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Airport Transportation

Cagliari Elmas Airport

Also known as: Cagliari Airport, CAG Airport, Elmas Airport, Aeroporto di Cagliari.

CAG · LIEE · Cagliari

Airport facts

Name
Cagliari Elmas Airport
IATA code
CAG
ICAO code
LIEE
City
Cagliari
Country
Italy
Address
Via dei Trasvolatori, 09067 Elmas (CA), Sardinia, Italy
Coordinates
39.2515, 9.0543
Time zone
Europe/Rome
Terminals
One passenger terminal on three levels: arrivals and baggage claim on the ground floor, check-in, security and departures on the first floor.

About Cagliari Elmas Airport

Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) is the airport for Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, Italy, and for the south of the island. It stands in Elmas, on the edge of the Santa Gilla lagoon about 7 km (4 miles) northwest of Cagliari city center, beside the SS130 road, and SOGAER runs it. The airport handled about 5.25 million passengers in 2025.

Ryanair has a base here and flies the most routes, to cities across Italy and Europe. Aeroitalia links Cagliari with Rome and Milan, while Volotea, easyJet and Vueling add Italian and European routes. In summer, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Iberia, Eurowings, Edelweiss and other airlines fly in from across Europe.

All flights use one passenger terminal on three levels, with arrivals and baggage claim on the ground floor, check-in and security on the first floor, and the gates beyond. Elmas Aeroporto railway station is a short walk from the terminal.

From the airport, most travelers head into Cagliari's historic quarters, to Poetto beach, or to the port. Others continue east along the coast to Villasimius, which is about 60 km away, or southwest to Pula and Chia.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

SOGAER S.p.A.

Passengers per year

About 5.25 million in 2025

Runway

One, 14/32, 2,804 m

Terminal

One passenger terminal on three levels

Opened

1937

Arrival tips for Cagliari Elmas Airport

Flights from Italy and other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, such as the UK, you line up at passport control, where non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System.

Cagliari has one terminal, so there is no terminal to choose. Baggage claim is on the ground floor, and after customs you walk out into the arrivals hall; Schengen and non-Schengen flights use separate exits into it. The tourist information desk and a 24-hour first aid station are in the arrivals area, and lost baggage is reported before you leave the baggage hall.

For the city, follow the signs to Elmas Aeroporto station, a short walk from the terminal, where Trenitalia trains reach Cagliari station in 5 to 7 minutes; buy tickets from the machines in arrivals or at the station. Official taxis wait outside the terminal, car rental desks are in a dedicated area in front of it, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

Italy is on Central European Time and uses the euro.

Ground transportation

The train is quick and cheap into Cagliari; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage, late at night or for the beach resorts along the coast.

  • Train to Cagliari

    Trenitalia trains leave Elmas Aeroporto station, a short walk from the terminal, about every 20 minutes from early morning until the evening, reaching Cagliari station in 5 to 7 minutes. In summer 2026 Trenitalia added night trains from 1 August to 1 September.

  • Taxi from Cagliari airport

    Licensed taxis wait outside the terminal and go door to door to Cagliari, Poetto and Quartu Sant'Elena. Several Cagliari radio-taxi companies serve the airport around the clock.

  • Regional buses

    ARST and FlixBus buses link the airport with towns across Sardinia. They run on a timetable, so check times before you fly.

  • Car rental

    Car rental desks are in a dedicated area in front of the terminal. A car suits travelers touring the island, but parking is limited in Cagliari's historic center.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and trips to Villasimius, Pula or Chia.

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Terminals

Passenger Terminal

The single terminal for all scheduled and charter flights, Schengen and non-Schengen. Arrivals and baggage claim are on the ground floor; check-in, security, Fast Track and the departure gates are on the first floor.

Airlines and destinations

All airlines use the same terminal. Many routes are seasonal and fly only in summer.

