How to Get to Alghero. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Connections

Alghero Airport AHO

This is the main airport for northwestern Sardinia, approximately 10 kilometers north of Alghero city center.

Airline Overview

Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Volotea (mainly peak season).
National carriers: ITA Airways and others (Lufthansa, easyJet, Vueling), often via Rome or Milan.
Usual routes: Direct flights mainly from Italian cities; seasonal direct links from UK, Germany, Spain. Search for flights via Skyscanner.

Global Connections & Transfers

Alghero-Fertilia Airport offers no direct flights from major global hubs outside Europe. Connections typically happen through a major European gateway airport.

Airport Transfers

ARST Bus: Most economical option, runs frequently to city center (~20-30 min, €1-€1.50).
Taxi: Readily available outside terminal (~€25-€30 to city center).
Car Rental: Desks at airport, offers great flexibility for exploring Sardinia.

Flight Deals

Find cheaper flights and flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.

Compensation Rights

Passengers can receive compensation for delayed or canceled flights via AirHelp.

Airport Facilities

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is a small, modern facility with vehicle rental desks, cafes, and duty-free shops.

Seasonal Availability & Pricing

Peak Season July-August

Flight availability significantly higher.
Prices are highest due to peak demand.
Higher crowds at attractions and beaches.
Hottest weather for a swim and sunbathing.

Low Season November-March

Fewer direct flights operate, lower frequencies.
Much lower prices for flights and accommodation.
Quieter time without the crowds.
Colder temperatures and higher chance of rain.

On the Ground

Bus Travel ARST

ARST (Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti) operates Sardinia's public bus company, with an extensive and reliable network.

Bus Details

Connects Alghero to most major towns and metropolitan areas (Sassari, Cagliari, Olbia, Bosa).
Tickets available at tabaccherie, newsstands, or from the driver (higher fare).
For inter-city travel, buses are often more direct and faster than trains.

Train Connections

Sardinia has a limited rail network operated by Trenitalia. Train travel times are often slower compared to buses.

Train Details

Alghero has a regional train station connected to Sassari.
From Sassari, connections exist to Cagliari, Olbia, and Oristano.
Routes are not as extensive, and journeys can be slow.

Self-Driving Benefits

Car rental offers great flexibility for exploring Sardinia beyond Alghero, reaching remote beaches and historical excavation sites.

Rental Requirements

Valid national driving license. For non-EU, an IDP is lawfully needed.
Minimum age for rental usually 21 (surcharges for under 25).
Credit card in main driver's name for security deposit. Book via DiscoverCars.com.

Driving in Sardinia

Roads in Sardinia are generally well-maintained. However, some rural and coastal roads can be narrow and winding.

Important Notes

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Restricted zones in historic centers. Non-residents typically cannot enter by car without permit.
Parking can be challenging. Blue lines are paid, white are free, yellow are reserved.
Italian driving style can be assertive. Be prepared for confident regional drivers.

Road Safety & Border Notes

Border crossing is not relevant for internal travel within Italy or the Schengen Area.
Pay attention to speed cameras ("autovelox"), that are common.
Cameras enforce ZTL zones, resulting in fines if entered without permission.

Road signs are clear, but familiarity with Italian traffic laws is useful.
Some rural and coastal roads are less well-lit at night.
Always park outside ZTL areas and walk into the old town.

Sea Connections

Alghero Port Functions

Alghero's port serves mainly as a local hub. It does not handle major long-distance ferry services from mainland Italy or overseas locations.

Port Details

Mainly for fishing boats.
Pleasure crafts.
Tourist excursions (e.g., boat excursions to Neptune's Grotto).

Major Ferry Ports

If travel to Sardinia by ferry is planned, arrival will be at one of the island's larger ports. These ports have well-established connections to land transportation.

Main Gates to Sardinia

Porto Torres: About 35km north of Alghero. Connections to Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Barcelona, Marseille/Nice.
Olbia: Northeast coast. Frequent connections to Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, Piombino.
Cagliari: South coast. Connects to Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo (Sicily).

Ferry Companies

Major ferry operators serving Sardinia include Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines, and GNV.

Booking Advice

Booking ferries in advance is recommended, notably for summer travel.

River Travel

Sardinia has no significant navigable rivers for passenger transportation. River travel is not applicable.

Departure Guidance

Airport Departures

Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is generally efficient due to its smaller size.

Recommended Timing

For domestic or Schengen flights, arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
For non-Schengen international flights, plan for 2 to 3 hours in advance.
Allow extra time for unforeseen delays during check-in or security.

Ferry Departures

If departing by ferry from major ports like Porto Torres, arrival times vary depending on travel with or without a vehicle.

Boarding Times

If traveling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 1 to 2 hours before departure.
For foot passengers, arriving 30 to ONE hour prior to departure is usually sufficient.
Always check the specific ferry company's recommendations.

Airport & Station Facilities

AHO Facilities

Alghero-Fertilia Airport has basic facilities for departing travelers, including a few shops, cafes, and seating areas.

Local Stations

Public transport by train and bus stations in Alghero (for local/regional connections) have minimal facilities, often just ticket offices and waiting areas.

Major Ports

For ferry departures from larger ports like Porto Torres, more extensive waiting areas and some commercial services are available.

Exit Fees Note

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on passengers departing from Alghero-Fertilia Airport. Any applicable airport taxes are usually included in your airfare.

How to Get to Alghero