Taxis in Mallorca vs. 89transfers: Which is the better choice?

When traveling to Mallorca, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how to get from the airport to your hotel or vacation rental. While taxis in Mallorca are a common sight, savvy travelers are increasingly opting for pre-booked airport transfers with reputable companies like 89transfers. In this article, we'll compare these two options and help you determine which is the better choice for your needs and budget.

Taxis in Mallorca: Convenience at a cost

Taxis in Mallorca are readily available at Palma Airport and in major tourist areas. They offer the convenience of on-demand service without the need for advance booking. However, this convenience comes at a cost:

• Taxi fares in Mallorca are metered based on distance and time, with additional charges for airport pickups, late-night services, and luggage.
• Fares can vary significantly depending on traffic, route taken, and other factors, making it difficult to budget for your transport costs in advance.
• During peak travel times, you may face long queues at the taxi rank or struggle to hail a cab on the street.

As of February 2024, there are over 1,200 licensed taxis operating in Palma de Mallorca, with fares regulated by the local government. The majority of these taxis are now organized under a single radio taxi company following the merger of the two largest operators in response to increased competition from ride-hailing services like Uber.

However, travelers staying in smaller towns or remote areas may find it challenging to book a taxi, as many local companies don't have English-speaking operators or struggle to understand directions to villas, apartments, or houses in less accessible locations. In these cases, pre-booking an airport transfer with a company like 89transfers can save you time, hassle, and potential communication issues.

89transfers: The smarter choice for airport transfers

For travelers who value peace of mind, fixed pricing, and a hassle-free start to their Mallorca vacation, pre-booking an airport transfer with 89transfers is often the better choice. Here's why:

1. Convenient online booking

With 89transfers, you can easily book your airport transfer online in just a few clicks. Simply enter your travel details, select your preferred vehicle class, and pay securely with a credit card. You'll receive instant confirmation and a detailed itinerary for your transfer.

2. Competitive fixed pricing based on your specific journey

Unlike taxis in Mallorca which charge metered fares, 89transfers offers fixed pricing based on your specific route and number of passengers. This means you'll know exactly how much your transfer will cost before you travel, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

For example, a taxi from Palma Airport to the popular resort town of Alcúdia (61 km) can cost around €106 on the meter for up to 4 passengers, while 89transfers offers private transfers on this route starting from just €148 for up to 12 passengers – a more cost-effective option for larger groups.

3. Wide range of vehicle options for every group size

89transfers offers a diverse fleet of vehicles to suit every travel group, from private sedans and minivans to larger microbuses. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of up to 12 people, you'll find a comfortable and affordable transfer option to meet your needs.

4. Professional, English-speaking drivers

All 89transfers drivers are experienced professionals who speak English and have excellent knowledge of Mallorca's roads and tourist destinations. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. They'll assist with your luggage and ensure you reach your accommodation safely and comfortably.

5. Flight monitoring and free waiting time

89transfers monitors your flight status in real-time and adjusts your pickup time if your arrival is delayed. Your driver will wait for you free of charge for up to 60 minutes after landing, so you don't need to worry if it takes longer than expected to clear passport control and collect your baggage. This level of flexibility and customer service is rarely found with taxis in Mallorca.

Overcoming transport challenges with 89transfers

For property owners and villa managers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for guests is a top priority. However, relying on local taxis can present several challenges:

• Lack of reliable, English-speaking taxi services in remote areas
• Difficulty communicating exact villa locations or directions to drivers
• Limited availability of larger vehicles for groups or families
• Inconsistent pricing and potential for overcharging

89transfers aims to solve these problems by offering:

• Personalized, door-to-door service to any address, villa name, or GPS coordinates
• Professional, English-speaking drivers and 24/7 customer support
• A range of vehicle sizes to accommodate up to 12 passengers and their luggage
• Fixed, transparent pricing based on the specific journey and number of travelers

By partnering with 89transfers and recommending our services to your guests, you can help them avoid the stress and uncertainty of relying on local taxis. Our reliable, efficient transfers ensure that their first and last impressions of your property and Mallorca as a whole are positive ones.

Example routes and fares

To give you a better idea of the value offered by 89transfers, especially for groups of more than 4 passengers, here are some example routes and fares from Palma Airport to popular destinations across Mallorca:

Taxi fares are approximate and based on the official rates as of April 2022, assuming no additional charges or supplements. 89transfers fares are for private transfers and may vary depending on vehicle class and season.

