Travelling To Olbia

Located on the northern part of Sardinia, west of the Italian mainland and just south of the French island of Corsica, Olbia can be reached by air and sea. It can also be reached by train or bus from other parts of the island.

Once in Olbia, visitors can reach some places by bus, but renting a car gives you more flexibility. As the town itself is quite small, it is also possible to get around on foot or to rent a bicycle.

By car

If you want to take your car to the island, there are several car ferries connecting Olbia with Genoa and Livorno on the Italian mainland. Coming from France (Marseille, Nice and Toulon), ferries arrive at Port Torres, on the other side of the island. Vehicle ferries must be booked in advance.

By rail

Generally, train travel on the island is slow and unreliable. But there's one delightful exception: the trenino verde (literally little green train). This is a little known and excellent way to view the other Sardinia. The tracks were laid in 1888 to serve the most isolated areas of the island. They are narrow-gauge, because narrower tracks easily allow negotiating even the tightest curve. Both locomotives pull wooden passenger cars that have been fully restored. The seats are also made of wood and are quite charming, if not the newest technological achievement in comfort. The engine's huffing and puffing as it forges through hills and gorges are part of the journey's appeal. The trenino verde runs every day from late June to early September on fixed routes.

By bus

The island is served by an extensive network of modern, air-conditioned buses and Olbia is well connected with the rest of the north coast. The bus station is conveniently located in the centre of town.

By air

European destinations. Direct flights operate from London Gatwick International Airport. The flight time is 2 hours 30 minutes. Facilities at the airport include two restaurants, a food court, bar and an outdoor caf. There are also five elegantly appointed lounges, a VIP lounge and a shopping area featuring local regional products as well as several other shops offering high-end goods. In front of the airport terminal, a large and secure car park is available to all airport visitors upon payment of a small fee.

Local buses serve the airport every 15 minutes for trips into town, which is only four kilometres away. Buses operate from 07:30 and stop in via Gabriele DAnnunzio, right in front of the large square with the train platforms. Taxis can be found in front of the Arrivals side of the airport building, while some hotels may provide courtesy pick ups for guests with reservations.

By ferry

Regular car ferry services operate year-round from Olbia to Genoa, with one daily crossing taking 9 hours 30 minutes. Crossings from Livorno operate eight times weekly, taking 5 hours and there are two daily crossings to Civitavecchia , also taking 5 hours. Other options include sailing from Marseille in France to Porto Torres on the other side of Sardinia, with two weekly crossings taking 27 hours, or from Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica, with one weekly crossing taking 3 hours 30 minutes.

Taxis

You should book your taxi in advance over the phone in Olbia, as taxis can be hard to find in the street. Insist on having the taxi meter on. The central taxi office can be contacted on: +39 799 22718.