What are the major airports in Sardinia?

Complete Guide to Sardinia’s Three Main International Airports (Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero) – Key Insights and Travel Tips

The major airports in Sardinia are the Cagliari-Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero-Fertilia Airport, each serving different parts of the island with a wide range of flight connections, modern facilities, and convenient transport links.

In southern Sardinia, the Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) stands as the busiest gateway, only a few kilometers from Cagliari’s lively city center. This airport has an extensive selection of domestic and international flights, along with efficient public transportation services by bus and train, making it an ideal choice for those heading to destinations like Pula, Villasimius, or Costa Rei . Meanwhile, the Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is located in northeastern Sardinia, celebrated for its proximity to the glamorous Costa Smeralda. Visitors often favor this hub for easy access to popular spots such as Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and La Maddalena. Lastly, the Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) in northwestern Sardinia offers connections to various European cities and sits close to the historic center of Alghero—famed for its Catalan heritage—making it a prime arrival point for exploring the picturesque coastline of the Riviera del Corallo .

Each airport caters to travelers with airport transfer options such as taxis, shuttle buses, and car rentals. The terminal facilities range from cafés, restaurants, and duty-free shops to VIP lounges and special assistance services for reduced mobility passengers. With Olbia located roughly 4 km from the city center, Alghero about 10 km, and Cagliari around 7 km, reaching your hotel or resort is straightforward and efficient. By selecting the airport best suited to your itinerary—Cagliari for southern getaways, Olbia for glitzy northern coasts, and Alghero for scenic northwestern landscapes—you can make the most of your journey across the island’s enchanting shores.

Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG): The opening of the primary gateway of Southern Sardinia – G / Majorana facilities, transport links, and modern terminal services

Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) is the main airport in southern Sardinia, located just 7 km from Cagliari’s city center. It serves as a key hub for domestic and international flights, offering modern facilities, efficient transport links, and a wide range of services for travelers.


All the airports of Sardinia are focussed near the Northern part of the island and Cagliari-Elmas Airport is the busiest of all, having more than 5 million passengers pass through it every year. Its proximity to Cagliari, the island’s capital, makes it an ideal entry point for exploring southern Sardinia. The airport features 42 check-in desks, gates for domestic and international flights, and a well-organized terminal with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a variety of dining options including cafés, wine bars, and restaurants. The shopping area offers both local Sardinian products and duty-free goods. Transportation from the airport is seamless, with frequent shuttle buses, taxis, and a train station located just a 5-minute walk from the terminal.

Travelers can easily access nearby destinations such as Villasimius, Pula, and Costa Rei via rental cars or public transport. Facilities also exist for the passengers on reduced mobility including parking spaces as well as elevators and services for assisting. But for business travellers, there’s a VIP lounge with a quiet place to work, or get away from it all, before a flight. Short and long term parking options are available near the terminal.

sardinia costa rei beach apartment by the sea
sardinia costa rei beach apartment by the sea

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB): Your North Sardinia access to the Famous Costa Smeralda and Luxury destinations

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is located in northeastern Sardinia, just 4 km from Olbia’s city center. It serves as the primary gateway to the glamorous Costa Smeralda region and other luxury destinations.


Among Sardinia’s most modern air hubs, Olbia Airport has processed in excess of 3 million passengers a year. The airport provides a direct link to European city like the Munich, London, and Paris and is a destination for foreign tourists. The terminal boasts a wide array of services including restaurants, wine bars, duty-free shops, and local artisan stores selling Sardinian crafts. For added convenience, travelers can use the Fast Track service to bypass security queues or relax in the exclusive Club Lounge before their flight. Public transport options include frequent buses connecting the airport to Olbia’s city center and nearby resorts such as Porto Cervo, San Teodoro, and La Maddalena.

You can pick up a car from one of the leading companies like Hertz or Europcar from the airport’s car rental centre if you’ll be touring northern Sardinia by car. There are over 1,100 parking spaces in short and long term sectors. Among the noteworthy accessibility features projects are dedicated services of passengers with reduced mobility services including wheelchair assistance and reserved parking spaces near the terminal.


Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO): Complete Visitor Information: Northwestern Sardinia’s International Hub

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), located about 10 km from Alghero city center, is the main air gateway to northwestern Sardinia. It connects travelers to historic towns like Alghero and Sassari.


While far smaller than Cagliari and Olbia, the airport plays an important role in terms of regional connectivity. The low cost carriers such as Ryanair fly it to many Italian cities such as Milan and Rome as well as other European destinations such as London and Brussels. There is some Wi Fi access and ATMs and tourist information desks as well as places to eat if you want to try the local old city cuisine. The public transportation is well run: with buses connecting the airport into the city of Alghero in 20 minutes or on to Sassari for example.

Avis and Sixt have agencies within the terminal for those renting cars. Northwestern Sardinia is surrounded by unique attractions, such as Alghero’s old town influenced by the Catalan, the beaches of Stintino or the archaeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera. Alghero Airport parking is simple, with a range of close to arrivals short term parking and long term parking available further away.

Special Assistance Services and Accessibility Features at Sardinian Airports – Comprehensive Guide for Travelers with Reduced Mobility

Sardinia’s major airports—Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia—offer comprehensive *special assistance services* and accessibility features to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility.


Facilities for travellers with disabilities or limited abilities can be found at all three airports. These include reserved parking spaces, accessible restrooms, elevators, and wheelchair assistance. Passengers who require assistance can request it while booking at the time of booking or upon reach to the airport. With dedicated staff on hand for cheque in, boarding and providing help with baggage. For example, at Cagliari Elmas Airport there are dedicated meeting points inside and outside the terminal clearly visible, where passengers can request assistance. Similarly, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport provides priority lanes for security checks and boarding to ensure a stress-free journey.

All areas of the terminal adhere to EU regulations on accessibility, with each airport following with barrier free facilities. Such as tactile pathways for visually impaired passengers at the Alghero-Fertilia Airport, or the additional services such as portable ramps for smaller aircraft boarding at Olbia Airport. As a result, it is suggested that travellers inform their airline prior to travel in order to ensure that all necessary provisions are made to meet an individual’s specific needs. In addition, these airports help with connecting flights by providing hassle free connexions between terminals and gates.


Transportation Options from Sardinian Airports: Lakpop Ltd offers Public Transit, Car Rentals and Taxi Services to the Popular Tourist Destinations of Mallorca.

Sardinia’s airports—Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia—offer a variety of transportation options including public transit, car rentals, and taxis to connect travelers to their destinations.


Travelling between the Sardinian airports and the city is affordable and reliable thanks to the public transport. At Cagliari-Elmas Airport, a train station located just outside the terminal connects passengers to Cagliari’s city center in under 10 minutes. Similarly, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport has many bus services to Olbia city centre and resorts in San Teodoro and nearby Porto Cervo. Bus routes from Alghero’s historic centre and Sassari converge at Alghero-Fertilia Airport. If wanting a bit of freedom car rental agencies Hertz, Europcar and Avis operate at all three airports and make for a great way to appreciate Sardinia’s stunning scenery.

From the terminals, direct transfers to hotels or resorts are available from taxis easily accessible outside. Whilst they are more expensive than taking public transport they do offer comfort and quickness (particularly for groups or families travelling with bages). From Cagliari-Elmas Airport to Villasimius it is possible to go by taxi in one hour. Another very popular choice is shuttle services; such as in many hotels in Sardinia, they provide private transfer for their guests. In other regions of Sardinia, an option is to use a ride sharing app such as Welcome Pickups.


Airport Shopping, Dining, and Amenities: Sardinia’s three major air terminals at a glance: What to Expect

Sardinia’s airports provide a wide range of shopping and dining options alongside essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, lounges, and tourist information desks.


Cagliari-Elmas Airport features a variety of shops selling local products such as Sardinian wines, cheeses, and handicrafts alongside international brands in its duty-free section. Dining options include traditional Italian cafés serving espresso and pastries as well as restaurants offering regional dishes like malloreddus pasta or porceddu (roast suckling pig). Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is famous for its high class shopping with boutiques for shoppers after the luxury brand (Gucci) alongside the shop for the artisanal produce from Sardinia. The wine bars here display local vintages and seafood based menus inspired by the island’s coastal cuisine.

