More trains, less traffic: How to get to the Patronal Festival in Palma

More trains, less traffic: How to get to the Patronal Festival today without stress

Today Palma hums a little differently: people are converging on the old town and the Parc de la Mar from all directions, where the Patronal Festival and an open-air concert are taking place. The rail operator has responded by running additional trains — great news for anyone who doesn’t feel like playing parking roulette or listening to honking cars. Instead: sea breeze, church bells and the chance to end the night without a long search for a car.

What the special trains bring

In the afternoon, no fewer than ten special services will run between Palma and Inca. That connects the island interior better than on some Sunday market days. The trains step up again at night: three additional trains run from Palma to Inca, and two more shuttle in the opposite direction. If you stay later, you can also use two late services: one goes to Manacor at 0:30, the other to Sa Pobla at 0:15.

All special trains stop at the usual stations — important for residents of smaller towns. So don’t worry: if you want to board at a minor stop, you won’t be left behind. And yes, buying tickets at the machine or via the app in advance is worthwhile: once the guitars start, standing room fills up fast.

Paseo Marítimo: closed today from 12:00 to 4:00

The Paseo Marítimo directly in front of the Parc de la Mar is closed in both directions today — from 12:00 noon until 4:00 the next morning. This affects not only the promenade but also access roads to the concert area. Anyone who thought they could drive there quickly should rethink. This morning I saw taxis circling patiently while the seagulls wheeled over the harbour — a scene you’ll often see on a festival evening like this.

Practically speaking: if you want a seat, arrive earlier. For residents the closure reduces festival traffic; for visitors it’s a nudge to leave the car and enjoy the city on foot or by train.

Best ways to arrive and depart

A few simple rules make the evening more relaxed: buy your ticket early, check the departure boards before you leave and allow extra time for your return journey. Capacity on special trains is limited; nothing is more annoying than missing the last service because you lingered too long at the beer stall.

Bicycles can often be left at the edge of the event area — but please lock them. And if you think you’ll always find a free parking space in Palma: today the city is a different habitat. Better to walk a few extra minutes, enjoy the street musicians and take in the sea view.

Why the measures make sense

The extra trains and the closure of the Paseo Marítimo have a clear aim: fewer cars around the concert, greater safety for pedestrians and a more relaxed festival atmosphere in the old town. For residents it’s a hopeful sign, for visitors a convenient alternative to the nerve-wracking search for parking. When the evening sun slowly sinks into the bay and the first lights come on, Palma is simply nicer on foot or by train.

Our tip: arrive early, secure your ticket and keep an eye on your return journey. Then nothing stands in the way of an evening of music, sea breeze and a bit of Palma magic.