ferry Ciudad de Barcelona Trasmed
ferry Ciudad de Barcelona
âš“ The Ciudad de Barcelona is one of the largest ferries in the Trasmed fleet, with room for 1,500 passengers and 300 vehicles. She works the Barcelona–Mahón route, the most direct overnight link between Barcelona and the Menorcan capital. At 175 metres long, with 136 cabins and 472 berths, she is built for overnight crossings that let you sleep on board and reach Menorca first thing in the morning.
The Ciudad de Barcelona took her name under the Trasmed flag after the Grimaldi group renewed its fleet in Spain. She is the former Volcán del Teide, built in 2011 and acquired by Trasmed along with other ships to strengthen the links with the Balearic Islands. She is powered by four diesel engines of 11,200 hp each, driving two shafts that give her a top speed of 26 knots.
History and background of the ship
The Ciudad de Barcelona (IMO 9216573) was built between 1999 and 2001 at the Spanish Bazán yard (later Izar) in Puerto Real (Cádiz) under the name Sorolla, coming off the slipway alongside her sister ship the Fortuny (today Fred. Olsen's Buenavista Express). Both were delivered to Trasmediterránea as flagship vessels for the links between mainland Spain and the Balearics. After Naviera Armas took over Trasmediterránea, she was renamed Ciudad de Barcelona in keeping with the company's new commercial identity.
She now works the overnight Barcelona–Menorca route, sailing between the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Mahón, Spain's easternmost capital and one of the most spectacular harbour approaches in the Mediterranean. She is the ferry of choice for Menorcan residents who need to take a vehicle to the mainland, with the 75% Balearic resident discount off the base fare.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (passengers + rolling freight) |
| Length overall | 175.7 m |
| Beam | 24.4 m |
| Draught | 6.4 m |
| Gross tonnage | 29,514 GT |
| Maximum speed | 26 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 300 cars |
| Cabins | 136 cabins · 472 berths |
| Rolling freight | 1,850 lane metres |
| Propulsion | 4 × 11,200 hp diesel engines · 2 shafts |
| Year built | 2011 |
| Former name | Volcán del Teide (Naviera Armas) |
| Flag | Spain |
| Operating company | Trasmed (Grimaldi Group) |
| Main route | Barcelona–Mahón |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Mahón | ~9 h | ~23:00 |
| Mahón → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~23:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
The port of Mahón: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Ciudad de Barcelona sails from the Trasmed terminal at the port of Barcelona to the port of Mahón, the longest natural harbour in Europe and one of the most striking in the Mediterranean. Coming into Mahón at dawn is one of the finest arrivals anywhere in the western Mediterranean.
The port of Mahón is about 15 minutes' walk from the old town. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you must reach the port of Barcelona at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers can allow 60 minutes. In July and August demand soars, so it is worth allowing extra time at boarding and booking your ticket well ahead.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Standard seat fares on the Ciudad de Barcelona start at roughly €45–65 each way in low season on the Barcelona–Mahón route, and can go above €90–140 in high season (July and August). Cabins carry an extra charge depending on the category you choose.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Large family: a reduced fare for holders of a large family card, general category (20%) or special category (50%).
- Groups: ask Trasmed directly about groups of more than 10 people.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| Looking for privacy and a night's sleep | Inside cabin (2 berths) |
| As a family with children or a group of friends | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin (on request) |
| As a haulier or with a heavy vehicle | Tourist seat + lorry space |
ferry Ciudad de Barcelona · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Ciudad de Barcelona. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to all the ship's public areas. A good choice if you are travelling on a tight budget.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ The most affordable option
Inside cabin · 2 berths
A private cabin without a window in which to rest during the overnight Barcelona–Mahón crossing. It has two berths, a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and bed linen.
✓ Private cabin for 2 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen and towels included
✓ Air conditioning
Outside cabin · With window
A cabin with a window or porthole. Especially worth it for the spectacular approach into the natural harbour of Mahón at dawn.
✓ Window with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Air conditioning
4-berth cabin · Family
A cabin with four berths for families or groups. It has a private bathroom and all the comforts of the standard cabin.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Ideal for families and groups
ferry Ciudad de Barcelona · On-board services
Restaurant, café and bar
The Ciudad de Barcelona has a self-service restaurant, a café and a bar open throughout the crossing, serving hot dishes, sandwiches, drinks and snacks. There is also an onboard shop selling travel essentials, newspapers and souvenirs.
Children's play area, pool and sun deck
The ship has a children's play area, a pool area with a bar, a sun deck and onboard entertainment. There is also a gym and free WiFi throughout the vessel.
Travelling with a dog on board
The Ciudad de Barcelona accepts dogs and other pets in dedicated outside areas for animals. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and show valid health documentation (vaccination record, identification microchip). Check the specific conditions with Trasmed before you travel.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Ciudad de Barcelona has facilities adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible entrances, adapted toilets and accessible cabins. We recommend that you tell Trasmed when you book so that the assistance you need can be arranged at boarding, during the crossing and on arrival.
The spectacular approach into the port of Mahón
One of the most memorable things about the Ciudad de Barcelona is arriving in the natural harbour of Mahón at dawn. Six kilometres long and reckoned one of the largest and best-preserved natural harbours in Europe, it makes for a unique sight as the ferry threads its way between the two Menorcan shores. Book an outside cabin and you can watch the whole arrival from your window.
The Ciudad de Barcelona works the Barcelona–Mahón route, the most direct link between Catalonia and Menorca. The island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, draws thousands of travellers every year who value its unspoilt countryside, its wild beaches and its calm compared with the mass tourism of other islands.
Frequently asked questions about the Ciudad de Barcelona
Which routes does the Ciudad de Barcelona ferry operate?
The Ciudad de Barcelona works the Barcelona–Mahón route for Trasmed, the overnight link between Catalonia and the Menorcan capital, taking roughly 9 hours.
How long does the ferry take from Barcelona to Mahón?
The Barcelona–Mahón crossing takes roughly 9 hours. The usual departure is overnight (around 23:00), arriving in Mahón first thing in the morning.
Does the Ciudad de Barcelona carry cars?
Yes. The Ciudad de Barcelona has room for 300 vehicles on her car deck. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Ciudad de Barcelona offer?
Three options: a reclining seat (the cheapest), an inside cabin (2 or 4 berths) and an outside cabin (with a sea-facing window). Every cabin has a private bathroom and bed linen. The ship has 136 cabins and 472 berths in total.
Is there a discount for Balearic residents?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are dogs allowed on board?
Yes. The Ciudad de Barcelona has dedicated outside areas for animals. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and produce valid health documentation.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Ciudad de Barcelona?
Yes, especially on a 9-hour overnight crossing. An outside cabin has the added draw of letting you watch the spectacular approach into the natural harbour of Mahón at dawn. Highly recommended for families with children and for anyone travelling in July or August.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has accessible entrances, adapted toilets and accessible cabins. Tell Trasmed when you book so that the assistance you need can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the Ciudad de Barcelona?
A standard seat starts at around €45–65 in mid season. In July and August it can exceed €90–140. Cabins cost extra. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Check real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes. As a foot passenger: 60 minutes. In July and August allow extra time.
When was the Ciudad de Barcelona built?
The Ciudad de Barcelona was built in 2011. She was previously named Volcán del Teide and sailed for Naviera Armas before joining the Trasmed fleet.
What is Trasmed and which routes does it operate?
Trasmed (Transportes Marítimos Mediterráneos) is a Spanish operator in the Grimaldi Group running routes between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. Browse the whole Trasmed fleet here.