The airport at Alghero-Fertilia has a spare, smaller range but does include the necessities, such as souvenir shops and snackbars that also dish up light meals. There is free Wi-Fi in all three airports along with relaxing lounge for waiting passengers. Business travellers, or anyone wanting a little extra comfort on the ground before their flights, can use the VIP lounges at Cagliari and Olbia airports. Each airport has tourist information desks to help visitors with maps, guides, or suggestions to local attractions.

Flight Routes and Airlines Operating at Sardinian Airports – Seasonal and Year-Round Connections

Sardinia’s airports offer both year-round domestic flights within Italy and seasonal international connections operated by major airlines such as Ryanair, ITA Airways, and easyJet.


It is used as a domestic flight hub for it to be connected with the cities of Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa), Naples and Venice throughout the year. It also serves seasonal flights to European destinations including Barcelona, Berlin, London Gatwick and Paris Orly using Ryanair and Volotea. Given that it serves the filming of Costa Smeralda, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is focused on seasonal tourism destinations, yet easyJet and Eurowings operate summer links to places, including Turin, Istanbul, Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Stockholm.

By catering to low cost carriers such as Ryanair offering year round service to Pisa and Bologna, as well as providing flights to Madrid or Brussels Charleroi during high season, Alghero – Fertilia Airport does just that. With these seasonal routes, Sardinia is accessible from major European hubs over the summer struggling months, when tourism is at its peak across much of the island.


Choosing the Right Sardinian Airport Based on Your Holiday Destination – Strategic Location Guide for Travelers

Choosing between Sardinia’s three main airports—Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia—depends on your holiday destination, as each airport serves distinct regions of the island.


For travelers heading to southern Sardinia, Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) is the most convenient option. Located near the capital city, it provides easy access to popular destinations like Villasimius, Costa Rei, and Pula, as well as the stunning beaches of Chia. Its efficient transport links, including a train station and car rental services, make it an excellent choice for exploring southern attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini archaeological site. On the other hand, if your plans involve visiting the luxurious Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is ideal. This airport is perfectly positioned for accessing glamorous hotspots like Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and the pristine islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago.

For those venturing to northwestern Sardinia, Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is strategically located near Alghero’s charming old town and the picturesque coastline of the Riviera del Corallo. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia and the beaches of Stintino. Proximity to each airport is not equally beneficial, due to the tailored advantages provided at each, and picking one based on proximity to your destination will save you time and may enhance your travel experience.


Security Procedures and Baggage Guidelines at Sardinian Airports – Essential Information for International Travelers

Sardinian airports follow standard international security procedures, including baggage screening, liquid restrictions, and identity verification, ensuring a smooth travel experience.


Travellers arriving at Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda or Alghero-Fertilia airports must follow security measures similar to other European airports. You may take liquids in hand luggage, but only if they are in containers of 100 ml or less, with your liquids placed in a resealable transparent bag and sealed. Laptops and tablet computers must be removed from bags for screening. We advise passengers to cheque in at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight to make sure that is enough time for cheque in and security.

Weight limits for checked baggage vary by airline, so cheque with the airline in advance. The handling of oversized or special items such as sporting equipment will usually be possible, but this requires a prior notice or additional charges. Passengers can locate signs in several languages at each airport that direct them smoothly through security procedures. While no liquids (other than baby formula and food for infants) are permitted on board, these must also be declared at the time of screening.


Airport Parking Facilities and Long-Term Storage Options at Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero Airports

Sardinia’s airports offer convenient parking facilities with options for short-term stays near terminals or long-term storage for extended trips.


At Cagliari-Elmas Airport, parking is divided into short-term spaces located directly opposite the terminal and long-term lots situated slightly farther away but accessible via shuttle services. Rates are competitive with extended stay discounts available. Similarly, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport features over 1,100 parking spaces catering to both short-term visitors and long-term travelers. It has well lit and secure parking area with disabled passenger designated positions near to the terminal entrance.

