Exploring the entire island in a single trip is practically impossible, especially if you only have the length of a holiday — and even more so if you don’t consider the idea of renting a car. If you’re thinking about this option, keep in mind that there aren’t many alternatives if you want to travel freely across Sardinia. Just consider that the distance from Porto Torres to Cagliari is about 300 km, with roughly four hours of driving.

With a rental car, you can choose the stops you want to visit and fully enjoy your holiday in Sardinia.

When calculating your travel expenses, the cost of the rental car may initially seem unnecessary. Everything depends on the type of holiday you have in mind. If you prefer to stay in the same place throughout your trip, a vehicle won’t be essential. But if you want to explore different destinations, travel between distant areas and plan a trip based on discovery, then there’s no doubt: you need a rental car.

The cost of renting a car

The rental car prices in Olbia and Cagliari vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose. The cost of a small city car will be different from that of a minivan, but if you’re travelling in a group or with several children, there aren’t many alternatives.

Our advice is to evaluate your needs first — this will make it easier to understand which vehicle is right for you. Saving on car rental is easier than you think if you follow a few practical tips. For example, booking your car online well in advance gives you access to a wider selection of offers and a larger fleet of vehicles.

Another key factor is the difference in seasonal rates. If you can choose when to travel, we recommend opting for low season or shoulder season to benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds in the most popular destinations.

The cost of car rental in Olbia and Cagliari varies depending on the period, but rates usually start at around €50 per day and increase based on the vehicle category. This is only an approximate figure and doesn’t include the deals you can often find online.

The advantages of car rental

Imagine landing in Sardinia and having your rental car waiting for you at the airport. Your holiday begins the moment you load your luggage into the car and head off to explore the island.

Car rental is convenient not only from a financial perspective but also in terms of time. You won’t need to rely on public transport — which often doesn’t reach all the tourist spots you want to visit — and you’ll be able to travel freely, on your schedule and at your own pace.

In many cases, the cost of renting is even more convenient than bringing your own vehicle, depending on your departure city, travel plans and car model. For example, if you’re planning a tour that includes rough or unpaved roads and you own a small city car, it may be wiser to rent a Jeep or a more suitable vehicle. And if you’re travelling with friends, splitting the cost of a rental car is much easier than using someone’s personal vehicle.

Renting a car to explore Sardinia is definitely the right choice: all you need is the right rental company and you can start planning your dream holiday!