Sardinia Transport

There are three options for getting about in Sardinia: by car, train and by bus. Travelling by car gives the most freedom and is the fastest option, yet train travel is also good despite being a bit slower, and the rail network covers most of the island. The tourist train, known as the Trenino Verde, covers the whole island and is perhaps the best way for solo travellers to get around. Buses also cover Sardinia, but are not as favourable as train travel, as many changes may be needed in order to reach your destination.

By car

Sardinia is only about 150 miles long and 75 miles wide, although the lack of major highways can make a complete island tour time-consuming. However, the island is loaded with fascinating sights and has a beautiful coastline, so hiring a car is the best way to see the island. The main cities are linked by a good road system with direct and scenic routes available. You can get from Cagliari in the south to Olbia in the north in 4 or 5 hours.

By train

Travelling by train is the next best option in Sardinia after car travel. Although trains run quite slowly, the rail network covers most of the island, with just about every town and city being accessible. Standard trains run from Cagliari to Sassari, in the northwest, from where they run onto Alghero. Trains from Sassari also serve Olbia. The central town of Nuoro is also accessible via Macomer. Tourist train services are popular and include the summer Sassari to Tempio return service and the ‘Little Green Train’, which covers the entire island.

By bus

Sardinia’s bus system is second to the rail system; however, the ride is more uncomfortable and services may include several changes depending on your final destination. Regular, cheap services run between main cities including: Cagliari, Sassari, Alghero, Porto Torres, Olbia and Nuoro, although changes in Macomer for services to Nuoro are common. The big cities also offer public bus systems, with Cagliari’s bus network being the most efficient.

Taxis

Cagliari and Sassari are the only large cities in Sardinia in which you may require a taxi service, although using a taxi in the likes of Olbia and Alghero is sometimes the only option if you are staying out of town. Taxis provide the fastest transfer option from the various airports to respective towns and resorts. Look for the official taxis and always agree on a price before setting off.

Tourist services

The best way to see the entire island, unless you are driving, is to take the Trenino Verde (Little Green Train). This tourist train is a vintage locomotive that reaches otherwise inaccessible parts of the island, covering the scenic coastline and mountainous areas via tunnels, bridges and forests. The train also covers major routes including: Sassari and Alghero, Sassari and Palau, Nuoro and Bosa, and the most popular, Cagliari to Arbatax.

From Sardinias airports

Sardinia has three airports, making each part of the island’s coastline readily accessible to the outside world. Cagliari-Elmas Airport (south) is the largest and busiest airport, while the northwestern airport, Alghero-Fertilia Airport, serves three major towns, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport serves the popular coastal region of the northeast. Shuttle buses, local buses and taxis connect all airports with their associated towns.