Exploring Sardinia: Airports And Island Accessibility

Sardinia is the third-largest region of Italy and is a popular tourist destination. The island can be crossed in three hours by car, and there are three main airports providing convenient access to different parts of the island: Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these airports and explore their connections to mainland Italy and major European destinations.

Cagliari Elmas Airport

There are three main airports in Sardinia: Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport. Cagliari Elmas Airport is the largest airport on the island and is the leading international gateway to Sardinia, with connections to mainland Italy and major European destinations.

The airport has a long history, originally opening in 1938 as a military airport. Civil aviation began in the 1960s, and the first purpose-built passenger terminal was opened in 1971. Today, the airport focuses on low-cost carriers and charter airlines, offering many seasonal routes to serve the tourism sector. Airlines flying from the airport include easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, providing connections to various European destinations.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

There are three main airports in Sardinia: Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport.

Alghero Fertilia Airport

There are three main airports in Sardinia: Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport.

The airport is accessible via the SS291 and SP44 main roads. The day with the most flights departing from the airport is typically Monday, with an average of three flights leaving. Airlines operating regular scheduled and charter flights at Alghero Fertilia Airport include Alitalia, Blue Air, easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. These airlines offer year-round flights to various destinations in Italy, Spain, and Romania, as well as seasonal flights to other European countries.

Oristano-Fenosu Airport

There are three main airports in Sardinia: Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport. However, there is also a mention of Oristano-Fenosu Airport.

Cagliari Airport's transport links

Cagliari Elmas Airport is the largest airport in Sardinia and is located 7km from the main city of Cagliari. The airport is easily accessible by train from Cagliari and all major Sardinian cities thanks to the 'Elmas Aeroporto' railway station. The rail service starts at about 5 am and ends after 9 pm with a train departing every 20 minutes. The journey to and from downtown takes around 5-7 minutes and costs €1.30 for a single fare.

There are also buses travelling from the airport to the city centre every half hour. These buses can be used to gain access to the train station from where one can then travel to various locations within the island. There are two bus stations within Cagliari Airport.

By car, the airport is a 15 to 20-minute drive from the city centre. To reach the airport by car, take the S.S.130 from the city centre or the S.S. 554 from other parts of the city and from its hinterland. You can also reach the S.S. 554 by merging from the Asse Mediano di Scorrimento (A.M.S.) from Sassari/Nuoro/Oristano: you can reach Cagliari Airport by merging in the S.S.131 southbound towards Cagliari. Follow the ‘Aeroporto Elmas’ signs once you are on the S.S.130.

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