CAGUpdated January 3, 2026

Getting to and from Cagliari airport

Cagliari · Italy

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CAG · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Cagliari airport (CAG), 5 km from Cagliari. See also the airport guide for general information.

Trains

The Elmas Aeroporto train station is located just a 5-minute walk from the terminal, connected by a covered walkway with moving walkways. From there, Trenitalia services link the airport with Cagliari’s central station (Piazza Matteotti) in a journey lasting between 6 and 8 minutes. Trains operate daily with an approximate frequency of every 20 minutes, starting shortly after 5:00 am and finishing around 11:00 pm. The ticket costs €1.30 and can be purchased from the station’s self-service machines or via the official website.

From the same station, services also depart to the main towns in Sardinia, such as Iglesias, Carbonia, Oristano, Olbia and Sassari.

Buses

The regional company ARST operates several routes connecting the terminal with different points across the island. Bus stops are located in both the Arrivals and Departures areas.

  • Route 160: Provides a dedicated night-time connection between the airport and Cagliari’s central station, ideal for flights arriving around midnight.
  • Route 501: Links the airport with Cagliari and the town of Sorgono, making intermediate stops in Sanluri, Villamar, Las Plassas, Barumini, Gesturi, Nuragus, Nurallao, Laconi, Aritzo and Tonara.
  • Route 747: Connects with Bono (Piazza Gramsci) via Ghilarza, Sedilo, Ottana and Bottidda.

Tickets can be purchased from the terminal’s vending machines, at newsagents, or via official mobile applications. It is advisable to check current timetables, as long-distance routes usually operate with limited daily frequencies.

Taxis

The taxi rank is located directly outside the Arrivals exit. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The standard daytime minimum fare is usually around €25.00–€30.00, with surcharges applying at night, on public holidays and for additional luggage.

Transport guide: sogaer.it

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Tips for getting to and from CAG

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Cagliari airport is 5 km from Cagliari. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at CAG.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at CAG.
  5. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near CAG.
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