How to get to Cagliari: plane, ferry, car and bus
Complete guide to reaching Cagliari by plane, ferry, car and bus. Low-cost flights, maritime routes from the mainland and local transport in Sardinia.
Foto: Nilo1926 (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons
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
Discover Cagliari
Now that you know how to get there, plan your stay with our guides:
Practical info
What's the best time of year to visit Cagliari?
April, May, June, September and October is ideal: those are the months with less tourist traffic.
Is Cagliari a crowded tourist spot?
Compared to the more touristy destinations, Cagliari is not very crowded.
What area is Cagliari in?
Cagliari lies in Sardegna, Italia.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Repubblica ~1 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto di Cagliari-Elmas CAG ~6 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
