Hiring a car or scooter is not always easy on Ibiza, especially if you're young and trying to save money. Ibiza's bus services are an efficient, economical alternative to get you to the beach, the clubs, and the towns, whilst saving some money to spend elsewhere.
During summer months, buses run frequently around the island; normally beginning at 7:00 and ending between 22:00 and 23:30, depending on the line. The fun-filled disco bus then begins after the clock strikes 12 midnight, transporting clubbers to and from the big clubs and the clubbing resorts, although this can still be used as a normal bus by visitors and non-clubbers who want to stay out a little later.
Buses run, on average, every 30 minutes, or 15 minutes on the busier lines such as Line 3 from San Antonio to Ibiza (Sant Antoni - Eivissa). On the quieter secondary lines, the buses only run hourly.
Apart from all towns, resorts and villages, it is quite possible to get to all the most popular beaches on Ibiza as well as many of the lesser known ones. This island council bus map is a great help when planning your route.
In some bus stops, the timetables have been stuck onto the walls of the shelter. Many stops now also have solar-powered boards displaying the times of the forthcoming buses and the name of the stop below those times.
Some bus stops have small blue stickers with the name of the stop on them; but unfortunately, there are still some where all you find is a bare shelter with nothing on it, no name, no timetable, nothing - especially along the country roads. In this case, you have to ask for the name of the stop at your accommodation or in shops, bars and other places where locals go - then you can consult the timetables online.
For a full list of bus timetables and prices, see this website of the island government Consell de Ibiza.
Bus stations
Worried about whether a bus can take you to where you want to be? Well, fear not, because the three major bus stations - Ibiza Town (signposted Eivissa in Catalan), San Antonio (Sant Antoni) and Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia) - all have connecting routes and most of the destinations on the island can be reached from one of these stations.
The Ibiza Town bus station is called CETIS Eivissa (Google maps) and is located on the outskirts of the town, a 15-minute walk to the port area and historic centre. The San Antonio (Google maps) and Santa Eulalia (Google maps) stations are located more centrally and it'll take you just a few minutes to walk to the town centre and beach.
San Antonio bus station
Prices
Tickets are very affordable, with a single trip costing between approximately €2 and €4, and €4 or €5 for the disco bus; children up to five travel for free. Tickets are normally available onboard the bus; in the bus stations in the towns, you may have to buy tickets for the main lines at the office beforehand. At the ticket offices you can also pay by credit card, but on the bus you have to pay cash. Take small cash with you, as the drivers only have change for notes up to €20.
At the moment, for residents of Ibiza and Formentera, buses on Ibiza are free of charge. This measure was taken during the pandemic and has been extended since then through 2024. When you get on the bus, you must show the driver proof that you are a resident. On Formentera, the regular buses are free of charge for residents, minors under 18 years, people with a disability, and residents of other Balearic islands who work regularly on Formentera.
Ticket office at the CETIS Eivissa bus station in Ibiza Town
Keep in mind...
Please remember that you are not allowed to board the bus if you are not dressed appropriately, for example, if you go without a top or are wearing just a bikini. Thus, if you are going to a beach, pack a T-Shirt or sarong. In any case, you will find the air-conditioning on the buses pretty chilly if you are under dressed. Eating and drinking is not allowed on the bus.
Keep an eye out and ring the bell well in advance of your stop - if you are not sure where it is, ask the locals as most speak English fairly well. This is also your chance to meet residents of the island and get into a nice chat. Ask them to recommend a restaurant, bar or club; that way, you get access to inside knowledge.
Make sure you know the time of the last bus before you set off, particularly to the beach as (except on the most popular beaches) taxis are hard to find.
Pets may only be transported in suitable transport containers. Prams or pushchairs must be folded up, and babies and infants must travel in the arms of an adult. Bicycles will also only be transported if they can be folded up.
Enjoy the trip!
Not only is travelling by bus a cheap and sustainable way to explore the island, it is also a very pleasant experience. Comfortable seats and air conditioning make for an enjoyable change to the scorching midday sun during the summer. The buses nearly always run on time thanks to the drivers, who won't wait for dawdlers, meaning you get to your destination on time!
Let Ibiza's frequent, extensive bus routes allow you to make the most of your time on the island and enrich your Mediterranean adventure!
This article is part of our Ibiza Virgins' Guides, packed full of information on how to get the most out of your stay on Ibiza. In our detailed guide Holiday tips - getting around on Ibiza you will find more information about other means of transport.
