How to use parking ticket machines in Palma
In many parts of Palma, you’ll find blue parking zones (ORA zones) – paid parking areas marked with blue lines on the street. Payment is made at the ticket machines, which are clearly visible along the roadside.
How to use the parking ticket machines
Tip first: if you don’t have your number plate (or your rental car’s) memorised, take a quick photo of it 🙂
- Choose your preferred language on the machine.
- Enter your number plate.
- Select the desired parking duration, which determines the price.
- You can pay with coins, and at many machines also by credit card or via the smartphone app (mobiAPParc). Banknotes are not accepted.
- Some machines print a ticket to place behind your windscreen. Others register your number plate digitally – in that case, you don’t need to do anything further.
- In either case, it’s a good idea to take a photo (of the ticket or display) so you don’t forget when your parking time expires.
Useful notes
- The maximum parking time in central Palma is 2 hours. If you’re planning a longer stay, a car park or underground car park is probably the better option.
- Overstaying your parking time can cost €30–60 in fines – and ORA staff are active throughout the city all day.
- If you get a parking ticket, you can often reduce the fine by paying immediately at a nearby machine.
- Parking without a valid ticket (or in yellow or green zones) can lead to your car being towed away.
Free parking
As mentioned, parking in the blue parking zone is subject to a fee, usually during the following times:
Monday – Friday
9:00 – 14:30
16:30 – 20:00
Saturday
9:00 – 14:30
Outside these times – and on Sundays and public holidays – you can park for free.
Always check the signs and the information on the machines to be sure.
Parking disc in Palma?
A traditional parking disc, as used other European countries, is not used in Palma or anywhere on Mallorca.
If a machine happens to be out of order, look for another one nearby. If it’s the only machine in the area and clearly broken, you’re in luck – parking is free.
