Car Hire Cagliari Airport (CAG)

You’ll find our Avis counter at Cagliari located in the arrivals hall in the terminal building after you leave the baggage reclaim. Our Avis rental car collection is a short walk away in the multi-storey airport parking where you’ll see signs for Avis, Budget and Maggiore. When you return your car just follow the rental car signs.

Cagliari Airport (CAG) began life as a passenger airport in the 1930s and has slowly developed along with tourism to the island. The airport was upgraded in 2003 and is now a key hub for low-cost airlines.

Today the airport welcomes more than 5 million passengers annually with flights from 39 airlines between 75 destinations in 25 countries with more routes being added. 

The airport is being developed to keep pace with growing demand and to improve the experience for passengers and focus on creating a modern, efficient service.

Cagliari airport is located northwest of the city centre with good road access via the E25 highway.

If you are driving in Cagliari, Italy for the first time, make sure you familiarise yourself with Italian driving rules before picking up your car. While the Sardinian road network is generally good, you will find routes in small towns and villages can be narrow and winding and road surfaces vary in remote areas.

Some key road rules in Italy include driving on the right, as in the rest of Europe and overtaking on the left. Dipped headlights must be used in certain situations including on motorways, at night outside built-up areas, and when visibility is poor in rain or snow.

Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device. It is forbidden to use the car horn in a built-up area unless in danger.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Cagliari, Italy?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Cagliari and the rest of Italy is 19. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Cagliari, Sardinia?

To hire a car in Cagliari, Italy, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Cagliari and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Cagliari Airport and then return it to another Avis office in Sardinia. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car at Cagliari Airport?

Renting a car at Cagliari Airport gives you the freedom to enjoy independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a road trip around Sardinia.

The Avis team at Cagliari Airport are experts on Cagliari and the surrounding area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Cagliari?

While this are a range of parking options in Calgiari including multi-storey car parks, on-street parking is zoned and can be difficult to find in peak months especially in central and residential areas. There are car parks near to the main attractions and the port area is considered one of the best places to park and leave your car for the day.

If you are planning on driving into Cagliari be aware that there are congestion zones in the city and there are a number of one-way streets in the centre.

From the Avis car park at Cagliari Airport to the centre of Cagliari is a drive of 9.2km which will take around 20min depending on the time of day. Head south east from the airport and take the E25 highway following signs to the centre of the city.

When you spend time in Cagliari, you’ll find much of Cagliari's historical architecture is located near the town centre. Santuario e Basilica di Bonaria is well worth a visit, as is Bastione di Saint Remy, which provides panoramic views of the area. Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell'Elefante are both perfect examples of Pisan military architecture. And everywhere is evidence of the Roman Empire: ruins, museums, churches, and more.

The upbeat, vibrant centre captivates visitors to Cagliari. Stop by a cafe near the waterfront in the Marina district and soak up the atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike mingle in the piazzas during sunset in Il Castello.

Sardinia is a relatively small island, so exploring the region in your Avis hire car will help you make the most of your trip. There are castles, ancient ruins, quaint towns, and a dramatic coastline. It's all yours to discover.

Barumini
Barumini is about 50km north of Cagliari. History buffs flock here thanks to its famous Su Nuraxi di Barumini complex, a Bronze Age defensive structure and Unesco World Heritage Site. No other site like this exists in the world, and it's a must-see attraction.

Oristano
The quaint village of Oristano has a lively town centre and streets lined with small boutiques, upscale restaurants, and popular cafes. The baroque Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is well worth a visit, as is Museo Antiquarium Arborense, an archaeological museum where you can get acquainted with the area’s history. Oristano is just an hour's drive from Cagliari via SS131.

Bosa
Set off early from Cagliari and drive two hours on route SS131 to reach Bosa, where a hilltop castle known as Castello Malaspina has stood guard for over 1,000 years. Inside, there's an impressive 14th-century fresco, and a 4th-century chapel. The town itself is worth the visit and its cluster of colourful houses in the castle's shadow adds a certain charm. The small harbour serves as the second home to local fishermen.