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

How to get to Cagliari

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is a fascinating city overlooking the Gulf of Angels. Being on an island, the main ways to reach it are by plane and ferry, both with excellent connections from the mainland.

By plane

Cagliari-Elmas Airport (Mario Mameli) is Sardinia's main airport and is located just 7 km from the city centre. It offers direct flights to numerous Italian and European cities, with a wide range of low-cost carriers.

Main connections:

Rome Fiumicino: about 1 hour, frequent flights with ITA Airways, Ryanair, Volotea
Milan (Linate, Malpensa, Orio al Serio): about 1 hour 15 minutes
Naples: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Bologna: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Turin: about 1 hour 15 minutes
London, Barcelona, Paris: seasonal direct flights

To reach the centre from the airport:

Train: direct connection to Cagliari station in about 7 minutes, the railway station is integrated into the airport terminal, ticket 1.30 euros
ARST bus: line to the city centre
Taxi: about 15-20 euros to the centre

The airport-centre rail link is one of the most convenient in Italy: the station is in the terminal and the train reaches Cagliari Piazza Matteotti in just a few minutes.

By ferry

Cagliari's port is connected to the mainland with several maritime routes, ideal for those travelling with a car or seeking an affordable alternative to flying.

Civitavecchia - Cagliari: about 13-14 hours (overnight), operated by Tirrenia and Grimaldi Lines
Naples - Cagliari: about 13-16 hours (overnight), operated by Tirrenia
Palermo - Cagliari: about 12 hours, operated by Tirrenia

Overnight ferries let you save on a hotel night. Cabins are available in various categories, from deck seats to cabins with portholes. Book well in advance during summer when fares rise and spaces sell out.

Cagliari's port is on Via Roma, steps away from the historic centre and the railway station.

By car

To reach Cagliari by car you first need to get to Sardinia by ferry. Once on the island, the main roads are:

From Olbia: SS131 DCN to Nuoro, then SS131 to Cagliari, about 3 hours 30 minutes (270 km)
From Porto Torres: SS131 Carlo Felice, Sardinia's main north-south artery, about 2 hours 45 minutes (230 km)
From Arbatax: SS125 Orientale Sarda, scenic but slow route, about 3 hours (180 km)

The SS131 is a four-lane dual carriageway on the main stretch, but it is not a motorway. Be cautious when driving in Sardinia: distances can be deceptive and inland roads are often winding.

In Cagliari, parking in the historic centre is limited. Useful car parks include the one on Via Roma (near the port) and the multi-storey at Piazza Matteotti.

By bus

ARST intercity buses connect Cagliari to major Sardinian cities. The most frequent routes:

Cagliari - Sassari: about 3 hours 30 minutes
Cagliari - Nuoro: about 3 hours
Cagliari - Oristano: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Cagliari - Iglesias: about 1 hour

The main bus terminal is in Piazza Matteotti, next to the railway station. FlixBus also operates some routes connecting ferry arrival ports to Cagliari.

Getting around Cagliari

Cagliari is easy to explore on foot in the historic quarters of Castello, Marina, Stampace and Villanova. For more distant neighbourhoods and the beaches, the CTM transport network is comprehensive.

CTM buses: cover the entire city and surrounding municipalities. Ticket 1.50 euros, valid 90 minutes
Metropolitan train: connects Cagliari to Monserrato, Settimo and other towns in the hinterland
To reach Poetto (the 8 km city beach): buses PF and PQ from Piazza Matteotti stop, about 15 minutes

Practical tips

The train from the airport to the centre is the best option: fast, cheap and punctual
To explore Sardinia a car is almost essential: rent one at the airport
In summer, book your ferry 2-3 months in advance for better rates
Poetto is also reachable by bicycle from the city along the cycle path