Metro of Palma de Mallorca

Metros in Spain: Palma Metro

Being the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is the most populous region in Mallorca, Spain. The city’s airport is called Aeropuerto Palma de Mallorca. This is the third busiest airport in Spain.

The means of transportation in Palma de Mallorca are comprised of interurban buses, urban buses, railway services, and the metro. The interurban buses are identified by their red and yellow colors, and they allow transfers to trains and the metro. Meanwhile, the urban buses are identified by their blue, green, and white colors. They consist of 31 lines and 180 buses. There are two main railway services offered, which are the Mallorca Railway Services (SFM), and the Sóller Railway. The Mallorca Railway Services company owns Intermodal station, which is also a bus, train, and metro station. Finally, the metro is called the Palma Metro, and is owned by SFM.

History

Many political groups proposed the construction of a metro service in Palma de Mallorca since the 1990s. The idea was to give transportation to the students at the University of Balearic Islands. The metro service was also proposed as an alternative to driving, since traffic levels were higher than in previous years. The Palma Metro was officially proposed for the first time in 2003, during the regional elections. The construction of the metro was approved on November 23rd, 2004.

The construction of the metro officially began on August 9th, 2005, with the construction of Gran Vía Asima station. The first station to be open to the public was Jacinto Verdaguer station on September 18th, 2006. However, only the regional train service was available at this station.

The Palma Metro was officially inaugurated on April 25th, 2007, with the opening of the M1 line. Meanwhile, line M2 from the metro was inaugurated on March 13th, 2013.

Lines and stations

The Palma Metro has two lines and 19 stations. The lines are called M1 and M2. The stations for each line are the following:

Line M1

It has the following 9 stations:

1. Jacinto Verdaguer: This station has elevators available. This station started service on March 1st, 2007 for the T2 and T3 trains, and on April 25th, 2017 for the metro. It has two floors. On the first floor, you will find the ticket booths. Meanwhile, on the second floor, you will find two platforms, one for the metro, and one for the regional railway services.

2. Intermodal Station: This is one for the terminals for the Palma Metro, as well as the main hub for the Palma Metro. Many other means of transportation are available in here. The station was operational for the T1, T2, and T3 trains since March 1st, 2007. Meanwhile, the metro started service on this station since April 25th, 2017. It is taller than Jacinto Verdaguer station, since it has three floors instead of two. On the first floor, you will find the security checkpoints and the ticket booths. The second floor is divided into two sections: floor 2A and floor 2B. Floor 2A is important because the customer services offices for the Palma Metro are located in here. This floor has 10 tracks, some of which are for the metro, while the rest are for the SFM regional railway services. Meanwhile, floor 2B acts as a bus station. Finally, the third floor is a parking lot.

3. Son Fuster Vell: An underground station. It only has two tracks. It uses side platforms. It is operational since April 25th, 2017. This station is between Son Costa station and Gran Vía Asima station.

4. Son Costa - Son Fortesa: This station is between Son Fuster Vell station and Jacint Verdaguer station. During weekends and holidays, this station is also available for the SFM regional railway services. Like many other line M1 stations, it was opened to the public on April 25th, 2017. It has only one underground floor. There is a barrier that separates the platforms for the metro and for the SFM regional railway service. It has a total of four tracks.

5. Son Castelló: It is between Camí del Reis station and Gran Vía Asima station. Like Son Fuster Vell station, it is an underground station. Its name comes after the Son Castelló industrial district. It has side platforms.

6. Gran Vía Asima: You will find this station in your way between Son Castelló station and Son Fuster Vell station. This station is exclusive for line M1. In other words, you cannot transfer to either line M2 nor to the SFM regional trains in here.

7. Son Sardina: If you travel between Universidad de las Islas Baleares station and Camí dels Reis station, you will find this station. It is close to the tracks for the Sóller Railway Services. It uses side platforms.

8. Universidad de las Islas Baleares: Another terminal for the metro. As the name in Spanish implies, it is close to a university.

9. Camí dels Reis: It is located between Son Sardina station and Son Castelló station. It is also located in the Son Castelló industrial district.

Line M2:

It has the following 10 stations:

1. Jacinto Verdaguer: See the description for this station in line M1.

2. Intermodal Station: See the description for this Station in line M1.

3. Son Fuster: This station was built on 2003, and was later used as a metro station. It has parking services available.

4. Son Costa - Son Fortesa: See the description for this station in line M1.

5. Pont d'Inca: The metro service started on 2008 on this station. However, this station was previously used as a FEVE Railway Service station.

6. Virgen de Lluc: It was originally built on 1990, and was a station for the FEVE Railway Service. It has two platforms.

7. Marrachí: It is one of the oldest stations, since it was built on February 24th, 1875. The metro was later introduced to this station.

