Podcast Summary: Strictly Sardinia

Episode Title: How To Get From Cagliari To Alghero
Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Claudia Tavani, lifelong Sardinian and travel expert, answers a common travel question: “How do you get from Cagliari to Alghero?” With clear, practical advice, she breaks down every available travel option, sharing personal tips and candid evaluations of convenience, timing, and comfort. The episode is aimed at travelers planning an itinerary between two of Sardinia’s most popular cities.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

Why Travel from Cagliari to Alghero?

• Tourist Context: Many visitors start their Sardinian journey in Cagliari and need to reach Alghero, often for a return flight ("Alghero is home to one of the three airports of Sardinia that is connected to the rest of Italy and Europe by regular airlines and budget airlines." - Claudia, 02:00).

Travel Options Detailed

1. By Car

• Fastest & Most Comfortable
  • The drive takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours.
  • Directions: Follow State Road 131 (“Cento Trent Uno”) northbound toward Sassari, then take State Road 291 to Alghero.
• Road Conditions
  • The freeway is smooth; speed limit is 110 km/h.
  • Gas & rest stops are readily available.
  • The drive scenery is mostly plains (Campidano) and becomes mountainous near Macomer (08:38).
• Quote:
  • “It’s not the prettiest drive. You mostly drive along the plains…but once you reach Macomer it’s a bit more interesting.” (Claudia, 06:10)
• Recommendation:
  • Car is the “fastest option, the most comfortable option… the easiest way.” (Claudia, 27:12)

2. By Train

• No Direct Train

  • Must transfer at Sassari.

• Route

  • Cagliari city center or Cagliari Elmas Airport → Sassari (direct train, ~3h20m; sometimes with a change at Ozieri Chilivani).
  • Sassari → Alghero (regional train, ~45m).

• Logistics

  • You must buy two separate tickets (Trenitalia for Cagliari to Sassari, ARST for Sassari to Alghero).
  • Direct, frequent departures; stations are easy to navigate.

• Budget:

  • Generally budget-friendly.

• Quote:

  • “It’s much quicker to go by car. Unless you get a direct train, you have to change in Ozieri Chilivani…It’s really easy.” (Claudia, 11:57)
  • “Once you are in Sassari, you have to find a direct train to Alghero… You will have to buy two separate tickets.” (Claudia, 13:10)

3. By Bus

• Direct Bus Available
  • Leaves from Cagliari Piazza Matteotti to Alghero-Fertilia Airport.
  • Operated by Logudoro Tours; several daily departures.
  • Duration: ~4.5 hours; more budget-friendly.
• Quote:
  • “There is a direct bus…It’s a fairly long journey but it’s budget friendly.” (Claudia, 16:15)

4. Private Transfer

• Fast & Convenient with a Group or Lots of Luggage
  • Bookable via Welcome Pickups.
  • Duration: About 2.5–3 hours.
  • Most expensive, but door-to-door.
• Quote:
  • “If you have a lot of luggage, if you’re traveling with a group, it may be the easiest option.” (Claudia, 18:45)

5. Combination (Train + Bus, via Macomer)

• Not Recommended
  • For budget travelers with time to spare.
  • Tricky connections: Only one daily bus from Macomer to Alghero at 08:50; tight transfer window.
• Quote:
  • “It's super budget friendly, super tight, not the most comfortable way of traveling.” (Claudia, 22:08)

FAQs & Essential Details

• Distance: ~250 km (155 miles)
• Average driving time: 2 hr 45 min – 3 hr
• Train & bus time: 4 – 4.5 hr
• Host’s Advice: Travel by car if at all possible

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “For whatever reason, if you need to travel between the two cities, it’s really easy and I will explain everything you need to know.” (Claudia, 02:42)
• “On the freeway, the speed limit is 110 kilometers per hour. Don’t forget that you need to follow the speed limit!” (Claudia, 05:55)
• “This brings me to the end of my episode… by all means, the car is the fastest option, the most comfortable option, where—whether you are traveling with your own rental car or with a private transfer—it’s the easiest.” (Claudia, 27:12)
• “Remember, you will find a more detailed version of today’s episode on my blog strictly sardinia.com.” (Claudia, 01:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–02:30 – Introduction; Context for travel between Cagliari & Alghero
• 02:30–08:45 – By car: route, timing, driving conditions
• 08:45–14:40 – By train: route, timing, transfers explained
• 14:40–17:06 – By bus: operator, route, pricing, timing
• 17:06–19:40 – By private transfer: pros & cons
• 19:40–25:00 – Combo options (train + bus via Macomer); not recommended
• 25:00–27:12 – FAQs (distance, duration, summary of best option)
• 27:12–End – Wrap-up, blog & consultation plugs, preview of next episode

Host’s Tone & Style

Claudia’s advice is warm, practical, and candid, always with a “local’s perspective.” She emphasizes straightforward, stress-free travel and offers direct reassurance for nervous travelers (“It’s really easy,” “The stations are tiny and the platforms are right next to each other”).

Final Takeaways

• Driving is the quickest and easiest way from Cagliari to Alghero, especially important for those on a tight schedule.
• Car hire provides the most flexibility, but trains and buses are viable budget alternatives.
• Combination routes exist but are best for travelers willing to trade comfort and convenience for extra savings.
• Claudia’s blog and travel consulting services offer more in-depth, tailored advice.

For full travel routes, tips, and personalized advice, Claudia’s listeners are encouraged to visit strictlysardinia.com.