Book Barcelona to Menorca ferry tickets online from 23 € and compare the three companies running the route — Baleària, GNV and Trasmed — with daily schedules, 5-hour fast ferry options, overnight cabins, and slots for cars, motorbikes and motorhomes.
The Barcelona to Menorca ferry is the main alternative to flying for travel to the second-largest island in the Balearics. The crossing covers 227 km (122 nautical miles) and takes 5 hours 15 minutes on the fastest ferry, up to 9 hours on overnight services. Three major Western Mediterranean operators run this route: Baleària, GNV and Trasmed, together offering about 22 weekly departures from the Port of Barcelona to the ports of Mahón (Maó) and Ciutadella in Menorca.
Ferry tickets from Barcelona to Menorca start at 23 € per foot passenger on the cheapest fares — typically on overnight crossings with GNV and Trasmed lasting around 7h 45min — and go up to 90-100 € on the daytime Margarita Salas fast ferry operated by Baleària, which completes the route in only 5h 15min. Travelling with a car adds between 100 € and 250 € per vehicle depending on size and season, with separate fares available for motorbikes, motorhomes and pets as detailed below.
On this page you will find everything you need to plan your Barcelona to Menorca ferry tickets: the comparative price table between the three operators, the updated daily schedules for the fast ferry and the overnight services, practical information about the ports of departure and arrival, options for travelling with a vehicle or as a foot passenger, and tips for getting the best fares according to the time of year.
At the bottom of the page you will also find the Traveller Questions section where our team personally answers the most frequent doubts — seasickness, travelling with children, boarding the car, pets, return from Menorca, what to bring on board and what to do if you miss the ferry. If you have a specific question, leave it in the form and we reply within 24-48 hours.
The price of Barcelona to Menorca ferry tickets depends on three main factors: the operator chosen (Baleària, GNV or Trasmed), the boat type (conventional overnight service or fast ferry daytime), and any extras included (cabin, vehicle, pet). The cheapest fare is usually found on the overnight crossing with GNV or Trasmed with reclining seat, while the Baleària fast ferry offers the shortest crossing but at three to four times the price.
For travellers with car, motorbike or motorhome, fares are calculated by adding the passenger ticket plus the vehicle supplement, which varies between 80 € and 250 € depending on dimensions and season. Overnight services always include the option to add a private cabin (inside, outside or premium) for an additional 30 € to 150 € per person.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Foot passenger (reclining seat, overnight) | from 23 € |
| Foot passenger (daytime fast ferry) | from 90 € |
| Small car + 1 driver | from 130 € |
| Mid/large car + 1 driver | from 180 € |
| Motorbike + 1 rider | from 80 € |
| Motorhome + 1 driver | from 220 € |
| Inside cabin (2 people) | from 60 € extra |
| Outside or premium cabin | from 110 € extra |
| Pet in carrier | from 25 € |
| Children 0-4 years | free |
Children under 4 travel free without an assigned seat on all services. For ages 4 to 12 a 50% reduced fare on the adult price applies with most operators. People with recognised disability qualify for a special discount on showing the official certificate at booking or boarding. Balearic Islands residents get access to the State's 75% subsidy under the resident scheme, which must be verified with the residence certificate (empadronamiento).
Are there free Barcelona to Menorca ferry tickets? No, all tickets are paid for general visitors. The 75% discount applies exclusively to residents registered in the Balearic Islands, and children under 4 travel free but without an assigned seat. Any offer of free tickets shared on social media should be considered fraudulent.
The Barcelona to Menorca ferry route covers 227 km (122 nautical miles) across the Western Mediterranean, connecting the Port of Barcelona in Catalonia with two different ports on the island of Menorca: Mahón (Maó) to the east and Ciutadella to the west. The choice of arrival port depends exclusively on the operator: Baleària sails to Ciutadella while GNV and Trasmed arrive at Mahón.
Three operators currently share the Barcelona to Menorca ferry route. Each uses different boats, distinct schedules, and its own pricing policy. Comparing Baleària, GNV and Trasmed lets you choose between the fastest crossing, the cheapest fare, or the best value depending on date and season.
Baleària is the leading Spanish operator on the route, based in Denia and founded in 1998. It runs two boats on the Barcelona-Menorca line: the Margarita Salas, daytime fast ferry that completes the route in 5h 15min, and the Abel Matutes, conventional overnight ferry with 9-hour duration. Baleària is the only operator arriving directly at the Port of Ciutadella in western Menorca, an advantage for travellers staying on the west side of the island.
GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is the Italian operator headquartered in Genoa, founded in 1997. On the Barcelona-Menorca route it runs the Goldenbridge ferry, an overnight service of 7h 45min arriving at the Port of Mahón (Maó) on the east side of the island. It is typically the operator with the lowest fares, from 23 € per foot passenger, thanks to its tight pricing model and overnight departure frequency.
Trasmed GLE is the Spanish operator integrated into the Italian fleet of Grimaldi Lines, with regular services to the Balearics, Canaries, and North Africa. On the Barcelona-Menorca route it runs the Golden Bridge, an overnight ferry of 7h 45min also arriving at the Port of Mahón. Fares are comparable to GNV and it maintains solid availability in high season when other operators saturate.
The Barcelona to Menorca ferries operate with an average frequency of 3 to 4 daily departures shared among the three companies, adding up to roughly 22 weekly departures. Most services are overnight, departing between 21:15 and 22:30 to arrive in Menorca first thing in the morning, which lets you start the day on the island without paying for a hotel night. The only daytime fast ferry, Baleària's Margarita Salas, leaves at 15:45 and reaches Ciutadella around 21:00.
| Operator | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baleària Margarita Salas (fast ferry) | 15:45 | 21:00 Ciutadella | 5h 15min | Wed-Sun |
| Baleària Abel Matutes | 21:15 | 6:15 Ciutadella | 9h | Mon-Sun (excl. Sat) |
| GNV Goldenbridge | 21:45 | 5:30 Maó | 7h 45min | Tue, Thu |
| GNV Goldenbridge (alt.) | 22:30 | 7:30 Maó | 9h | Mon, Wed, Fri |
| Trasmed Golden Bridge | 21:45 | 5:30 Maó | 7h 45min | Tue, Thu |
| Trasmed Golden Bridge (alt.) | 22:30 | 7:00 Maó | 8h 30min | Mon, Wed, Fri |
The first ferries depart from the Port of Barcelona from 0:15 and the last at 23:30, depending on each operator's calendar. Weekends typically see more frequencies in high season (July-September), while in low season (January-March) some departures are reduced or cancelled. Sundays are historically the busiest day and Mondays the quietest.
The Barcelona to Menorca ferry leaves from the Port of Barcelona (Estació Marítima) and arrives at one of the two main ports on the island — Mahón (Maó) in the east or Ciutadella in the west — depending on the operator. The difference between the two arrival ports matters for planning accommodation and onward transport in Menorca, as they are about 45 km apart and crossing the island by car takes around 45 minutes.
The Port of Barcelona is located at Estació Marítima, Moll de Sant Bertran, 08039 Barcelona, 2 km from the city centre. You can reach it by public transport via metro line L3 (Drassanes stop, 10 min walk), city bus, or car via exit 21 of the C-31. The port has paid parking, ticket office, taxis, car and bike rental, restaurants, cafes, and free Wi-Fi.
The Port of Mahón is one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, located on the east side of Menorca and 5 minutes walk from the historic centre of the capital. It is the arrival port for GNV and Trasmed ferries, with good urban bus and taxi connections to the airport, eastern beaches (Cala en Porter, Punta Prima), and northern resorts (Es Grau, Fornells).
The Port of Ciutadella sits on the western side of Menorca, next to the old town of Ciutadella de Menorca, and is the exclusive arrival port for Baleària ferries. It is the most convenient option if you stay in the western area (Cala'n Bosch, Cala Macarella, Cala Galdana) or prefer exploring Ciutadella with its cathedral, historic harbour, and traditional island atmosphere.
Both ports have 24h taxi service. TMSA runs regular buses between Mahón and Ciutadella (line 1, frequency 30-60 min by hour of day, fare 7,80 €). Car rental from the ports starts at 25 €/day in low season and 50 €/day in July-August. The distance between the two ports is 45 km (45 min by car via the Me-1).
Quick summary of the key data for planning your Barcelona to Menorca ferry trip: distance, duration, frequencies, minimum fares, and best time to book.
We answer the real questions we get from travellers preparing for the Barcelona to Menorca ferry. Our team replies personally within 24-48 hours with up-to-date information about availability, seasickness, cars, pets, and the return from the island. If your question is not covered below, leave it in the form.
Hi, we are a couple with a car and a medium-sized dog (15 kg, labrador) and want to go to Menorca in July. Which company will be better for our dog? Do they leave it in a cage in the hold or can it travel with us?
