Cagliari Airport Car Hire – Cheap & Convenient

✈️ Car Rental at Cagliari Airport: Easy, Fast & Affordable

Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) is the main gateway to southern Sardinia, an area known for its turquoise beaches, nature reserves, ancient ruins, and coastal drives. Public transport is limited outside Cagliari city, so renting a car is by far the best and fastest way to explore the island’s hidden gems.

Travelers choose car rental at Cagliari Airport because:

• ✔️ Excellent highway access
• ✔️ Short queues and easy pickup
• ✔️ Many rental companies = very competitive prices
• ✔️ Ideal for road trips to Villasimius, Chia, Pula, Costa del Sud
• ✔️ Parking is generally easy outside Cagliari’s city center

A rental car gives you full freedom to discover Sardinia’s beaches, cliffs, mountains, and villages at your own pace.

🏢 Car Rental Companies at Cagliari Airport

Cagliari Airport has one of the largest selections of car rental companies in Sardinia.

On-site international brands (in the terminal):

• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• Sixt
• Europcar
• Enterprise / Alamo / National

Local & regional companies (great prices):

• Noleggiare
• Sicily by Car
• Maggiore
• Autovia
• Ecovia
• Ruvioli
• Only Sardinia

Where are the rental desks?

Most desks are inside the Arrivals Hall. Some companies operate from external offices, reachable via free shuttle buses.

💶 Average Car Rental Prices at Cagliari Airport

Sardinia is seasonal, so prices change dramatically depending on the month. Below is an overview of the average rental prices.

Average price per day by car type

When prices increase:

• Summer months
• Easter holidays
• Weekends
• Last-minute bookings

Booking early usually saves 25–40%.

🧾 Required Documents for Renting a Car at Cagliari Airport

Renting a car at CAG is simple, but you must bring the right documents.

✔️ Mandatory documents:

• Passport or national ID
• Driving licence valid for at least 1–2 years (depending on company)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• Booking confirmation (digital or printed)

✔️ For non-EU drivers:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required
• Always carry your original licence + IDP

✔️ Minimum age:

• 19–21 years old, depending on company
• Under-25 drivers pay a young driver fee

🚘 Choosing the Best Car Type for Sardinia

Southern Sardinia has a mix of coastal roads, mountain routes, and narrow village streets. Here’s what works best.

🚗 Economy Cars — Perfect for Short Trips

Ideal for:

• Cagliari city
• Costa Rei
• Villasimius

Benefits:

• Easy to park
• Low fuel consumption
• Best for couples or solo travelers

🚙 SUVs — Best for Beaches & Hills

Recommended if you’re visiting:

• Chia
• Tuerredda Beach
• Pula
• Costa del Sud
• Mountain passes

Advantages:

• Higher clearance
• More comfortable for long drives

🚐 Minivans — Best for Families and Groups

Great for:

• Group beach holidays
• Large luggage
• Multi-day coastal routes

🌞 Convertibles — Fun for the Coast

Perfect for:

• Scenic drives
• Sunset routes
• Photography lovers

✨ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rent a Car at Cagliari Airport

1️⃣ Compare rental companies online

Prices vary significantly. Compare:

• Fuel policy
• Deposit amount
• Insurance options
• Mileage limits
• Cross-island travel rules

2️⃣ Choose your insurance

Options include:

• Basic insurance (included)
• Medium protection (reduced excess)
• Full protection (no excess, covers tires & glass)

Most travelers prefer full protection due to tight roads and sandy parking areas.

3️⃣ Pick up your car

• Go to the rental desk
• Provide documents
• Sign the rental contract
• Collect your keys
• Follow signs to the pickup parking zone

4️⃣ Inspect your car before driving

Check:

• Scratches and dents
• Tire condition
• Fuel level
• Mirrors and windows
• Interior

Take photos — this protects you during return.

5️⃣ Enjoy your Sardinian road trip

Follow signs for:

• SS195 (to Pula, Chia, Costa del Sud)
• SS125 Orientale Sarda (to Villasimius, Costa Rei)
• SS130 (to Iglesias)

6️⃣ Return the car

Return the vehicle to the designated area:

• Refill fuel if required
• Allow inspection
• Request a final receipt

🛣️ Driving Tips for Sardinia

A rental car is the best way to explore Sardinia, but be aware of local rules.

🚦 Speed limits:

• Urban: 50 km/h
• Rural: 90 km/h
• Highways: 110 km/h

⛽ Fuel types:

• Benzina = Petrol
• Gasolio = Diesel
• GPL = AutoGas

🅿️ Parking tips:

• White lines = free parking
• Blue lines = paid parking
• Yellow = reserved (avoid)

🛑 ZTL zones:

Cagliari has restricted traffic zones. Avoid driving into:

• Marina
• Castello
• Stampace

Fines are issued automatically via cameras.

🌅 Top Road Trips from Cagliari Airport

Renting a car unlocks the most beautiful parts of southern Sardinia. Here are the best road trips starting from CAG.

1️⃣ Cagliari City — 10 minutes

Highlights:

• Poetto Beach
• Bastione Saint Remy
• Castello district
• Roman Amphitheatre

Parking is easier outside the historic center.

2️⃣ Villasimius — 1 hour

One of Sardinia’s top beach areas.
Must-see:

• Punta Molentis
• Simius Beach
• Notteri Lagoon (flamingos)

The scenic coastal SP17 road is unforgettable.

3️⃣ Chia & Tuerredda — 50 minutes

Home to:

• Crystal-clear water
• Green hills
• Epic sunsets

Tuerredda is one of the island’s most famous beaches.

4️⃣ Pula & Nora Archaeological Site — 30 minutes

Perfect mix of:

• Beaches
• Restaurants
• Roman ruins

Nora is one of Sardinia’s oldest settlements.

5️⃣ Costa del Sud — 1 hour

A dramatic coastline with:

• Cliffs
• Hidden coves
• Panoramic viewpoints

Ideal for photography.

6️⃣ Iglesias & Masua — 1 hour 10 minutes

A rugged, beautiful coastline with:

• Mines
• Rock formations
• The famous Pan di Zucchero sea stack

🏨 Best Hotels Near Cagliari Airport

Here are top-rated accommodations for travelers arriving or departing from CAG.

❓ FAQ: Car Rental at Cagliari Airport

Is it cheaper to rent a car at Cagliari Airport or in the city?

The airport usually offers lower prices and more vehicle options.

Do I need full insurance?

Not mandatory, but recommended due to narrow roads and beach parking.

Are automatic cars available?

Yes, but in limited numbers — book early.

Can I take the rental car to other parts of Sardinia?

Yes, all areas of the island are accessible.

Are ferries allowed with rental cars?

Most companies allow island-to-island ferries within Italy, but you must inform them.

🧭 Final Tips for Renting a Car at Cagliari Airport

• Book early for the best price
• Avoid ZTL zones in Cagliari
• Choose an SUV for beach towns and mountain roads
• Get full insurance for peace of mind
• Check car condition before leaving the lot
• Keep cash or cards for parking zones

Renting a car at Cagliari Airport is the best way to fully enjoy the natural beauty, beaches, and ancient history of southern Sardinia.