Barcelona

How to Get to Ibiza from Barcelona

Flights reach Ibiza in about one hour of air time, while direct ferries sail day and night with seats or private cabins. This guide compares time and price, shows how to start from Barcelona Airport or the ferry terminal, and explains tickets step by step.

Amanda

06 Aug 2025 — 8 min read

Photo by Michael Tomlinson / Unsplash

The two main ways

You can fly in about one hour of air time, or you can take a direct ferry overnight or by day. Pick flight for speed. Pick ferry if you want to take a car, prefer wide seats, or enjoy a slow sail with a cabin.

Both start from Barcelona and both end close to the places you want to be. Your choice depends on time of year, money, comfort, and whether you carry bulky bags or even a vehicle.

Flights from Barcelona to Ibiza

Flights leave from Barcelona El Prat and land at Ibiza Airport on the south side of the island. The ride in the air is a touch over one hour, and there are many departures in spring and summer.

Airlines on this route include low cost and full service brands. Fares jump with demand. You can see low prices midweek outside school holidays and much higher prices in the peak months of July and August. Seats sell fast on Friday evening and on Sunday night.

Air time is about one hour, gate to gate around one hour and fifteen minutes in calm operations.
Plan the whole airport process as about three hours door to door from central Barcelona, counting the metro or train ride to the airport and the short taxi or bus ride on Ibiza.
Carry on bags are easy if you travel light. A checked bag adds time at the desk and at the belt on arrival.
Early flights are calmer and give you more time in the day. Late flights help if you work that day and want a night arrival.

From Ibiza Airport into Ibiza Town the public bus runs often in the day. Taxis line up outside the terminal. If you stay up the coast, arrange a hotel shuttle or pick up a rental car at the counters in the arrivals hall.

Ferries from Barcelona to Ibiza

Direct ferries link Barcelona and Ibiza Town. The crossing is long compared with a flight, but the ship gives you room to walk, eat, and sleep. Many travelers take the overnight ship to save a night on land and wake up at the port in the morning.

These ships carry foot passengers and cars. You choose between a reclining seat and a private cabin. Cabins cost more but give a door you can close, a bed, and a shower.

Typical sailing time is about eight to nine hours depending on ship and sea.
Day sailings are common on some dates. Overnight sailings are popular year round.
Prices change with season, cabin type, and whether you bring a car. Think roughly from forty euro for a basic seat to well over one hundred for a cabin in summer. A car space adds a clear extra cost.
Boarding closes earlier than you think. Arrive at the terminal with time to spare, more if you travel with a vehicle.

The port in Barcelona has clear signs and check in counters. The terminal in Ibiza opens right onto the town side. You can walk to the old streets in under twenty minutes or take a short bus or taxi ride.

Via Valencia or Denia with a faster sea leg

If you like trains and want less time at sea, there is a third path. Take a fast train from Barcelona to Valencia or to Denia, then board a ferry for a shorter crossing. It turns the long sea leg into a quick hop and can feel better for people who do not sleep well on a ship.

From Barcelona to Valencia the train is frequent and takes about three hours on many daytime departures. From Valencia the ferry to Ibiza is around five to six hours. From Denia the fast ferry takes about two to two and a half hours in the main season. Add transfer time between stations and terminals and you still arrive the same day with a nice break in the city for lunch.

Good choice if you enjoy rail journeys and want to stretch your legs between legs.
Watch connection times. Buy tickets with a buffer so delays do not make you rush across town.
In summer the Denia fast ferry is busy. Reserve early if your dates are fixed.

Prices in plain words

Flight prices go from very low off season to high in the peak months. Book early if you need a certain time of day because the popular departures fill first. Ferries have a wide range as well. Seats without a cabin cost much less than a private cabin. Cars add a big chunk on top.

If you are flexible, compare one way by air and one way by sea. This mix gives you variety and can land at a good price. It also lets you test both routes and decide what you prefer for the return.

Flights: watch weekend demand, school holidays, and last minute spikes. Hand luggage only tickets can be very good value outside peak dates.
Ferries: book early for cabins in summer. Night sailings with cabins are the first to sell out.
All tickets: check change rules. Some low fares do not allow changes. Others let you move to another time on the same day for a small fee.

How to reach the departure points

Barcelona El Prat Airport has two terminals. Public transport links both. Follow signs inside the metro and train stations for the correct terminal according to your airline.

The ferry terminal area sits at the end of the city waterfront. City buses serve the port and taxis are easy to find. If you bring a car, follow the lane for your ship and keep your booking number ready for the staff at the gate.

From central Barcelona the airport train and metro are both simple. A taxi takes around thirty minutes outside rush hour.
From Eixample or Gothic area to the ferry terminal allow extra time for traffic lights and port security.
At Ibiza Port you can walk to the old town. At the airport a short bus or taxi takes you to most hotels in the south and east of the island.

Can you bring a car or large luggage

Yes on ferries and yes on flights within normal limits. On ferries the car deck takes vehicles of many sizes and you keep your bags with you in a cabin or seat. On flights the cabin bag size is controlled and checked. Buy the right bag allowance for peace of mind.

Families and groups often like the ferry because you can carry sport gear, musical cases, or a pushchair without thinking about strict weight. Drivers avoid long rental lines by bringing their own car, then explore the beaches at their own pace.

Accessibility notes

Airports have lifts and assistance desks. Request help when you book. Airlines escort passengers who need support through security and boarding.

Ferry terminals and ships provide adapted routes and lifts between decks. Staff can arrange a cabin close to the lift or guide you from the car deck to your seat. The sea can move even on calm days, so use handrails and sit down when the ship turns.

When to book and when to travel

Summer demand is high and prices reflect it. Spring and autumn bring softer crowds and more relaxed seats. Winter sees fewer flights and a calmer sea scene.

If you want a quiet start, pick a morning flight. If you want a full day without changing hotels, the overnight ferry is friendly to your schedule. You board, you eat, you sleep, you wake up ready to go.

Two easy plans you can copy

These are simple, and they work on many dates. You can switch parts around to suit your needs and still reach the island in time for dinner or for a morning swim.

Fast flight plan. Metro or taxi to Barcelona El Prat. Check in early. One hour in the air. Bus or taxi from Ibiza Airport to your hotel. Beach by lunch if you start early.
Overnight ferry plan. Taxi to the port in the evening. Board with a small bag and a snack. Take a cabin. Read, shower, and sleep. Wake up as the ship glides into Ibiza Town. Walk to breakfast near the old walls and drop your bags at the hotel.

FAQ

How long does it take from Barcelona to Ibiza by flight About one hour in the air and around three hours door to door with city transfers and airport time.

Is there a direct ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza Yes, direct ferries sail day and night on many dates through the year.

Can I sleep on the ferry Yes, book a cabin. Reclining seats are fine for some people, but a private cabin with a bed is much nicer for real rest.

Which is cheaper flight or ferry It depends on your date and whether you add a cabin or a car. Off season flights can be cheaper. In summer a basic ferry seat can beat a late flight price.

Can I do a day trip from Barcelona It is hard. Flights allow a very long day but leave little time on the ground. A day return by direct ferry is not practical because the crossing is long..

Is the sea rough in summer The sea is often gentle, but wind can bring movement. If you are sensitive, pick a cabin midship and avoid big meals before sailing.

Final notes

Choose based on time, comfort, and the gear you carry. Flight is quick and simple for hand luggage. Ferry is relaxed, friendly to cars and larger bags, and makes the journey part of the holiday. With your ticket booked and a small plan for the first hour on the island, you are set.