Getting Around, Sardinia Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Sardinia, Italy)



View of Cagliari, the capital of SardiniaSardinia is well served from the outside world by air and by sea. There are three international airports, with the capital, Cagliari, being the main gateway, and services come in from all over Europe.

Public transportation on the island of Sardinia is fair and mainly consists of bus and train travel, with services linking the main towns and resorts. Most will agree that the best way to explore the island is by your own transport, either car hire or scooter.


Further view of the Cagliari cityscape

Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) / Arriving by Air

Address: Via dei Trasvolatori, Elmas, Cagliari, Sardinia, 09030, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 070 210 531
There are three airports on Sardinia - in Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia - with Cagliari's Elmas Airport being the main gateway. All airports receive international flights, mostly with charter airlines, as well as low-cost carriers, while Cagliari also receives scheduled Alitalia services. Cagliari-Elmas Airport is just north of town and those flying from outside Europe usually transit through Rome. Alghero-Fertilia Airport serves its town and north-west Sardinia, while Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport serves the north-east and the tourist-friendly Costa Smeralda. All airports are supported by bus transport, shuttles and taxis.

Alghero Airport (AHO) Guide

Image of coastal road on Sardinia

Car Rental

It is sensible to rent a car whenever possible, since Sardinia is a fair-sized island and there are lots of nooks and crannies. While the coastal and mountain roads are scenic, beware the local Italian drivers, who tend to speed and ignore the rules of the road wherever possible.

WG Car Rental Logo Book your Alghero Car Rental here.

WG Car Rental Logo Book your Cagliari Car Rental here.

WG Car Rental Logo Book your Olbia Car Rental here.

Photo showing the town of Bosa

Buses and Coaches

Buses are a reasonable travel option for getting between the main towns, cities and resorts - say, to and from Cagliari, Alghero, Sassari, and Olbia - although you will probably need to change services when going elsewhere. Services are cheap and regular and are also relatively comfortable. The main private bus operator is ARST, and Cagliari and the other main cities also operate public bus networks.

Picture showing ferry boat in Stintino, in the Province of Sassari

Trains

Cagliari is connected by rail transport with Sassari, Olbia and Oristano, although services are slower and less frequent than buses. Lesser towns are sometimes served by traditional narrow-gauge lines, and in summer a quaint steam train known as the Trenino Verde runs from April to September on scenic jaunts from Arbatax to Mandas and Palau to Tempio Pausania.

Taxis

The only time you will really need to take a taxi is to and from the airport if you're staying in Cagliari, Sassari or Olbia. Even then, within the city centres of these respective towns, you can simply travel around on foot for the most part. Use official taxis only and agree prices beforehand.

Photo of cruise boat returning to Sardinia

Boats and Ferries

Ferry services come and go from the Italian mainland and from north Corsica, although getting about is generally done on land, rather than sailing between the ports as such.

Some boat companies offer guided tours of the Sardinian coastline, including the popular Andrea Jensen, which is based at the port of Alghero and provides daily boat trips all through the summer season.