Formentera Jet Formentera Lines
Formentera Jet
âš“ The Formentera Jet is the fast ferry that links Ibiza (Eivissa) with Formentera in only 25–30 minutes, one of the shortest and most frequent inter-island hops in the Balearics. Run by Formentera Lines, she crosses the Ibiza Channel with several sailings a day all year round, and far more of them in high season (June to September). Her great appeal is the mix of speed, comfort and an open sun deck from which to enjoy the crystal-clear water between the two islands.
Formentera Lines is the ferry operator that specialises in the inter-island link between Ibiza and Formentera, with decades of experience on the route and a fleet of fast ferries built for the conditions of the Ibiza Channel. The Formentera Jet is one of the company's flagship ships, known for her comfortable facilities and her punctuality.
The ship sails between the port of Ibiza (Eivissa) and the port of La Savina (Formentera), the only two points of scheduled sea connection between the islands. La Savina is the gateway to Formentera and the usual starting point for exploring the island on foot, by bicycle, by scooter or in a hire car.
History and background of the ship
The Formentera Jet was built in 1987 at the Kvaerner Fjellstrand yard in Omastrand (Norway) with IMO number 8615253. Since her launch she has sailed under three names in very different parts of the world: first as Bahamian Princess in the Bahamas (1987–1990), then as Rápido de Algeciras on the Strait of Gibraltar route between Algeciras and Ceuta (1990–2000), and finally, from 2000 onwards, as the Formentera Jet, when the operator Trasmapi (through its parent company Sercomisa) bought her for the scheduled Ibiza–Formentera line, where she is still hard at work today.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry (catamaran) |
| Main route | Ibiza (Eivissa) ↔ Formentera (La Savina) |
| Crossing time | ~25–30 minutes |
| Daily frequency | Several sailings (up to ~25 a day in high season) |
| Ferry operator | Formentera Lines |
| Departure port | Port of Ibiza (Eivissa) |
| Arrival port | Port of La Savina (Formentera) |
| Open deck | Yes (open-air stern terrace) |
| Vehicle transport | No (passengers only) |
| Season | All year round (highest frequency Jun–Sep) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departures* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza → Formentera (La Savina) | ~25–30 min | From ~07:00 (several) |
| Formentera (La Savina) → Ibiza | ~25–30 min | From ~08:00 (several) |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of La Savina: getting there and what to know
The Port of La Savina is the only port on Formentera and the arrival point for every ferry from Ibiza. It lies at the northern tip of the island, beside the Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix lagoons. From La Savina you can hire bicycles, scooters, cars or quad bikes to explore the island, and there are bus and taxi ranks on the quayside.
Because Formentera does not allow non-resident private vehicles onto the island in summer — except in certain circumstances and with prior authorisation — most visitors travel as foot passengers. If you want to bring your car or motorbike, check the current rules of the Consell Insular de Formentera before booking, as vehicle access is restricted in high season (June to September).
We recommend arriving at the port in Ibiza at least 30 minutes beforehand in low season and 60 minutes in July and August, when the queues can be considerable. Boarding is quick, but foot traffic on the quay can be heavy in summer.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Passenger fares on the Formentera Jet vary with the season. In low season a single ticket starts at roughly €15–18 per person. In high season (July and August) the price can sit between €25–35 each way. These figures are a guide only and can change with availability and how far ahead you buy.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Balearic Islands, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). This is the biggest discount on offer.
- Children: reduced fare for under-age passengers. Check the exact age bands on the Formentera Lines website or in our search engine.
- Return tickets: in some periods a combined price is offered for a same-day return. Check availability.
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 indoor seat |
| Keen to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air | Open deck / stern terrace |
| With small children | Indoors (air-conditioned) near the toilets |
| With a pet | Designated pet area (open deck) |
| After the best views of the Pitiüses | Upper open deck |
Formentera Jet · Accommodations
Indoor lounge · Standard seat
A climate-controlled lounge with standard seating for a comfortable crossing, particularly on windy days or in fierce heat. Wide windows keep the sea in view throughout.
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Seats with padded backrests
✓ Wide windows with sea views
✓ Bar service on board
Open deck · Stern terrace
The favourite choice on sunny days. The open deck gives panoramic views over the Ibiza Channel, with the turquoise water of the Pitiüses as a backdrop. Perfect for spending the brief 25–30 minute crossing in the open air.
✓ Panoramic views over the Ibiza Channel
✓ Open-air area
✓ Pets welcome (on a lead)
✓ Ideal for photography and views
Formentera Jet · On-board services
Bar and café on board
The Formentera Jet has a bar service on board with hot and cold drinks, nibbles and snacks available during the crossing. As the trip lasts barely 25–30 minutes, the service is designed for a quick, easy stop, whether you are sitting indoors or out on deck.
Open deck · Stern terrace
The open deck of the Formentera Jet is one of her greatest attractions. It lets you take in the Ibiza Channel in the open air, with views over the turquoise waters that surround the Pitiüses. In fine weather — which is most of the time here — the stern terrace becomes the passengers' favourite spot for watching Formentera come into view or Ibiza slip away.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Formentera Jet has adapted access for passengers with reduced mobility. As she is a passenger fast ferry on a very short crossing, we recommend that you contact Formentera Lines in advance to confirm that help is available when boarding and disembarking, along with the specific facilities on board for wheelchair users and other mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions about the Formentera Jet
Which route does the Formentera Jet operate?
She works the route between the port of Ibiza (Eivissa) and the port of La Savina (Formentera), in both directions, with several sailings a day all year round.
How long does the Formentera Jet take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The crossing takes roughly 25–30 minutes, straight across the Ibiza Channel.
Does the Formentera Jet carry cars or motorbikes?
No. The Formentera Jet is a passenger-only fast ferry with no vehicle deck. What is more, access for non-resident vehicles to Formentera is heavily restricted in high season. Check the Consell Insular de Formentera rules before you plan your trip.
How many times a day does the ferry leave Ibiza for Formentera?
In high season there can be as many as ~25 crossings a day across all the operators on the route. In low season the frequency is lower. Check the exact times here.
How much does a Formentera Jet ticket cost?
A single ticket ranges from roughly €15–18 in low season to €25–35 in July and August. Balearic residents get 75% off the base fare. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to 75% off the base ticket price, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Formentera Jet?
Yes. Pets normally travel on the open deck, on a lead. Confirm the exact conditions (maximum weight, carrier) directly with Formentera Lines before you board.
Is she accessible to passengers with reduced mobility?
The ship has adapted access. We recommend that you contact Formentera Lines in advance to request help with boarding and to confirm the facilities available for wheelchair users and other mobility needs.
How early should I get to the port?
Arrive at the port in Ibiza at least 30 minutes beforehand in low season and 60 minutes in July and August, when the queues can be considerable.
How do I get to the port of La Savina from the rest of Formentera?
The port of La Savina sits at the northern tip of the island. From there you have buses, taxis and hire points for bicycles, scooters and cars. It is the only sea access to Formentera.
Does the Formentera Jet run all year round?
Yes. Formentera Lines runs the route all year round, although sailings are far more frequent in high season (June to September).
Is there a bar or café on board?
Yes. The Formentera Jet has a bar service on board with hot and cold drinks, nibbles and snacks throughout the crossing.
What can I do in Formentera once I land at the port of La Savina?
From La Savina you can hire bicycles, scooters, cars or quad bikes to explore the island. There are bus and taxi ranks too. Ses Illetes beach — one of the loveliest in Europe — is a few minutes away by bike.
