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Sardinia (Sardegna) is a famous Italian island located 354 kilometers from Rome in the Mediterranean Sea. The air distance is equal to 220 miles. The best way to get from Rome to Sardinia is by plane. First, you can fly into the island’s capital, Cagliari. The second option which takes more time is the ferry. Four ferry routes operate between Rome and Sardinia, with over 40 sailings per week. Overall, the journey from Rome to Sardinia will take from 1 to 14 hours.
Sardinia is around 162 miles long and lies 116 miles from mainland Italy
Interestingly, the local native language is Sardo, closer to Latin than Italian, with Arabic, Catalan, Spanish, and Arabic elements. Even though Sicily is more significant, Sardinia is the next biggest island in the Mediterranean sea.
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Here’s the list of options on how to get from Rome to Sardinia:
By Ferry
Regarding 4 ferry routes existing between Rome and Sardinia, Grimaldi Lines operates 2 routes. Other options are from Civitavecchia port to Olbia, which operates 7 times per week, and from Civitavecchia to Porto Torres, which runs about 4 times per week.
Also, Tirrenia operates 3 routes, ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia runs 3 times per day, from Civitavecchia to Arbatax runs 2 times weekly Civitavecchia to Cagliari about 7 times per week. If you wonder how to choose the best option, search for crossings from Rome to Sardinia to find the most up-to-date information.
You can get from Rome to Civitavecchia port by booking one of the best private transfers with our close friend and best driver Sergio
Some examples of rides by ferry with prices are:
- Civitavecchia – Cagliari with Tirrenia Ferries price for a one-way ticket for 2 people in a double cabin with no vehicle is 140 euros. The journey takes about 9 hours during the nighttime.
- Civitavecchia – Olbia with SNAV price for a one-way ticket for two people in a double (external) cabin with a small vehicle is 180 euros. The journey takes about 8 hours
You can buy ferry tickets on:
You can arrive by ferry to one of these cities in Sardinia:
- Cagliari
- Olbia
- Golfo Aranci
- Porto Torres
- Arbatax Tortolì
Read also articles “How to Get from Rome to Tuscany” and “Which Rome Airport is Closest to Cruise Port?“.
By Plane
Many budget airlines offer cheap flights to Sardinia. Some of them are EasyJet, Meridiana Fly, and Ryanair. More prominent airlines like Alitalia also provide tickets for a higher price, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the island by air.
For example:
- Rome Fiumicino Airport – Olbia – Meridiana Fly; one-way flights start from €70; flight time is about 50 minutes
Another option is to fly from Rome Ciampino Airport by Ryanair airlines. The flights to Sardinia are available from mid-January until the end of October. Usually, there are two daily flights: one in the early morning and one late in the evening—the same works with the return flight from Cagliari to Rome.
Prices for tickets become higher in July and August due to the peak season in the island
Sardinia Airports
There are five airports on Sardinia island. The first three airports have international connections, and the smaller two are regional airports with local Italian flights.
- These airports are:
- Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) is the main airport in Sardinia
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is hub airport for Meridiana Fly, located close to Costa Smeralda
- Alghero Fertilia Airport (AHO) is in the northwest part of Sardinia
- Tortoli-Arbatax (TTB) is a small regional airport, which works mainly during the high season
- Oristano Fenosu Airport (FNU) is another small regional airport
By Car
Yes, there is the possibility of getting to Sardinia from Rome by car. Even though this option is not the most convenient, you can catch the car ferry from Civitavecchia, about 50 miles from Rome. Then, you will drive off at Olbia on Sardinia’s eastern coast. The trip will take 7 hours. However, if you want to travel by ferry from Civitavecchia to Cagliari, the journey will take 14 hours.
You can rent a car in Rome with rentalcars.com
Read tips about renting a car in Rome airports.
Things to Do
- Visit Nuraghi – stone dwellings from the bronze age. People believe that previously they were used as religious temples or military strongholds.
- Enjoy the clear blue water of Sardinian beaches!
- Admire wild animals: there are unique deer and foxes that live in the woods and mountains. Also, you will meet different birds, including Flamingo.
- Visit Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Di La Maddalena, which is a national park in the North of Sardinia. This archipelago can only be reached by boat, and you will find amazing nature and impressive views there.
- Enjoy views on Cagliari from the top of Bastione San Remy, the Romanesque Cathedral of Cagliari.
- Explore the castles and archaeological sites of the island
- Travel to one of the nearby islands
- Attend one of the local festivals. Any week there is a new festival from traditional religious honor of local saints to music or wine and food festivals. The most popular one is Sant’Efisio, which has existed for over 400 years and is celebrated on the 1st of May. There are many representatives of the villages of Sardinia, walking about 50 km from Cagliari to Pula in traditional clothes to celebrate Sant’Efisio, who is a saint patron of the island.
- Try one of the water sports! One of the most popular things to do in Sardinia is surfing. Also, you can try to windsurf and kitesurf
- Try local food specialties such as fregola con le arselle, which is couscous with tomato and clams sauce, or bottarga, and a fish roe sometimes sprinkled on pasta and other dishes. Also, there are culurgiones – the local version of ravioli and malloreddus – a small gnocchi pasta traditionally cooked with sausage and tomato sauce.
Where to Stay
There are many different places to stay for any budget. You can choose between a bed and breakfast and small hotels or book a 4-5 stars hotel.
Faro Capo Spartivento
Faro Capo Spartivento is a 5 stars hotel in Chia, Sardinia. There are two outdoor pools, a restaurant, and an underground cinema. Moreover, in the daytime, a free shuttle service to the beach is offered by the hotel. It is one of the top-rated locations in Chia.
- Prices per night for a room for two people start from 400 euros.
Also, I recommend you read the article about the Best 4-star Hotels in Sardinia With a Private Beach.
Cervo Hotel Costa Smeralda Resort
Cervo Hotel Costa Smeralda Resort is set in Porto Cervo, the main town along Sardinia’s famous Emerald Coast. The hotel offers panoramic views across the bay. Moreover, it features its own private beach and wellness center. All rooms are spacious, modern, and bright.
- Prices per night for a room for two people start from 140 euro
Kkult Boutique Hotel
Kkult Boutique Hotel is located in Olbia and is a four stars hotel with modern and spacious rooms. Moreover, all rooms contain a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. In addition, the hotel offers a hot hub.
- Prices per night for a room for two people start from 70 euro
La Puppusedda
La Puppusedda property features a terrace with garden views. This vacation home is top-rated and located in San Teodoro. It consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. Moreover, guests can relax in the garden of the property.
- Prices per night for a room for two people start from 40 euro
Il Salice Bed and Breakfast
Il Salice b&b has a restaurant and a terrace. Moreover, it provides an ATM and free WiFi. You can enjoy continental and buffet breakfast daily. The area of Olbia is famous for cycling. Bike and car rental are available at the accommodation.
- Prices per night for a room for two people start from 40 euro.