8. Pont d'Inca Nou: It has parking services available, and is accommodated for people with disabilities.

9. Polígono de Marratxí: It was built on 2001 for other transportation services, but it then became a metro station.

10. Son Cladera/Es Vivero: It is one of the most recently built stations, since it was inaugurated on 2014.

Palma Mallorca metro

Connections

The metro allows connections to the trains from the SFM meter-gauge railway service, the Inca Express train, and buses. Some of the connections available at each station are the following:

Line M1:

1. Jacinto Verdaguer: Both lines of the metro are located in here, allowing you transfers to either line. Also, lines T1, T2, and T3 from SFM are available for transfers.

2. Intermodal Station: You can transfer to line M1 or M2 from the metro. You can also make a connection to lines T1, T2, and T3 from SFM’s trains.

3. Son Costa - Son Fortesa: Both lines from the metro are available at this station. Transfers to lines T1, T2, and T3 are also possible.

4. Gran Vía Asima: It allows a connection with bus 11 from EMT.

5. Son Sardina: Buses L211 and L220, as well as the Sóller Railway are available for connections with the metro.

6. Universidad de las Islas Baleares: You can make connections to buses 19 and 20 from EMT.

7. Camí dels Reis: Transfers are available to bus 11 from EMT.

Line M2:

1. Son Fuster: You can make a connection to lines T2 and T3 from SFM.

2. Pont d'Inca: Lines T2 and T3 are available.

3. Virgen de Lluc: Transfers are available to lines T2 and T3 from SFM.

4. Marrachí: You can transfer to lines T1, T2, or T3 from SFM, and to the trains from Inca Express.

5. Pont d'Inca Nou: You can make a connection to lines T2 and T3.

6. Polígono de Marratxí: Lines T2 and T3 are available.

7. Son Cladera/Es Vivero: You can transfer to either line T2 or T3.

Connection to the airport

The metro does not go directly to the airport. If you wish to go from the airport to the main metro station, Intermodal Station, ride bus 1 from EMT. This bus is available every 13 minutes. From Palma de Mallorca Airport, walk 600 meters to Aeroport – Arribades bus station. Then, board bus 1 towards Port. You will have to travel for 20 minutes. After 8 stops, disembark at Plaça d'Espanya. Here, you will find Intermodal station, and you will be ready to board the metro.

Schedule, calendar, and timetables

The frequency of departures of the trains is 20 minutes. This is true for all stations.

All stations are open during most days. The metro does not operate during Sundays nor holidays. The opening time of line M1 is at 6:35 am at Intermodal Station. Meanwhile, line M2 opens at 6:20 am at Marratxí. Finally, the metro ends service at 8:18 pm at Intermodal Station and at 10:19 pm at Intermodal Station for lines M1 and M2 respectively.

Customer support services are available from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, they are available from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Prices, tickets, and cards

The tickets available are the following: Single Ride Ticket, T40, Round Trip Ticket, and T20. The prices for the Single Ride Ticket and the Round Trip Ticket vary depending on the length of the trip. The T40 ticket costs between 25.20€ and 77.25€. Finally, the T20 Ticket costs between 16.80€ and 51.40€.

The card for the metro is called the Intermodal Card. It is also usable in other public transportation services, including the bus and the regional railway services. However, it is not usable in the Soller Railway Service nor in the EMT buses. The Intermodal Card is divided into four categories: Large Family Card, Retired People Card, Youth Card, and General Card. All the Intermodal card cost 3€ when you first order them, and 8€ for a duplicate if you lost your previous Intermodal Card.

Children under four years old can travel for free.

Palma Mallorca metro

Tips in Palma metro

• 1) You can only pay for the tickets and cards with euros. If you need to exchange your currency, there are currency exchange offices and banks that allow you to do so.
• 2) For safety reasons, do not travel alone to the outskirts of the city. Additionally, keep an eye on your belongings at all times while riding the metro. Finally, be wary of pickpockets.
• 3) If you want to smoke, there are designated smoking areas outside of the stations.
• 4) The metro is especially recommended for travelling to regions on the northern part of Palma de Mallorca.

Rules in Palma metro

The following behaviors are not allowed:

• 1) Trying to open the doors when the train has not stopped.
• 2) Walking on the train’s tracks.
• 3) Using the emergency equipment outside of a dangerous situation.
• 4) Stepping into the driver’s cabin.
• 5) Carrying a weapon in either the trains or platforms.
• 6) Smoking in the trains or platforms.
• 7) Bringing flammable or explosive items with you.
• 8) Littering the trains’ tracks.
• 9) Carrying goods that smell bad or that may obstruct other passengers.
• 10) Using bikes or other similar transportation devices within the stations or trains.
• 11) Using two or more seats at the same time.
• 12) Carrying animals, with the exception of police dogs and guide dogs.
• 13) Bringing baggage that does not fit under the seats.
• 14) Listening to music without using headphones.
• 15) Carrying strollers outside of the allowed of the stroller-only areas in the train.
• 16) Begging within the metro’s facilities.
• 17) Selling merchandise within the trains or the stations.
• 18) Filming or taking pictures without authorization.
• 19) Making any kind of advertisement or sticking advertising posters within the metro’s facilities.
• 20) Damaging or delaying the trains.
• 21) Using counterfeit tickets.

