Cagliari is linked to major ferry ports Porto Torres (234km) and Olbia (274km) by dual carriageway roads SS131 and SS131dcn.
Be sure to bring your driving licence, your car's registration papers and a valid insurance policy, such as the international green card, a reflective vest and a warning triangle.
The speed limit on dual carriageway roads is 110 km/h, on non-urban roads is 90 km/h, on Cagliari's inner ring road (Asse Mediano) 70 km/h, in urban areas 50 km/h, unless otherwise indicated by road signs.
It is compulsory to wear front and rear seat belts. Headlights have to be always turned on when driving on non-urban roads. Drinking and driving is heavily fined. The legal limit is 0.5 g/l.
Approaching Cagliari, signposting is sometimes confusing, so we recommend to use a satellite navigation device or to have a map to hand. Traffic in the city is generally not too bad, even during rush hour. When driving through the city you will see digital signs telling you how many spaces are free in the main car parks.
There are access restrictions for cars within city centre. Castello is off-limits during the night, while access to Marina, Stampace and Villanova is also restricted during the day.
By far the easiest and most pleasant way to visit the city centre is on foot. If you do decide to use your car, white lines (very few of them left) indicate free parking. If the lines are blue look for a parking meter (parchimetro) and pay the price. Tickets should be displayed on your car windscreen. The cost depends on the parking zone you are in. Expect to pay €1/hr in the city centre. Be sure to have plenty of coins to hand as parking meters neither give change nor accept credit cards. Parking is free from 13:00 to 16:00, from 20:00 to 09:00, on Sundays and public holidays.
Many of the parking areas in the city centre are, unfortunately, presided over by unofficial ‘attendants’ wishing to receive a tip. Whilst these people can seem intimidating, they do not pose a real threat and the best you can do is ignore them.
Disabled parking spaces are available at Metropark Cagliari and Regina Elena Parking Garage.