Public transportation in Sardinia, and local transport in general, is not very expensive, but it doesn’t have extensive coverage to adequately and efficiently serve the island. Additionally, during the low season, the number and frequency of services decrease significantly. Undoubtedly, the best and recommended way to explore the island is by car.
To facilitate the use of public transportation, the Sardinia Region has set up a website where you can plan and calculate the cost of your journey using various modes of transportation, accessible at the following link: www.sardegnamobilita.it
Car
The SS131 (Carlo Felice) is the main road on the island, a dual carriageway, connecting Cagliari to Porto Torres via Oristano and Sassari. The roads are generally in good condition but can be quite crowded, especially during the summer. It’s also important to note that depending on your destination, you might encounter dirt roads and rather narrow routes.
Bus
Bus transportation in Sardinia is managed by the Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST), which covers most short and long-distance connections between all the inhabited centers on the island. Keep in mind that bus tickets must be purchased before boarding at the bus station or authorized points of sale like tobacco shops, bars, or newsstands. Services are regular and fairly frequent on weekdays, but they decrease significantly on Sundays and holidays, especially those connecting smaller towns.
Website: www.arst.sardegna.it
Train
Using the train to get around and visit Sardinia can be a cost-effective choice but is certainly limited and not highly recommended. Train travel often involves rather long travel times. Trenitalia operates the railway system in Sardinia, connecting Cagliari to Oristano and continuing to Ozieri-Chilivani, then splitting into two branches towards Sassari and Porto Torres, and Olbia.
Website: www.trenitalia.com