Vehicle guide
Driving to Mallorca by ferry
Book your vehicle correctly, check in on time and choose the right arrival port in Palma or Alcúdia
- Car ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia, Toulon and Sète
- Always give length and height including roof box, rack and trailer
- With Baleària, check in at least 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle
Car checklist
Check before booking
Four details decide whether your vehicle and fare match the sailing.
Measure your vehicle
Book it correctly
Plan your check-in time
Pack a bag
Planning car ferries to Mallorca properly
Table of Contents
The ferry is the direct way to bring your own car to Mallorca. It's not just the departure port that matters - choose the right arrival port too. Palma lies in the south and suits the capital, the south-west and many inland destinations. Alcúdia lies in the north and shortens onward travel to the Bay of Alcúdia, Pollença and the north-east.
Which route suits a car journey?
From mainland Spain, car ferries sail from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia. From France, the seasonal connections Toulon-Alcúdia and Sète-Alcúdia add further options. Don't compare price alone - check the driving distance to the port, departure time, arrival port and the exact crossing time in the timetable.
For northern Mallorca, arriving in Alcúdia can save a detour from Palma. For Palma, Calvià or the south-west, a direct arrival in Palma is usually the clearer choice. The Barcelona-Palma route offers several operators; Toulon-Alcúdia and Sète-Alcúdia avoid the drive through Spain but have far fewer sailings.
Giving vehicle dimensions without surprises
Baleària requires vehicle type, make, model, length and height at booking. What matters is the vehicle that actually turns up at the port. So measure the total length and height yourself and include any roof box, aerial, bike or rear rack, and trailer.
A car with a roof box can fall into a different height category. The same applies to a van with a bike rack or a trailer whose length was given without the tow bar. If your vehicle changes after booking, correct the reservation before heading to the port.
Check-in with a vehicle
With Baleària, you need to be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle. For Sète, based on Corsica Ferries' current guidance, we also recommend allowing 90 minutes; in Toulon, the operator recommends being at the port two hours before departure. Other operators and ports may state different deadlines. Your ticket and the latest departure notification always take precedence.
Keep your ID, booking confirmation, and valid vehicle and insurance documents to hand. Follow your operator's signage at the port: large ports such as Barcelona and Palma have several terminals, which can change at short notice.
Before leaving your vehicle
The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing. Pack a separate bag with ID, medication, chargers, warm clothing and anything children or pets will need en route. Close the windows, only set the alarm if instructed to, and follow the crew's hand signals when parking.
Some Baleària ships have charging points for electric vehicles. Only rely on this if the charging option is confirmed for your specific sailing. Battery level should also be enough for waiting time at the port and onward travel after arrival.
Comparing tickets properly
Vehicle fares depend on travel date, route, operator, vehicle class and accommodation. Always compare using the same details. On overnight sailings, a cabin affects the total price; on fast ferries, accommodation is often just a seat. The timetable shows the specific sailing, and the booking flow then shows the matching vehicle fare.
Cars on the ferry
Car ferry FAQ
The most common questions about bringing a vehicle.
On which Mallorca ferries can I bring my car?+
Vehicles are carried on the mainland and France routes bookable here. These include Barcelona-Palma, Valencia-Palma, Dénia-Palma, Barcelona-Alcúdia and the seasonal connections from Toulon and Sète. The booking shows whether vehicle spaces are still available for your specific sailing.
What vehicle dimensions do I need to give?+
Give the actual total length and height. A roof box, bike rack, tow bar, rear carrier and trailer all count. If the vehicle or dimensions don't match the booking, the operator can refuse boarding or require a fare correction.
How early do I need to be at the port with a car?+
With Baleària, at least 90 minutes before departure. For Sète we also recommend allowing 90 minutes; in Toulon, Corsica Ferries recommends two hours' notice. For other sailings, the deadline on your ticket and departure notification applies.
Can I go back to my car during the crossing?+
No. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing. Take ID, medication, chargers, clothing and anything needed for children or pets up with you before leaving the vehicle.
What applies to motorhomes, caravans or a car with trailer?+
These vehicles are booked according to their full dimensions and need available deck capacity booked especially early. Gas cylinders, onboard power and combined length are explained under Taking a motorhome to Mallorca.
Can my dog stay in the car?+
Don't plan on it: the vehicle deck is closed underway, and accommodation depends on the operator and ship. Book the pet space together with your ticket and check the details under Taking your dog on the ferry.