ferry Formentera Direct Balearia
ferry Formentera Direct
âš“ The Formentera Direct is the fast ferry that Baleària runs on the shortest and busiest crossing in the Balearic archipelago: the link between Ibiza and Formentera in just 25–30 minutes. With room for more than 800 passengers and up to 175 vehicles, she is one of the most heavily used ferries in the western Mediterranean, with dozens of daily departures in high season that turn her into what is effectively a shuttle service between the two islands.
The vessel was built at the Incat shipyard in Hobart (Australia), a world reference in the construction of high-speed aluminium catamarans. Brought into the Baleària fleet to strengthen the Ibiza–Formentera route, the Formentera Direct is part of the operator's drive to link the two Pityusic islands quickly, reliably and comfortably, above all during the summer months, when the flow of passengers and vehicles is at its peak.
Unlike the big ferries that cross the Mediterranean overnight, the Formentera Direct works a channel of barely ~20 nautical miles between the port of Ibiza (Eivissa) and La Savina (Formentera), which allows several return trips a day. Her design as a high-speed aluminium catamaran guarantees a stable, quick and comfortable crossing even in moderate winds.
History and background of the ship
The Formentera Direct was launched in 1987 at the Westamarin A/S yard in Mandal (Norway) under the name Anne Lise, working initially as a freight carrier along the Norwegian coast. In 1990 she was converted into a passenger catamaran with the addition of a vehicle deck. Over her working life she changed name and owner many times: Madikera in Martinique (1993), Elba Express for Corsica Ferries on the Piombino–Portoferraio route (1995), Solidor 4 for Emeraude Lines on Saint-Malo–Jersey–Guernsey (1999) and, briefly, Aline in Senegal (2003).
In 2005 she was bought by the Spanish company Uldeberri SL and renamed Pitiusa Nova, entering service on the Ibiza–Formentera route. In 2014 she became the Formentera Direct and in 2016 she was sold to Baleària, staying on the same route until she was laid up in Dénia in 2023. In 2025 she was bought by the Italian operator Alilauro to work in the Gulf of Naples.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Catamaran fast ferry |
| Shipyard | Incat, Hobart (Australia) |
| Construction material | Marine-grade aluminium |
| Service speed | ~35 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~175 cars |
| Propulsion | High-speed diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Main route | Ibiza (Eivissa) – Formentera (La Savina) |
| Crossing time | ~25–30 minutes |
| Distance | ~20 nautical miles |
| Operating company | Baleària |
| Flag | Spain |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza (Eivissa) → Formentera (La Savina) | ~25–30 min | Several departures daily |
| Formentera (La Savina) → Ibiza (Eivissa) | ~25–30 min | Several departures daily |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine. In high season (July–August) there can be more than 20 departures a day in each direction.
The port of La Savina: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Formentera Direct berths at Port de la Savina, Formentera's only harbour and the island's gateway. La Savina sits at the northern tip of Formentera, next to the Ses Illetes lagoons and a few minutes by car or bicycle from the island's most spectacular beaches. Bus routes, taxis and car, scooter and bicycle hire firms all set out from the port and reach every corner of the island.
It is worth knowing that in high season (July and August) vehicle access to Formentera is regulated through a system of environmental permits (PIAT), which caps the number of cars allowed onto the island. If you are planning to travel with a vehicle in those months, check well in advance whether you need to apply for an access permit and whether there is space for your car on the ferry.
If you are travelling without a vehicle, the Formentera Direct is the quickest and cheapest way to cross from Ibiza. We recommend arriving at the port of Ibiza at least 45 minutes beforehand if you have a car, and 20–30 minutes as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
The price of a passenger ticket on the Formentera Direct varies with the season. In mid season, a single trip starts at roughly €20–25 per person. In July and August prices can be higher, especially if a vehicle is included. A ticket with a car can range from €50 to €100 depending on the season and availability.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or an up-to-date certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Formentera residents: a special discount for people registered on the island, enhanced because it counts as a non-mainland island.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Earn points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
- Return tickets: in some periods Baleària offers combined return fares at a discount compared with two singles.
