffet lunch. Considering the most popular beaches in Formentera are remote and you will have to walk for miles to grab a bite to eat, this might be a better choice for some.

For other ferry routes you should check with your hotel reception desk. Moreover there are also longer routes connecting to mainland Spain and nearby islands.

It’s worth noting that during peak season, ferries can be crowded, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to ensure you have a spot on the ferry. Also, the schedules can vary depending on the season and the company providing the service.

Tickets and Prices

Ferry ticket prices vary between €12 for short trips (for example, to get to a beach) to €200 for trips to the mainland. However, this also depends on the season, the ferry company you travel with, and how many people have already bought tickets for your dates.

Taxis 

Taxis in Ibiza are easy to find and can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you’re travelling with children. They are generally more expensive than public transport, but they can be a good option if you’re in a hurry or if you’re going to a location that’s not easily accessible by public transport. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated.

It’s worth noting that you should only use official taxis, as illegal taxis are not regulated by the Balearic Government. People have experienced burglaries or attempted burglaries after using illegal taxis because drivers come from shady backgrounds.

How to Travel to Beaches in Ibiza 

Here’s some bonus information on how to get to some of the most popular beaches on the island using different transportation methods: 

• Cala Conta (Plateges de Comte): To get to Cala Conta, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Ibiza Town. The bus runs regularly and the journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the town, which will take around 20 minutes. If you’re renting a car, Cala Conta is easily accessible by road.
• Cala Bassa: Cala Bassa is another popular beach on the west coast of the island. To get there, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Ibiza Town. The journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the town, which will take around 30 minutes. If you’re renting a car, Cala Bassa is easily accessible by road.
• Es Vedra: Es Vedra is a stunning beach on the west coast of the island. To get there, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Ibiza Town. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the town, which will take around 40 minutes. If you’re renting a car, Es Vedra is easily accessible by road.
• Playa d’en Bossa: Playa d’en Bossa is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its lively atmosphere and water sports. To get there, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Ibiza Town. The journey takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the town, which will take around 10 minutes. If you’re renting a car, Playa d’en Bossa is easily accessible by road.
• Cala Llonga: Cala Llonga is a charming beach on the east coast of the island. To get there, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Ibiza Town. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the town, which will take around 15 minutes. If you’re renting a car, Cala Llonga is easily accessible by road.

There you have it: the full breakdown of how to travel in Ibiza. We hope this article is helpful in planning your trip to Ibiza so you can know what to expect. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget, your travel plans, and your comfort level with different modes of transportation; but I believe that renting a car is best for a family with children to ensure comfort and safety.  

Have fun!

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