Aeroitalia

Cuneo, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino; seasonal: Alghero, Bologna, Catania, Florence, Lamezia Terme, Olbia, Pisa

Air France

Paris Charles de Gaulle (seasonal)

AlbaStar

Bergamo (seasonal)

Austrian Airlines

Vienna (seasonal)

British Airways

London Gatwick (seasonal)

easyJet

Basel/Mulhouse, Milan Malpensa; seasonal: Bordeaux, Geneva, Lyon, Naples, Nice, Paris Orly

Edelweiss

Zurich (seasonal)

Eurowings

Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Salzburg, Stuttgart (seasonal)

Iberia

Madrid (seasonal)

KLM

Amsterdam (seasonal)

Lufthansa

Frankfurt, Munich (seasonal)

Luxair

Luxembourg (seasonal)

Neos

Bologna, Milan Malpensa, Verona (seasonal)

Ryanair

Bari, Bergamo, Bologna, Budapest, Catania, Kraków, London Stansted, Malta, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Palermo, Pisa, Porto, Rome Ciampino, Turin and more

SAS

Copenhagen (seasonal)

SkyAlps

Bolzano (seasonal)

Smartwings

Prague (seasonal)

Transavia

Paris Orly (seasonal)

Volotea

Florence, Venice, Verona

Vueling

Barcelona

Wizz Air

Milan Malpensa, Venice (from 14 December 2026)

Facilities

  • Tourist information

    The tourist information desk is in the arrivals area and opens daily from 9:00 to 21:00.

  • First aid

    A first aid station on the ground floor of the arrivals area is open 24 hours a day.

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available inside the terminal on the WiFi Cagliari Airport network, after a short registration.

  • Shops and restaurants

    Bars, restaurants and shops, including Sardinian food and crafts, are on every level, with more past security.

  • Nursery

    A nursery for changing and caring for babies is on the departures floor, behind the check-in counters in zone C; many restrooms also have baby-changing tables.

  • Drinking water

    Free drinking water dispensers are on the departures level near the ticket office, in the central arrivals hall, and past security near the gates.

  • Chapel

    The Our Lady of Loreto chapel is on the second level of the departures area, open daily from 7:00 to 19:00.

  • Fast Track

    A Fast Track security lane is on the first floor, beside the main security checkpoint.

  • Lost property

    The lost property office is on the second floor of the terminal. Report lost baggage before you leave the baggage hall.

  • Business center

    SOGAER's business center is on the second floor of the terminal.

Airport lounges

  • Prima Vista Cagliari Lounge

    On the second floor, reached after security on the first floor, open daily from 5:30 to 21:00. Free for eligible business-class passengers of selected airlines and for Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and DreamFolks holders; other passengers can pay to enter.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Ask your airline, agent or tour operator for assistance when you book, or at least 48 hours before departure. You can also ask on arrival at the airport, but expect a longer wait.

  • Reduced mobility

    Staff help you from your seat through passport control and baggage claim to a drop-off point outside. On departure, call from the intercoms near entrances A, B and C or in the multi-story parking garage, or go to Sala Amica, the assistance lounge on the second level, phone +39 070 21121241.

  • Hidden disabilities

    Cagliari takes part in ENAC's autism project: travelers with autism can arrange a preparatory visit with Special Assistance at least 7 days ahead, and receive an item that lets trained staff identify them discreetly.

  • Service animals

    Tell your airline when you book if you travel with a recognized assistance dog.

  • Accessible parking

    Reserved spaces on level 2 of the multi-story parking garage are free for disabled badge holders; show the badge at the ground-floor counter.

Parking

Multi-story parking garage

Next to the terminal, linked to it by a pedestrian bridge. Pay at the machines or in the Cagliari Airport app.

Accessible parking

Reserved spaces on level 2 of the parking garage, free for disabled badge holders; stays over 4 hours need a valid flight ticket.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Cagliari airport from the city center?

Cagliari Elmas Airport is about 7 km (4 miles) northwest of Cagliari city center, in the town of Elmas beside the SS130 road. Trains from Elmas Aeroporto station reach Cagliari station in 5 to 7 minutes, and a taxi or pre-booked car takes you door to door to the historic quarters, Poetto beach or the port in a short drive outside rush hour.