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 | Standard seat (indoor deck) |
| Keen to enjoy the sea views | Outdoor deck or stern terrace |
| As a family with small children | Indoor seat near the deck access |
| With a pet | Pet place booked when you buy your ticket |
| With a vehicle | Passenger ticket + vehicle space (book ahead in high season) |
ferry Formentera Direct · Accommodations
Indoor seat · Standard
The usual choice for the Ibiza–Formentera crossing. Comfortable seats in an air-conditioned area, perfect for a 25–30 minute trip. With access to the café and the ship's public areas.
✓ Air-conditioned area
✓ Access to the onboard café
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Outdoor deck
The most popular part of the Formentera Direct, especially on sunny days. The outdoor deck lets you take in the views across the channel between Ibiza and Formentera, with the blue of the Mediterranean centre stage for the whole crossing.
✓ Open-air area
✓ Panoramic Mediterranean views
✓ Ideal on fine days
✓ Free access with any ticket
ferry Formentera Direct · On-board services
Café and onboard facilities
Short as the crossing is, the Formentera Direct has a café on board serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and travel essentials. The bar is open throughout the crossing.
Outdoor deck and Mediterranean views
One of the great advantages of the Formentera Direct is her outdoor deck, from which you can enjoy the views across the channel between Ibiza and Formentera with the crystal-clear Mediterranean on either side. On clear days the outline of Ibiza to the north and the flat expanse of Formentera to the south are perfectly visible. It is many passengers' favourite spot, especially in the summer months.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Formentera Direct has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that the best possible assistance can be arranged for boarding and disembarking at the ports of Ibiza and La Savina.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
The Formentera Direct carries Baleària's SmartB platform, available throughout the crossing:
- Free WiFi during the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that uses none of your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding card with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Formentera Direct
Which route does the Formentera Direct operate?
She operates the Ibiza (Eivissa) – Formentera (La Savina) route with several departures a day in both directions. It is the fastest and most frequent sea link between the two Pityusic islands.
How long does the Formentera Direct take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The crossing takes roughly 25–30 minutes. It is the quickest way to cross the channel between the two islands.
Does the Formentera Direct carry cars?
Yes. She has room for roughly 175 vehicles. In July and August, car access to Formentera is regulated by environmental permits (PIAT). Check whether you need a permit before booking.
How many daily departures are there between Ibiza and Formentera?
In high season (July–August) there can be more than 20 departures a day in each direction. Frequency drops in low season. Check the current timetable in our search engine.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Formentera Direct?
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).
How much does a ticket on the Formentera Direct cost?
A passenger ticket starts at roughly €20–25 one way in mid season. With a vehicle it can range from €50 to €100 depending on the season. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
Are pets allowed on the Formentera Direct?
Yes. You need to book the pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets must travel with their paperwork in order and meet Baleària's rules on carrying animals.
Is the Formentera Direct accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes, she has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that the best assistance can be arranged for boarding and disembarking.
Is there free WiFi on the Formentera Direct?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform offers free WiFi, free WhatsApp that uses no data, digital entertainment and online newspapers with PressReader throughout the crossing.
How early should I get to the port to board?
By car: at least 45–60 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 20–30 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time, given how busy it gets.
Where does the Formentera Direct berth in Formentera?
At Port de la Savina, Formentera's only harbour, at the northern tip of the island. Buses, taxis and car, scooter and bicycle hire services set out from there.
Do I need a special permit to take my car to Formentera in summer?
In July and August, vehicle access to Formentera is regulated by the PIAT (the Territorial Action Areas Intervention Plan), which caps the number of cars on the island. Check the requirements before booking a ticket with a vehicle.
Does the Formentera Direct operate all year round?
Baleària keeps the Ibiza–Formentera service running all year, though frequency varies: in summer there are dozens of departures a day, while in low season the service is reduced. Check the current timetable at iloveferry.com.
