Ciudadela → Barcelona
Ciudadela to Barcelona 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 Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated.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 Ciudadela (Menorca) to Barcelona is operated by Baleària, the only company running this exact crossing. Two very different services are available: 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 sometimes departs from 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 Menorca-Barcelona 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
- Ciudadela (Estació Marítima, Son Blanc) or Mahón, depending on the sailing
- Arrival port
- Port of Barcelona (Terminal Nord)
- 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
Ferry operator on the Ciudadela to Barcelona route
Baleària is the sole operator on the Ciudadela to Barcelona crossing, running two distinct services.
The fast ferry Margarita Salas is a 123-metre, dual-fuel natural gas catamaran that entered service in July 2024, reaching 35 knots and carrying up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. Its routing genuinely varies by day of the week, on some days it sails directly to Menorca in 3 hours 30 minutes, and on others it calls at Mallorca first, stretching the crossing to around 5 hours 15 minutes. Onboard, the Executive Lounge offers a private space for up to 6 guests with a sofa, TV, minibar, catering, and priority boarding.
The overnight conventional ferry takes about 9 hours and offers greater vehicle capacity and cabin options, though some sailings dock at Mahón rather than Ciudadela, always check your ticket for the exact port.
How long is the ferry from Ciudadela to Barcelona?
It depends on the service and the day. The fast ferry Margarita Salas typically takes 3 hours 30 minutes on a direct routing to Ciudadela, but on days when it calls at Mallorca first, the crossing stretches 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 if arrival time matters.
How much does the Ciudadela to Barcelona 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 for a suite. Balearic Islands residents get a 75% discount on the passenger fare (not the vehicle). Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be the cheapest days to travel, with weekends and holidays the most expensive.
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 some overnight conventional sailings arrive at Mahón instead. Always confirm the correct port on your ticket.
When to book your Ciudadela to Barcelona ferry
Book ahead for July and August, when both demand and prices rise significantly. For the lowest fares, aim to travel Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and avoid weekends and holidays.
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 total journey time, check your specific sailing's routing, not just its departure time, before booking if arrival time matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Ciudadela to Barcelona take?
Between 3 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes on the fast ferry Margarita Salas, depending on the day's routing, or about 9 hours on the overnight conventional ferry.
What is the Margarita Salas?
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.
Do all sailings depart from Ciudadela?
No: some overnight conventional sailings depart from Mahón instead. Check your ticket for the exact port.
Is there a resident discount?
Yes: a 75% discount on the passenger fare for verified Balearic Islands residents; it doesn't apply to the vehicle portion.
Which days are cheapest to travel?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be cheapest, with weekends and holidays the most expensive.
Can I bring my car?
Yes, on both the fast ferry and the overnight conventional ferry.