How to get to Alghero: plane, ferry, car and bus

How to get to Alghero

Alghero, Sardinia's little Barcelona, is a Catalan gem overlooking the Mediterranean. Despite its island location, reaching it is straightforward thanks to the local airport, ferries to Porto Torres and roads crossing the island.

By plane

Alghero-Fertilia Airport is the quickest way to reach the city. It is located about 10 km from the centre and offers direct flights to several Italian and European cities, especially in spring and summer.

Main connections:

Rome Fiumicino: about 1 hour, with Ryanair and ITA Airways
Milan (Malpensa and Orio al Serio): about 1 hour 15 minutes, with Ryanair and Volotea
Bologna: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Pisa: about 1 hour
London Stansted: about 2 hours 30 minutes (seasonal)
Barcelona: about 1 hour (seasonal)

To reach the centre from the airport:

ARST bus line AP: connection to Alghero centre in about 20 minutes, ticket 1 euro
Taxi: about 20-25 euros to the centre
Car rental: major companies are available at the airport

By ferry

Alghero does not have a passenger ferry port. The nearest port is Porto Torres, about 35 km away (30-40 minutes by car). Main maritime routes to Porto Torres:

Genoa - Porto Torres: about 10-11 hours (overnight), operated by Tirrenia and Grandi Navi Veloci
Civitavecchia - Porto Torres: about 7 hours, operated by Grimaldi Lines
Barcelona - Porto Torres: about 12 hours, operated by Grimaldi Lines (seasonal)
Marseille - Porto Torres: about 11 hours, operated by La Méridionale

From Porto Torres to Alghero you can continue by car along the SS291 (about 30 minutes) or by ARST bus (about 45 minutes).

By car

Once in Sardinia, Alghero is easily reachable from the island's main cities:

From Sassari: about 30 minutes via SS291 (35 km)
From Olbia: about 2 hours via SS199 and SS597 (140 km)
From Cagliari: about 2 hours 45 minutes via SS131 to Sassari, then SS291 (230 km)
From Porto Torres: about 30-40 minutes via SS291 (35 km)

Sardinian roads are generally smooth but often single-lane outside main stretches. In summer, traffic towards the Coral Riviera beaches can slow down the final section.

Parking in the old town is limited. The most convenient free parking is along the waterfront or in outlying areas. In summer, beach car parks charge 2-3 euros per day.

By bus

ARST buses connect Alghero to other Sardinian cities:

Alghero - Sassari: about 50 minutes, frequent services
Alghero - Porto Torres: about 45 minutes
Alghero - Bosa: about 1 hour 30 minutes (spectacular coastal route)

In summer, services to local beaches are increased: Lido, Le Bombarde, Mugoni and Porto Conte. A shuttle service connects the centre to the most popular beaches.

By train

Alghero has a small railway station linked to Sassari on a line managed by Trenitalia. The regional train takes about 35 minutes and runs several times a day. Alghero station is about 1.5 km from the centre, reachable on foot in 20 minutes.

From Sassari there are rail connections to Porto Torres, Olbia and Cagliari, though journey times are longer than by car or bus.

Getting around Alghero and surroundings

Alghero's historic centre is compact and entirely walkable. The sea bastions, cobbled streets and small squares of the Catalan centre can be explored in a leisurely stroll.

For beaches and excursions in the area:

Local buses to Le Bombarde, Mugoni and Porto Conte
Boat excursions to Neptune's Grotto from Alghero harbour (about 30 minutes sailing)
Alternatively, the Escala del Cabirol: 654 steps carved into the cliff to reach the caves by land from Capo Caccia

Practical tips

Car rental is almost essential for exploring the coast and the hinterland
Book flights early: summer fares rise quickly
Neptune's Grotto by boat is an unmissable experience, but it depends on sea conditions
Alghero is an excellent base for exploring the Porto Conte Natural Park and the Coral Riviera