Picking up your rental car at Cagliari Airport
About Cagliari Airport (CAG)
Cagliari Elmas Airport (IATA: CAG) is located approximately 6 km northwest of Cagliari city centre, in the flat coastal plain near the town of Elmas. It is Sardinia’s busiest airport and handles both domestic routes and a growing number of European connections, including regular services from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. The terminal is a modern single-building facility. Car rental desks are in the arrivals area with vehicle collection in the dedicated rental car zone in the adjacent car park. The airport is well-organised and the pick-up process is straightforward year-round.
Getting on the road from Cagliari Airport
The SS130 connects the airport to Cagliari city centre in about 10 minutes. The SS131 motorway heading north toward Sassari and Olbia begins just outside the city; Sassari is approximately 220 km north, about 2.5 hours. The SS554 heading east connects to the SS125 toward Villasimius and the Costa del Sud. Villasimius is about 50 km east, around 50 minutes. The Costa del Sud beaches around Chia are 60 km southwest via the SS195. Sant’Antioco island is about 75 km west. The Barbagia mountain region is accessible via the SS128 heading northeast.
Why pick up at the airport rather than in the city
Cagliari Airport sits at the junction of the main road routes running south, east, and north, making it a logical starting point for any direction. Cagliari city itself has a compact and walkable historic centre, but for everything beyond, the beaches, the lagoons, the mountain interior, and the Costa Verde, a car is necessary and the airport is the right place to collect it. For more about driving on the island, see car rental in Sardinia and car rental in Italy.
Car rental price at Cagliari Airport
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car at Cagliari Airport, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | Estimated weekly price (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | €220 – €380 |
| Mid-size car | €310 – €480 |
| Large car / SUV | €440 – €670 |
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
