Take The Train To Soller, Mallorca – A Guide To A Great Day Out

If you are visiting Palma de Mallorca and looking for a great day trip option out of the city, then look no further than taking the vintage train to Soller. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range, Soller and the nearby Port de Soller are not only scenic spots but getting there will have you feeling as though you have stepped back in time!

Here’s my guide to taking the train to Soller and having a great day out….all aboard!

The Vintage Train

The success of the citrus fruit (oranges and lemons) export market in Soller led to the development of the railway line to Palma in 1912. Often referred to as the orange express, the wooden train plying the route has been lovingly cared for and today it’s one of the most popular tourist trains in Spain.

The train has large windows ensuring good views and the position of the seats can be changed so you can choose whether to face forward or backward.

As you rattle along in this historic train, it’s easy to imagine a bygone era.

Getting the Train to Soller from Palma de Mallorca

It couldn’t be easier to get the train from Palma to Soller. Here’s the key information you will need to know:

1. Where does the train to Soller leave from?

The train leaves Palma from the smaller train station located next to the main station, very close to the Plaza de Espana. Look out for the metal arch reading “Ferrocarril de Soller” at the entrance to the station.

2. How much is the train to Soller?

If you wish to arrange your own trip to Soller, then a combined ticket to include both the return train to Soller and the return tram to Port de Soller costs €40. Return train only tickets from Palma are also available. You can check all ticket prices and make online purchases on the official Soller Train website. Please be aware however that you can only buy tickets up to 7 days in advance. You can purchase tickets at the train station, however in the busy summer months I would suggest booking in advance online.

As part of the purchasing process you will select both your departure and return train times – these cannot be changed. You will therefore need to plan your day to ensure you get back in time for your return trip (otherwise face having to buy another ticket, assuming spaces are available). It’s important therefore to take note of the train timetable when booking tickets.

If you prefer to join an organised trip, then you should consider this popular option:

I arranged my own trip and purchased the train and tram combination ticket.

3. How long is the train to Soller?

Soller is about 28 kilometres from Palma de Mallorca and the train journey takes a little over an hour. The train will travel through lovely scenery and through 13 tunnels en route to Soller, the longest of which measures almost 2,900 metres.

On my trip in November, the train stopped for about 10 minutes to give passengers the opportunity to get out and take in the view over Soller before getting back on and descending down into the valley.

What to See & Do In Soller

Soller is only a small town but there is enough to keep you occupied on a day trip. Here’s a selection of things to do:

1. Admire the Work of Picasso & Miró in the Train Station

As strange as it sounds, there is an art gallery within the Soller train station building! And not just anything is on display….the works of Pablo Picasso (ceramics) and Joan Miró no less. It’s free to enter and is a must see.

2. Visit the Church of Saint Bartholomew

The Church of Saint Bartolome (Bartholomew) is located in the main square – you cannot miss it! It dates from 1688 but in the early 1900s, Joan Rubió, a disciple of architect Antoni Gaudí, undertook some modernist renovations. The modernist Gothic façade is his work.

Tickets to enter cost €3 and this visitors guide is very helpful.

3. Hang Out in the Main Square

Soller’s main square, the Plaza Constitución, is a great place to grab a coffee (or a meal) and watch the world, not to mention the tram to Port de Soller, go by.

From here, in addition to the Church of Saint Bartholomew, you can also see the Town Hall and the Banco de Soller. The façade of the latter was also the work of Rubió.

4. Wander Along the Main Shopping Street

The Carrer de Sa Lluna is the main shopping street in Soller. It starts from the north corner of the Plaza Constitución and is a busy little pedestrian street. Along here you can shop for brightly coloured Mallorca ceramics, clothing and food, not to mention the usual touristy knick-knacks.

5. Enjoy Some Oranges!

In an area known for its oranges, it would be rude not to indulge in something orange related! I opted for some freshly squeezed juice as an accompaniment to a fantastic lemon meringue pie!

6. Catch the Tram to Port de Soller

The tramline to Port de Soller dates from 1913 and catching the tram to the Port is a must do when visiting Soller.

The tram departs from just outside the train station, with a second stop near the main square. The journey to the Port takes about 15 minutes. If you purchase the combination ticket, then you do not need to purchase any other tickets to ride the tram.

The tram timetable is next to the tram stop and you can catch any tram and return at any time….just make sure you are back to catch your return train to Palma!

What to See & Do in Port de Soller

A century ago, Port de Soller was a small fishing district. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot and departure point for maritime excursions to surrounding areas. Time is limited when you’re on a day trip however, but there is still a number of things you can do here:

1. Eat Orange Ice-Cream!

The orange theme extends here and you have to try the ice cream and/or sorbet.

2. Enjoy the Beach

Take a stroll along the white sandy beach….maybe take your ice cream with you!

3. Walk up to the Plaça de Santa Catarina Viewpoint

If you want to enjoy lovely views over both the Port and the coastline, then take a walk up to the Plaça de Santa Catarina. The walk will take you up some steps but it’s not a long walk or too challenging. Up here you will also find the Museu de la Mar, a maritime museum.

4. Wander around the Waterfront

The waterfront at Port de Soller is very nice and easy to walk along. Watch the varied array of boats in dock or take a seat on one of the dockside benches. You might prefer to sit in one of the adjacent cafés or restaurants and watch the dockside activity. Either way, it’s a relaxing way to spend some time in Port de Soller.

Final Thoughts

Taking the train to Soller makes for a lovely day trip from Palma de Mallorca. In a throwback to a bygone era, you will rattle your way over the island in a vintage wooden train to another historic centre and then, if you want, on to a lovely little seaside location. History, shopping, fresh air and back in time for tapas in Palma….what could be better!

If you’re looking for things to do in Palma, then do read my post How to Spend 1 Day in Palma and if you need any further assistance in planning your trip to Mallorca, then do check my Resources page.

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.