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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Sardinia, Italy

Air Travel

Major Airports

Air travel is the most common way to reach Sardinia. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the most direct entry point for Porto Cervo.

Olbia & Others

  • Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB): Approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) south of Porto Cervo. Drive time 30-40 minutes.
  • Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO): Around 150 km (93 miles) from Porto Cervo on the northwest coast. Longer transfer (approx. 2 hours).
  • Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG): Located in southern Sardinia, about 300 km (186 miles) from Porto Cervo. Not a practical arrival point.

Airlines & Routes

Olbia Airport sees a significant increase in flight traffic during summer, connecting Sardinia to major European cities.

Flight Options

  • Major Airlines: ITA Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, SWISS, etc.
  • Routes: Direct flights primarily from major European cities (London, Rome, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Zurich). Highly seasonal.
  • Global Hubs: International travelers usually connect via Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or other European hubs.

Airport Facilities

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) includes dining, shopping, and financial services.

Car Rental & Taxis

Car rental desks for major companies and taxi stands are available at the airport.

Private Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers are a convenient option, especially for luxury travel or groups.

Transfers from Olbia Airport OLB to Porto Cervo

Direct Options

  • Taxi: Available outside terminal. Journey approx. 30-40 minutes. Cost €70-€100. Confirm fare first.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked services from hotels or specialized companies. Fixed prices, meet-and-greet included.
  • Car Rental: Highly advised for independent exploration. Desks at OLB from major rental companies.

Public Transport Less Direct

  • Bus: ARST public buses connect Olbia Airport to Olbia city center. From there, irregular ARST buses run to Porto Cervo.
  • Least convenient option due to transfers and limited schedules, especially outside peak summer.
  • Not suited for travelers with much luggage or those seeking direct access.

Seasonal Flight Information

Peak Season July-August

Most frequent flights and highest prices. Booking 6-9 months in advance for better rates.

Shoulder Season May-June, Sept-Oct

Good flight availability, more competitive prices. Booking 3-5 months in advance often brings good deals.

Low Season November-April

Significantly reduced flight frequency. Many direct European routes are suspended. Lowest prices but reduced convenience.

Land Transportation

Trains & Buses

Sardinia's limited rail network connects major cities. The main public bus company, ARST, links Olbia with Porto Cervo and other towns.

Public Transport on Island

  • Trains: Closest station to Porto Cervo is Olbia. Not a primary mode for reaching Porto Cervo directly.
  • ARST Buses: Connect Olbia to Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda towns. Schedules are less frequent.
  • Schedules less frequent, especially in low season; careful planning is useful.

Self-Driving Sardinia

Renting a car presents the most flexible and often the most convenient way to explore Porto Cervo and its surroundings.

Driving Requirements

  • License: Valid driver's license. Non-EU holders need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Age: Minimum age typically 21-25. Young driver fees apply for under 25.
  • Payment: Credit card in main driver's name for security deposit.

Road Conditions

Roads around Porto Cervo and throughout the Costa Smeralda are generally well-maintained. Outside these prime tourist areas, roads can be narrower and more winding.

Local Roads

  • Quality: Generally good surfaces in main tourist zones.
  • Terrain: Can be winding and steep in rural/mountainous areas.
  • Navigation: GPS is highly advised for navigating Sardinian roads.

Traffic & Parking

Traffic can be heavy during peak summer months. Parking is limited and often expensive in Porto Cervo center.

Congestion & Fees

  • Traffic: Heavy in July/August, especially around the marina and popular beaches.
  • Parking: Limited and costly in Porto Cervo center. Designated paid parking areas fill quickly.
  • Cost: Expect high parking fees in prime areas. Easier/cheaper parking outside Porto Cervo.

Road Safety Notes

  • Sardinian drivers can be assertive. Drive defensively.
  • Adhere to speed limits; speed cameras are present.
  • Drink-driving laws are strict with a low blood alcohol content limit.
  • Some rural roads may be unlit at night.
  • Beware of potential wildlife (wild boar, sheep) on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Roadside assistance services and rental car support are available for issues.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Sardinia connects well to mainland Italy by extensive ferry services.

Major Ports & Companies

  • Olbia: Largest ferry port, ~30 km from Porto Cervo. Frequent connections to Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa, Naples.
  • Golfo Aranci: ~35 km from Porto Cervo. Connections to Livorno and Nice (France).
  • Companies: Moby Lines, Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica Ferries. Book in advance, especially for vehicles.

Immigration & Connections

For arrivals from mainland Italy or other Schengen countries, ferry journeys count as domestic travel within the Schengen Area.

Port Procedures

  • Immigration: No formal procedures for Schengen arrivals. For non-Schengen, similar to airport passport control.
  • Land Connections: Taxis, car rental desks, and public bus services are present at ferry ports (Olbia, Golfo Aranci).
  • River Transport: Not applicable for Porto Cervo or Sardinia as a main mode of travel.

Taxi Access

Taxis are readily available directly outside the ferry terminals for onward travel.

Car Rental

Many major car rental companies have offices at or near the ferry ports.

Bus Connections

Public bus services connect ferry ports to nearby towns and city centers for wider travel.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your airport or ferry departure with sufficient time, especially during peak season.

Airport/Ferry Timings

  • Airports (OLB): 2-3 hours before departure for international flights; 1.5-2 hours for Schengen/domestic.
  • Ferries: Arrive at port 1-2 hours before scheduled departure, particularly with a vehicle.
  • Peak Season: Allow extra time for check-in, security, and potential traffic.

Airport/Station Facilities

Before your flight or ferry, various facilities are available for departing travelers.

Amenities & Tips

  • Dining & Shopping: Restaurants, cafes, shops (duty-free for international flights) at OLB.
  • Lounges: VIP lounges available for a comfortable wait at OLB.
  • Online Check-in: Utilize online check-in for flights to save time at the airport.

Last-Minute Checks

Documents

Verify passport validity and have all boarding passes and travel documents readily accessible.

Baggage

Confirm luggage weight and size meet airline or ferry requirements to avoid extra fees.

Transfers

Reconfirm airport or port transfer arrangements to ensure a seamless journey.

Travel Advice

Consider potential delays during peak travel times.