Olbia Airport Car Rental – Top Brands & Best Picks 🚗🌴
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (IATA: OLB) is the main gateway to the stunning Costa Smeralda region in northeast Sardinia. If you’re landing in Olbia and want to explore the island freely, renting a car at Olbia Airport is the best decision you can make. Public transportation here is limited, and taxis are pricey — so having your own vehicle guarantees comfort, flexibility, and access to Sardinia’s breathtaking beaches and mountain roads.
This complete guide explains prices, best rental companies, insurance options, parking tips, and everything you should know before renting a car at Olbia Airport.
Why Rent a Car at Olbia Airport? 🚘✨
Renting a car at Olbia Airport gives you freedom to explore:
- 🏖️ La Cinta Beach (San Teodoro)
- 🌅 Porto Cervo & the Costa Smeralda coastline
- 🏺 Arzachena Archaeological Park
- ⛰️ Monte Limbara nature trails
- 🍷 Local wineries and countryside routes
Sardinia is one of the best road-trip islands in Europe — wide roads, scenic routes, and spectacular coastlines.
Where Are the Car Rental Companies at Olbia Airport? 📍
After you exit the arrivals hall, follow the “Car Rental / Autonoleggio” signs. Rental desks are located:
Inside the Terminal
Major international brands.
Outside the Terminal (2–4 min walk)
Local and low-cost agencies with parking lots next to the terminal.
Car Rental Companies at Olbia Airport (OLB) – Comparison Table 🧾
| Rental Company | Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | International | New cars, fast service | Higher deposit |
| Europcar | International | Good for automatic cars | Expensive one-way fees |
| Avis / Budget | International | Easy airport access | Premium insurance upsells |
| Sixt | International | Luxury models & SUVs | Pricey in summer |
| Enterprise / Alamo | International | Fair conditions | Limited office hours off-season |
| Italy Car Rent | Local | Competitive prices | Older fleet |
| Noleggiare | Local | Good customer reviews | Long queues in high season |
| Maggiore | Local | Good for compact cars | Limited automatics |
Car Rental Prices at Olbia Airport – What to Expect 💶
Prices vary by season (summer = high demand) and type of car.
Average Daily Prices (Table)
| Season | Economy Car | SUV | Automatic Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Nov–Mar) | €12–€22 | €25–€40 | €20–€35 |
| Mid Season (Apr–May, Oct) | €20–€35 | €40–€60 | €25–€45 |
| High Season (Jun–Sep) | €45–€90 | €70–€150 | €55–€120 |
What affects price:
- 🚗 Car type (automatic cars are more expensive in Italy)
- 🗓️ Seasonality
- ⛽ Fuel policy
- 🛡️ Insurance
- 📦 Add-ons (GPS, child seats, extra drivers)
Best Car Types to Rent in Sardinia 🚙💡
Because Sardinia has both narrow town streets and open highways:
✔ Economy (Fiat Panda, VW Polo)
Perfect for beach towns, easy parking, low fuel consumption.
✔ Compact / Crossover (Renault Captur, Fiat 500X)
Ideal balance for small towns + longer drives.
✔ SUV (Jeep Renegade, Ford Kuga)
Comfortable for rural and mountain roads.
✔ Convertible (Fiat 124 Spider, Mini Cabrio)
Fun option for Costa Smeralda’s coastal drives.
Rental Requirements at Olbia Airport 🧾
To rent a car at OLB, you usually need:
- Valid driving license (typically at least 1 year old)
- Credit card in the main driver’s name
- Passport or ID
- Minimum age: 21–25 depending on company
- Young driver fee may apply for drivers under 25
Insurance Options Explained 🛡️
Italian car rental insurance can feel confusing, so here is a simple breakdown:
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| Insurance Type | Included? | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| CDW / Collision Damage Waiver | Usually included | Damage to car (with excess) |
| TP / Theft Protection | Usually included | Theft or attempted theft |
| Third-party liability | Always included | Damage to others |
| Full Insurance / Zero Excess | Optional | Removes deductible (recommended) |
Should you get full insurance?
✔ Yes — especially in Sardinia’s busy summer months.
It protects you against scratches, parking damage, tire punctures, and more.
Fuel Policies at Olbia Airport ⛽
Most common:
1. Full-to-Full (Best choice)
Pick up full, return full. No extra charges.
2. Full-to-Empty (Avoid)
You pay for fuel upfront (often overpriced).
3. Pre-purchase fuel (Partial)
Mixed policy depending on provider.
Driving in Sardinia – What You Need to Know 🏞️
Sardinia is a dream for drivers, but here are key rules:
Speed Limits
- 🛣️ 130 km/h on highways (few on the island)
- 🚗 110 km/h on main roads
- 🚙 90 km/h on rural roads
- 🏘️ 50 km/h in towns
Local Driving Tips
- Roads can be winding — drive carefully at night.
- Parking in tourist areas can be difficult in July–August.
- Look for blue lines (paid parking) and white lines (free).
- Many beaches have seasonal paid parking.
Parking at Olbia Airport 🅿️
| Parking Type | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P1 – Terminal Parking | 1–2 min | Short stays, higher price |
| P2 – Long-Stay Parking | 4 min | Best for multi-day trips |
| Car Rental Parking Areas | 2–4 min | For rental pickup & return |
Best Day Trips from Olbia with a Rental Car 🌅
San Teodoro & La Cinta Beach
Caribbean-style sand and turquoise sea.
Porto Cervo & Costa Smeralda
Luxury yachts, exclusive beaches, panoramic drives.
Golfo Aranci
Dolphin watching and hidden coves.
Budoni
Wide family-friendly beaches.
Palau & La Maddalena
Take the ferry with your rental car to the archipelago.
7 Tips for Renting a Car at Olbia Airport 🔑
- Book early — summer prices rise quickly.
- Choose full insurance to avoid stress.
- Inspect the car and take photos of all sides.
- Check for mileage limits (some local companies have them).
- Avoid prepaid fuel when possible.
- Reserve automatic cars early — demand is high.
- Return the car clean if your provider charges cleaning fees.
FAQ – Car Rental at Olbia Airport ❓
Is renting a car at Olbia Airport worth it?
Absolutely — Sardinia is best explored by car.
Do I need an international driving permit?
Not if you have a EU, UK, or US license.
Are tolls common in Sardinia?
No — Sardinia has no highway tolls.
Can I take the rental car on ferries?
Yes, but notify your rental provider first.
Is parking free at beaches?
Often paid in high season (June–September).
