Sardinia car hire: Cagliari and Olbia
Two airports serve the island, Cagliari (CAG) in the south and Olbia (OLB) in the north-east. This guide covers what to have ready, where to go and the rules of the road.
Your rental voucher, not the airport terminal map, is the source of truth for where your car is. Check it before you fly.
Cagliari and Olbia at a glance
Cagliari Elmas Airport
- IATA / ICAO
- CAG / LIEE
- Serving
- Southern Sardinia, Cagliari
- Terminal
- Single passenger terminal
- Car hire
- Desks and counters in the arrivals area; shuttle suppliers meet outside or at a signed meeting point.
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
- IATA / ICAO
- OLB / LIEO
- Serving
- North-east Sardinia, Costa Smeralda
- Terminal
- Single passenger terminal
- Car hire
- Desks and counters in the arrivals area; shuttle suppliers meet outside or at a signed meeting point.
Airport codes are the standard IATA codes for Cagliari and Olbia. Desk detail: operators and meeting points change, so we keep the guidance general and tell you what to check rather than inventing a floor plan.
What to have ready
Take the same five things to whichever airport you land at.
Car hire desks at Cagliari and Olbia
Most major suppliers keep a counter in or near the arrivals hall. Off-airport and shuttle suppliers do not keep a desk: your voucher gives the meeting point.
Where to look
After baggage reclaim, follow the signs for car hire or noleggio auto. The exact counter varies by supplier and season, so your booking voucher is the best guide to where your car is.
What to check
- Desk in the terminal, or shuttle to an off-airport depot?
- Meeting point for meet-and-greet suppliers.
- Opening hours: a flight delay can mean a closed desk.
We do not print per-supplier counter numbers because they vary and change. Your voucher carries the supplier's instructions for your booking.
Deposit and excess checker
Maths only, from the numbers on your own voucher. We never guess a price.
Your numbers stay in this browser. Deposit, excess and cover terms are set by your rental agreement; read the exclusions before you decide.
Driving in Sardinia
The island runs on Italian road rules. Keep right, and expect winding coastal roads and narrow historic town centres.
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
- Hire cars in Sardinia are left-hand drive, as in the rest of Italy.
- Seat belts are compulsory front and rear.
- Dipped headlights are required on some out-of-town roads during the day; check the signs you pass.
- Carry your licence, rental paperwork and ID with you.
General Italian road rules. Local signs and the supplier's rental terms take priority for your trip.
Compare Sardinia car hire
- Set Cagliari (CAG) or Olbia (OLB) as the collection point.
- Open each offer's rental conditions before choosing.
- Compare the deposit, excess, fuel policy and pick-up type.
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Questions about Sardinia car hire
Where are the car hire desks at Cagliari Airport?
Most suppliers keep a counter in or near the arrivals hall. The exact counter varies, so check the collection instructions on your voucher. Shuttle suppliers meet outside or at a signed meeting point.
Where are the car hire desks at Olbia Airport?
Most suppliers keep a counter in or near the arrivals hall. The exact counter varies, so check the collection instructions on your voucher. Shuttle suppliers meet outside or at a signed meeting point.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Italy?
A UK licence is accepted for car hire in Italy. Confirm with your supplier whether they require anything extra for your booking.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Sardinia?
The right. Hire cars are left-hand drive.
What should I check before leaving the car park?
Check the recorded damage, fuel level, mileage and return instructions. Photograph every side of the car, the wheels, windscreen, dashboard and fuel gauge before driving away.