How to get to Olbia: complete transport guide
Practical guide to reaching Olbia in Sardinia: direct flights, ferries from Civitavecchia, Genoa and Livorno, car, trains and buses. Tips for the Costa Smeralda.
How to get to Olbia: all the ways to reach the gateway to Sardinia
Olbia is the main gateway to north-eastern Sardinia and the famous Costa Smeralda. Well connected both by air and sea, it offers several options for reaching it from mainland Italy and abroad.
By air: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
The airport is just 4 km from the centre of Olbia, making it extremely convenient. It is connected by direct flights from Milan (Malpensa and Linate), Rome (Fiumicino), Turin, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Verona, Bergamo and many other Italian cities. In summer, the number of flights increases significantly, with direct connections from London, Paris, Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam and other European capitals. The main airlines are Meridiana (now Air Italy), easyJet, Volotea, Ryanair and flag carriers.
From the airport to Olbia centre
The airport is reachable from the centre in just a few minutes. The ARST bus number 2 connects the airport to the railway station and the city centre in about 10 minutes. Taxis are available at the exit (about 15-20 euros for the centre). Shuttles to the Costa Smeralda and beach resorts operate mainly in summer.
By ferry: maritime connections
The port of Olbia Isola Bianca is one of the main ports in Sardinia, with frequent connections from the mainland.
From Civitavecchia
This is the most frequent route. Tirrenia and Grimaldi Lines operate daily ferries with crossings of about 5-7 hours (day and night). The overnight ferry is ideal: you depart in the evening and arrive in the morning.
From Genoa
Tirrenia and Grandi Navi Veloci ferries connect Genoa to Olbia with crossings of about 10-12 hours. The overnight ferry is ideal. In summer, frequency increases.
From Livorno
Grimaldi Lines and Moby operate ferries from Livorno to Olbia with crossings of about 6-8 hours. Convenient for those coming from Tuscany and central Italy.
From Piombino
Some seasonal summer connections from Piombino with crossings of about 5 hours.
Ferry tips
Book well in advance in summer, especially if travelling with a car. Cabins sell out quickly. The overnight ferry saves a night's hotel accommodation.
By car
The car is the best means of exploring Sardinia, but you need to get there by ferry.
Car embarkation
All departure ports (Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno) allow car embarkation on the ferry. The cost varies by season and vehicle length. In summer, prices rise significantly.
Car hire in Olbia
If arriving by air, hiring a car in Olbia is the best choice. All major companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) are present at both the airport and the port. Book in advance in summer.
Roads in Sardinia
From Olbia, the SS131 DCN leads towards Nuoro and the interior, the SS125 towards the eastern coast. The road network has improved but some inland roads remain narrow and winding.
By train
Olbia has a railway station on the Trenitalia network, but trains in Sardinia are slow.
From Cagliari
The train from Cagliari to Olbia takes about 4 hours on the regional service. Frequency is limited (3-4 trains per day). The bus is generally faster.
From Sassari
Regional trains connect Sassari to Olbia in about 2 hours.
By bus
ARST buses connect Olbia with the main Sardinian cities.
From Cagliari
Direct buses in about 3 hours and 30 minutes, faster than the train.
To the Costa Smeralda
In summer, buses connect Olbia to Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia and the main resorts of the Costa Smeralda. Off season, the service is much reduced.
Practical tips
- In summer, book flights and ferries months in advance
- A car is almost essential for exploring Sardinia
- The overnight ferry from Civitavecchia is the most economical way
- From the airport, ARST bus 2 is the cheapest option for the centre
- For the Costa Smeralda in summer, you need shuttles or your own car
- July and August: very high prices for both ferries and car hire
