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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Sardinia, Italy

Air Travel to Olbia

Airport & Airlines

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) the main airport for northeastern Sardinia and the Costa Smeralda region. It handles a mix of year-round and seasonal flights.

Airlines

  • Year-round: ITA Airways, Volotea, EasyJet, Lufthansa (with seasonal increases).
  • Seasonal (mainly summer): Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, Eurowings, British Airways, Transavia, Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian, Condor, and many charter airlines connect Olbia to major European cities.
  • Affiliate: Consider using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Flight Connections

Direct flights connect Olbia mainly with European cities.

Connecting Hubs

  • Major European cities: London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Geneva, and Barcelona.
  • No direct flights operate from North America or other continents.
  • Connections typically via major European hubs like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), or Frankfurt (FRA).

Airport Facilities

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) car rental, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi. It a comfortable environment.

Public Transfers

ARST public buses connect OLB to Olbia city center (Line 2 and Line 10). The journey approximately 10-15 minutes.

Taxi & Car Rentals

Taxis readily available outside the terminal, approximately €15-€25 to the city center. Car rental companies have desks at the airport. Booking in advance highly recommended.

Land Transportation

Train Services

  • Olbia has a train station integrated into the regional Trenitalia network.
  • Direct trains connect Olbia to other major Sardinian cities like Sassari and Cagliari.
  • Service less frequent and generally slower than on mainland Italy, but trains a scenic way to travel the island.
  • Purchase tickets at the station or online via the Trenitalia website.

Long-Distance Buses

  • ARST (Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti) the main public bus company operating in Sardinia.
  • ARST runs extensive bus routes connecting Olbia to various towns and cities across the island.
  • Routes include Arzachena, Palau, La Maddalena (via ferry connection), Santa Teresa Gallura, Nuoro, Oristano, and Cagliari.
  • Frequency varies by route and season. Purchase tickets at tabaccherie, newsstands, or directly from the driver.

Self-Driving in Sardinia

Requirements

Non-EU citizens an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national license. EU citizens use their national license. A credit card needed for the deposit. Find rental cars at DiscoverCars.com. A Car organizer for travel useful for tidiness.

Roads & Safety

Roads generally well-maintained, specifically major routes. Smaller, rural roads winding and narrow. Speed limits enforced. Driving culture can be assertive. A reliable GPS or a good Road atlas for Italy recommended.

Navigation & Parking

Parking in city centers challenging and expensive. Blue lines indicate paid parking, white lines free parking, yellow lines for residents or disabled only.

Sea Arrivals & Departures

Ferry & Cruise Services

Olbia one of Sardinia's busiest ferry ports, connecting the island to mainland Italy.

Major Ferry Operators

  • Major companies: Tirrenia, Moby Lines, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), Corsica Ferries/Sardinia Ferries.
  • Main routes: Ferries connect Olbia to mainland Italian ports like Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa, and Naples, and occasionally to Corsica.
  • Cruise port: Olbia a popular port of call for cruise ships, a dedicated cruise terminal.

Immigration & Connections

Streamlined processes for arriving sea travelers.

Arrival Process

  • Standard immigration checks apply for non-Schengen arrivals. EU citizens undergo identity checks upon arrival.
  • The process mirrors airport procedures, document validity.
  • The ferry port close to Olbia city center. Bus connections to train station and city, along with taxi stands.

Ferry Travel

A popular way to arrive from mainland Italy or nearby Corsica, offering a scenic journey.

Cruise Ship Visits

Olbia a frequent stop for cruise lines, offering passengers a taste of Sardinian charm.

Port Accessibility

The port well-connected to the city center and other transport networks for onward travel.

Departure Information

Departure Logistics

No specific exit fees or taxes levied on departing passengers from Olbia. Airline tickets usually include all airport taxes.

Timing Recommendations

  • Arrive at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) at least 2 hours before scheduled departure for Schengen flights.
  • For non-Schengen flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours before, especially during peak season, due to potential queues for check-in and security.
  • Factor in time for returning rental cars if applicable.

Airport Amenities

Relax and refresh before your flight.

Passenger Services

  • Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) duty-free shops.
  • A range of cafes and restaurants, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi.
  • The train station and bus station in Olbia basic amenities.

Important Travel Reminders

Schedule Check

Always re-confirm flight/ferry schedules, especially during off-peak season.

Allowance Review

Check baggage allowance and restrictions before packing.

Onward Journey

Plan onward travel from the airport/port in advance.

Navigating Tip

Consider checking online flight trackers for real-time updates and gate information. Pre-booking airport taxis or private transfers can save time upon arrival.