Excursion to Sóller and Puerto de Sóller with train and tram

A wooden train in the mountains is a rare treat. This is a classic Mallorca day trip that strings together the historic El Tren de Sóller plus the old-school Sóller tram, with sea views and orange-and-olive countryside along the way.

I love that you get both: one smooth rail journey and one scenic tram ride, so the day doesn’t feel like a repeat. I also like the way Puerto de Sóller is framed by mountains, with a real sense of how the harbor shaped life here. One catch: the total schedule is tight, so you’ll want to be ready to move between stops without expecting lots of slow wandering.

Key moments at a glance

• A century-old wooden train with tunnels and mountain scenery that moves at a human pace
• Sóller Tram to the Port for harbor views you can actually enjoy on foot
• Modernist architecture in Sóller around the main square (San Bartolomé and Banco de Sóller)
• Quick stops by design, which is great for seeing highlights but not for deep exploring
• Group size up to 55—big enough to be lively, not so huge you’re lost forever

El Tren de Sóller: the wooden rail ride that sells the whole trip

If you’re going to spend money on a “train-and-tram” day, this first segment is the main event. The El Tren de Sóller is the kind of ride where the details matter: it’s a century-old wooden train, and it feels like you’re time-traveling in the best way. You’re not staring at a screen the whole time. You’re watching hills, trees, and changing light slide by, with the route cutting through mountain passes and tunnels.

What I like most is the mix of smells and views the ride brings to the foreground: you get that Mallorca feeling—orange trees, olive trees, and forest greenery—paired with sudden lookouts where you can see where the land drops toward the sea. Even without being a history nerd, it’s easy to understand why this railroad became a signature way to connect Palma with the Sóller valley. It’s practical, but it also feels romantic and local.

Timing matters, though. This train portion lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you get enough time to enjoy the windows and settle in, but not enough to treat it like a slow scenic cruise. Bring a light layer if you run cold in air-conditioned vehicles earlier in the day—train cars can vary.

Tip for getting the most out of the train: pick your seat early and give your eyes a moment before you start taking photos. The best views often come right after the train exits a tunnel or clears a bend.

Sóller’s main square: modernism, merchants, and quick coffee breaks

After the mountain rail journey, you land in Sóller, the commercial and cultural center of the area. The stop centers on the main square, and that’s a smart choice. You can orient yourself fast, grab a drink, and get your bearings without having to navigate a complex route.

The big visual payoff here is architecture. Look around and you’ll spot San Bartolomé, plus the Banco de Sóller building—both described as modernist works by Joan Rubió, a disciple of Gaudí. The church façade includes a stone rose window, carved in stone. It’s one of those details you might miss if you rush, so if you only do one thing in Sóller, do a short loop around the square to see the façade up close.

This is also where the day gets a little philosophical. The area’s prosperity is tied to oranges and trade routes that reached beyond Mallorca. You’ll see that merchant-era impact in the size and style of the homes and palaces tucked into the streets around the square, which helps explain why Sóller feels like a different world compared with beach towns.

The practical side: you get about 1 hour here, and lunch isn’t included, so consider this your time to eat on your schedule. But manage expectations—one hour is perfect for a terrace drink and a quick walk. It’s not enough for a long wander into deeper neighborhoods.

Drawback to watch for: if your group has any pickup or audio hiccups, your time in Sóller can feel even shorter, since it’s already designed to be a highlight stop.

Puerto de Sóller by tram: classic rail, mountain walls, and sea air

The tram portion is where the trip turns scenic again. The century-old tram connects Sóller to Port de Sóller, dropping you into a harbor setting surrounded by steep mountains. If you like places that feel tucked in, this fits the bill. The port sits in the Sierra de Tramuntana, and that geography is part of the story: it’s a natural location that helped it become a commercial hub, with a local past shaped by pirates and smugglers.

You’ll usually have about 1 hour at the port, and that’s a reasonable amount of time to stroll, enjoy sea views, and find a toilet stop without turning your day into a sprint. Because the stop is free of ticket costs on your end (the tram is included; port admission is free), you’re not juggling extra fees while you’re trying to relax.

What to do with your hour? Keep it simple:

• Walk the harbor edge at least once for the best views
• Stop for a cold drink and watch how the light hits the water and cliffs
• If you want photos, aim for a few quick angles rather than one long composition

Real talk from past issues: some departures have run into timing trouble, and when that happens, the port stop can feel rushed. If you land late, prioritize basic comfort first—then sightseeing.

