How to arrive in Cagliari
By plane
Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) is located about 7 km northwest of the city center. It is connected to numerous domestic and international destinations through more than 30 airlines.
Connections between the airport and downtown Cagliari
- Train: The train connection between the airport and Cagliari station operates from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, with a frequency of about 20 minutes. The journey time is about 7 minutes. The cost of the ticket is €1.30. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at the airport, at the train station, or through apps such as Trainline.
- Taxi: The ride typically costs around €25 and takes about 15 minutes, though this can vary with traffic. Surcharges may apply during night hours (22:00-06:00) or for extra luggage.
- Bus: Limited runs operated by ARST are available, especially during times when train service is not operating. You’ll find specific routes like Line 160 bus leaving at 11:45 PM for late arrivals, Line 501 at 2:22 PM from arrivals, and Line 747 at 9:56 AM from departures.
For up-to-date information, please consult the official airport website and the websites of the transportation companies.
By Ferry
Cagliari can be reached by sea through the city port, centrally located and about 200 meters from the railway and bus stations. The main shipping companies operating connections to Sardinia include: Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci, Moby, Grimaldi Lines, and Corsica Ferries.
Cagliari is connected by ferry with Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo. No direct connections to international ports are available.
Daytime routes: 5-6.5 hours (fast ferries)
Overnight routes: 10-12 hours
Ferries generally have cabins, seats and common areas (restaurants, play areas, etc.). For schedules and reservations, consult the companies’ official websites.
Accommodation
Cagliari remains a popular tourist destination in September; early booking of accommodation is strongly recommended.
Getting around in Cagliari
Urban public transportation is operated by CTM S.p.A. The bus network covers the entire city area. Timetables and routes are integrated on Google Maps. To purchase and validate tickets, the CTM BusFinder app is available, downloadable for Android and iOS devices. The procedure involves: 1) Registration on the app. 2) Purchase of the digital ticket or subscription. 3) Validation by scanning the QR code on board the vehicles.
For suburban travel, the ARST company offers connections to other locations in Sardinia.
For those looking to venture outside of Cagliari and explore the wider Sardinian landscape, ARTS provides transport services to surrounding areas, offering a great way to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Travel Essentials for Cagliari
Weather Conditions: Cagliari in Sptember has a generally stable weather with occasional brief rains. The sea remains suitable for bathing (23°C-25°C).
Connectivity: For EU citizens, mobile phone services operate on a free roaming basis. You are advised to check your operator’s conditions before departure.
Getting Around: For travel within Cagliari, a car is not necessary. However, for excursions outside the city, car rental may be useful. Licenses issued by EU/EEA countries are valid in Italy.
Currency: The currency in use is the euro (€). ATMs are available throughout the city. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) are widely accepted, but some smaller establishments may charge a minimum transaction limit or prefer cash payment.
Language Fundamentals: The official language is Italian. Sardinia also has Sardinian. Although English and other languages are often included in tourist settings, it is useful to know some basic phrases in Italian to facilitate interaction.