Unified travel card "Tarjeta Única" launches on Mallorca — what residents need to know

A new ticket for the whole island

Since this month, Balearic residents on Mallorca can apply for the new Tarjeta Única — a unified travel card that will be valid for all local public transport on the island. It sounds pragmatic, and it is: no separate bus or train cards anymore, but one card for everything.

Where can I get the card?

Issuance is free and starts at twelve locations. Those who often use the Estación Intermodal in Palma can apply there. In addition, offices at well-known locations — in Alcúdia, Inca and Manacor — are already open. From next Monday further issuing points will be activated — convenient for people living outside the capital.

What should you bring?

The formalities are straightforward: ID (DNI/NIE), proof of residence (Empadronamiento) and a recent passport photo are usually sufficient. Pro tip: Visiting early in the morning often saves waiting time. In my neighborhood (Santa Catalina) there were only three people at the counter last week around 8:30 — by 10 a.m. it looked very different.

Important to know: the existing Intermodal card remains valid and transition arrangements will be put in place. The old citizen card (Tarjeta Ciudadana) will only be valid until March 2026 — after that the new system becomes the standard.

Who is the card intended for?

The Tarjeta Única is aimed at residents of the Balearics who do not yet have an Intermodal card. Short-term visitors, tourists and day-trippers are not affected — they will continue to use tickets as before. The idea is to make commuting easier: less confusion when changing between bus, train and urban transport.

How does it work in everyday life?

First impressions from the orange bus at Plaça Espanya: drivers nod in approval, checks hardly slow down boarding. Still, we hear voices: “Finally unified, but the issuing office hours should be more flexible,” says María from El Molinar. She is right — evening or Saturday hours would be useful for people who work.

If everything goes smoothly, the Tarjeta Única could make daily commuting noticeably more relaxed. If you have questions: call the nearest issuing point or quickly check online beforehand which documents are specifically required. And: bring your old cards along — you never know.