Special Trains to Sant Antoni: Travel by Rail to the Village Festivities

Special Trains to Sant Antoni: Travel by Rail to the Village Festivities

Extra services between Palma, Inca and Sa Pobla — first train at 19:05

On late Friday afternoon the air in Palma smells of wet stone and grilled corn; people on Plaça d'Espanya slowly make their way toward the station. The railway on Mallorca has responded to such evenings: SFM is operating additional services on the Palma–Inca–Sa Pobla route SFM deploys extra trains between Palma and Inca – safe travel during the Advent season so more people can reach the Sant Antoni celebrations without a car.

The very first special train departs tonight at 19:05 from Palma toward Sa Pobla. Additional trains will run afterwards, and return services are planned so no one is left hunting for a parking space or an unavailable taxi in the middle of the night. Those who need exact departure times can find the special timetables on the public transport authority's (TIB) pages — the extra services are part of line T2; further local coverage is available in Evening in Palma: Special Trains, Road Closures and a Relaxed Arrival to the Patronal Festival.

The practical benefit is obvious on site: villages smell of sausages and almond cake, the village squares fill up, and narrow streets quickly become congested. A train brings groups from Palma comfortably and without parking hassle right near the festival areas. For families with children or older neighbors, that's a real relief.

Tomorrow, on Sant Antoni's name day, animal blessings are planned. In Palma the procession with animals starts at 10:00 in front of the cathedral — every year you can see dogs and horses by the Seu. Many inland towns will also hold blessings and small bonfires; the trains make it possible to experience several traditions in one day without worrying about the return trip or drinking and driving.

A small practical tip: Estació Intermodal is usually busier than usual in the evening — ticket machines, bags with blankets and neighbors' voices packing provisions at the last minute. Allow a little extra time, buy return tickets straight away and check whether the train has seats. In some villages the last kilometers to the plaza must be covered on foot or by bus; sturdy shoes are recommended.

The special trains are not only practical for revelers, they also relieve parking pressure and keep traffic out of village centers. Traveling by train helps ensure that traditional celebrations in the squares and in front of churches can proceed with fewer disturbances. It also spares nerves on the road.

In short: if you're heading to the Sant Antoni festivities tonight or tomorrow, leave the car at home and take the SFM services to Inca or Sa Pobla. Timetables and special services are available from TIB, and you can read practical arrival tips in More trains, less traffic: How to get to the Patronal Festival in Palma. Bring a jacket, arrive at the station a bit earlier and enjoy the warm, slightly smoky air of the village squares — that's how Mallorca feels at this time of year.

Enjoy the celebrations — and remember the animals taking part in the processions.