






Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire deals at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up your Olbia Airport car hire at counters in the arrivals hall and walk 2 to 3 minutes to the car park, then head straight to Porto Cervo and San Teodoro on the Costa Smeralda. Public transport is limited along the coast, so renting offers more flexibility and, in July and August, you should allow extra time for pickup and book automatic cars early.
| Car Hire Provider | Location | Operating Hours | Local Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis/Budget | Terminal building | 8:00-23:00 (extended in summer) | Counter in arrivals hall |
| Europcar | Terminal building | 8:00-23:00 (extended in summer) | Counter in arrivals hall |
| Hertz | Terminal building | 8:00-23:00 (extended in summer) | Counter in arrivals hall |
| Sixt | Terminal building | 8:00-23:00 (extended in summer) | Counter in arrivals hall |
| Maggiore | Terminal building | 8:00-23:00 (extended in summer) | Counter in arrivals hall |
| Local providers | Terminal building | Varies by company | Several local agencies available |
Pick-up Process 1. Go to the hire desks in the arrivals area. 2. Complete the paperwork and review your contract. 3. The cars are in the adjacent parking area, a 2-3 minute walk from the terminal.
On average, car rentals at Olbia Airport cost around €98 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €28 per day.
Compare brands and car classes at OLB; prices often vary 10–20% for similar cars.
Book early only for peak July–August. Use free cancellation and keep checking for price drops in May–June or September.
Shift your pickup/return day or time. Avoid Saturday summer changeovers to cut both price and queue times.
Pick a manual if you can. Automatics are limited and pricier in Olbia, so reserve early if you need one.
Toggle trip length. 7+ days can unlock weekly pricing and sometimes adding a day makes the total cheaper.
Trim extras and fuel smart. Keep drivers to a minimum, under-25s pay surcharges, and refuel within 10 km at self-service Tamoil (Via Vittorio Veneto) or ENI (SS125) and keep the receipt.
| Type | Location | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | P1 - Outside terminal | Hourly rates apply | Convenient for pickup/dropoff |
| Long-term | P3 - Outer lot | Daily rates apply | Less expensive for extended stays |
| Car Hire Return | Dedicated area | Included in hire | Well-marked with directional signs |
Some beach access roads have limited spaces or restrictions in peak season
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Get a car so you can drive to:
Olbia city – city centre, port
Porto Cervo – Costa Smeralda
San Teodoro – La Cinta beach
Palau – La Maddalena ferry terminal

What documents do I need to pick up my hire car?
You will need to show a valid driver's licence, a credit card in your name and a passport or ID card. You might also need an International Driving Permit if your licence is from outside the EU/EEA.
Is it possible to pick up a car outside the hire desk opening hours?
Most companies at Olbia Airport can arrange an after-hours pickup for an extra fee, but you need to organise it beforehand. Keep in mind that not all companies offer this service, especially during the low season.
How much time should I allow for returning the car before my flight?
You should allow about 60 minutes during peak season and 30-45 minutes during the off-peak season to return the car and get to your departure gate.
Can I take my hire car to La Maddalena islands?
Most rental companies will let you take the car to La Maddalena on the ferry, but you need to tell them beforehand. You buy your ferry tickets at the port. You usually can't book these tickets in advance, so you should allow extra time in summer.
Can I pick up at Olbia Airport and return in Cagliari or Alghero?
Yes, most major companies let you do one-way hires in Sardinia for an extra fee. The fee is usually about €50-100, and the exact price depends on the car and the distance.