What are taxis like in Sardinia?
- Damian Brzeski
- Aug 25, 2025
- 8 min read
In Sardinia, will you immediately recognize a taxi by its white color? Or perhaps you'll be surprised by the high nighttime surcharge, or by the fact that Uber operates completely differently here than in Poland?
Getting around this Italian island isn't just a matter of choosing between a taxi or a private transfer, but above all, knowing the local rules can save your wallet and your nerves.
In this guide, you'll discover how to recognize a legitimate taxi, how much you'll actually pay for a ride, and what alternatives await travelers looking for convenience and predictable prices.
How to recognize an official taxi in Sardinia?
To avoid unofficial carriers and ensure a fair price, it's crucial to identify a licensed taxi. Fortunately, Italy has strict, nationwide regulations that make this task easier.
Universal standard: White is the basic color
The first and most important feature of the official taxi in Sardinia, as in Rome and throughout Italy, is its white color .
According to a 1992 ministerial decree, all newly registered taxi vehicles must be white. This is a key indicator that distinguishes legitimate carriers from potential fraudsters.
External markings – what to pay attention to?
In addition to color, licensed taxis must have several distinctive markings:
"TAXI" sign on the roof: Each official vehicle is equipped with an illuminated sign with the word "TAXI" placed centrally on the roof.
License number and city coat of arms: The license number and the issuing municipality's identification must be displayed on the outside of the vehicle, usually on the door or rear. In Alghero, for example, taxis have their name and number, the Alghero city logo, and the Sardinia region logo visible on the rear of the vehicle. Remembering this number is crucial if you need to file a claim or retrieve lost items.
Vehicle interior: The taximeter is your ally
Every legal taxi must be equipped with a taximeter (Italian: tassametro ), which must be installed in a place clearly visible to the passenger.
Always make sure the driver turns it on at the beginning of the trip. This is your guarantee that you will be charged according to the official rates, not an arbitrary one set by the driver.
These stringent regulations regarding appearance and equipment aren't just a matter of aesthetics. They provide fundamental consumer protection, ensuring you're using a licensed and municipally regulated carrier.
At the same time, this rigid system creates a high barrier to entry for independent operators, which directly impacts the operating model of apps like Uber in Italy.
Recognizing an official taxi is therefore not only a matter of safety, but also the first step to understanding the entire transport ecosystem on the island.
Price list and tariff system
The taxi fare system in Sardinia is regulated, but its complexity and differences between cities can be a source of confusion for tourists. Understanding its components will allow you to consciously control your costs.
What are Sardinian taxi fares like?
Regardless of the city, the final fee consists of several basic elements:
Initial Fee ("Scatto di partenza"): This is a fixed amount charged at the beginning of the journey, before the taxi even starts moving. In Cagliari, it is €3.00.
Kilometer Tariff: There is a separate urban tariff ("urbana"), valid within the city limits, and a more expensive extraurban tariff ("extraurbana") for routes outside the city. In Cagliari, the extraurban tariff is activated when the passenger boards the vehicle if the destination is outside the city.
Time-based fare ("Tariffa oraria"): When a taxi is stuck in a traffic jam or travelling at a speed below 20 km/h, the taximeter automatically switches to charging for time rather than distance.
Co-payments ("Supplementi") you need to know about
Various surcharges may be added to the basic fee:
Night ("Notturno"): Valid usually from 22:00 to 07:00.
Festive ("Festivo"): Charged on public holidays and Sundays. Importantly, night and holiday surcharges are usually not cumulative.
Luggage ("Bagagli"): Usually the first suitcase is free, and each additional suitcase (especially larger ones) is charged a small fee.
Additional Passengers: A fee may be charged for each person beyond the second or third, depending on the city.
This diversity and complexity of tariff systems – for example, a percentage-based night-time surcharge in Alghero compared to a fixed fee in Cagliari – creates price uncertainty for tourists.
It is difficult to estimate the final cost of a longer trip on your own, which can lead to unpleasant surprises.
This unpredictability is a major factor driving the popularity of alternative transportation services such as private transfers (NCCs), which offer a pre-determined, fixed price, eliminating the stress of watching a taxi meter.
Tariff Component | Cagliari | Alghero | Olbia (from the airport) |
Initial fee | 3.00 € | 4.00 € | €3.50 (minimum fee) |
Rate per km (city) | 1.10 €/km | €2.00/km (first 10 km) | No data for the city tariff |
Rate per km (extra-urban) | 1.50 €/km (up to 15 km), 1.80 €/km (>15 km) | 1.60 €/km (over 10 km) | €2.60/km (up to 5 km), €1.90/km (5-35 km), €1.00/km (>35 km) |
Night surcharge (22:00-07:00) | 3.00 € | +40% to the tariff | +25% to the tariff |
Christmas surcharge | 3.00 € | 1.20 € | +25% to the tariff |
Luggage surcharge | €0.50 (over 10 kg) | 1.20 €/pc. | No data available |
Passenger surcharge | €2.00 (over 3 people) | €0.50 (over 2 people) | No data available |
Minimum airport fee | 17.00 € | 18.00 € | 3.50 € |
Hourly tariff (standstill) | €26.00/hour | €25.00/hour | €60.00/hour |
How much will a taxi fare in Sardinia cost? Sample prices on the most popular routes.
