ferry Ciudad de Soller Trasmed
ferry Ciudad de Soller
âš“ The Ciudad de Soller is the ferry that works the much-loved Barcelona–Port de Sóller (Mallorca) route under the Trasmed flag. Its destination is one of the most picturesque in the western Mediterranean: Port de Sóller, a small, sheltered natural harbour on the north coast of Mallorca, tucked between the Serra de Tramuntana — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the sea. The service is prized above all by travellers who want to reach the heart of the Mallorcan mountains straight from Barcelona without going through Palma.
The ship belongs to the fleet of Trasmed (Naviera Mallorquina de Vapores), the company with the longest tradition on the Barcelona–Sóller run, a route of great tourist and social value that has linked the Catalan capital with one of Mallorca's most exclusive corners for decades. The service is seasonal, with most of its sailings concentrated in the busiest holiday months.
History and background of the ship
The Ciudad de Sóller (IMO 8016316) is the most distinctive and best-loved ferry in the Trasmediterránea fleet — and probably in the whole of Spain. She was built in 1982 at the Spanish ASTANO yard in Fene (A Coruña) and has worked the same route without interruption ever since: the Port of Palma–Port de Sóller (Mallorca) link. With more than four decades of continuous service on a single line, she is one of the longest-serving and most loyal ferries in the entire Mediterranean. Her small size — just 65 metres long — and her classic white profile have made her a visual icon of the Mallorcan bay.
The crossing of barely 1 hour and 15 minutes from Palma to the spectacular Port de Sóller is regarded as one of the most beautiful ferry routes in the western Mediterranean: the approach through the harbour's natural mouth, ringed by mountains and orange groves, has captivated generations of travellers. The Ciudad de Sóller pairs perfectly with the historic electric tram linking the harbour with the town of Sóller and the wooden train that climbs to Palma, forming one of Mallorca's most iconic sightseeing itineraries.
The Ciudad de Soller is a medium-sized roll-on/roll-off ferry, designed to carry passengers and vehicles together on medium-distance crossings in the western Mediterranean. Her name is a direct tribute to the town of Sóller, in north-western Mallorca, which also gives its name to the valley and to the harbour the route serves.
Trasmed has run this line by making the most of the unusual geography of Port de Sóller, where ships can berth in a calm natural harbour without needing Palma's big commercial quays. The Barcelona–Sóller route is the only direct ferry link between the Iberian Peninsula and this corner of the island, which makes the Ciudad de Soller the only vessel covering the crossing on a regular basis.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Roll-on/roll-off passenger and vehicle ferry |
| Ferry operator | Trasmed (Naviera Mallorquina de Vapores) |
| Main route | Barcelona – Port de Sóller (Mallorca) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Hull type | Conventional monohull (ro-ro) |
| Flag | Spain |
| Home ports | Barcelona / Port de Sóller |
The full technical data (length overall, beam, IMO, speed) is still awaiting official confirmation. If you have up-to-date information, you can let us know here.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Port de Sóller (Mallorca) | ~12 h (overnight) | ~22:00 |
| Port de Sóller (Mallorca) → Barcelona | ~12 h (overnight) | ~20:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The route runs more frequently in high season (April–October). Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
Port de Sóller: a one-of-a-kind destination to reach by ferry
Port de Sóller is one of the most spectacular natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Set in north-western Mallorca, it is entirely ringed by the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, which give it the outline of an almost perfectly enclosed bay. Arriving from Barcelona by ferry is a striking experience precisely because the ship edges slowly into the bay and passengers can take in the whole panorama from the deck at first light.
From the harbour, a historic electric tram runs to the centre of Sóller, where you can board the famous Sóller train to Palma. This ferry + tram + train combination is one of the most unusual travel experiences anywhere in the Mediterranean. If you are heading for Palma or southern Mallorca, bear in mind that you will need onward transport from Sóller (about 30 km along a mountain road).
We recommend arriving at the port of Barcelona at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 60 minutes if you are a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Ciudad de Soller vary with the season, the type of accommodation and whether you are taking a vehicle. Demand on the Barcelona–Sóller route is mainly from holidaymakers, so prices tend to be higher in July and August. Booking ahead is advisable in high season.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: a subsidised discount on the base ticket price. You must prove residency with a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Large family: a reduced fare for families holding an official general or special large-family card.
- Children: children under a given age may travel at a reduced fare or free of charge, depending on Trasmed's policy for each season.
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 |
| As a couple or pair, wanting privacy and a good rest | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Four-berth cabin |
| Looking for sea views and more comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Check availability with Trasmed |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted cabin (request when booking) |
ferry Ciudad de Soller · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Ideal for travellers who would rather keep the price down on an overnight crossing of about 12 hours. The reclining seats let you rest along the way, with access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ Café available on board
✓ The most affordable option
Inside cabin · Double or single
A private cabin with no window to the outside. Designed for travellers who want privacy and rest on the overnight crossing without paying the outside-cabin supplement. It comes with bunks or a double bed subject to availability, a private bathroom and a wardrobe.
