Getting Around Ibiza Without a Car is Easier Than You Think
Many visitors arrive in Ibiza convinced they need to rent a car to enjoy the island. After a lifetime here, I can tell you that's not entirely true.
Sure, having your own vehicle gives you total freedom, but there are excellent alternatives that also let you experience the island in a more authentic and relaxed way. You just need a bit of planning.
Ibiza's Bus Network
The interurban bus service connects Ibiza city with the main destinations on the island year-round. The most useful routes for visitors are:
- L3 — to Sant Antoni
- L10 — to Santa Eulària
- L14 — to the airport
- Discobus — summer night services with party routes running until dawn
Tickets are purchased directly from the driver and cost between 2 and 4 euros depending on the route. There are also ten-journey passes available at tobacco shops that are much more economical if you plan to use the bus frequently.
Local tip: always carry small change or bills, because drivers don't always have change.
Stops are well-marked on main roads, but in rural areas they can be harder to find. Check the Ibiza Bus website before you travel, as frequencies vary significantly between high and low season.
Taxis on the Island
Taxis in Ibiza are white and operate with a meter. It's a reliable and comfortable service, though in summer demand shoots up and it can be difficult to find one available, especially at night.
Main Taxi Ranks
- Ibiza Port
- Airport
- Sant Antoni
- Santa Eulària
Prices are reasonable for short trips within the same municipality, but a long journey like from Ibiza city to Portinatx can cost around 40 to 50 euros. There are night surcharges and fees for bulky luggage, so keep that in mind.
Many local taxi drivers know fantastic hidden spots. If you strike up a conversation, they can recommend places that don't appear in any guidebook.
Ferries and Boats Between Beaches
One of the most beautiful ways to get around Ibiza is using the ferry services that connect different coastal points during summer. There are regular routes between Ibiza and Formentera, but also smaller services linking:
- Talamanca with Ibiza port
- Sant Antoni with Cala Bassa
- Sant Antoni with Cala Conta
They're short, inexpensive journeys with spectacular views. The ferry between Sant Antoni and nearby calas is especially recommended because you avoid the road and arrive directly at the beach. Tickets are available at port kiosks or directly on board.
Bicycle and Electric Scooter
If you like cycling and aren't daunted by hills, a bicycle is a fantastic option for flat areas like Santa Eulària or around Ibiza city. For the interior's steep climbs, an electric bicycle makes all the difference.
- Several companies offer bike and e-scooter rentals
- Increasingly more bike lanes in urban areas
- Rental electric scooters available by the minute, perfect for getting around a municipality
Car Sharing and Hitchhiking
The island has a well-established hitchhiking tradition, especially among residents. In summer it's common to see people thumbing rides on main roads and many local drivers stop without hesitation.
There are also social media groups where residents and visitors share rides, which is great for your wallet and for meeting people. Just use common sense and usual safety precautions.
Quick Summary
- Buses: 2–4 € per journey, complete network between municipalities, Discobus in summer
- Taxis: reliable with meter, more expensive at night, hard to find in August
- Ferries: the most beautiful way to reach the calas, summer only
- Bicycle/scooter: ideal for flat areas and short trips
- Hitchhiking: local tradition, car-sharing groups on social media
- If you stay in Ibiza city, Sant Antoni or Santa Eulària, you can spend your entire stay without a car