Cagliari Elmas Airport

Cagliari Elmas Airport (Aeroporto Mario Mameli) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Mediterranean, hospitably opening its doors to visitors to sunny Sardinia. Even during the descent, travellers are treated to a breathtaking spectacle: liners fly over the picturesque Santa Gilla lagoon, where flocks of pink flamingos—a symbol of the region—can often be spotted. This modern and cosy terminal building allows you to begin your acquaintance with the island in an atmosphere of comfort, offering excellent navigation and instant access to the island's capital.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The Mario Mameli Airport is renowned for its exceptional transport accessibility: its own railway station, Elmas Aeroporto, is located just a 5-minute walk from the terminal, from where comfortable trains transport passengers to the centre of Cagliari in less than 10 minutes. The terminal, which has undergone extensive renovation, offers travellers unlimited free Wi-Fi and spacious waiting areas.

The local flair in the departure zone deserves special attention. In the shopping gallery, you can find "Isola" chain boutiques offering authentic Sardinian souvenirs, ceramics, and gastronomic delicacies, allowing you to purchase gifts at the very last minute. For discerning passengers, the VIP Lounge business hall operates with a panoramic view of the runway and the surrounding landscapes.

• Official Website: www.sogaer.it/it
• Help Desk Phone: +39 070 211211 (calls accepted daily)
• Address: Via dei Trasvolatori, 09030 Elmas CA, Italy
• Email for General Inquiries: info@sogaer.it
• Social Media: Current information and news can be found on the airport's official pages on popular social networks.
• Lost & Found: For questions regarding items lost within the terminal, you can contact +39 070 21121525 or email oggettismarriti@sogaer.it.
• Passenger Support: For service inquiries and assistance at the airport, it is recommended to contact the main help desk number.

Getting to Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) from the city centre of Cagliari and other areas of Sardinia is straightforward thanks to well-developed transport infrastructure. The airport is located just 7 kilometres from the city centre, making the journey fast and convenient. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Train — the fastest and most economical method. The 'Elmas Aeroporto' railway station is located right at the terminal. Trenitalia trains run to Cagliari Central Station with intervals of approximately 20 minutes. The journey takes only 5–7 minutes, and the ticket cost is around €1.30. This is the ideal option for travellers with light luggage who wish to avoid traffic.

Bus — another affordable public transport option. ARST buses connect the airport with the central bus station at Piazza Matteotti in Cagliari. The trip takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The ticket price is comparable to the train. This option may be convenient if your starting point is closer to bus routes rather than the train station.

Taxi and Transfer — the most comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with family, a large number of suitcases, or arriving late at night. A taxi ride from the centre of Cagliari to the airport will take 10–15 minutes and cost approximately €15–25. For added convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer that will meet you at a designated location at the appointed time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively explore the beauties of Sardinia, renting a car is an excellent choice. Offices of all major international and local rental companies operate at Cagliari Elmas Airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities with various tariffs are provided. This is convenient if you are flying away for a few days and wish to leave the car in a safe place.

Cagliari Airport is the main transport hub for the southern part of the island. For travel through the northern regions of Italy on Sardinia, travellers also frequently use Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport or Alghero-Fertilia Airport.

Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), officially named after Mario Mameli, consists of a single, modern passenger terminal. This is a key advantage for travellers: all flights, both domestic within Italy and international, are serviced in one building. You will not have to worry about complex transfers or searching for the right building—all infrastructure is located under one roof.

The terminal layout is very logical and intuitive, making navigation simple even for first-time visitors. The building has three main levels:

• Basement Level is primarily used for technical services.
• Ground Floor (Piano Terra) — this is the Arrivals area. You enter here after retrieving your luggage. This level also houses car rental desks, the tourist information centre, and exits to bus stops and the covered walkway leading to the railway station.
• First Floor (Primo Piano) — Departures area. Here you will find check-in counters, security checkpoints, and beyond them—shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is irrelevant. All zones are connected by elevators and escalators. The process of completing formalities is standard: after checking in on the First Floor, you proceed to the security checkpoint, and then to the sterile departure lounge. On average, during the quiet season, check-in and security checks take about 30-40 minutes, but in peak summer months (July-August), this process may take longer.

For a comfortable journey, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic and Schengen flights, and 2.5–3 hours before departure for other international flights. Signs in the airport are clear and duplicated in English, so it is practically impossible to get lost. The compactness of the terminal allows for quick movement between key points—you can walk from the entrance to the furthest gate in 10–15 minutes.

