Getting Around Sardinia
A complete guide to transportation on the island: main roads, car rental, public transport and practical tips for traveling between cities, beaches and villages.
Getting Around Sardinia: Useful Information
Sardinia is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean and offers a wide variety of landscapes: spectacular beaches, historic cities, authentic villages, mountains and natural parks.
For this reason, planning transportation is an important part of organizing a trip to the island.
Many of the most beautiful destinations in Sardinia are located far from the main cities and are not always easy to reach with just one means of transport. Knowing the available options will help you explore the island more easily.
The main ways to travel around Sardinia are:
- car or car rental
- buses and regional transport
- trains
- local ferries
- organized excursions
The best option depends on the type of trip you are planning, the time you have available and the places you want to visit.
Exploring Sardinia by Car
For many visitors, the car is the most convenient way to explore Sardinia. It offers the freedom to reach beaches, villages and natural areas that are not always well connected by public transport.
Traveling by car allows you to create personalized itineraries and discover less touristy parts of the island.
Main advantages include:
- greater freedom of movement
- the possibility to reach secluded beaches and coves
- easier access to inland villages
- greater flexibility with travel schedules
For this reason many visitors either arrive in Sardinia with their own car or rent one directly at the airport.
Car Rental in Sardinia
Renting a car is a very common solution for visitors arriving by plane. The main airports and many tourist towns offer several rental companies.
You can rent a car in:
- Cagliari Airport
- Olbia Airport
- Alghero Airport
- major tourist cities on the island
Booking online before arrival is often the best option, as it allows you to compare offers and find the best price.
👉 Compare car rental in Sardinia
Roads and Highways in Sardinia
Unlike many regions in Italy, Sardinia does not have toll motorways. However, the island has a good road network connecting the main cities and tourist areas.
The main roads are generally smooth and allow travelers to cross the island quite easily.
SS131 Carlo Felice
This is the main road of Sardinia, connecting the south with the north of the island.
It passes through several important cities including:
- Cagliari
- Oristano
- Sassari
- Porto Torres
SS131 dcn
This road connects central Sardinia with the north-eastern coast.
It passes through:
- Nuoro
- Siniscola
- Olbia
It is particularly useful for reaching Gallura and the Costa Smeralda.
SS125 Orientale Sarda
The SS125 is one of the most scenic roads on the island.
It runs along the eastern coast and connects destinations such as:
- Cagliari
- Villasimius
- Arbatax
- Dorgali
The route offers spectacular views between sea and mountains.
Public Transport in Sardinia
Public transport is an economical alternative for traveling between cities and some tourist destinations.
Buses connect many parts of the island and can be useful especially for travelers without a car.
Regional transport links:
- major cities
- inland village
- some tourist areas
However, services may be less frequent in rural areas or on remote beaches.
For this reason, visitors who want more freedom often prefer traveling by car.
Trains in Sardinia
The island’s railway network connects several major cities and can be used to travel between different areas of Sardinia.
Main railway connections include:
- Cagliari
- Oristano
- Sassari
- Olbia
- Iglesias
Traveling by train also allows you to enjoy beautiful natural landscapes along the way.
Traveling Between the Sardinian Islands
Some of Sardinia’s most spectacular destinations are located on smaller islands that can be reached by sea.
Ferry connections allow visitors to reach places such as:
- La Maddalena Archipelago
- San Pietro Island
- Sant’Antioco Island
These routes are particularly popular during the tourist season.
Tips for Getting Around Sardinia
To travel easily around Sardinia, it is useful to plan transportation in advance.
Helpful tips for visitors:
- book rental cars early during high season
- check distances between destinations
- dedicate time to exploring inland areas
- choose accommodations in strategic locations
Planning transportation well will allow you to explore the island more comfortably and visit more destinations.
Plan Your Trip to Sardinia
Are you planning your Sardinia vacation and looking for useful advice about destinations, itineraries or experiences on the island?
