APB launches nautical bus service with two lines for cruise passengers and a third for residents

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has awarded Palma Cruises the provisional management of the nautical bus service, which will begin operating on November 1st on two of its lines, with a third line scheduled to start on January 15th, 2027.

In line with the guarantees announced several weeks ago, the APB has activated a temporary solution so that the service can begin operating “imminently”, while simultaneously approving a new public tender to ensure the project’s long-term future, according to a statement from the APB.

In this way, the port authority is making a “key” maritime infrastructure project a reality, marking a “new milestone” in the city’s mobility and reaffirming its commitment to Palma.

To provide a “fast” and “effective” solution, vessels operated by Palma Cruises will serve four strategic stops in the Port of Palma, providing this new maritime passenger transport service.

The service will be introduced in stages. Lines 2 and 3 — focused on cruise passenger mobility — will begin operating on November 1, while Line 1 — the regular inner-port service — will come into operation on January 15, 2027.

“Although most of the traffic that this service will help alleviate on Gabriel Roca Avenue comes from the arrival of cruise passengers, the project is also designed to provide a real and attractive mobility alternative for residents and regular users,” the APB stressed.

To encourage local use, a “highly competitive” fare structure will be introduced, with a standard single ticket costing €10 and a return ticket €18.

However, local residents will have access to passes that reduce the cost, including the “Bono 100”, valid for one year and costing €50. This pass allows 100 one-way journeys at €0.50 each, or €1 for a return journey. A “Bono 20”, valid for six months and costing €20, will also be available.

The service’s focus on the city is also reflected in the extensive operating hours of Line 1, which connects the Poniente pier, La Llotja and the Local Traffic area. During the high season, the main service will operate continuously from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., extending until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays. The extended weekend schedule will make it easier for residents to access the leisure and dining options along the seafront without having to use their cars.

This authorization guarantees the provision of the service for one year, with the possibility of annual extensions for up to a maximum of three years, or until the company awarded the future permanent contract takes over its operation.

Meanwhile, the APB Board of Directors has approved the tender documents for a new public procurement process, with a maximum duration of 15 years. The new procedure comes after the previous tender was declared unsuccessful following the formal withdrawal, last August, of the consortium led by TUI.

The new nautical bus will primarily connect the maritime terminals at Dique del Oeste and the Poniente pier with the Llotja pier, bringing passengers closer to the city centre without having to use the road network. The project also includes the creation of a new maritime route linking the ports of Palma and Portitxol.

The launch of the initiative represents the introduction of a pioneering service in the Port of Palma, conceived as a strategic measure by the APB to “reduce road traffic congestion and promote sustainability.”

“This reduction in vehicles is particularly important during major cruise calls, which require the transportation of a large number of passengers within a very short period of time,” the APB said.

Furthermore, the APB will require, under the new tender, all vessels to be equipped with low-nitrogen-oxide-emission technology.