✓ Private cabin that locks
✓ Bunks or a double bed
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Ideal for a night's sleep
Outside cabin · With window
The most comfortable accommodation on the Ciudad de Soller. A private cabin with a window or porthole to the outside, so you can watch the sun come up over the sea or the ship enter Port de Sóller without leaving your cabin. Private bathroom and more space than the inside cabin.
✓ Window or porthole to the outside
✓ Private cabin that locks
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Sunrise views over the Mediterranean
Four-berth cabin · Family
A private cabin for four people, and the firm favourite with families. Single bunks, a private bathroom and enough room for the family luggage. It lets you travel overnight and reach Sóller rested first thing in the morning.
✓ Up to 4 people in one cabin
✓ Single bunks
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Ideal for families and groups of 4
ferry Ciudad de Soller · On-board services
Café and catering
The Ciudad de Soller has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drink to see passengers through the overnight crossing. As the sailing lasts about 12 hours, the café is open both around departure and around arrival.
Open deck and Mediterranean views
One of the moments passengers on the Ciudad de Soller value most is the arrival into Port de Sóller at dawn, seen from the open deck. The ship edges slowly into the mountain-ringed bay, and the view is hard to forget. Many travellers set an early alarm just so as not to miss it, even when they have a cabin.
Travelling with a dog on board
If you are travelling with a pet on the Ciudad de Soller, we recommend contacting Trasmed directly when you book to confirm the conditions in force. As a rule, ferries of this type allow pets on board subject to certain conditions (health documentation, an approved carrier, or staying in the vehicle depending on the animal).
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
If you need assistance because of reduced mobility, or an adapted cabin, we recommend saying so explicitly when you book with Trasmed. Roll-on/roll-off ferries of this class usually have access ramps and adapted areas, though it is worth confirming what specific facilities are available for your particular sailing.
The full experience: ferry + tram + the Sóller train
Travelling on the Ciudad de Soller is not just about catching a ferry: it is the first link in one of the most remarkable historic transport routes in Spain. On arriving at Port de Sóller you can carry on aboard the electric tram that runs along the beach to the centre of Sóller (in service since 1913), and from there climb aboard the legendary wooden Sóller train, opened in 1912, which crosses the Serra de Tramuntana to Palma in about an hour. Together they turn the trip into a journey through history and scenery that has no equal in the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions about the Ciudad de Soller
Which route does the Ciudad de Soller ferry operate?
The Ciudad de Soller works the Barcelona–Port de Sóller (Mallorca) route for Trasmed. It is the only direct ferry link between the Iberian Peninsula and Port de Sóller, a natural harbour in the Serra de Tramuntana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
How long does the ferry from Barcelona to Port de Sóller take?
The crossing takes roughly 12 hours and runs overnight, usually leaving in the late evening and reaching Port de Sóller first thing in the morning.
Does the Ciudad de Soller call at the port of Palma?
No. The Ciudad de Soller works into Port de Sóller, in north-western Mallorca, about 30 km from Palma along a mountain road. To reach the port of Palma directly, see our ferry routes to the Balearics.
Does the Ciudad de Soller carry cars?
Yes. The Ciudad de Soller is a roll-on/roll-off ferry that can carry vehicles on the car deck. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Ciudad de Soller offer?
The Ciudad de Soller offers a reclining seat (the budget option) and private cabins: inside (no window), outside (with a window or porthole) and a four-berth family cabin. Every cabin has a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Ciudad de Soller?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a subsidised discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Ciudad de Soller?
The pet policy should be confirmed with Trasmed when you book. As a rule, ferries of this type allow pets with the right health documentation and either an approved carrier or, depending on the animal, staying in the vehicle.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
If you need assistance or an adapted cabin, say so when you book with Trasmed so that the necessary arrangements are in place for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
How early should I get to the port?
With a car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What can I do when I get to Port de Sóller?
On arrival you can carry on aboard the historic tram to the centre of Sóller and from there take the wooden Sóller train (1912) up to Palma. The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also simply stay in Sóller and enjoy the town and its coves.
How often does the Ciudad de Soller sail?
The route runs more frequently in high season (April–October). In low season the frequency may be reduced. Check up-to-date timetables in our search engine.
What is the difference between sailing to Sóller and sailing to Palma?
The ferry to Port de Sóller (Ciudad de Soller/Trasmed) is the ideal choice if you are heading for the north of the island and the Serra de Tramuntana. The ferry to Palma (Baleària, Trasmediterránea, Grimaldi) suits you better if your destination is the capital, the south or the centre of the island. Both carry vehicles.
