Travelling by car in Sardinia: everything you need to know for your on-the-road trip
Sardinia is one of the best destinations for an on-the-road trip. Its scenic roads, pristine beaches, and villages rich in history make every journey a unique experience. In this guide you will find everything you need to know to organise your road trip in Sardinia, from recommended itineraries to practical tips for a stress-free adventure. Note: in Sardinia there are no motorways but only super highways connecting the main centres: Cagliari – Sassari – Nuoro – Oristano – Olbia
Why choose a car to explore Sardinia?
The car is undoubtedly the most convenient means of getting around Sardinia, especially if you want to visit less touristy places and discover authentic beaches and landscapes. Here are the main advantages:
✔ Freedom of movement – No time constraints as with public transport.
✔ Access to the most beautiful beaches – Many hidden coves cannot be reached by public transport.
✔ Breathtaking scenic routes – Coastal and inland roads offer spectacular views.
How to rent a car in Sardinia
If you do not arrive on the island with your own vehicle, you can rent a car directly at the main airports (Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero) or ports. 💡 Tip: Book in advance, especially in high season, to find the best rates here:
Things to know about hiring a car in Sardinia
- Minimum age: Most companies require at least 21 years of age (surcharge under 25).
- Credit cards: Required for security deposit.
- Insurance: Check coverage carefully to avoid extra costs in case of damage.
- Type of car: If you plan to explore unpaved roads, better opt for an SUV.
Best itineraries by car in Sardinia
1. North to South: Full Island Tour (10-14 days)
If you want to explore Sardinia in all its beauty, this is the perfect itinerary
🚘 Olbia → Costa Smeralda → Alghero → Bosa → Oristano → Cagliari → Villasimius → Ogliastra → Nuoro → Olbia
🏨 Where to stop? Olbia, Alghero, Cagliari
2. The northwest coast: beaches and historic towns (7-10 days)
Perfect for those who love the sea and historic villages
🚘 Alghero → Stintino → Castelsardo → Isola Rossa → Santa Teresa di Gallura
🏨 Where to stop? Alghero, Santa Teresa di Gallura
3. Wild East Sardinia (7-10 days)
A mix of sea and mountains
🚘 Olbia → San Teodoro → Cala Gonone → Baunei → Arbatax → Lanusei → Nuoro
🏨 Where to stop? Olbia, Arbatax
Practical tips for an on-the-road trip to Sardinia
✅ Beware of fuel – petrol stations are less frequent in inland areas. Better refuelling in advance!
✅ Speed limits and fines – 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside, 110 km/h on main roads. Speeding fines are steep!
✅ Road conditions – Coastal roads are spectacular but full of bends. Avoid driving at night in remote areas.
✅ Parking – In high season, some car parks near beaches are chargeable.
When is the best time for a road trip to Sardinia?
- June and September – Ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying perfect temperatures.
- July and August – Perfect for the sea, but more traffic and higher prices.
- Spring and autumn – Great for exploring the interior of the island without excessive heat.
Distances between Sardinian airports
HOW TO GET TO OLBIA AIRPORT FROM CAGLIARI
Journey time 2h 40 min – Km 267
Take the SS 131 state road north towards Oristano. After Oristano take the exit Nuoro/Olbia.
HOW TO GET TO ALGHERO AIRPORT FROM CAGLIARI
Journey time 2h 30 min – Km 235
Follow the SS 131 state road north towards Sassari. Take the exit SS 291 towards Alghero – Aeroporto Fertilia
HOW TO GET TO OLBIA AIRPORT FROM ALGHERO
Journey time 1h 40 min – Km 127
Take the SS 291 towards Sassari. Continue on the SS 597 towards Olbia and take the exit Aeroporto Costa Smeralda
Useful things to know before taking an on-the-road trip to Sardinia
Driving in Sardinia is reasonably easy and stress-free. In general, there is not much traffic, with the exception of the main cities such as Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia and Alghero, which double in the middle of summer.
- The main roads are generally in good condition.
- To better explore the island, it is necessary to use the smaller provincial roads (Strade Provinciali), marked as P or SP on maps. Some of them only have one lane in both directions, but these are the only way to reach the most beautiful places and small villages.
- It is generally easier to travel from north to south (or vice versa) than from east to west.
- Many spectacular hidden beaches and rural areas are only accessible by dirt roads.
- Parking can be very difficult in large cities and at busy beaches.
- It is always convenient to rent a car before arriving in Sardinia. The main car-hire companies are located at airports.
- Many stations have self-service (do-it-yourself) stations that you can use 24 hours a day. To use a self-service petrol station, you must first insert a banknote or credit card into the machine and press the number of the pump you want.
Sardinia’s main roads
There are no toll motorways in Sardinia, the Cagliari-Oristano-Sassari and Cagliari-Oristano-Olbia connections are quite fast and guaranteed by the SS131 highway.
The main route is the SS131 (Carlo Felice) which ‘cuts’ Sardinia in two, connecting it from north to south from Cagliari to Sassari and Porto Torres.
Starting from Cagliari, it runs through the central-western part with numerous exits from which to reach the other arteries connecting the entire island, passing through Oristano to Sassari.
Other main branches
SS131 Diramazione Centrale Nuorese – from the heart of Sardinia at the Abbasanta junction reaches Nuoro and ends at Olbia
SS 127 Settentrionale Sarda – starts from Olbia and passes through Telti, Calangianus, Tempio Pausania, until it joins the SS131 to Sassari
SS 125 Orientale Sarda – departs from Cagliari and passes through the main towns on the east coast: from Muravera, Tortolì, Dorgali, Orosei, Budoni, San Teodoro, as far as Olbia
SS 128 Central Sarda – starts from Monastir and touches Senorbì, Isili, Atzara until Fonni and joins the SS 129 Transversale Sarda
SS 129 Transversale Sarda – starts from Orosei enters Barbagia, touches Galtellì, Nuoro, Orotelli, Bolotana until Macomer
SS291 Della Nurra – from Sassari reaches Fertilia via Santa Maria La Palma.
Travelling by car in Sardinia is the perfect choice for those who want to discover the island in total freedom. Plan your itinerary, rent the car and get ready for an unforgettable adventure among dream beaches, breathtaking panoramas and authentic villages.