One card for all of Mallorca: From October less paper clutter in your wallet

A single card for all of Mallorca: Finally a clear overview instead of paper clutter

The news may seem unspectacular at first glance, but for many commuters, students and occasional riders it is a real relief: From October you can apply for the new unified travel card on Mallorca – a plastic card (and later also a digital version) that is intended to be used on EMT buses in Palma, the TIB intercity buses and the regional trains. No more holding two tickets at transfer points, no more guessing at the ticket machines.

Why this matters in everyday life

Anyone waiting in the morning at the Plaça d’Espanya knows the scene: the clatter of buses, the murmur of travelers, e-scooters whizzing by, and on one side people with two cards — “one for the bus, one for the train”. It costs time and nerves, especially during shift changes or when you're in a hurry. A unified card shortens transfers, makes commuting between suburbs and Palma easier, and helps tourists who are not familiar with every type of ticket machine.

What was announced now

The key facts: Applications officially start in October. Those who already have a valid TIB card should, according to the plans communicated so far, not necessarily have to apply for a new plastic card. The previously grey citizen card from Palma will remain valid until the end of March 2026; after that it will be gradually replaced, as discussed in Tarjeta Única in Mallorca: Relief with Pitfalls. For 2026 a smartphone solution is also planned — practical for everyone travelling light.

How you will probably get the card

There will likely be several ways: personal issuance at sales points in Palma and larger towns, via ticket machines and an online option. More detailed information on required documents, deadlines or fees is still pending, as discussed in Targeta única: One card — many questions. What commuters and tourists need to know now. My advice: check the official channels from October and have your documents ready (DNI/NIE, photo, if applicable registration certificate) — the counters are likely to be busy during the first weeks.

Open questions that still need to be answered

A few points are still unclear: How will existing monthly or annual subscriptions be transferred? Will there be automatic credits or do subscribers have to actively switch? And the digital solution: How robust is it in rural areas with poor reception? Experience shows that technical plans often sound better than their implementation — stable offline features would therefore be worth their weight in gold.

What this means for different user groups

Commuters gain time above all. Students save the guesswork at ticket machines and will less often have to ask drivers. Families with strollers and suitcases benefit from reduced waiting during transfers. Tourists, in turn, benefit from a clearer system — fewer questions, fewer chaotic scenes at the stop.

Looking ahead: opportunities and small pitfalls

The opportunity lies clearly in simplification: a clear fare system, fewer wrong purchases and less stress when changing. It will be important that the transition is pragmatic — with transition periods, clear information and accessible issuance points. Otherwise long queues at kiosks and frustrated passengers will remain if the technology does not cooperate.

I will continue to follow developments and report as soon as the authorities announce concrete application procedures, deadlines and possible fees; meanwhile you can read Tarjeta Única in Mallorca: A Step in the Right Direction — But Is It Enough?. Until then: don’t throw away the old cards, keep an eye out in October and pack your bag a little lighter — Mallorca is nicer if getting there is easier.