How to Get to Sardinia: Flights, Airport Transfers and Driving from the US

Sardinia’s three main airports are Alghero-Fertilia, Olbia and Cagliari-Elmas. Each sits about 10 minutes from its city, so the airport you pick sets the part of the island where you start, and two smaller regional airports, Oristano-Fenosu and Tortolì-Arbatax, are also on the map.

At a glance

• Main airports: Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia-Costa Smeralda, Alghero-Riviera del Corallo
• Regional airports: Oristano-Fenosu, Tortolì-Arbatax
• Airport to city: about 10 minutes at Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero
• Main railway: Cagliari to Porto Torres, about 155 miles (250 km), about 4 hours, about 15 euros second class
• City bus ticket: 1 euro, valid 90 minutes after stamping
• US citizens: up to 90 days in Italy without a tourist visa

How do you fly to Sardinia from the US?

Fly into one of the three main airports. Cagliari-Elmas is in the town of Elmas, about 6 miles (10 km) from Cagliari. Olbia airport lies just south of the city of Olbia. Alghero-Riviera del Corallo, also called Alghero-Fertilia, is 6 miles (10 km) north of Alghero.

Pick the airport closest to where you plan to stay. Cagliari suits the south. Oristano-Fenosu and Tortolì-Arbatax are the island’s regional airports.

Flights between Sardinian airports are limited to a single Cagliari to Olbia service with Meridiana Airlines. It runs as a daily round trip in winter only and is suspended from June to September. A regional portal lets you check scheduled and real-time timetables for buses, trains, ships and planes.

How do you get from the airport to Sardinia?

The transfer is short at all three main airports. Cagliari-Elmas is 10 minutes from Cagliari and connected by public and private transport. Olbia airport is 10 minutes from the center, and Alghero airport is 10 minutes from Alghero, on the road toward Sassari and Porto Torres.

Can you get to Sardinia by train, bus or car?

Once on the island, the main railway is the Dorsale Sarda, which dates from 1883. It crosses the island from south to north between Cagliari and the port of Porto Torres. The 155 miles (250 km) take about four hours, and a second-class ticket costs about 15 euros. From Cagliari to Golfo Aranci via Olbia takes about 5 hours and costs around 16 euros. The Cagliari to Carbonia and Iglesias branch is under 43 miles (70 km) but takes more than an hour, for around 4 euros.

In the north, Alghero to Sassari takes 35 minutes, and Sassari to Sorso takes 15. From Nulvi, Tempio is 80 minutes away and Palau another 90.

Buses fill the gaps. Cagliari to Nuoro takes around 150 minutes for 109 miles (175 km), and Cagliari to Oristano around 120 minutes for 62 miles (100 km). Nuoro also has a bus-train service via Abbasanta station, with 16 daily connections on weekdays and 8 on holidays. Total journey times run from 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes. Isili is 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Cagliari. Laconi sits in the wooded Sarcidano area at the center of the island, and Sadali is about an hour’s drive from it.

The island has no superhighways, and the maximum speed limit is 56 mph (90 km/h). Plan driving days with that in mind.

How do you get around Sardinia once you arrive?

Public transport on the island is mainly buses and trains. ARST is the region’s main road operator, with 160 lines. In town, CTM tickets cost 1 euro and work on the whole network for 90 minutes after stamping. Buying one on board adds 52 cents, so buy ahead when you can.

A car gives more freedom in the countryside, but Cagliari has six limited traffic zones: Poetto, Castello, Marina, Stampace basso, Stampace alto and Villanova. Check them before driving into the center.

What documents do you need to board a flight to Italy?

U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa. According to travel.state.gov, passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. A 6-month validity is recommended. Passports must have 2 blank pages for entry stamp.

U.S. citizens must arrive at Italian ports of entry with a valid passport. If your passport has ever been reported as lost or stolen, or is expired, Italian authorities could deny you entry and return you immediately to the United States. You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket. There are no vaccination requirements.