Overview
Ibiza is the Balearic island that manages to be two holidays at once: world-famous clubbing around Playa d'en Bossa and San Antonio, and quiet coves, pine forests and a UNESCO-listed old town for everyone else. It sits in the western Mediterranean off the Spanish coast, and for UK travellers it is an easy short-haul hop, which keeps demand for cheap flights to Ibiza high from spring right through to autumn.
Best time to fly to Ibiza
The island's flight season runs broadly from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry and almost every UK airport adds routes. July and August bring the hottest days, the liveliest resorts and the highest fares. For a better balance of price and weather, look at May, June, September and early October, when the sea is still warm and the crowds are thinner. Winter flights are very limited, so check the price charts on this page before planning an off-season trip.
Airlines and routes
Flights from London to Ibiza are operated directly by easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and Vueling, using Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Heathrow. Regional airports including Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow also get seasonal direct services, mainly with Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI. Typical flight time is around 2 hours 20 minutes from London and about 2 hours 40 minutes from Manchester. Out of season you may need to connect through Palma, Barcelona or Madrid.
Things to do in Ibiza
Beyond the nightlife, the island rewards anyone willing to explore:
- Dalt Vila: the walled old town of Ibiza Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled lanes, a cathedral and sweeping harbour views.
- Ses Salines Natural Park: salt flats, flamingos and some of the island's clearest, calmest beaches in the far south.
- Es Vedra: the dramatic limestone islet best seen at sunset from the cliffs near Cala d'Hort.
- Hippy markets: Las Dalias and Punta Arabi for crafts, food stalls and live music.
- Formentera day trip: a short ferry from Ibiza Town to white-sand beaches and turquoise water.
At Ibiza Airport (IBZ)
Ibiza Airport lies about 7km south-west of Ibiza Town, roughly a 15-minute drive. Taxis wait outside arrivals and charge a metered fare; there is no train. The L10 bus runs to Ibiza Town and, in summer, the L9 serves San Antonio, with other seasonal routes to Santa Eularia and Playa d'en Bossa. Car hire desks are in the terminal and worth booking ahead in the peak months.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Ibiza
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for summer travel; the When to book chart above shows how prices are moving for your dates.
- Fly midweek where you can, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Friday or Saturday.
- Travel in the shoulder months of May, June, September or October for lower fares and a calmer island.
- Compare easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI on the same route, and check nearby UK airports before you commit.
Travel essentials
Ibiza is part of Spain, so UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter and valid for at least three months after you plan to leave. The currency is the euro, and cards are widely accepted. Bring a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for state medical care and take out travel insurance as well. No specific vaccinations are required.
