Getting to Menorca by boat

Última actualización: 21/08/2024

Menorca has two natural harbors that receive boats and fast ferries from different shipping companies.
Arriving to Menorca by boat is a very good option for those who come from the Balearic Islands like Mallorca or Ibiza, and also for those who want to travel from cities of the Mediterranean coast like Barcelona or Valencia.
The main reason to travel by boat to Menorca is the fact of taking the car and save the rent that in summer is usually quite expensive. The most used route is undoubtedly the Barcelona-Ciutadella, which covers the Fast Ferry of Balearia.
To choose the best option it is necessary to take into account mainly the travel time and the sensitivity to seasickness.
If you get seasick, avoid Iscomar and the Balearia Fast Ferry. If you want to go fast always take the fast ferries, but keep in mind that children after 3 hours become uncontrollable in the enclosed spaces of the ferries.
Below you have all the routes of the 3 companies that operate on the island to get to Menorca by boat.

Ferry Barcelona – Menorca

There are two routes from Barcelona, covered by Balearia and Transmediterránea-Acciona shipping companies:

1. Barcelona – Ciutadella (Balearia): The best for those who want to be in Ciutadella in 6 hours.
2. Barcelona – Maó (Balearia): Very good option for those who go to Maó, Sant Llúis or Fornells, or for those who get dizzy with the fast ferry.
3. Barcelona – Maó (Transmediterranea-Acciona): Ideal for those who go to Maó, Sant Lluis or Fornells, or for those who get dizzy with the fast ferry.

Ferry Valencia – Menorca

There is only one route from Valencia, covered by Transmediterránea-Acciona:

1. Valencia – Maó (Transmediterranea-Acciona): If you want to arrive by boat from Valencia there is no other option :(.

Ferry Mallorca – Menorca

From Malllorca 3 different companies operate: Balearia, Transmediterránea and Iscomar.
The cheapest is usually Iscomar:

1. Alcúdia – Ciutadella (Baleraria): for those coming from Alcúdia by car.
2. Alcúdia – Cituadella (Iscomar): for iron stomachs to proof seasickness.
   The closest thing to traveling in a can, but very cheap.
3. Palma – Maó (Transmediterránea-Acciona): The option for those leaving Palma by car.

Shipping With Car, Motorcycle

If you want to travel with your car on the ship, don’t worry because all the companies allow you to take your car on board paying.
What you have to keep in mind is that during the trip you can not access the garage, so take with you the food and drink you want!
If you have a motorcycle you can also board paying a little less than cars.

Boarding with a bicycle, surfboard or similar.

Bicycles travel free with Balearia, Iscomar and Transmediterranea.
In general surfboards can also be carried free of charge but must be left in the garage.

Traveling by Ferry with Animals

Pets do not count as passengers but in some cases they must travel locked in “cells”.
Check with the shipping company in each case as it depends on the route and the ship, and certainly on the size and dangerousness of your pet.
I have seen dogs running loose on some routes while I have also seen dogs barking for hours locked up in the animal areas.

• Check out our article about Menorca with Dog or Cat

Schedules

Depending on the year, the departure and arrival times of each company and ship may change, so it is best to enter the links of the route you are interested in to check what time your ship departs or arrives.