Getting around Ibiza and Formentera: car, scooter, bus or bike?

In Ibiza, a hire car is still the easiest way to see the island: many coves are not served by buses. In Formentera, a scooter or e-bike is enough, and it is actually the best option there. Here is what each type of transport costs, where to rent, and the 2026 rules to know before you book.

Ibiza (572 km²) is the 3rd largest island in the Balearic archipelago. From east to west it measures about 41 km between its furthest points, and only 15 km from north to south.
Formentera (83 km²) is the smallest and most unspoilt. It is 19 km long and only 2 km wide in places.
You might think a well-organised bus network would be plenty… Think again!

These islands have more than 100 spectacular beaches and coves, often hidden along 210 km of unspoilt coastline. But despite appearances, few minor roads follow the shore, making some gems hard to reach without your own vehicle.

Getting around Ibiza

Every way to get around Ibiza: pros and cons

Transport	Pros	Cons	Typical price	Best for
Car	– Access to every beach and cove – Total flexibility on timing – Get around and discover the whole island! – Comfortable for families and big luggage	-Paid parking in town and at some coves – Heavy traffic in summer – Narrow roads to some beaches – Stressful driving in high season – Limited number of cars on the island	€25-50/day minimum	Families Stays of more than 4 days Exploring all of Ibiza
Bus	– Very affordable fares – Decent service to the main beaches – Good airport connection – No driving stress – Eco-friendly	– Reduced frequency out of season – Many beaches unreachable – Long journeys with changes – Limited evening service	€2-4/journey	Tight budgets Short stays Central areas
Scooter/Motorbike	– Easy parking everywhere – Feeling of freedom – Access to small roads – Attractive prices – Perfect for couples	– Limited to 2 people – Weather-dependent – Limited luggage – Tricky dirt roads – Take great care on roads made slippery by sand	€25-35/day	Couples Young travellers Good weather Adventurers
Bike	– Cheap and eco-friendly – Park anywhere – Good exercise – Slow-paced discovery – Access to historic centres	– Limited to flat areas – Weather-dependent – Depends on your fitness – Long distances – Very limited luggage	€10-20/day	Sporty types Eco-minded Urban areas Short distances
Taxi / Private transfers	– Total comfort – No stress – Door-to-door service – Available 24/7 – Handy for nights out	– Very expensive – Not always available – Fully dependent – Possible waits in season	€15-50/ride	Airport transfers, occasional trips, bigger budgets

Hiring a car or scooter in Ibiza

Comparison sites show cars from €11 a day out of season at Ibiza airport. In July and August, prices rise sharply (allow €25 to €50 a day minimum), and even more if you book late. In 2026, the Consell d’Eivissa capped hire cars at 14,000 a day from 1 June to 30 September, 2,000 fewer than in 2025 (details in our article on bringing a car to Ibiza): the small categories go first.

What to check before confirming:

• The excess amount and what the insurance covers (tyres, windows, underbody on dirt tracks to the coves).
• A “full to full” fuel policy: avoid “prepaid full tank” deals, which are almost always more expensive.
• Desk in the terminal or shuttle: some rental firms are outside the airport, with a shuttle from the P1 car park.
• Photos of the vehicle at pick-up, bodywork and wheels included. Scratches are common in beach car parks.
• Parking: paid in Ibiza Town, being reorganised in 2026 with residents-only zones.

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Getting around Formentera

Transport	Pros	Cons	Typical price	Best for
Standard bike	– Around 30 outstanding cycle routes – Flat, easy island – Very cheap – Eco-friendly – Free parking everywhere – Plenty of rental shops, especially at the port	– Physical effort required – Weather-dependent – Long distances (19 km max) – Very limited luggage – Little shade on the roads – The heat	€10-15/day	Sporty types, eco-minded, tight budgets, active couples
E-bike	– Less effort on climbs – 50-70 km range – Faster than a standard bike – Same freedom as a standard bike – Eco-friendly	– More expensive than a standard bike – Limited range – Heavier – Needs charging	€20-30/day	Less sporty riders, longer distances, comfort
Scooter	-Fastest way round the island – No physical effort – More luggage than by bike – Easier parking	– More expensive – Less eco-friendly – Limited to 2 people	€25-35/day	Couples, frequent trips, comfort, saving time
Car	– Maximum comfort – Protection from sun, wind and rain – Seats 4/5 people – Lots of luggage	– Highest price – Booking strongly recommended in high season – Less authentic – Restrictive parking	€45-60/day	Families, older travellers, maximum comfort, uncertain weather
Public bus	– Very cheap – No effort (but patience needed!) – Serves the main spots – Regular in season – Eco-friendly	– Very limited network (3 lines) – Restrictive timetables – No access to remote beaches – Reduced frequency out of season	approx. €2/journey	Very tight budgets, occasional trips, places on the route

Renting in Formentera: on the spot only

Do not cross with a hire car picked up in Ibiza: it is banned in Formentera, with fines of €1,000 to €10,000 for both the driver and the rental firm (formentera.eco). The agencies are grouped at La Savina port, as you leave the ferry: bikes, e-bikes, scooters and cars. The local rental fleet does not count towards the visitor cap (1,732 cars a day in 2026), but it is limited: in August, book before you arrive.

The must-do bike routes in Formentera

• La Savina → Es Pujols (3 km – easy)
• Es Pujols → Playa de Migjorn (6 km – scenic)
• Far de la Mola loop (19 km one way – sporty)
• Salt flats loop (12 km – nature)

Bringing a car to Formentera: what to know before you go

Formentera has set up a traffic regulation system to protect the island in high season. If you come with your own vehicle between June and September, you must obtain an authorisation before boarding the ferry.

Two separate systems to know about:

The first concerns access to protected natural areas. From 10 May, the Consell de Formentera activates access control at Ses Illetes, one of the island’s most popular beaches. On 15 May, the system extends to the other regulated natural areas. In practice, these areas are physically closed to unauthorised vehicles.

The second is the general driving authorisation for the island, compulsory from 1 June to 30 September. It stems from Law 7/2019 on the environmental sustainability of Formentera, and allows your vehicle to “enter, drive and park on the island’s public roads” for a set number of days.

Who does it apply to?

All motor vehicles arriving in Formentera during the regulation period, except:

• Balearic residents (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca): 100% exempt
• owners of electric vehicles: 100% exempt
• owners of hybrid vehicles: 50% discount

How do you get the authorisation?

formentera.eco: everything is done online, in the section for holidaymakers (one-off authorisation). It is best to apply before you leave the mainland or Ibiza.

If you prefer to go in person, the office is in Sant Francesc de Formentera (OAC, Carrer de Ramon Llull 6), open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm. Contact: info/at/formentera.eco

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FAQ: getting around and renting in Ibiza and Formentera