Europe > 🇮🇹Sardinia
Should You Hire a Car in Sardinia? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Sardinia (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Sardinia - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
Sardinia’s public transport network is more extensive than many expect. Trains operated by Trenitalia connect the main cities — Cagliari, Oristano, Macomer, Sassari, and Olbia — while ARST buses link towns, resorts, and national parks. Services aren’t fast, but that’s part of the island’s rhythm.
The lines are beautifully scenic, winding through hills and coastal plains, and some routes — like the Trenino Verde (Green Train) — operate seasonally as tourist trains through remote countryside. Travellers with time to spare can link these routes with local buses and ferries to reach many of Sardinia’s highlights.
🏞️ National Parks and Natural Wonders
Sardinia has three standout national parks, all reachable without a car — though a rental offers extra flexibility.
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Gennargentu National Park lies in the island’s rugged centre and is accessible via bus connections from Nuoro. It’s ideal for hiking, photography, and discovering rural Sardinia.
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Asinara National Park, off the north-west coast, is reached by ferry from Porto Torres or Stintino, both served by bus. The island’s trails between Fornelli and Cala Reale make for a perfect walking day.
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La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, in the north, is accessed by ferry from Palau, which is also served by regional buses. Once on the islands, visitors often explore by bike, taxi, or organised boat tours.
⛴️ Linking Sardinia with Corsica and Mainland Europe
Ferries connect Sardinia with Corsica, mainland Italy, and southern France. The short crossing between Santa Teresa Gallura and Bonifacio makes it easy to combine both islands in one trip, and there are longer routes from Cagliari, Olbia, and Porto Torres to Genoa, Livorno, Marseille, and Nice.
Travelling this way — by train, ferry, and bus — creates one of Europe’s most scenic slow-travel journeys.
🚗 Renting a Car in Sardinia
If you decide to rent, you’ll find plenty of options at airports and major towns. Roads are generally good, traffic is light, and petrol stations are frequent. A car provides convenience, especially if you want to reach mountain hamlets, beaches, or rural accommodation.
That said, many travellers find the combination of rail, bus, and ferry gives them everything they need. You can see much of the island without ever touching a steering wheel — and the relaxed pace adds to the experience.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Sardinia?
Why you might:
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Reaching rural guesthouses and remote coves is easier by car.
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Roads are scenic, well-maintained, and uncrowded.
Why you might not:
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Trains, buses, and ferries connect most highlights, often with great views.
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Travelling slowly allows for deeper immersion in the landscape.
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Ideal for combining with Corsica or mainland Italy without driving.
🚆 Conclusion:
Sardinia is a “no-car-needed” island for those who love slow travel, but it’s equally easy for drivers who want freedom to roam. You can explore the island by scenic train, local bus, and ferry — or rent a car for full flexibility. Either way, Sardinia rewards the traveller who takes time to savour its mountains, coasts, and gentle rhythm 🌿⛴️.
