Car Rental
Olbia Station
Arriving by train from Sassari, Cagliari or via inland connections? Find the car waiting in the forecourt right outside the Trenitalia station.
The Trenitalia network in Sardinia
Olbia Station is a key hub of the Sardinian rail network operated by RFI with Trenitalia services. The main line connects Olbia to Sassari via Chilivani, with connections for Cagliari, Oristano and the inland regions. It's a historic, scenic line on a non-electrified track — the trains are diesel — so journey times are noticeably longer than the distance alone might suggest.
| Destination | Average time | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sassari | 1h 45m - 2h 10m | 5-6 services/day | Historic non-electrified line |
| Cagliari | 3h 50m - 4h 30m | 1-2 services/day | Change at Chilivani or Oristano |
| Macomer | 2h 30m | 3-4 services/day | Junction for inland lines |
| Oristano | 3h 10m | 2 services/day | Connection for Cagliari |
Frequencies are indicative. Always check the latest timetable on the official Trenitalia website or app before travelling.
When combining train and rental car really makes sense
Land in Cagliari, explore the north
Low-cost flights to Cagliari Elmas (CAG) are often cheaper than Olbia in peak summer. Land in Cagliari, take the direct Intercity train to Olbia (~4 hours of scenic landscape) and pick up your rental car straight at the station. No long drive after the flight, and just a short walk with your luggage.
Coming from Sassari for work or holiday
From Sassari the train to Olbia takes 1h45m and crosses the Anglona and inland Gallura. Once you arrive, the rental car opens up the whole Costa Smeralda in 30-40 minutes. Perfect for long weekends without depending on your private car.
"Trenino Verde" tourist train + car
If you want to enjoy the scenic historic line of the Trenino Verde (run by ARST, with a different starting station) and then continue towards the sea: rent the car in Olbia for the second part of the trip, where buses become rare and the coves more hidden.
Regional buses, and when a car still wins
ARST is the sole operator of Sardinia's intercity public transport. Its network covers far more capillary routes than the train, especially towards the Costa Smeralda resorts and La Maddalena. Lines such as Olbia–Palau (for the La Maddalena boarding) or Olbia–Porto Cervo–Baja Sardinia exist but with frequencies lower than summer demand.
If your trip is purely "Olbia city + 1-2 day trips", an ARST bus may be enough. But if you want to move between less-served beaches (e.g. Cala Brandinchi, La Cinta, Spiaggia del Principe), or on peak-season weekends when buses fill up, renting becomes the only realistic option.
See also our dedicated pages: Olbia centre, OLB Airport and Isola Bianca port.
How it works
VIP Delivery in 4 steps
Step off the train and find your vehicle ready. No taxis, no waiting, no queues at downtown rental desks.
1. Message us on WhatsApp
Tell us the date, your arrival time and the vehicle you want. We confirm within 30 minutes — also in English or French.
2. You arrive at Olbia station
Send us your Trenitalia train number: we monitor platform arrival time and coordinate around the actual schedule.
3. We meet you at the platform exit
Our staff at the platform exit of Olbia station. Vehicle parked nearby, pre-cooled and refuelled.
4. Off you go
Quick tablet signature, driving licence photo, keys in hand. You're on the road in 5 minutes: no queues, no desks, no extra transfers.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Olbia station central or on the outskirts?
It's very central: about 10 minutes' walk from the Isola Bianca port and 5 minutes from Corso Umberto. The airport is roughly 4 km away (8 minutes by car). Geographically it's a handy location because it lets you drop bags quickly and start exploring without intermediate shuttles.
Why are there so few services compared with a mainland station?
Sardinia has a historic, non-electrified rail network: the trains are diesel and the average speed is low compared with national standards. Trenitalia operates the main network (RFI) with reduced frequencies, while the tourist Trenino Verde lines are run by ARST and don't pass through Olbia. So 5-6 services/day to Sassari and 1-2 to Cagliari is the norm.
Is it worth combining train + car rental in Olbia?
Yes, especially if you arrive in Sardinia from Cagliari (low-cost flights are often cheaper to CAG than to OLB) and then take the direct Cagliari-Olbia/Chilivani train. Typical combination: train to Olbia + rental car from our station point to explore Costa Smeralda. It's also useful for those starting from Sassari or Alghero without having to drive 3 hours.
Is there an alternative to the train for moving around Sardinia without a car?
Yes: the ARST network (regional buses) covers routes not served by rail with higher frequency, especially towards the coastal resorts (Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Palau). For total flexibility and access to off-the-beaten-track beaches, however, renting remains the more practical choice.
Can I pick up the vehicle if I arrive late at night with a delayed train?
Yes, we cover the Trenitalia operating window (last trains arrive around 22:00-23:00). Delays are frequent on the Sardinian line: we monitor the train number directly and show up at the actual arrival time. For arrivals after midnight please arrange this at booking.
I need to return the vehicle to catch a train: how much margin do I need?
For return at Olbia Station we ask you to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departure. That's the time needed for vehicle condition photos, any refuelling at the adjacent service area and signing the return report.
Ready to explore Olbia Station?
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