The passengers also have some additional obligations. They should report their ticket or card if their personal information is impossible to read. When the users buy their tickets or cards at their booths, they should check that the ticket or card is the correct one. If they got an incorrect ticket, they should report it before leaving the booth, or the passengers will not get a refund.

In case that a station does not have ticket vending machines, passengers could ask the metro staff to sell them tickets or cards.

You can find the customer service offices at Intermodal Station, which are located in Plaça d'Espanya. In these offices, you can make suggestions or place complaints about the metro service. If you are not sure about which card to buy, customer service can give you advice about which Intermodal Card is the best one for you. You can also request an Intermodal Card in here, as well as requesting a duplicate or renew it.

The customer service personnel could also give you advice about the different kinds of tickets, so you can decide which one to buy. If you enjoy biking, the customer service offices can lend you a bike. Finally, you can request the customer service personnel a receipt or other proofs of payment. If you wish to call them, the customer service phone number is +34 971 17 77 77.

Fun Facts

• 1) Many of the stations for the metro were inaugurated on March 1st, 2007. This day is a holiday in the Balearic Islands, called “Day of the Balearic Islands.”
• 2) From all the metro services in Spain, Palma Metro has the smallest railway length.
• 3) It has one of the most expensive single ride tickets for a metro service in Spain.
• 4) The Palma Metro is located in an island. Only a few other metro services in Europe share this characteristic.
• 5) The Son Costa – Son Forteza Station and the Son Fuster Vell Station were going to be named “Son Oliva” and “Buñola Street” respectively.
• 6) In June, the metro is busier around Universidad de las Islas Baleares Station since the university entrance exams take place. This is the reason why newer train models with higher capacity, the SFM Model 81, were bought for this station.
• 7) The SFM Model 81 trains used to have a diagram where Line M1 was called Line M4.
• 8) Marratxí station is the only station in Palma de Mallorca where the Inca Express train makes a stop.
• 9) Pont d´Inca Station was originally built in 1875, serving another railway service.
• 10) Pont d´Inca Station also has a library and acts as a music venue for a local band.
• 11) Son Sardina Station is a unique station in the metro since it is the only open air station for the Palma Metro.

Future expansions

There were expansions announced for the metro, but they have been rejected. The 2008 Recession, as well as a lack of political support have been the reasons why there are no current plans to expand the metro service. Some of the rejected ideas were the construction of a station near the airport, and another one near the Son Espases Hospital.

Nearby attractions

Son Cladera/Es Vivero station will be used as a reference point. To reach the closest touristic attractions to this station via metro, follow these instructions:

Image via Gary Bembridge Bull Ring.

1) Castell de Bever: The trip lasts approximately 43 minutes. From Son Cladera/Es Vivero station, board the metro in line M2, and head towards Intermodal Station. After three stops, which takes six minutes, disembark at Intermodal Station. Then, walk towards Plaça d'Espanya. After reaching Plaça d'Espanya, board a bus, and head towards Port for 15 minutes. After 9 stops, get off at Passeig Marítim. Finally, walk for around 15 minutes towards Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma.

2) Bull Ring: The entire trip takes approximately 12 minutes. From Son Cladera/Es Vivero station, board a train from line M2 from the metro, and head towards Intermodal Station for 6 minutes. After two stops, get off at Jacint Verdaguer. Finally, walk for around six minutes towards Avinguda Gaspar de Bennazar Avenue, 07004 Palma.

3) Parc de la Mar: The entire journey lasts around 36 minutes. Board a train from line M2 from the metro, and head towards Intermodal Station for five minutes. After three stops, disembark at Intermodal Station. Then, board bus 104 towards Magaluf for five minutes. After two stops, get off at Catedral. Finally, Walk for approximately five minutes to Parc de la Mar, Carrer de la Portella, 10, 07001 Palma de Mallorca.

4) Cala Major: The entire trip lasts around 39 minutes. Board an M2 train from the metro at Son Cladera/Es Vivero station, and travel towards Intermodal Station. After reaching Intermodal station, board bus 104, and travel towards Magaluf for 20 minutes. After 7 stops, disembark at Palau Marivent. Finally, walk for around a minute towards Cala Major.

5) Ciudad Jardín: The entire journey lasts around 40 minutes. From Son Cladera/Es Vivero, board the metro towards Intermodal Station. Once you reach Intermodal Station, walk for around a minute towards Plaça d'Espanya. Then, board bus 15, and travel towards S’Arenal for approximately 15 minutes. After 9 stops, get off at La Gruta. Finally, Walk for around 9 minutes towards Carrer del Vicari Joaquim Fuster, 227, 07007 Palma.