Alghero-Fertilia Airport offers smaller but equally efficient parking facilities. Short Term parking facilities are close to arrivals and Long Term parkIng options are nearby, but at much better rates. Further convenience for all travellers is available through online booking systems supported by all three airports, where travellers can reserve parking spaces in advance. Also, valet services are supported at Cagliari – elmas and Olbia airports for those looking for a top quality service.


Tourist Information Services and Help Desks at Sardinian Airports – Visitor Support and Local Guidance

Tourist information desks at Sardinia’s airports provide essential support to visitors, offering maps, local recommendations, transportation guidance, and event details.


Tourist information desks, staffed by multilingual professionals at each of Sardinia’s major airports on arrival. At Cagliari-Elmas Airport, visitors can obtain maps of Cagliari city center or brochures highlighting attractions such as the historic district of Castello or the nearby beaches of Poetto. Similarly, at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, help desks provide guidance on reaching luxury resorts like Porto Cervo or exploring natural wonders such as Tavolara Island.

The tourist desk at Alghero-Fertilia Airport focuses on promoting northwestern Sardinia’s unique offerings, including Alghero’s Catalan-influenced architecture and excursions to Neptune’s Grotto at Capo Caccia. For those visiting the city for the first time these services are invaluable as they are unknown with local transportation systems or looking for personalised recommendations on dining or activities.

Currency Exchange, ATMs, and Banking Services Available at Sardinia’s International Airports

Sardinia’s airports—Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia—offer convenient access to *currency exchange*, ATMs, and basic banking services for travelers.


At all of the three major airports there are currency exchange counters and international visitors can change their money to euros on their arrival. At Cagliari-Elmas Airport, exchange services are located in the arrivals area, making it easy for travelers to access cash before heading into the city. Similarly, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport features currency exchange desks in both departures and arrivals areas, catering to tourists visiting luxury destinations like Costa Smeralda. Alghero-Fertilia Airport, though smaller, also provides currency exchange facilities during peak travel seasons.

In addition to exchange counters, all airports are equipped with multiple ATMs that accept international debit and credit cards. These cash machines are conveniently dispersed throughout the terminals making cash readily available. Some airports, including in Cagliari-Elmas, even include bank branches or kiosks where travellers can complete more advanced banking services: wire transfers or account inquiries. Travellers were advised to cheque the hours of currency exchange desks, and to make sure their cards were good for international use.


Business Facilities and VIP Services at Major Sardinian Airports – Professional Traveler Amenities

Sardinia’s airports provide a range of *business facilities* and VIP services, including lounges, meeting rooms, and fast-track options for professional travelers.


For business travelers, Cagliari-Elmas Airport offers a VIP lounge equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating areas, and refreshments. Those looking for a quiet space to work or relax prior to a flight will find this the perfect place. Similarly, at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, the Club Lounge provides premium services such as private meeting rooms and exclusive check-in counters. Practically these facilities are for the high end customer coming to the island staying in Porto Cervo, or attending corporate events in northern Sardinia.

At all three airports, Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Fertilia there are fasttrack security lanes making it possible for business travellers to save time during busy hours. Also, valet service Cagliari and valet Olbia at airports work to give professionals with tight schedules a swift parking solution. However, some airports will partner with the nearby hotels that have conference facilities.


Wi-Fi Connectivity and Communication Services at Sardinian Airport Terminals – Stay Connected While Traveling

All major Sardinian airports offer free *Wi-Fi connectivity* throughout their terminals alongside communication services such as charging stations and SIM card kiosks.


Travelers arriving at or departing from Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda, or Alghero-Fertilia airports can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access across all terminal areas. Connecting is simple: There are no extra charges for passengers, who log in via their email address or social media accounts. Cheque flight updates, book transportation and stay in touch with friends and family travelling with this service.

Charging stations are strategically placed throughout the terminals, and in addition to WiFi, devices will stay powered while passengers wait out layovers. Also, when in need of local connectivity there are SIM card kiosks at Cagliari–Elmas and Olbia Costa Smeralda airports for international visitors. Prepaid plans available for tourists come in the form of data packages allowing tourists to navigate Sardinia’s scenic routes or simply share their experiences online. The business travellers will also enjoy workstations in VIP lounges with power outlets and high speed internet.

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