agliariCagliari Elmas Airport, also known as Mario Mameli Airport, serves as Sardinia’s primary international gateway, handling over 4.3 million passengers annually with a modern and efficient setup. Located 7 kilometres northwest of Cagliari’s city centre in the Elmas area, the airport connects travellers to more than 30 destinations across Europe, with airlines like Ryanair, Volotea, and EasyJet operating regularly. Its single three-floor terminal, upgraded in 2003, provides a straightforward experience for those exploring Sardinia’s beaches and historic sites.
Accessing the airport is easy, with multiple transport options linking to Cagliari. The Elmas Aeroporto railway station, a five-minute walk from the terminal, offers trains every 20 minutes from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, reaching the city centre in 5 to 7 minutes for €1.30. Tickets are available at vending machines in the arrivals hall or online via Trenitalia. Bus services, operated by ARST, depart every 30 minutes from stops outside the arrivals and departures areas, taking about 10 minutes to reach Piazza Matteotti for €0.67 to €4.
Taxis, stationed outside arrivals, cost €17 to €20 for a 10-to-15-minute ride, with fixed fares available through providers like Cooperativa Radio Taxi. Car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, are located in a dedicated building near the multi-storey car park, with parking rates starting at €2 per hour. Passengers driving should follow the SS130 or SS554, with clear signs guiding to the airport. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones is recommended.
The airport’s layout is clear, with arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the first floor, and offices and a panoramic restaurant on the third floor. Featuring 42 check-in desks, eight boarding gates with jet bridges, and six remote gates, the terminal splits into Schengen and non-Schengen zones. The SkyCourt area connects services, and clear signage keeps walking times short. Peak summer months can lead to congestion at security or passport control, particularly for non-Schengen flights, due to high tourist traffic. Baggage claim delays, sometimes caused by limited carousels or staffing shortages, may also occur, so passengers should monitor updates via Flightradar24 or in-terminal displays.
Dining and retail options are practical, with a range of choices airside and landside. The ground floor hosts an ice cream shop and coffee bar, while the first floor’s shopping gallery offers duty-free outlets by Heinemann, fashion stores like Carla Verona, and shops selling Sardinian souvenirs. Restaurants include Rossosapore for pizza, Etigua by Lavazza for coffee, and a wine bar, though prices are higher than city averages, with a sandwich costing around €5. The Prima Vista Lounge by Aviapartner, located airside on the first floor, provides Wi-Fi, snacks, and seating for €28, accessible to all passengers via prepaid passes. Dining areas can feel crowded during peak times, so eating before security is advisable.
Facilities cater to traveller needs, with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, though connections may slow during busy periods. Charging points are available, but seating is often rigid. Accessibility is well-supported, with a Sala Amica lounge, ramps, lifts, tactile surfaces, and wheelchair assistance bookable 48 hours in advance. Other amenities include ATMs, a pharmacy, a chapel, a lost property office, and a left luggage service for €5 per bag. Two filtered water fountains allow bottle refills, but passengers must bring their own containers. Nearby hotels, like the Holiday Inn Cagliari, 4.5 kilometres away, offer free Wi-Fi and shuttles. For smokers, designated areas are outside the terminal.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport handling 4,396,724 passengers in 2022. Delays are often linked to airline-specific issues, such as equipment problems, or weather conditions, particularly in summer. Passengers can stay updated via the airport’s website or screens. As a regional hub, Cagliari focuses on direct flights, with limited connecting options. Routes to major cities like Rome or Milan via Alitalia offer connections, with a minimum connection time of 45 minutes. The single-terminal setup simplifies transfers, but non-Schengen passengers may face delays at immigration during peak seasons. Those on separate tickets should confirm luggage transfer policies.
Cagliari Airport’s modern design, proximity to the city, and essential amenities make it a practical choice for travellers. Ongoing eco-friendly initiatives, like the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, aim to enhance sustainability. While summer crowds and limited seating can pose challenges, the airport’s accessibility and services ensure a pleasant experience for those visiting Sardinia.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates flights to Dublin on Thursdays and Sundays, operating from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 1–15). Passengers should check airport screens for exact assignments.
Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from Schengen gates (gates A1–A5 or B1–B5). Specific gates are confirmed on departure boards. The new route to Cagliari was introduced in June 2025.
