Guide
Travelling to Mallorca by Motorhome
Dimensions, check-in deadlines and what applies on the vehicle deck, for all ferries to Palma and Alcúdia
- Baleària, Trasmed, GNV and Corsica Ferries all carry motorhomes
- The price is based on length and height, including any attachments
- Check-in deadlines are significantly longer with a vehicle
Taking a motorhome on the ferry
Table of Contents
Travelling to Mallorca by motorhome is only possible by ferry, and every operator on the Balearic routes carries vehicles. The differences lie in the deadlines, the quays and what's allowed on the vehicle deck.
Find the right quay first
The most common mistake on these routes has nothing to do with the vehicle, but it gets especially costly with a motorhome: the operators don't dock at the same pier.
- Barcelona: Baleària and GNV at Moll de Sant Bertran, Trasmed at Moll de Costa.
- Valencia: Baleària at the Estació Marítima on Moll de la Túria, Trasmed at Muelle de Poniente, GNV at Muelle Perfecto Palacio.
Both ports are large and spread out. With a big vehicle, correcting course in port traffic is awkward and eats into the time you need for check-in. Check which pier is on your ticket before you set off.
Check-in: 90 minutes is the minimum
With a vehicle, deadlines are longer than on foot, and they vary by operator. Baleària requires at least 90 minutes before departure and is strict about it - after the deadline, boarding is no longer possible. With Trasmed, check-in closes 60 minutes beforehand, and GNV asks you to be at the terminal two hours in advance.
If you're still comparing operators, plan around the strictest deadline.
Dimensions determine the price
Booking is by length and height, including all attachments: a bike rack on the back, a roof box, a retracted awning, a tow hitch. Just a few centimetres can tip you into the next fare tier. Measure your vehicle yourself rather than relying on the manufacturer's figures.
Gas bottles and shore power
Gas bottles can travel with you, but must be closed and secured before boarding. During the crossing, neither gas nor electric operation is allowed in the vehicle - the fridge stays off too. There's no shore power for campers on the Balearic ferries.
The vehicle deck is closed
You won't be able to get to your motorhome for the whole crossing. On the overnight sailings from Barcelona, Valencia and southern France, that's many hours - bring everything you need up with you beforehand.
Book early
On all the Mallorca routes, vehicle spaces sell out earlier than passenger spaces, especially during Spanish school summer holidays. If you're flexible, check Alcúdia in the north as well as Palma - depending on your destination, it may be the shorter route anyway.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions on this topic.
Do the Mallorca ferries carry motorhomes?+
Yes. Baleària, Trasmed, GNV and Corsica Ferries carry motorhomes, caravans and trailers on all routes to Palma and Alcúdia. Which sailings run on your travel day is shown in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the port with a motorhome?+
With Baleària, at least 90 minutes before departure - after the deadline, boarding is no longer possible. With Trasmed, check-in closes 60 minutes beforehand, and with GNV you should be at the terminal two hours in advance. While you're still comparing, plan around the strictest deadline.
Do all operators depart from the same quay?+
No, and with a motorhome that's especially awkward. In Barcelona, operators are based at Moll Sant Bertran and Moll de Costa, and in Valencia at Moll de la Túria, Muelle de Poniente and Muelle Perfecto Palacio. Check which pier is on your ticket before you arrive - correcting course in the port with a large vehicle is a hassle.
How is the price calculated?+
By length and height, including all attachments: bike rack, roof box, retracted awning, tow hitch. Measure your vehicle yourself before booking - book too tight and you'll pay the difference at the desk.
What are the rules for gas bottles?+
They can travel with you, but must be closed and secured before boarding. During the crossing, neither gas nor electric operation is allowed in the vehicle, not even for the fridge. You can't get to the vehicle during the crossing anyway, as the deck is closed.
Can my dog travel too?+
Yes, on all routes, though it can't stay in the vehicle during the crossing. Details are on Taking your dog on the ferry.