Barcelona → Ciudadela
Barcelona to Ciudadela Ferry
Editorial route guide, not live supplier information. Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated. Search your dates to check supplier-reported sailings and request a quote; this guide does not establish availability or booking support.
The ferry from Barcelona to Ciudadela (Menorca) is operated by Baleària, with two very different options: a fast ferry aboard the Margarita Salas, taking around 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes depending on the day's routing, or an overnight conventional ferry taking about 9 hours (which can also arrive at Mahón instead of Ciudadela). A round trip starts from €111 without a vehicle, or €221 with a car.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operator
- Baleària (fast ferry Margarita Salas and overnight conventional ferry); Grandi Navi Veloci also serves the wider Barcelona-Menorca route via Mahón
- Fastest crossing
- 3h 30min (Margarita Salas, direct routing)
- Longest crossing
- 9 hours (overnight conventional ferry)
- Price from
- €111 round trip without a vehicle; €221 with a car
- Frequency
- 13 weekly sailings
- Departure port
- Port of Barcelona (Terminal Nord)
- Arrival port
- Ciudadela (Estació Marítima, Son Blanc); some overnight sailings dock at Mahón
- Distance
- 129 nautical miles (239-240 km)
- Year-round service
- Yes
- Cabins
- Available on the overnight ferry, from approximately €25-80 extra
- Vehicles
- Yes: cars, motorhomes/caravans, motorcycles, minibuses; arrive 60 minutes ahead with a vehicle
Ferry operator on the Barcelona to Ciudadela route
Baleària is the sole operator to Ciudadela specifically. The fast ferry Margarita Salas is a next-generation, 123-metre catamaran that entered service in July 2024, powered by four dual-fuel natural gas engines reaching 35 knots, with capacity for 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, a €126 million investment. The overnight conventional ferry trades speed for a more relaxed overnight journey and greater vehicle capacity, and may dock at Mahón rather than Ciudadela. A second operator, Grandi Navi Veloci, also runs a weekly sailing on the wider Barcelona-Menorca route.
How long is the ferry from Barcelona to Ciudadela?
The fast ferry Margarita Salas typically takes 3 hours 30 minutes on a direct routing. Its daily route genuinely rotates: on some days it calls at Mallorca (Alcúdia) first, then continues to Menorca, stretching the crossing to around 5 hours 15 minutes. The overnight conventional ferry takes about 9 hours regardless of routing. Check your specific sailing's stops when booking.
How much does the Barcelona to Ciudadela ferry cost?
A round trip averages €111 per passenger without a vehicle, and €221 with a car. One-way fast-ferry fares typically start from around €66-70, and the overnight ferry from around €44. Cabins on the overnight ferry add roughly €25-35 per person, or from €80 per suite. Balearic Islands residents get a 75% discount on the passenger fare (not the vehicle), and Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday tend to offer the cheapest fares.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from the Port of Barcelona (Terminal Nord). On the Menorca side, the fast ferry arrives at Ciudadela, specifically the Estació Marítima at Son Blanc, about 2km from the historic centre, while conventional sailings may arrive at Ciudadela or Mahón. Double-check your ticket for the correct port.
When to book your Barcelona to Ciudadela ferry
Travel Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for the lowest fares, and avoid weekends and holidays. Book ahead for July/August, when demand and prices both rise significantly.
Travel tip: ask which island the ship visits first
Since the Margarita Salas alternates between visiting Mallorca first or Menorca first depending on the day, and this materially changes your journey time to Ciudadela, it's worth checking your specific sailing's routing, not just its departure time, before booking if arrival time matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the crossing time vary so much on this route?
The Margarita Salas's daily routing rotates: some days it sails direct to Ciudadela in 3h30min, other days it stops at Mallorca first, adding real time, bringing the crossing closer to 5h15min.
What is the Margarita Salas like?
Baleària's newest fast ferry: a 123-metre, dual-fuel natural gas catamaran capable of 35 knots, carrying up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, introduced in July 2024 as a €126 million investment.
What's the Executive Lounge?
A private space for up to 6 guests on the Margarita Salas, with a sofa, TV, minibar, catering, and priority boarding.
Is there a resident discount?
Yes: Balearic Islands residents get a 75% discount on the passenger fare. This doesn't apply to the vehicle portion of the fare.
Which days are cheapest to travel?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be the cheapest days, with weekends and holidays the most expensive.