Car rental in Cagliari, Italy

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There are 47 car rental providers in Cagliari. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Driving in Cagliari: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You'll need your driver's license, passport, and a credit card to rent a car in Cagliari.
Most visitors can use their regular driver's license. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't in English. Rental companies also require matching ID and a credit card when you collect your car.
Navigating city driving
Cagliari has clear signs and a mix of coastal and hillside roads.
Driving in the center can feel busy, with narrow lanes near historic areas. Roads to Poetto Beach and the port are simple to follow. Navigation apps help you avoid steep streets and guide you to main routes.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
There are no toll roads on Sardinia, including around Cagliari.
Cagliari has limited-traffic zones in the old town, shown by ZTL signs. These areas restrict access during certain hours. Outside the center, all main routes are free to use.
Parking your car in Cagliari
Parking is easier near the waterfront than in the old town.
Street spaces are common along main roads, while central areas can be crowded. Parking lots near Via Roma give easy access to shops and cafés. Check signposts for time limits in summer.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Cagliari are increasing.
Gas stations are located along major roads and near shopping areas. Charging points are growing around the port and newer districts. Apps like PlugShare help you check real-time availability.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady, but older streets can feel tight.
Traffic flows smoothly on coastal roads, while lanes near Castello are narrow with sharp turns. Scooters often pass between cars, so keep a steady speed and take care when merging onto smaller streets.
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The most popular car rental companies in Cagliari

Renting a car in Cagliari: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyDryyve
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 484
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cagliari

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cagliari car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Cagliari

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Cagliari. Pick from options averaging AED 484 a day and get on the road for less.

  • AED 78 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Cagliari.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from AED 289 and take the time to discover more.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Cagliari car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.

  • Browse the offers available with Surprice, RentSmart24 and Galdieri Rent. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • The coverage Surprice or another company includes with your Cagliari car rental can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car rental can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Cagliari.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car rental options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at AED 430 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around AED 369, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly AED 337 a day with this supplier.

  • The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Cagliari.

Flying to Cagliari? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by booking a car rental at Cagliari Airport. If you're flying to Cagliari through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city center is about 6 kilometers and takes around 10 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Cagliari

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Cagliari may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to maneuver but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Cagliari car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cagliari that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Cagliari car rental offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Cagliari by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.

  • If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Cagliari car rental booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Driving in Italy might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 125kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Italy. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.

Best hotels in Cagliari for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Palazzo Ferrucci Luxury Suites. About 2 kilometers from central Cagliari, it comes with parking, room service and tour services.

  • Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Bed & Breakfast Beauty. The city center is roughly 0.32 kilometers from this stay, which also features an airport shuttle and air conditioning.

  • Like some more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Cagliari. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • Once you've found a car rental deal in Cagliari and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Start your trip with major attractions such as The Royal Palace, Golden Beach and Bastione di Saint Remy.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cagliari

  • Oristano should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza Sant'Efisio. This city is around 88 kilometers northwest of central Cagliari.

  • Mistral2 Hotel and Hotel Mistral are popular accommodation options with parking in Oristano.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car rental in Cagliari and then set off for Iglesias. Roughly 48 kilometers west of Cagliari, Chiesa Cattedrale di Santa Chiara and Pisan Walls are among the highlights that are well worth the trip.

  • Euro Hotel Iglesias and Hotel Giardino Corte Rubja are comfy places to stay in Iglesias if you're in town for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Nuoro, about 121 kilometers north of Cagliari. First, swing past Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Neve, then head to Man Museum of Art Province of Nuoro.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Cagliari will set you back around AED 484 per day or AED 2,223 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Cagliari is a compact SUV. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental companies in Cagliari are currently Felirent and Surprice.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cagliari is currently December.
On average, around AED 2,223. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Cagliari is AED 289.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Cagliari for a whole month is AED 7,533. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Cagliari, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Cagliari that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Cagliari.
Most places – Cagliari included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 82 per day. The average price per day is around AED 484.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Dryyve, Surprice and Vita Rent offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Dryyve as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Cagliari.