How to travel by train in Sardinia

Sardinia has a railway network that is not particularly extensive or developed compared to other Italian regions. For those wishing to use the train as a means of transportation on the island, careful planning of journeys is essential.

Still, traveling by train in Sardinia is a unique experience. It lets you see the island at a relaxed pace. If you’re going on shorter trips or want to visit specific places, you might also consider using buses or renting a car.

If you’re thinking of exploring Sardinia by train, our guide has useful tips to help you make the most of your trip. And remember, while there are good train connections between major cities, you might need to mix in other transportation options for more remote areas. It’s a good idea to check schedules in advance.

The railways of Sardinia

It’s important to note that the railway routes in Sardinia are operated by TRENITALIA, which handles the main lines, while the regional company ARST manages only certain secondary routes. Tickets for trains operated by TRENITALIA can be conveniently purchased online in advance.

Recently has been added to the network the new train connecting the cities of Cagliari – Sassari – Olbia

Most Popular Routes: Book Your Train Journey in Sardinia

The main railway lines include the Cagliari – Olbia route and the Cagliari – Sassari route, both passing through the towns of Oristano, Macomer, and Ozieri. The Ozieri-Chilvani station is the hub to reach Sassari, Olbia, and Cagliari.

Average travel times

• Cagliari – Olbia > 3h 30 / 4h
• Cagliari – Sassari > 3h / 3h 30
• Cagliari – Porto Torres > 3h 30 / 4h
• Olbia – Porto Torres > 2h / 2h 30min
• Olbia – Sassari > 1h 50/ 2h
• Oristano – Olbia > 2h 30/ 3h

🚉 Train Cagliari – Sassari 

You can reach Sassari either from Cagliari-Elmas Airport station or from Cagliari central station. There are 7 daily departures from Cagliari. Keep in mind that the last departure from the center of Cagliari is at 18.30. The journey takes approximately 3h if direct or 3h 30 minutes with one change at Ozieri-Chilivani. Stops for this route also include Oristano and Macomer

Sassari station is located in the city center, between via XXV Aprile and corso Francesco Vico. From Sassari station trains to Alghero (ARST), Porto Torres and Olbia (Trenitalia)

TRAIN DEPARTURE TIMES CAGLIARI –  SASSARI

Normally there are 7 daily departures from Cagliari to Sassari. The first train around 6:30 am and the last one at 18,30

Go to the website to check the schedules and purchase tickets for the Cagliari-Sassari line.

🚉 Train Cagliari – Olbia

The Olbia-Terranova train station is located a short distance from the center of Olbia and offers direct connections both to the Costa Smeralda airport and the port of Olbia.

Through the Olbia Airlink service, it’s easy to reach the Olbia-Terranova station from the airport, from where you can continue to other destinations in Sardinia. To plan your train journey, visit the website.

The bus directly to the airport departs from the Olbia-Terranova station.

Connection between Cagliari-Elmas and Olbia-Costa Smeralda airports

TIMETABLES AND DEPARTURES CAGLIARI-OLBIA

Rugularly there are 6 daily departures from Cagliari to Olbia from around 6:30 am to the last one at 18,30

You can check the schedules and purchase tickets for the Cagliari-Olbia train on the website.

🚉 Train Olbia – Sassari

The journey duration from Olbia to Sassari is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours. There are 8 connections per day, with the first around 5:30 AM and the last at 8:15 PM. The average ticket price is €8 for a one-way trip.

Visit the website to check the schedules and purchase tickets for the Olbia-Sassari line.

Useful info for traveling by train in Sardinia

• Can I bring the bicycle on the train?

Yes, on the routes managed by Trenitalia it is possible to bring the bike. It is necessary to pay a supplement of € 3.50. It can be purchased at the ticket offices or on the Trenitalia website. The bike pass is valid 24 hours on the day of purchase. Folding bicycles can be brought on board for free. For groups of cyclists it is necessary to contact the Trenitalia management by email: direzione.sardegna@trenitalia.it or by phone: +39 070 450 7595

• Where to buy the ticket?

Before getting on the train you must have a ticket. You can buy it online on Omio or on Trenitalia. You can also buy it at the ticket office or tabacconist.

• Check the website ViaggiaTreno You can view the route of the chosen train, receiving detailed information on the arrival and departure time and the scheduled stops, as well as print the arrival time of the train.

Trenino Verde (the green train): the tourist route

The tourist service that travels around beautiful routes in the mainly internal areas of Sardinia. For info and reservations http://www.treninoverde.com/

Soon we will publish a page dedicated to the green train with all the tips and information on how to book

Contact info Sardinia train stations 

Sassari – Stazione Ferroviaria Piazza Stazione tel. +39 079 262 757

Olbia – Stazione Ferroviaria Via Giacomo Pala tel. +39 0789 22 477

Cagliari – Stazione Ferrovviaria Piazza Matteotti tel. +39 070 67 94 449

Alghero -Stazione Ferroviaria Via don Minzoni tel. +39 079950 785

General Info Trenitalia tel 06 3000 attivo 24h. Da estero: +39.06.68475475

General Transport Info Sardinia ARST tel 800 865 042

Note: the post provided is for information only and may be subject to change at any time. Information from the Trenitalia and Arst websites. Check the websites for other routes and timetables and for more details

Travelling by Train in Sardinia: timetables, online train prices for Sardinia.