An image recording apparatus includes a plurality of linear motor mechanisms for transporting a plurality of tables in a first transport section including at least an area in which an image is recorded on recording media, and an endless transport mechanism for transporting the plurality of tables in at least a second transport section contiguous with the first transport section and capable of transporting the plurality of tables in the first transport section. The image recording apparatus further includes an unused linear motor mechanism determination part for determining an unused linear motor mechanism. When the unused linear motor mechanism is determined, the endless transport mechanism is used as an alternative to transport at least one of the tables which is to be transported in the first transport section but which is able to be transported by none of the plurality of linear motor mechanisms. If a malfunctioning linear motor mechanism is present because of a breakage, an operation anomaly and the like, the image recording apparatus achieves the image recording while maintaining the accuracy of the recorded image although the throughput thereof decreases.