To translate abstract fares into concrete costs, we present estimated prices for travel on the most popular tourist routes below.
Please note that these are approximate values and may vary depending on the time of day, traffic and whether you are using an official metered taxi or a fixed-price private transfer.
From Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG)
To Cagliari city center: The fare typically ranges from €17 to €25. The lower price is often due to fixed fares offered by some companies on this route.
To Villasimius: Expect prices to be in the €110-130 range.
To Pula / Santa Margherita di Pula: The cost of the trip is approximately €90-110.
To Chia: The price will be similar to that to Villasimius, around €110-130.
From Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO)
To Alghero city center: This is a short route and will cost you around €25-30.
To Sassari: A ride to the second largest city in Sardinia costs around €50.
You can get to Bosa, a picturesque town on the west coast, for around €40.
To Castelsardo: For this longer route, private transfer prices range from €100 to €125.
From Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
To Olbia city centre: The cost of a ride to the nearby city centre is approximately €15-20.
To Porto Cervo: Prices for a trip to the heart of the Emerald Coast vary widely. A taxi from a taxi rank can cost €60-75, while a pre-booked private transfer can cost around €120.
To Palau (base of the La Maddalena archipelago): A private transfer on this route costs approximately €154.
Route | Estimated cost (official taxi) | Estimated cost (private transfer/NCC) | Approximate travel time |
Cagliari Airport -> Cagliari City Center | 17-25 € | 25-39 € | 10-15 min |
Cagliari Airport -> Villasimius | 110-130 € | 120 € | 60 min |
Cagliari Airport -> Pula | 90-100 € | 50-108 € | 35-40 min |
Alghero Airport -> Alghero Center | 25-30 € | 28-65 € | 15-20 min |
Alghero airport -> Castelsardo | n/a | 100-125 € | 55-60 min |
Olbia Airport -> Olbia Center | 15-20 € | from €28 | 10 min |
Olbia Airport -> Porto Cervo | 60-75 € | 120 € | 30-35 min |
Alternatives to traditional taxis: Uber, Bolt and private car carriers (NCC)
In addition to classic taxis, there are also other transport options available in Sardinia that are worth considering, especially if you plan longer journeys.
Uber in Sardinia – how does it really work?
Yes, Uber is available in Sardinia , but its operation is significantly different from what we know in Poland or many other countries. You'll find the service in the main tourist destinations: Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.
The key difference is that in Italy, Uber operates primarily under the "Uber Taxi" model. This means that through the app, you don't order a private driver in an unmarked car (like UberX ), but a licensed, local taxi .
This creates a paradox for the user. You get the familiar convenience of an app—easy ordering, cashless payment, and vehicle tracking—but you lose Uber's main advantage: price predictability.
The price you see in the app before booking a ride is only an estimate . The final amount you pay is based on the taximeter in the vehicle and may be higher.
Moreover, in Italy, the practice is to turn on the taximeter when the driver accepts your order and starts driving towards you, not when you get in the car.
This means you also pay for the taxi to get to you . As a result, a ride booked through the Uber app may be more expensive than the same ride from a taxi rank.
Is there a Bolt in Sardinia?
The answer is short and simple: no . Based on the official list of cities where Bolt operates, the service is not available in Italy.
NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente) – Your private taxi with a fixed price
The most interesting alternative, especially for airport transfers and longer trips, is the NCC service, or "car rental with driver." These are private, licensed carriers whose main advantage is a fixed, pre-determined price .
The main benefits of choosing NCC are:
Cost predictability: You know the price at the time of booking and it will not change due to traffic jams or choosing a different route.
Convenient booking: The service can be easily booked online with card payment.
Meet & Greet Service: At the airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it, eliminating the stress of searching for transportation upon arrival.
Higher standard: NCC vehicles are often comfortable sedans or vans (e.g. Mercedes), and the drivers are professionals, often speaking English.
These services are offered by both local companies and international booking platforms such as GetTransfer, Welcome Pickups and KiwiTaxi.
Travel around Sardinia smartly and stress-free
Getting around Sardinia by taxi can be simple and convenient, provided you understand the local rules. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, here are a few key tips to remember.
The Golden Rules of a Sardinian Passenger
Choose white: Always get into official, white taxis with a "TAXI" sign on the roof and a visible license number.
Look at the taximeter: Make sure the driver turns it on at the beginning of the trip. This is essential for fair billing.
Know the fares: Be aware of surcharges, especially the high 40% night surcharge in Alghero, which can significantly increase the cost of your journey.
Uber Smart: Remember that you're ordering a local taxi, and the price in the app is just an estimate. The final fare will be displayed on the taximeter, which may be turned on before you get in the car.
Book in advance: For long-haul flights and airport transfers, consider booking a private transfer (NCC). Compare offers online to ensure a fixed, upfront price and avoid surprises.
Carry cash: Although card payments are becoming more common, especially for app-based vehicles, it's a good idea to carry some cash in smaller towns or if you have trouble with a terminal.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can set out to conquer Sardinia without worrying about transportation. Focus on the sun, amazing beaches, and delicious cuisine, and you've got the transportation covered. Have a safe trip!
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