Is there a train from Cagliari airport to the city?

Yes. Elmas Aeroporto station is a short walk from the terminal, and Trenitalia trains run about every 20 minutes from early morning until the evening, reaching Cagliari station in 5 to 7 minutes. Buy tickets from the machines in the arrivals area or at the station, or online. Regular service ends in the evening, so late arrivals need a taxi or pre-booked car.

Is Elmas Airport the same as Cagliari Airport?

Yes. The airport stands in the town of Elmas, just outside Cagliari, so its official name is Cagliari Elmas Airport and many people simply call it Elmas. Its code is CAG, and it is also dedicated to the pilot Mario Mameli. It is the only commercial airport in southern Sardinia, so any flight to Cagliari lands here.

How many terminals does Cagliari airport have?

Cagliari has one passenger terminal on three levels, used by every airline. Arrivals and baggage claim are on the ground floor; check-in, security, Fast Track and the gates are on the first floor; and the lounge, lost property office and business center are on the second floor. Schengen and non-Schengen flights use separate exits into the same arrivals hall.

Which airlines fly to Cagliari?

Ryanair has a base at Cagliari and flies the most routes, across Italy and Europe. Aeroitalia flies to Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, Volotea to Florence, Venice and Verona, easyJet to Milan Malpensa and Basel, and Vueling to Barcelona. In summer, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Iberia, Eurowings, Edelweiss and others add flights from across Europe.

How do I get from Cagliari airport to Villasimius?

Villasimius is on the southeastern tip of Sardinia, about 60 km east of the airport, usually around an hour by car along the coast road. There is no direct train, and regional ARST buses run on a timetable from Cagliari, so most travelers take a taxi, a rental car or a pre-booked transfer, which is easiest with luggage or children.

How do I get from Cagliari airport to Pula and Chia?

Pula is about 35 km southwest of the airport and Chia about 50 km, both reached along the SS195 coast road. There is no train, and buses run on a timetable from Cagliari, so most travelers drive, take a taxi or book a transfer to their hotel or villa, which avoids a change of transport with luggage.

Where can I take a taxi at Cagliari airport?

Licensed taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal, and several Cagliari radio-taxi companies, including Quattro Mori, Rossoblù and Cagliari 0707055, serve the airport around the clock. A taxi goes door to door to the city, Poetto beach and Quartu Sant'Elena. Turn down ride offers from people inside the terminal and use the official rank.

Is there a lounge at Cagliari airport?

Yes. The Prima Vista Cagliari Lounge is on the second floor, reached after security on the first floor, and opens daily from 5:30 to 21:00. Eligible business-class passengers of selected airlines and holders of Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and DreamFolks enter free, and other passengers can pay to use it.

What do I need to enter Italy at Cagliari airport?

Italy is in the Schengen area, so flights from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks, and arrivals from outside it, such as the UK, go through passport control. Non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since 10 April 2026; the planned ETIAS travel authorization is not yet in operation.

Where can I rent a car at Cagliari airport?

Car rental desks are in a dedicated area in front of the terminal, a short walk from arrivals. Around 30 companies operate there, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Maggiore, Locauto and several Sardinian firms, renting cars, vans and minibuses. Two car-sharing services, Kinto and Playcar, also serve the airport.

Where can I park at Cagliari airport?

The multi-story parking garage stands next to the terminal and is linked to it by a pedestrian bridge. You can pay at the machines or through the free Cagliari Airport app. Reserved spaces for disabled badge holders are on level 2 and are free with the badge, shown at the ground-floor counter.

How do I request special assistance at Cagliari airport?

Ask your airline, agent or tour operator when you book, or at least 48 hours before departure. On arrival, staff help you from your seat through passport control and baggage claim to a drop-off point outside. On departure, use the intercoms near entrances A, B and C, or contact Sala Amica, the assistance lounge, on +39 070 21121241.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from CAG