How To Get To Sardinia: Flights, Ferries And Other Transportation Options

How To Get To Sardinia: flight to sardinia, ferry to sardinia, moving around the island

Introduction

To reach Sardinia, you have several transportation options, including flights and ferries. Flying to Sardinia is significantly faster and often cheaper than traveling by ferry. 

Discover also how to move around the island while you are here and what is the most charming way to experience this magic land.

By Air: Flights to Sardinia 

Sardinia has three airports: Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. These airports are well-connected to many European cities, with frequent flights from Italy and abroad

Airports in Sardinia

Cagliari Elmas “Mario Mameli” Airport

Cagliari has one of the three airports in Sardinia. It is located near the capital city and serves as a popular gateway for travelers visiting the southern part of the island. The airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient choice for many visitors.

As the capital city’s main airport, Cagliari Elmas “Mario Mameli” Airport offers a convenient starting point for exploring the southern wonders of Sardinia. Situated just 7 km from Cagliari, this bustling airport provides access to the wild, wind-swept beaches of Costa Verde and the emerging south coast destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the city or the island’s southern gems, Cagliari Airport sets the stage for your Sardinian adventure.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is another key airport in Sardinia, situated in the northeast of the island. It serves as a vital hub for tourists heading to the renowned Costa Smeralda region and other nearby destinations. The airport provides various services and facilities to accommodate the influx of travelers during the peak seasons.

For those seeking the beauty of Costa Smeralda and Sardinia’s most breathtaking beaches, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is the ideal entry point. Located just 4 km from the city center, this airport provides convenient access to the renowned Emerald Coast and its crystal-clear waters. With flights connecting to major European cities, it serves as a gateway to the island’s northern wonders.

Alghero Fertilia International Airport: Riviera del Corallo

Alghero Airport, located in the northwest of Sardinia, is the closest airport to the city center, approximately 83 km away. While it may not be as busy as the other two airports, it remains an important entry point for visitors exploring the attractions of Alghero and the surrounding areas.

Alghero Airport, also known as Riviera del Corallo Fertilia International Airport, serves as the perfect introduction to the northwest region of Sardinia. Drawing comparisons to Barcelona due to its Catalan-influenced vibe, this charming part of the island offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. With its proximity to smaller fishing villages and a picturesque coastline, Alghero is a delightful starting point for exploring the treasures of the northwest.

By Sea

Ferry services are available from various Italian ports such as Rome (Civitavecchia), Genoa, Livorno, and Naples, as well as from ports in France (Nice and Toulon), Corsica, and Spain (Barcelona). 

The ferries offer the flexibility of bringing your car, making it convenient for exploring the island. Ferries to Sardinia are also available from mainland Italy, Sicily, Spain, and France. The ports in Sardinia where the ferries dock include Olbia, Porto Torres, Golfo Aranci, and Arbatax.

Moving around on the island

Once in Sardinia, you can move around using trains, and buses, but if you want to discover the island with full freedom, you can also use a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Renting a car is a popular choice for exploring Sardinia with full freedom, especially during the high season when the roads are very busy.

In some main cities, like Alghero, you can enjoy electric scooters that you can rent around many areas of the place with various app services, and those are very good for moving around the city without getting stuck into traffic jams, especially in high season.

The most known car rental companies in Sardinia include both international and local options. Here are some of the top car rental companies in Sardinia:

1. Discover Cars: Discover Cars is a convenient and competitive comparison site that allows you to search the prices of all major car rental companies. They offer a powerful search engine that looks for local and international companies, pulling out the best deals for you. They also have a budget-friendly full coverage policy.

2. RentalCars: RentalCars is a platform that allows you to compare dozens of companies like Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and National for the best-priced rental car deals in Sardinia.

3. Sardinia Car Rental: This is a local car rental comparison site that offers a wide range of options from companies such as Alamo, Goldcar, Locauto, National, and others. They provide a comparison of all the rent-a-car companies in Sardinia.

4. Europcar: Europcar is an international car rental company with a presence in Sardinia. They offer friendly service, new cars, and competitive prices.

5. Only Sardinia Autonoleggio: This is a local car rental company with a strong presence in Sardinia, offering a wide range of vehicles and services at various locations across the island, including Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, Porto Cervo, and Cagliari Elmas Airport.

6. Sixt: Sixt is another international car rental company with a presence at Alghero Airport in Sardinia. They offer a variety of vehicles and services.

7. Alamo Rent A Car and Budget Car Rental are also present at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, offering their services to travelers visiting Sardinia.

These companies offer a range of options for those looking to rent a car in Sardinia, from local specialists to well-known international brands.

To wrap up, Sardinia offers several transportation options, making it easily accessible for travelers with any budget. 

What are you waiting for? Book your ticket for the coming summer!