Podcast Summary: Strictly Sardinia

Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: How To Use Public Transport In Sardinia
Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, local expert Claudia Tavani offers listeners a comprehensive guide to using public transportation across Sardinia. Drawing on her personal experience as a native Sardinian, Claudia provides practical tips, insights, and honest advice for travelers considering buses and trains as their primary mode of transport. The episode is tailored for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and anyone keen on a relaxed, scenic way to explore the island, while clearly outlining the system’s limitations and best-use cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Should Use Public Transport in Sardinia?

• Public transport is a strong option for budget travelers, solo travelers, and people who are not in a rush.

• Quote [01:35]:
  "Using public transport in Sardinia is a great choice if you're looking to visit Sardinia on a budget or if you're traveling alone." — Claudia

• Not ideal for those on a tight schedule or those keen on visiting beaches (few buses go to beach destinations).

• You should be ready for possible delays or changes, and embrace a slower travel pace.

2. Urban Buses: Navigating Cities

• Cities with good bus networks: Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, Alghero.
• Urban buses are clean, easy to recognize, and connect main metro areas (e.g., from Cagliari to Quartu Sant’Elena, Selargius, neighboring towns).
• Buses run frequently; timetables are available at bus stops and in ticket shops.
• Ticket Purchase:
  • Automated machines at stops (becoming less common).
  • Most commonly now via city-specific apps (e.g., CTM BusFinder app for Cagliari — Italian only).
    • Words to know: Biglietti (tickets).
  • Physically at tobacco shops ("Tabacchi"), newsstands, cafés, sometimes bars.
• Buying on-board is possible (cash only, more expensive).
• Quote [04:08]:
  "You can also buy bus tickets on the bus at times, but remember that you can only pay cash and they are more expensive than buying them either online or at a kiosk." — Claudia

3. Intercity/Regional Buses

• Only one main company: ARST (blue buses with red stripe).
• Best to catch these at main city bus stations (for Cagliari: Piazza Matteotti).
• Timetables available online but the site is hard to navigate, even for Italian speakers.
• Easiest way: Go to the bus station in person for information and tickets.
• Ticket Validation:
  Validate on board or at the station; electronic tickets require scanning a QR code on the bus.
• Quote [06:41]:
  "Let me remind you, I have to say it's not the most user-friendly website. I find it hard to use and I speak Italian, so I will completely appreciate if you can't use it yourself." — Claudia

4. Trains

• Connect main cities and some smaller towns.
• Reliable, generally plenty of seats except during rush hour.
• Main operator: Trenitalia.
• Train station ticket machines support five languages; buying at machines is recommended.
• Tickets can also be bought via the Trenitalia app or website.
• On-board purchase is possible but more expensive.
• Validation:
  • Paper tickets: validate at the station before boarding.
  • Online/app tickets: Pre-validated for a specific train/time, show QR code at station gates.
• Quote [09:21]:
  "Taking trains in Sardinia is an overall relaxing experience." — Claudia

5. Accessibility for Disabled Travelers

• Urban buses: most have platforms for reduced mobility, and locals, as well as drivers, are helpful.
• Trains: similarly accessible.
• Intercity ARST buses: narrower, with assigned seats, but less clear accessibility.
• Quote [13:16]:
  "Public transport in Sardinia isn't the most disabled-friendly, but urban buses do have platforms... Locals are always very patient and helpful." — Claudia

6. Traveling with Pets & Bikes

• Pets: Small dogs and cats (in carriers) allowed on buses and trains; larger dogs may face restrictions, particularly on regional buses.
• Bikes: Always allowed on trains (may require a supplement); on buses, you can sometimes use the luggage compartment, but check at the station first.
• Quote [15:32]:
  "You can definitely bring the bike on the train. That's not quite the case for the buses, you will have to put the bike in the hold." — Claudia

7. Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Watch your belongings — pickpockets can target city buses.
• Follow public transit etiquette: keep noise down, use headphones, don’t take up extra seats, avoid smelly foods.
• Timetables change between summer and winter; summer has more services.
• Book train tickets in advance whenever possible.
• Italian Phrases:
  • Ticket = Biglietto (B-I-G-L-I-E-T-T-O)
  • Station = Stazione (S-T-A-Z-I-O-N-E)
  • Train = Treno (T-R-E-N-O)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:35] On Who Public Transport Suits:
  "Use public transportation in Sardinia if you're okay having to face unforeseen circumstances, if you want a slow, peaceful trip, and simply if you don't feel like driving a car. But know that there are limitations." — Claudia

• [06:41] On ARST Website:
  "Let me remind you, I have to say it's not the most user-friendly website. I find it hard to use and I speak Italian, so I will completely appreciate if you can't use it yourself." — Claudia

• [09:21] On Trains in Sardinia:
  "Taking trains in Sardinia is an overall relaxing experience." — Claudia

• [13:16] On Accessibility:
  "Public transport in Sardinia isn't the most disabled-friendly, but urban buses do have platforms... Locals are always very patient and helpful." — Claudia

• [15:32] On Bikes & Buses:
  "You can definitely bring the bike on the train. That's not quite the case for the buses, you will have to put the bike in the hold." — Claudia

Important Timestamps

• [01:35] – When (and when not) to use public transport
• [03:12] – Urban buses: Coverage, tickets, apps
• [06:00] – Intercity buses (ARST): Organization and tips
• [08:20] – Train travel: How it works and validation
• [13:16] – Accessibility for travelers with disabilities
• [14:58] – Pets and Bringing Your Bike
• [16:33] – Essential etiquette and safety tips
• [18:38] – Seasonal timetable changes and pre-booking advice
• [19:40] – Handy Italian words for transit

Summary

Claudia Tavani paints a nuanced, practical picture of public transit in Sardinia: a viable, scenic, and budget-friendly choice for travelers with flexibility, but not without its quirks and limitations. Her local knowledge ensures you’ll understand how to get around, buy tickets, validate them, and navigate language barriers—plus what to expect if you’re traveling with pets, a bike, or mobility needs. This episode is a must for anyone planning to see Sardinia beyond the tourist trail and without a rental car. For more in-depth details and updated links, Claudia encourages visiting her blog Strictly Sardinia.