How to get to Bosa: flights, car and bus to western Sardinia
Complete guide on how to get to Bosa in Sardinia: nearest airports, car hire, ARST buses and the spectacular coastal road from Alghero.
Foto: Itmostt (CC BY 4.0) — Flickr
How to get to Bosa
Bosa sits on the western coast of Sardinia, in the Planargia region. Its off-the-beaten-path position has helped preserve its authenticity, but requires some logistical planning to reach.
By air
Alghero-Fertilia Airport
The closest, about 45 km away. Served by Ryanair and other airlines from Milan, Rome, Bologna, Pisa and several European cities. From Alghero to Bosa the coastal road SP49 is one of Sardinia's most spectacular drives: 45 km of panoramic bends between cliffs and sea. Journey time about 1 hour.
Cagliari-Elmas Airport
About 180 km, the island's main hub. Connected with all of Italy and many international destinations. From Cagliari, Bosa is reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes via SS131 and SP19.
Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport
About 200 km, an alternative for arrivals from northern Europe. From Olbia to Bosa about 2 hours 45 minutes via SS131.
By car
A car is the most convenient and recommended way to reach Bosa and explore the surroundings.
From Alghero
Two options: the coastal road SP49 (more scenic, 1 hour) or the inland road via Villanova Monteleone (faster, 45 minutes). The coastal route is highly recommended for its stunning scenery.
From Sassari
SS131 to Macomer, then SP19 to Bosa. About 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternative via Alghero and the coast road.
From Oristano
SP19 northward, crossing the Planargia. About 1 hour. Scenic and quiet road.
From Cagliari
SS131 (the "Carlo Felice") to Macomer or Paulilatino, then SP19/SP49 towards the coast. About 2 hours 30 minutes.
Parking
The centre of Bosa is partly pedestrianised. Free parking is available along the riverbank and near the cathedral. At Bosa Marina there are paid car parks in summer.
By ferry
The nearest ports are Olbia (200 km) and Porto Torres (130 km), connected with Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Barcelona. From Porto Torres to Bosa about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
By bus
The ARST network connects Bosa with major Sardinian centres.
- Bosa-Alghero: about 2 hours (via Villanova, not the coastal road)
- Bosa-Macomer: 40 minutes (from Macomer connections to Cagliari by train)
- Bosa-Oristano: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Services are limited, especially on Sundays. Always check timetables on the ARST website.
By train
Bosa has no railway station. The nearest is Macomer, on the Cagliari-Sassari-Olbia line. From Macomer ARST bus to Bosa (40 minutes). The Trenino Verde, Sardinia's tourist train, crosses spectacular landscapes but does not reach Bosa directly.
Practical tips
- Car hire at Alghero-Fertilia is the best solution: competitive prices and maximum freedom
- The coastal road SP49 is narrow and winding: beautiful but requires attention
- In summer book car hire in advance: prices rise significantly in high season
- Without a car, Bosa is reachable but getting around the area becomes complicated
- The petrol station is in the centre of Bosa: fill up before excursions along the coast
See also
Practical info
What's the best time of year to visit Bosa?
May, June, September and October is ideal: those are the months with less tourist traffic.
Is Bosa a crowded tourist spot?
Compared to the more touristy destinations, Bosa is very quiet.
What area is Bosa in?
Bosa lies in Sardegna, Italia.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Bosa Marina ~2 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto di Alghero-Fertilia AHO ~41 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