The history of Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) begins in 1937, when it was officially opened. Initially, the airfield had a mixed purpose, serving both civil aviation and military needs, which was typical for that time. In the first decades of its existence, it played an important role in establishing regular air connections between Sardinia and mainland Italy.

The post-war years became a period of gradual growth. The airport received its official name in honour of Mario Mameli, a pilot and native of Cagliari who died in 1936. This gesture immortalised the memory of the local aviation hero. As tourism developed in Sardinia, the old terminal ceased to cope with the growing passenger flow, leading to the necessity for radical modernisation.

A key stage in the airport's development was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which opened in 2003. This modern complex allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved service quality for passengers. The project was designed with future growth and the integration of new technologies in mind, making Cagliari Airport one of the most modern in southern Italy.

In subsequent years, the airport continued to develop, adding new routes, including those from budget airlines, which made Sardinia even more accessible to tourists from all over Europe. Work was regularly carried out to update the runway and navigation equipment. One of the achievements was surpassing the mark of 4 million passengers per year, confirming its status as the main transport hub of the southern part of the island.

An interesting fact: the airport is located in immediate proximity to the ponds and salt pans of the Molentargius-Saline regional park. Passengers taking off or landing in Cagliari can often observe colonies of pink flamingos from their windows, which have become the unofficial symbol of this area.

Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay comfortable and pleasant. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here while waiting for your flight.

Numerous cafes and restaurants are located within the terminal, where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of Sardinian and Italian cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free with perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and tobacco products, as well as boutiques with clothing, accessories, and souvenirs where you can purchase memorable gifts.

For those who value enhanced comfort, there is a VIP Lounge in the airport. Here, passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and work in privacy. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices allow you to always stay connected.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, which is convenient for arriving and departing tourists. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the First Aid station, which operates around the clock.

Families with children will appreciate the presence of special nursery rooms equipped with changing tables. For passengers with reduced mobility, a special assistance service (PRM) is provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. The airport is fully equipped with ramps, elevators, and special restrooms for comfortable movement.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi or shuttle. For business travellers, business centre services are available, where one can rent a conference hall or meeting room equipped with all necessary equipment.

At Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), travellers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal to help pass the time while waiting for a flight. Most catering establishments are concentrated in the main terminal building, both in the public area and after passing security control.

In the departure zone (airside), located on the First Floor, the selection is most extensive. Self-service cafes and restaurants operate here, where you can have a leisurely lunch. The menu usually features classic Italian dishes: pasta, pizza, fresh salads, and, of course, various panini. For those in a hurry, numerous bars and coffee shops offering excellent espresso, cappuccino, fresh pastries, and sandwiches are the ideal solution.

Once at the airport in Sardinia, it is worth paying attention to local specialties. In some establishments, you can find products with the authentic taste of the island—for example, sandwiches with Pecorino Sardo cheese or local savoury delicacies. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the region's gastronomy right before departure. Regarding dietary restrictions, most cafes offer vegetarian options; however, please note that Halal, gluten-free, or vegan choices may be limited, so it is best to check ingredients with the staff.

The price range in Cagliari Airport establishments is generally average to above average, which is typical for air terminals. Most cafes and restaurants open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flights, adjusting to the flight schedule. Thus, you will always have the opportunity to drink a cup of coffee before an early departure or have dinner before a late flight.

To ensure your journey through Cagliari Elmas Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. The airport is not very large, but during the peak tourist season, it can be crowded. We recommend arriving 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights within Italy. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass through control, and find your boarding gate.

To save time, we strongly advise completing online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to luggage drop-off (if you have any) or to security. The security checkpoint here is standard: prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices in advance to speed up the process.

Regarding hand luggage, the rules do not differ from general European standards. Besides restrictions on liquids, it is forbidden to carry any sharp objects and flammable substances. If you plan to take Sardinian delicacies with you, such as Pecorino Sardo cheese or local olive oil, it is better to pack them in checked luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, if you are flying out of Cagliari, try to take a window seat—depending on the takeoff path, beautiful views of the coast may open up.

Cagliari Elmas Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transfer hub. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure your luggage is checked through to the final destination. Otherwise, you will have to collect it and go through the entire check-in procedure again. There is no customs control as such for flights within the EU. For those arriving from non-Schengen countries, standard rules apply with green and red channels for declaring goods.

You can save money at the airport in several ways. The most cost-effective way to get to the city is by train. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal, and the trip to Cagliari Central Station takes about 5-7 minutes. Also, take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, to avoid spending on overpriced drinks.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative—their counter will be either at the boarding gate or in the main departure hall. According to EU regulations, during long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time while waiting.