How to get to Sassari: complete transport guide

How to get to Sassari by plane

The nearest airport is **Fertilia di Alghero (AHO)**, about 30 km from Sassari. It is one of Sardinia's three airports, connected with domestic flights (Rome, Milan, Bologna, Pisa, Turin, Venice, Naples) and some European routes, mainly operated by Ryanair and Volotea.

Connections from the airport to Sassari:

**ARST/ATP bus**: direct line airport to Sassari (about 35-40 minutes, timed with main flights)
**Taxi**: approximately 45-50 euros to Sassari centre
**Car hire**: all major companies are at the airport. This is the most recommended option in Sardinia

**Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)** is about 120 km away (1h30 by car) and offers more international routes, especially in summer. **Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG)** is about 220 km (2h30).

How to get to Sassari by ferry

Sardinia is reachable by ferry from major Italian ports. The nearest port to Sassari is **Porto Torres** (20 km), connected to:

**Genoa**: Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci, Moby (10-12 hours, including overnight)
**Barcelona**: Grimaldi (12 hours)
**Marseille**: La Meridionale/Corsica Ferries (seasonal)
**Civitavecchia**: Grimaldi (7-8 hours)

From Porto Torres, Sassari is 20 minutes by car, 30 minutes by ARST bus or by the narrow-gauge train (Ferrovie della Sardegna).

Another useful port: **Olbia** (120 km), connected to Civitavecchia, Livorno and Piombino by Tirrenia, Moby and Grimaldi.

How to get to Sassari by train

Sassari has a railway station managed by **Trenitalia** (Sassari-Cagliari line via Ozieri-Chilivani and Oristano) and one managed by **Ferrovie della Sardegna (ARST/FdS)**.

Connections:

**Cagliari**: about 3h-3h30 by direct Trenitalia train (few daily services)
**Olbia**: about 2h by regional train
**Porto Torres**: about 20 minutes
**Alghero**: about 35 minutes by FdS

Sardinian trains are slow but scenic, especially the historic narrow-gauge line. The **Trenino Verde** (Green Train) is a tourist attraction in its own right.

The station is centrally located, a 10-minute walk from Piazza d'Italia.

How to get to Sassari by car

In Sardinia, a car is almost essential. Main roads to Sassari:

**From Alghero/airport** (30 km, 30 min): SP44 and SS291
**From Porto Torres** (20 km, 20 min): SS131
**From Olbia** (120 km, 1h30): SS199 (fast) or SS131 DCN (scenic)
**From Cagliari** (220 km, 2h30): SS131 Carlo Felice (Sardinia's backbone, toll-free expressway)
**From Nuoro** (120 km, 1h30): SS131 DCN

Sardinian roads are generally good but have strict speed limits and frequent cameras. There are no toll motorways in Sardinia.

Parking in the city:

**Emiciclo Garibaldi car park** (centre)
**Via Pascoli car park** (near the centre)
**Via XXV Aprile multi-storey car park**
**Blue lines**: 0.50-1 euro/hour

How to get to Sassari by bus

Intercity services are run by **ARST** and connect Sassari with the whole island:

**Alghero**: every 30-60 minutes (30-40 minutes)
**Porto Torres**: frequent (25-30 minutes)
**Olbia**: several daily services (2h)
**Cagliari**: direct services (3h30)
**Nuoro**: daily services (2h)

**FlixBus** offers connections from the mainland with a change at Porto Torres or Olbia (ferry + bus).

The bus station is on **Via XXV Aprile**, steps from the centre.

Getting from the arrival point to the centre

Urban public transport is run by **ATP Sassari**. The network includes urban buses and the city's distinctive feature: a modern **trolleybus** network. A single ticket costs 1.30 euros (90 minutes).

From the railway station:

**Piazza d'Italia** (heart of the city): 10-minute walk
**Corso Vittorio Emanuele II** (pedestrian historic centre): 12-minute walk
**Cathedral of San Nicola**: 15-minute walk

Sassari's historic centre is compact and easily walkable. The main attractions (Palazzo Ducale, Fontana del Rosello, the churches) are all within walking distance.

Practical tips

In Sardinia, car hire is almost essential: intercity public transport is limited. From Sassari you can easily explore Alghero and its Neptune's Caves (30 min), Stintino and La Pelosa beach (40 min), Castelsardo (50 min), the north coast (Isola Rossa, Santa Teresa Gallura) and the island of Asinara (from Porto Torres, by boat). Book your car and ferry well in advance during summer.

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