Ferry to Formentera
From Ibiza or Denia
By boat to Formentera
Formentera does not have an airport, so travellers usually rely on ferries to reach the island. Most people travel to Formentera from Ibiza, often as a day trip. As a result, numerous daily crossings are available, offered by various ferry companies. You can book a ferry yourself or explore organized day trips and activities.
You can also travel from Denia on the Spanish mainland to Formentera in just over two hours, although some crossings make a stopover on Ibiza.
Here, you'll find information about the different ferry companies, parking options at the Ibiza port, and what you need to bring if you're traveling to the island by car.
Map with crossings to Formentera
All Routes at a Glance
For the crossing to Formentera, you can choose from four companies that offer multiple crossings per day. Especially during the high season, there is a wide range of departures, and you’ll see the boats coming and going frequently. The companies are:
- Balearia
- Aqua Bus
- Trasmapi
- Formentera Lines
How Do You Decide Which Ferry Company to Choose?
The ferries between Ibiza and Formentera differ somewhat from each other. Aqua Bus and Formentera Lines offer affordable, smaller ferries for pedestrians, which are popular among tourists. With these ferries, you can, for example, sail to Formentera in the morning at a fixed time and decide for yourself when to return.
Trasmapi operates a relatively upscale ferry with a sun deck, where cars can be brought on board. Balearia, however, also offers smaller passenger ferries.
- If you plan to bring a (rental) car to Formentera between June 1 and September 30, you must register for a permit in advance.
All companies operate “fast ferries,” which are speedy catamaran ferries.
For most people, the price and a convenient departure time will be the deciding factors. After all, it is only a short crossing. Since the prices are relatively high and vary considerably, comparing them in advance is helpful.
The photos below were taken during our day trip from Ibiza to Formentera.
Prices and Availability of Formentera Ferries
The cheapest ferries to Formentera are still relatively expensive for the distance traveled. Therefore, it’s worth comparing prices in advance. You can do this (without obligation) by planning your trip below:
Additional Information
We have also taken the ferry trip to Formentera ourselves, and based on our experience, we think the following information might be useful:Parking in Ibiza for the Ferry to Formentera
- Pàrquing Es Pratet (Google Maps)
This is where the ferries depart from Ibiza to Formentera
The ferry port is located right along the quay in the centre of Ibiza Town. View the location on Google Maps. To the left of the red marker on the map, you can also clearly see the parking lot.
Can you buy ferry tickets at the port?
It is possible to purchase a ticket on board. From the parking lot near the port, you’ll already see advertisements for this, and Trasmapi even occasionally has a promotional stand next to the parking payment machine. However, with four ferry companies and various types of crossings, it isn’t easy to compare prices on the spot, so you might end up paying too much. We recommend buying a ticket in advance, especially considering the potential crowds.
Transportation on Formentera
Upon arrival in Formentera, you’ll see many transportation options. Taxis and buses to various destinations are available at the arrival terminal. There are also many stands where you can rent scooters or cars.
The longest distance you can travel is from the port to the tourist attraction Faro de la Mola, which is approximately 19 kilometers. Therefore, cycling is also a great option! There are plenty of possibilities for renting e-bikes or regular bicycles.
Are you curious about where we rented our bikes? Please read about it in the blog.
The Bus Back to the Ferry Can Be Crowded
We noticed that the queues for the bus from Platja de Ses Illetes to the port were quite long. Keep in mind that if you need to catch a specific ferry, you might need to head to the bus stop well in advance.
Cheapest crossing to Formentera
While prices vary depending on the time, we often find that Aqua Bus offers the most affordable crossing.
Beware of cancelled crossings in the off-season
Some crossings may no longer operate if you’re travelling outside the summer season. This is not always well-communicated, so be sure to double-check. This is especially important for your return trip to avoid unpleasant surprises.