As you can see, while a taxi may be slightly cheaper for smaller groups of up to 4 passengers, 89transfers offers significantly better value for money when traveling with larger groups or if you have a lot of luggage. With 89transfers, you can enjoy a spacious, comfortable transfer for up to 12 passengers at a fixed price that is often only marginally higher than the cost of a taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are taxis expensive in Mallorca? Taxis in Mallorca can be expensive, especially for longer journeys or during peak travel times. Fares are metered based on distance and time, with additional charges for airport pickups, late-night services, and luggage. Pre-booking an airport transfer with a company like 89transfers can often be more cost-effective, particularly for larger groups or those staying in remote areas.
2. How much are taxis in Mallorca? Taxi fares in Mallorca vary depending on the distance traveled, time of day, and any additional supplements. As an example, a taxi from Palma Airport to the city center (approximately 10 km) will cost around €25, while a journey to a more distant resort like Puerto Alcudia (61 km) can cost upwards of €100.
3. How much is a taxi from Palma Airport to Magaluf? Based on the official taxi rates as of April 2022, a taxi from Palma Airport to Magaluf (approximately 26 km) will cost around €45 for up to 4 passengers. However, this fare may be higher during peak times or if there are additional supplements for luggage or late-night travel.
4. Do taxis in Mallorca accept credit cards? Most taxis in Mallorca accept credit card payments, especially those operating from the airport (mandatory) or in major tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to check with the driver before starting your journey.
5. How do I book a taxi in Mallorca? To book a taxi in advance, you can call a local taxi company or use their mobile app if available. At Palma Airport, there is an official taxi rank where you can find taxis 24/7 without pre-booking. However, during peak times, you may face long queues or struggle to find a taxi that can accommodate your entire group and luggage.
6. Are there taxis in Mallorca? Yes, there are plenty of licensed taxis operating throughout Mallorca, particularly in Palma and major tourist areas. As of 2024, there are over 1,200 taxis in Palma alone. However, availability may be more limited in smaller towns or remote areas.
7. How much does a taxi cost from Palma Airport to Alcudia? A taxi from Palma Airport to Alcudia (approximately 61 km) will cost around €106 for up to 4 passengers, based on the official rates as of April 2022. For larger groups or those with a lot of luggage, pre-booking a private transfer with 89transfers may be more cost-effective and convenient.
8. How do I get a taxi from Palma Airport? To get a taxi from Palma Airport, simply follow the signs to the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. There are typically plenty of taxis waiting, but you may face long queues during peak times. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private airport transfer with a company like 89transfers for a hassle-free start to your Mallorca vacation.
9. Can I pay for a taxi in Mallorca with a credit card? Those who operate from and to the airport are required to carry a card reader and charge in this manner if the customer requests it. However, it's always prudent to verify with the driver before commencing your journey,
10. How can I book a taxi in Mallorca? To book a taxi in Mallorca, you can:

• Call a local taxi company and request a pickup at your desired location and time
• Use a taxi booking app if available in your area
• Go to the nearest taxi rank and wait in line for the next available cab
• Pre-book a private airport transfer with a reputable company like 89transfers for a stress-free and reliable service

Keep in mind that booking a taxi in advance may be more challenging in smaller towns or remote areas, where availability may be limited and language barriers more common.

Official taxi rates for Mallorca (as of April 2022)

According to the official resolution published in the BOIB (Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears) on April 28, 2022, the taxi rates for Mallorca are as follows:

These rates apply to all licensed taxis in Mallorca and are subject to periodic review by the relevant authorities. When comparing the cost of a taxi to a pre-booked airport transfer, it's important to consider factors such as the total distance, time of day, and any additional supplements that may apply.

Key Takeaways

• While taxis in Mallorca offer convenient on-demand service, they can be expensive and may involve long queues during peak travel times.
• Travelers staying in remote areas or less well-known towns may face challenges when relying on local taxis, including language barriers and difficulty describing exact locations.
• Property owners and villa managers can help guests avoid these issues by recommending 89transfers for reliable, comfortable airport transfers.
• 89transfers provides a smarter alternative for airport transfers, with fixed pricing, online booking, a wide range of vehicles, and professional, English-speaking drivers.
• By booking an airport transfer with 89transfers, travelers can enjoy a stress-free start to their Mallorca vacation and potentially save money compared to metered taxi fares, especially for larger groups or journeys with a lot of luggage.

In conclusion, while taxis in Mallorca certainly have their place, travelers and property owners alike can benefit from the convenience, reliability, and value offered by 89transfers. With competitive fixed pricing, a diverse fleet of vehicles, and unparalleled customer service, 89transfers is the smart choice for discerning travelers visiting Mallorca, especially those traveling in groups of more than 4 passengers or staying in remote areas.