The city of Palma, located on the Balearic island of Mallorca, is about 340 miles (548 km) from Madrid. The easiest and fastest way to get between the two cities is by plane, with nonstop flights departing from Palma airport on a daily basis and a flying time of 1 hour 25 minutes.
The second fastest way to get from Palma to Madrid would be to fly from Palma to the coastal city of Valencia and catch a train to Madrid. Flights from Palma to Valencia take just under an hour, and train service from Valencia to Madrid takes anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours.
The slowest mode of travel from one city to the other involves taking the ferry from Palma to Valencia, then taking the train. There is regular ferry service from Palma, with a crossing time of 7 - 8 hours. From Valencia, you can take the train to Madrid, adding another 1.5 to 2.5 hours to the journey. You can also fly from Valencia to Madrid, with nonstop flights taking just over an hour.
This 5-day tour of Mallorca showcases not only all Palma has to offer, but takes you out of the city and into the Tramuntana Mountains, as well as on a boat tour to beaches such as Cala Formentor. And this 10-day itinerary for Madrid and Barcelona highlights some of Madrid’s popular tourist sites, such as the Puerta del Sol and the famous Fountain of Cibeles, and offers a gourmet walking tour of Madrid’s finest cuisine. You will then head to Barcelona, where you can see the works of the famed architect, Antonio Gaudi, and take a day hike along the Costa Brava.
By Plane
Duration: 1.5 hours
The Palma de Mallorca airport is located just 6 miles (10 km) from the city center, making for a quick 10 -15 minute taxi ride. There are several nonstop flights a day to Madrid - Barajas airport and travel time is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. Upon your arrival at the airport in Madrid, you can take the metro, taxi or bus into the city. The metro runs from terminals T2 and T4 and goes directly to the city center, or transfers over to the bus station if you prefer. Taxis are readily available, but keep in mind they charge a flat fee for transport from the airport, which can sometimes be more expensive than the metro or the bus.
By Plane and Train
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
From Palma, you can fly to the coastal city of Valencia in just 55 minutes. Once you arrive in Valencia, there is train service that will take you directly to Madrid. Train service runs every day, and you can choose the high-speed train, which takes about 1.5 hours, or the slower trains that take 2.5 hours.
If you want to break up the trip a bit, consider spending some time in Valencia. Home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a scientific and cultural complex that is considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, you can see amazing architecture, learn about the marine ecosystem and explore interactive exhibits. Valencia also has plenty of beautiful beaches, great food and historic sites such as the Valencia Cathedral.
By Ferry and Train or Plane
Duration: 9 - 10.5 hours
The ferry from Palma to Valencia takes about eight hours, depending on the season and route. Ferry tickets can be purchased in advance or at the terminal, and the ferries allow for both foot passengers and those bringing vehicles. You’ll land at the Port of Valencia, a busy district where ferries, cruise ships, and private boats dock. The port is about 4 miles (6 km) from the train station, a 15-minute taxi ride.
Train service includes high-speed trains that take about 1.5 hours or slower trains that take about 2.5 hours. If you opt to fly from Valencia to Madrid, you’ll need to go to Manises airport, which is about 11 miles (18 km) from the port. The airport has multiple daily flights into Madrid, and flying time is about an hour and 10 minutes.