Historical Train From Palma to Soller
On your vacation in Mallorca, you might be wondering, what is the best way to get from Palma to Soller? Well, apart from renting a car, you can take an awesome historical train ride from Palma to Soller.
That’s right, the daily scheduled train connection between the cities is not any regular train. It’s a narrow-gauge track, which is in itself a rarity these days.
Add to this, vintage-styled carriages and a picturesque railroad line. In the end, you have yourself a railway connection, that’s not only useful but serves as a tourist destination in itself.
The History of Tren de Soller
Soller is a town in north Mallorca. It used to be a small mountain village, however, due to technological development, the city started to expand during the early 20th century.
Unfortunately, due to the location, it’s surrounded by high mountain ranges. One such range to note is the beautiful Alfà bia mountain. This situation proved to be difficult for maintaining for travelers and goods to reach the town.
The only way into Palma was a high mountain passage. The narrow, dirt passage was exhausting for both the animals and people.
A Railroad Line is Born
During this era, local businessman Sr. Jerónimo Estades raised the idea of building a railway line. This request was in line with the desire of the locals in Soller.
It would run from the town of Soller to Palma, with some intermediary stops. Although Sr. Jerónimo Estades gathered support for the idea, it was not materialized at this time, due to the high costs associated.
Another Try
Later in 1903 another businessman Juan Morell proposed the idea once again. The line would pass under the mountain ranges around Soller. Once again it was ruled out. However, one year later Sr. Jerónimo Estades commissioned plans to be made. With plans in hand, he managed to gather support, and construction began in 1907.
The first official train on the line completed its journey in 1911.
Train from Palma to Soller
Today, you can take the very same railway line yourself. Kick back in the old-school cabins of this narrow-gauge railway, and enjoy the picturesque views.
There are several tunnels and viaducts along the way. This alone makes Tren de Soller a perfect family activity. Whether you are staying in Soller or Palma, it’s definitely worth visiting the other city. The train from Palam to Soller is the best option for this.
Read More: Mariazellerbahn, the Austrian mountain train Read More: Cheap Flights to Menorca
Palma to Soller Train Schedule
You can visit the Tren de Soller website to check the official schedule. In short, the trains run from 8:00 (9:00 on weekends) to 17:00(12:00 on weekdays).
On weekdays there are 4 departures daily, while on weekends there are 6 trains connecting the two towns.
During summer there are extra trains on the schedule. These are decided each day individually depending on demand. Make sure that you check the schedule on the railway station to know all the extra options.
A return trip costs 25 € in each direction, while a single journey will only cost 18 €.
Where to buy train tickets from Palma to Soller?
You can only buy the tickets at the train station. If you plan to take the train ride, keep this in mind. Additionally, you can’t buy tickets in advance. They are always only available during the same day.
We suggest getting to the railway station in time, to secure your spot. Keep in mind, that you won’t be able to pay with a credit card.
How long is the train journey from Palma to Soller?
The whole journey takes around one hour to complete. It’s not a long ride, and due to the picturesque surroundings, you won’t get bored.
The Bunyola Stop
Along the line the most popular stop is Bunyola. You can get off the train from both directions. Both Palma to Bunyola and Soller to Bunyola will cost 9 € per trip, with 15 € for the return.
Why Visit Bunyola?
Bunyola is a lovely mountain town in Mallorca. It’s not your typical touristy spot, and much calmer than the big tourism centers of Mallorca.
You can walk the old cobblestone streets and check out the interesting architecture. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours just walking around, and enjoying some local cuisine.
There is one more attraction that is well known in Bunyola. The surrounding mountains provide an excellent spot for hiking and biking. People who are looking to spend their time with these activities love this destination.
The Soller Tram
Apart from the train, there is one more amazing attraction in Soller. It’s the tram line that runs from the city of Soller to Port de Soller.
It’s a fun and historical tram. The line opened its doors to the public in 1913. At the time it was the first electric tram on the island of Mallorca. However, it was also among the first line of electric tram lines in whole Europe. What an achievement!
Today, tourists love this attraction. You can take the vintage open carriages down to the port. It’s a great way to enjoy the summer and get close to the water. Once down at the port we recommend some seafood in one of the restaurants.
When you visit the island of Mallorca, you can enjoy these historical attractions. It’s a good and practical way of connecting to the past of the island. We highly recommend taking the time to ride either the tram or the train on your vacation. Especially great for families.
Make sure you check out our other guides!
How to visit Palma de Mallorca?
It’s easy! We will help you find some insanely cheap flights and you will be on your way to Mallorca within a heartbeat.
