Arriving in Ibiza for the first time — or even the tenth time — and wondering how to get around? You're not alone. The island can seem deceptively small on a map (it's roughly 40km by 20km), but without a plan, you'll find yourself waiting for a taxi at 4am or paying through the nose for a ride you could have taken the bus for a fraction of the price.
I've been navigating this island for years, and I can tell you: once you understand how transport works here, it all clicks into place. Here's the honest, no-nonsense guide I wish someone had handed me when I first arrived.
Car Hire: The Gold Standard for Freedom
If there's one thing that will transform your Ibiza experience, it's having a car. The north of the island — with its dramatic clifftop roads, secret coves, and villages like Sant Joan and Sant Llorenç — is simply inaccessible without one. Public transport doesn't reach the best spots, and taxis add up fast.
Most international car hire companies operate from Ibiza Airport (Eivissa Airport, IBZ), and you can also find local firms in San Antonio, Ibiza Town, and Santa Eulalia. Book in advance during summer — prices spike and availability drops to near zero if you leave it to the last minute.
What to expect to pay: A small car in shoulder season (April–May) runs around €25–€40/day. In peak July–August, expect €60–€90/day or more. Factor in full insurance — Ibiza's narrow roads and the occasional rogue scooter make it worth it.
Local tip: Driving in Ibiza is generally relaxed, but the mountain roads in the north can be genuinely tight and windy. Take it slow and enjoy the views. And never, ever park illegally in Ibiza Town during the day — the fines are swiftly issued and not cheap.
Scooters & Mopeds: The Local Way
Nothing says Ibiza like buzzing through the pine forests on a scooter with the warm evening air on your face. It's romantic, practical, and surprisingly affordable — rentals start around €15–€25 per day for a 50cc scooter, and €30–€50 for something with a bit more grunt.
You'll find rental shops dotted around every resort town. You'll need a valid driving licence (a car licence covers 50cc in Spain), a passport, and you must be at least 18. Helmets are mandatory — and for good reason. The roads here can be slippery, especially if it rains, and local drivers aren't always expecting tourists on two wheels.
Best for: Couples or solo travellers staying in San Antonio or Ibiza Town who want flexibility without a full car hire. Not ideal for the steep mountain roads in the north.
Local tip: Avoid the coast road between San Antonio and Ibiza Town during evening rush hour. Head inland via the C-731 instead — it's faster and less stressful.
Buses: Cheap, Reliable, and Massively Underrated
Ibiza actually has a decent public bus network that most visitors completely ignore. The official service, run by Ibiza Bus, covers all the main resort areas with fares starting at just €1.55 and topping out around €4 for longer routes. For the price of a coffee, you can get from San Antonio to Ibiza Town.
The key routes to know:
- L3: Ibiza Town ↔ San Antonio — runs every 30 minutes in season, essential for both day trips and nights out.
- L13/L14: Ibiza Town ↔ Playa d'en Bossa — perfect for beach days and access to Hi Ibiza.
- L10: Ibiza Town ↔ Santa Eulalia — runs regularly along the pretty east coast road.
- Night buses: Summer night services run between San Antonio and Ibiza Town through the night, connecting the main club zones. A lifesaver if you don't want to queue for a taxi at 5am.
Download the Ibiza Bus Oficial app for real-time timetables and route maps. Buses run from around 7am to 11pm, with night services extending this in peak season.
Local tip: Buses don't serve rural beaches or inland villages. If your accommodation is off the beaten track, combine bus with a short taxi ride for the last stretch.
Taxis: Convenient but Budget-Busting
Taxis in Ibiza are metered and generally reliable. You'll find ranks outside the airport, in town centres, and clustered outside every major club at closing time. Flag one down in the street (look for the green light on the roof), or ask your hotel to call one.
Rough prices to benchmark against:
- Airport → Ibiza Town: ~€15–€18
- Airport → San Antonio: ~€25–€30
- San Antonio → Pacha or Hi Ibiza: ~€18–€25
- Ibiza Town → Amnesia: ~€12–€15
At peak hours — particularly between 6am and 8am when clubs close — you may wait 30 to 60 minutes for a taxi. Your best bet is to pre-arrange the return journey with your driver when you arrive, or book transport through your hotel or the club directly.
Uber note: Uber has a limited presence in Ibiza since its partial approval in 2024, but it's unreliable. A handful of licensed drivers use the app, but don't bank on it for your most important journeys.
Local tip: Save these numbers in your phone before you land. Radio Taxi Ibiza Town: 971 398 483. San Antonio Taxis: 971 343 764.
Boats & Water Taxis: The Most Memorable Way to Move
This is my personal favourite. Ibiza's coastline is dotted with jetties served by water taxis and scheduled boat services running from Ibiza Town's harbour out to beaches like Ses Salines, Cala Bassa, and Cala Conta. In summer, it's the most relaxed — and most beautiful — way to get around.
Sea bus services run from May through October. A return ticket to Formentera costs around €25–€35 and the crossing takes just 30 minutes on the fast ferry — easily the best day trip from Ibiza. For closer beaches, water taxis charge €5–€15 each way depending on distance.
Best for: Beach hopping along the west coast, escaping the summer road traffic, and day trips to Formentera. There's something genuinely special about arriving at Cala Conta by boat with a cold beer in hand.
E-Bikes & Cycling: A Growing Option
Electric bikes have quietly become a popular way to get around, especially in the flatter southern and central parts of the island. Several rental companies in San Antonio, Playa d'en Bossa, and Santa Eulalia offer e-bikes by the day or week at around €25–€40/day. It's a peaceful way to explore, stop wherever you like, and skip the parking headaches entirely.
The island also has a network of quiet camí vell (old rural roads) that connect villages and see almost no cars — perfect for a slow morning ride with a café stop in Sant Carles or Sant Rafel. Ask at any rental shop for a route map.
Getting from the Airport
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is just 7km from Ibiza Town, making transfers quick and easy. Your options on arrival:
- Bus L9: From the airport to Ibiza Town bus station for €1.80. Slow, but extremely cheap.
- Taxi: Fixed fare of ~€15–€18 to the port area. Around 10–15 minutes without traffic.
- Pre-booked shared transfer: From around €10 per person — popular with groups staying in the main resort areas.
- Car hire: All major companies have desks in the Arrivals hall. Book well in advance for summer travel.
The Bottom Line
For most visitors, the sweet spot is this: car hire for exploring the island at your own pace during the day, and buses or taxis on nights out so you can relax and have a drink. Throw in at least one boat trip and you'll have seen the island the way it's meant to be seen.
Ibiza is a small island. The locals are friendly, the roads are (mostly) manageable, and after one proper loop you'll know your way around better than you ever expected. ¡Buen viaje — and see you on the water!