Ferry from Ibiza to Formentera: the round trip exceeds 60 euros. And tourists are starting to do the math.
Anyone who has taken the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera in recent years knows that the price has never been a joke. But the 2025 season marked a new jump: the round-trip ticket for a pedestrian passenger reached 60.60 euros, compared to 55 euros the previous year. Almost six euros more in twelve months, for a journey of less than half an hour. An increase of about 10% that, multiplied by a family or a group, starts to weigh significantly on the travel budget.
An increase that is not surprising, but that sparks debate
Formentera does not have an airport. The ferry is the only way to get there, and the companies operating on the route, Baleària, Trasmapi, Aquabus, and Formentera Lines, know it well. In a situation of natural monopoly like this, competition tends to align prices upwards rather than downwards. Demand grows every year, the island is increasingly sought after, and those who want to get there have no alternatives.
To this are added the rising operational costs, the high fuel prices of previous years, investments in more modern and sustainable fleets, and extreme seasonality that forces companies to recover margins by focusing on the summer months. The result is a constant progression of prices that, year after year, redefines upwards the minimum cost of accessing the island.
What does it mean in concrete terms?
60.60 euros per person just for the ferry. A couple spending even just a weekend in Formentera already starts with over 120 euros for the crossing. A family of four exceeds 240 euros even before paying for accommodation, food, or bicycle rentals. If a vehicle is added, prices rise further, and during the high season, bringing a car to the island involves costs and restrictions that discourage many.
It’s not just an economic issue. It is a clear signal about the type of tourism that Formentera intends to attract: those who are willing to spend, and those who prefer more accessible destinations.
How to limit the damage
Booking online in advance remains the most effective strategy. The ticket office rates at the port are always higher compared to those purchased in advance on the companies’ portals or thru aggregators. Some websites offer promotional codes that can slightly lower the final price. Traveling without a vehicle is almost always the most sensible choice: Formentera is a small, flat island, perfect for bicycles, and public transport connects the main points. Choosing May, June, or September instead of peak August allows you to find more affordable rates and a much less crowded island.
The trend does not reverse
It’s hard to imagine that ferry prices on this route will stabilize or decrease in the short term. The tourist pressure on Formentera continues to grow, operational costs remain high, and the island has every interest in maintaining selective access. The 60.60 euro ticket this year could very well become the starting point for a further increase in the 2026 season.
Those planning a vacation in Formentera would do well to account for this expense from the start, and especially not to wait until the last moment to buy the ticket. It’s one of the few costs that can still be influenced, but only if you act in time.