Hi Mary, medium dogs travel in cages in the hold or in designated areas on deck, not in cabins with the passenger (pets-in-cabin is limited to small dogs and cats in carriers up to 8-10 kg depending on the operator). Of the three, Baleària has the best-ventilated cages according to common reviews, and the fast ferry crossing (5h 15min) is less stressful than the 9-hour overnight. My recommendation: Baleària fast ferry departing 15:45, with the cage booked in advance (25-40 € extra). Bring water and give the dog a long walk before boarding.
Hello, I am travelling with my motorbike. Are motorbikes expensive to embark? Do I need to book it separately or is it included in the ticket?
Hi Jonas, the motorbike is booked separately, like any vehicle. Typical fare between 80 € and 130 € depending on operator and season, on top of your passenger ticket. You board before the cars: arrive 90 min early and go to the motorbike area. You keep your helmet, and you secure the bike with the straps provided on board (important because there is swell at sea). If you travel two-up, both pay a passenger ticket but only one motorbike.
Hi, we are travelling with our two kids (ages 5 and 8) and taking the overnight ferry. Is it worth paying for a cabin or can we manage with reclining seats? Our 5-year-old is not great sleeping in new places...
Hi Sarah! With two young kids, a cabin is worth it, especially for the 5-year-old. An inside cabin for 4 people goes for about 60-90 € extra and you get a bed, private bathroom, and quiet. The seats are comfy but the lights stay on all night and people walk past, so a 5-year-old will struggle to sleep. Recommendation: inside cabin (no need to pay for outside with window). If you book 4-6 weeks ahead, there is still affordable availability.
Hello. I have just renewed my Balearic resident card this year. How does the 75% discount apply? Do I claim it at purchase or at the ticket desk?
Hi David, the 75% subsidy for Balearic residents is applied directly when booking online if you enter your DNI/NIE and residence postcode (must be a Balearic code: 07xxx). At boarding they will ask for the original empadronamiento certificate or the valid electronic residence certificate, so always carry it. Without it, you pay the difference at boarding. Available on GNV, Baleària and Trasmed for all ticket types (passenger, vehicle, cabin).
Hi, I get seasick easily. Can you tell me whether the overnight ferries are smooth to sleep on, or is there too much sea movement? I am a bit worried.
Hi Lucas, in general the Mediterranean between Barcelona and Menorca is fairly calm from May to October, with waves of 0,5-1,5 m on most nights. In winter (November-March) there can be storms with 2-3 m swell, but in that case the ferry will not sail or will be delayed a few hours. For seasickness: take an antihistamine like dimenhydrinate one hour before boarding (not after), choose a low and central cabin (less movement), and eat light. The fast ferry (5h 15min) tends to roll more than the large overnight ships, so paradoxically the long overnight crossing is more comfortable for sensitive passengers.
Hello, we want to do a round trip Barcelona-Menorca in June. Better to buy outbound and return together or separately?
Hi Helen, separately is usually better: it gives flexibility to choose different operator and time for outbound and return (e.g. outbound with Baleària fast ferry at 15:45 to arrive late, return with overnight GNV to not lose a holiday day). Some operators offer 5-10% off for combined round trip with the same company, but the difference rarely outweighs the loss of flexibility. Note: the return route Menorca to Barcelona has the same schedules and prices as the outbound, no surcharge.
If I miss the ferry because I arrive late, do I lose the whole ticket or do they give me another departure the same day?
Richard, it depends heavily on the operator and fare type. Non-refundable fares (the cheapest): you lose the whole ticket. Flex or premium fares: they rebook you on the next available departure, free or with a surcharge. If you bought via Omio, there is usually free cancellation up to 24h before, but after departure time that no longer applies. Practical rule: arrive 90 min early in high season and build in a buffer because the Barcelona port area can have heavy traffic. If you know in advance you will be late, call the operator directly to try to change.
We are travelling with a 6-meter camper van with kayaks on the roof. Will they board it without issue? Do we pay by length or by surface?
Hi Diego, camper vans and motorhomes pay by length and height. Up to 6 m no problem with all three operators (Baleària, GNV, Trasmed), but watch the total height: if the kayaks push the vehicle above 2,40 m, you pay large motorhome fare (not regular van). Difference: between 180 € and 250 € instead of 130-160 €. Measure total height before booking and declare it. If you declare a height and it is actually higher, they can charge the difference at boarding and, in extreme cases, deny boarding for safety reasons.