Timing and logistics: why 5 hours can feel tight

This experience runs about 5 hours, and the rhythm matters. You’re moving between three different modes or areas: the wooden train segment, the tram segment, and then—depending on your departure—one leg to or from Palma is by road. That road transfer exists for efficiency, but it also means you’re not doing a pure rail day from start to finish.

The biggest logistics question is time balance. You’ll have about:

• 1 hour 30 minutes on the train
• 1 hour in Puerto de Sóller
• 1 hour in Sóller
• The rest is travel and transitions

That math is why this trip works best for people who want highlights. If you’re hoping for long free time at every stop, you may feel the squeeze.

Past travelers have also raised concerns about pickup organization and situations where they couldn’t clearly hear the guide due to headset equipment problems. You can’t control that, but you can protect your day:

• Arrive early and confirm exactly where the group gathers
• When you get your instructions, stand close and don’t assume the audio is clear from far away
• Plan to rely more on your own eyes than on every spoken detail

Group size is capped at 55, so it’s not a tiny private outing, but it’s also not so large that you can’t find your people. Still, with a group, you should expect a bit of herding—especially at the start of the day and during transfers.

Price and value: is $67.99 a smart use of your Mallorca day?

At $67.99 per person, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re buying three things:

1. Tickets included for the centennial train (Soller–Palma) and the tram (Soller–Puerto Soller)
2. A structured day that gets you into the Sóller valley without having to plan schedules yourself
3. Access to the big signature sights in a short window

That’s good value if you’re trying to maximize your time without renting a car. Mallorca is wide, and “getting there” can take longer than you expect. Here, you’re building a route that’s already designed around rail connections and the geography of the Tramuntana.

Where value can drop is if you’re the type who needs long stops. Because lunch isn’t included and free time is limited, you may end up feeling like you paid for a transportation-focused day rather than a full experience with plenty of slow wandering. In that case, consider whether you’d rather explore at your own pace—especially if you’re also planning to eat a proper sit-down lunch.

My practical take: If you like scenic transport and you’re okay with highlight-style timing, the price is fair. If you want deep time in either Puerto de Sóller or Sóller’s streets, you might feel the schedule is more “rail route” than “day of leisure.”

How to enjoy every stop without getting stressed

This is one of those tours where the secret weapon is mental flexibility. You’re riding classic transportation and seeing iconic places, but the day runs on a schedule.

Here’s how I’d set you up for a calmer experience:

• Start your day expecting movement. You’ll be walking some, but it’s not an all-day trek.
• You should be able to walk about 700 meters at a medium pace and have no mobility issues. Also note the train access uses steps and isn’t adapted for reduced mobility.
• Bring a small bag with essentials for port time: water, a layer, and a quick snack option if you’re hungry before you can eat in Sóller.

When you get to Sóller, treat it like a “reset point.” Coffee first, quick sight check second, then decide if you want a slower sidestreet before you head back. At the port, keep your “one-hour plan” simple: view, walk, restroom, photo, repeat.

Who should book this train and tram day trip?

This outing is a great match if you:

• Want a rail-focused day with a classic ride (wooden train + old tram)
• Like mountainous scenery with sea views and pockets of culture
• Prefer an easy plan with transport handled, especially if you don’t want to rent a car

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need a lot of free time at each stop
• Are sensitive to group pacing and timing changes
• Have accessibility needs that make steps difficult (the train access isn’t adapted)

In other words, it’s best for travelers who want the highlights, not a slow, do-everything-at-your-own-pace day.

Should you book? My call

I’d book this if you’re excited by the idea of riding a century-old wooden train and a historic tram through the Sierra de Tramuntana, ending in a port that feels sheltered by mountains. The included transport saves you planning time, and the stops hit the right notes: views, architecture, and that distinctive Sóller valley atmosphere.

But I wouldn’t book it if your dream day is long, flexible wandering with lots of leisure time. With about five hours total and limited stop durations, the experience is designed to show highlights fast. If you’re okay with that trade-off, you’ll likely leave happy with the rail journey and the scenery.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the duration of the excursion?

The tour runs for about 5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $67.99 per person.

What’s included in the ticket price?

It includes the train connection (centennial train between Soller and Palma) and the tram connection (Soller to Puerto Soller).

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Camí de l’Escullera in Palma and ends back at the same meeting point.

What about walking and mobility needs?

It’s recommended for travelers who can walk about 700 meters at a medium pace and who do not have mobility difficulties. The train access steps are not adapted for reduced mobility.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.