Picking up your rental car at Olbia Airport
About Olbia Airport (OLB)
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (IATA: OLB) is located approximately 4 km southwest of Olbia city centre in the Gallura region of northeastern Sardinia. It is Sardinia’s second busiest airport and handles a large volume of charter and low-cost traffic during summer, serving the Costa Smeralda resort area. The terminal is a single modern building. Car rental desks are in the arrivals area with vehicle collection in the dedicated rental car zone directly in front of the terminal. During July and August demand for rental cars here is very high; advance booking is essential.
Getting on the road from Olbia Airport
The airport connects to the SS125 and the Olbia-Sassari expressway (SS199). The Costa Smeralda resort area begins approximately 15 km north of the airport, with Porto Cervo reachable in about 20 minutes via the SP94. Palau and the ferry to the Maddalena Archipelago are about 30 km north on the SS125. Nuoro and the central Barbagia mountains are approximately 100 km southwest on the SS131DCN. Sassari is 100 km west via the SS199. Alghero on the western coast is about 130 km via Sassari, around 90 minutes.
Why pick up at the airport rather than in the city
Olbia Airport is the best starting point for any itinerary in northeast Sardinia. The Costa Smeralda beaches, the Maddalena islands, and the Gallura wine country are all within 30 to 40 minutes of the terminal. Picking up at the airport means you can head directly to your first destination without transferring through Olbia city. Given how spread out the resorts and beaches of the northeast coast are, having a car from the moment of arrival is the only practical way to move freely. For more about driving on the island, see car rental in Sardinia and car rental in Italy.
Car rental price at Olbia Airport
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car at Olbia 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.
