Barcelona to Ibiza ferry - information you need to know

You are planning a trip from Barcelona to the island of Ibiza and you are hesitating how to get there? If you are looking for a convenient and scenic option, a ferry may be the right choice.

In this article we look at the basics of traveling by ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza, how to buy tickets, how to get on the ferry in Barcelona and what to expect during the journey.

Ciudad de Mahon ferry bound for Ibiza

Get ready for an adventure full of beautiful views of Balearic Islands, to which I will give you useful tips for a comfortable cruise to this popular (and not only) party destination! 

Summary of ferry information on the Barcelona - Ibiza route

• The ferry to Ibiza from Barcelona departs from the port of Barcelona several times a week in the evenings
• The trip takes an average of 8 hours
• You can get on board either just as a passenger or with a car
• The price of a one-way ticket starts from €13 (search for tickets)

Route, frequency, carriers, ticket price,...

Travel time from Barcelona to Ibiza

The ferry journey from Barcelona to Ibiza is usually straightforward and lasts approximately 7-9 hours depending on the specific ferry and sea conditions. Usually, if you want a faster ferry to Ibiza, you have to pay extra (=faster ferries are more expensive). 

This is what one of the cheaper ferries, GNV Sealand, looks like

Distance and ferry route

The route goes through the Mediterranean Sea and a distance of approximately 150 km is covered. This map shows the route from the port of Barcelona to the port of Ibiza (Puerto Ibiza). 

Timetables: When and how often do the ferries to Ibiza run?

In season, ferries from the port of Barcelona to Ibiza they sail every day.

In the off-season, the frequency is slightly lower: the number of ferries and their frequency are reduced. There are no sailings on some days (typically, e.g. Saturday), so you need to think about it and plan everything well in advance. However, for example, on weekdays and in the off-season, the connection works well. 

When planning your trip, it's also good to know that all ferries on the Barcelona - Ibiza route sail overnight. The normal departure time from the port of Barcelona is between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening. If you are heading to the island for fun, for a party, it probably won't bother you at all, because you can start already on board in one of the bars or restaurants. Otherwise, I would recommend booking a sleeping cabin and packing earplugs in your suitcase :-)

The Visborg ferry, which serves several Balearic islands

Which ferry companies operate the Barcelona - Ibiza route? 

There are several companies that operate ferries on this route, including well-known carriers such as Baleària, Trasmediterránea and more. Each company may offer different ferry options, such as different deck classes, catering and other services, so it is advisable to compare the offers of different carriers on one of the portals (such as ferry hopper), which bundle offers. 

How much is the ferry to Ibiza from Barcelona?

The cheapest one-way ferry ticket from Barcelona to Ibiza can be purchased for as little as €15. If you were to travel with a car, you will pay an additional €40, so the final the price for one person with a car is around €55. 

Example price for a ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza: 1 person, 1 car: €54,90, search for a ticket >>>

However, it is good to know that the price is very variable and depends on several factors: 

• ferry sailing date – if you use the ferry in season, be prepared for higher prices than out of season; this applies mainly to connections from Baleària.
• ferry operator – Baleària is generally several times more expensive than, say, Transmed or GNV
• length of voyage – some ships are faster, more modern, nicer; you will naturally pay extra for all these things; e.g. Baleària ferries cover the distance between the port in Barcelona and that in Ibiza by about an hour and a half faster than the others (and are also the most expensive)
• ticket type – just like on an airplane, here too you can choose which type of boarding pass you buy. The cheapest option is just a seat on board, if you want more comfort it makes sense to get a cabin (either private or shared) - as all ferries from Barcelona to Ibiza sail overnight it makes sense to definitely consider this... 

Where do the ferries to Ibiza from Barcelona leave from?

All ferries from Barcelona from Baleària, Trasmed and GNV depart from port of barcelona, specifically from terminals F1 and F2 (arrival from Moll de Sant Bertran street). See more departures and arrivals to the port. 

Barcelona ferries dock near the World Trade Center building

I strongly recommend studying the conditions of individual carriers regarding check-in, boarding, luggage, etc., because each of them has it a little differently and the information is also different for pedestrians and for cars... In addition, most ferries leave at night and sometimes there can be a bit of confusion at the port, therefore it is good to prepare.  

Boarding information: Baleària, Trasmed, GNV

What are the services on board the ferry?

Barcelona to Ibiza ferries are definitely not small boats. On average, almost 1000 people and 200 cars sail on one route, for which the operators are well prepared. As a passenger, you can shorten your cruise with an activity:

• visiting a restaurant, cafe or bar
• shopping in one of the shops
• children can use the playroom or use the facilities for families with children
• swim in the pool on deck
• use the on-board wifi and watch, for example, favorite series

See also overview of other ferries from Barcelona. 

Don't forget your travel documents

Since Ibiza, like Spain, is part of the European Union, you only need a valid ID to travel to the island. That is, on the assumption that you are a citizen of the European Union :-) If you are not from the European Union, you need another document such as a passport. 

How to buy ferry tickets from Barcelona to Ibiza?

If you are planning to travel by ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza, it is important to book your tickets in advance.

Sure, it is almost always possible to buy ferry tickets on the spot, directly at the port, but personally I prefer to arrange everything in advance. There are several reasons why I would recommend it to you as well. 

Search for a ferry ticket from Barcelona to Ibiza >>>

Why is it important to buy tickets in advance? 

Buying tickets in advance has several advantages. These are the biggest for me: 

• First, secure your place on the ferry, especially if you are traveling during a season when demand is high.
• Second, pre-purchased tickets to you will allow you to avoid long queues at the port and reduce waiting time
• Some carriers offer discounts or special offers for those who purchase tickets in advance.

What to know before buying ferry tickets? 

Before purchasing your ferry tickets, it is important to have a few pieces of information at your disposal. This includes the date of departure and arrival, the number of passengers, and possibly information about the transport of the vehicle. Also check the current timetables and sailing availability to choose the most suitable connection.

How to easily buy tickets?

There are several ways to buy ferry tickets from Barcelona to Ibiza.

Most carriers offer a purchase option through its website. Just select the desired connection, fill in the necessary information and make the payment.

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets over the phone or directly at the port, but this option may be associated with higher costs and, most importantly, there may not be a place on the date and time you would like to sail. 

And that's the reason why I strongly recommend online shopping through portals such as the already mentioned Ferryhopper. 

Remember that it is advisable to buy your tickets in time, especially if you are traveling in the summer months or towards the end of the week when the demand from tourists is the highest. 

Would you like to go from Barcelona to Ibiza by ferry? 

Search for a ferry and find out the prices >>>