Cagliari Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Cagliari Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

the next night was spent outside in front of the airport in the bushes that are there. not funny anymore! – annele21

CAG Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Cagliari-Elmas Airport.

What to Expect

Cagliari-Elmas Airport (code: CAG) has a modern, three-level single terminal building with eight attached and six remote gates. The terminal features a small variety of restaurants and cafes and airside shopping areas that offer a wide range of high-end products, including traditional Sardinian goods. WiFi is available which should help pass the time. For additional comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to access the airport’s private lounge.

cagliari airport guide — (photo courtesy of Sami-Nezar / September 2020)

Sleeping in Cagliari Airport

While overnight sleeping is permitted, airport security checks for boarding passes or tickets for proof of travel. Those failing to provide such are escorted out of the building. Airport seating is described as uncomfortable benches with armrests, so consider bringing a travel mat and sleeping bag for floor sleeping. A sleeping bag will also help ward off the airport’s constant chill. Other than the cleaning crew, the airport is generally quiet during the night. For uninterrupted sleep, there are several hotels near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Cagliari Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are a few hotels near Cagliari Airport:

Mansio Residence Hotel (1.4 mi) Apartment hotel.
Holiday Inn Cagliari by IHG (1.8 mi) Upscale hotel.
Sardegna Hotel, Suites & Restaurant (2.2 mi) Upscale hotel.
Iris Rooms (2.9 mi) Guesthouse.
Nùe Rooms (3.1 mi) Guesthouse.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge you can enter by paying at the door.

Prima Vista Lounge (by Aviapartner) – Location: Main Terminal, Airside, after security checks, 1st Floor, on the left side (accessible to both Schengen and non-Schengen). Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€30 for adults, €15 for children 2–14) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary access for business class / frequent flyers of certain airlines (e.g. ITA Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Edelweiss, Iberia, AirDolomiti, Austrian).

Drinking Water

A reader tells us, “Inside Cagliari Airport, in the departures area just after security, you’ll find two filtered drinking water fountains where you can refill your bottle for free — one is located on the upper floor, and the other on the lower level. Please note that you need to bring your own bottle from home.” (May 2025)

Food & Drinks

There are food concessions located landside and airside. It is unknown if any of these facilities are open 24 hours. Dining options include Argiolas • Baccusardus • Chef Express • Etigua by Lavazza • Lowengrube • Moka • Natoo • Rossosapore • Viaggio Italia Market • Wine Bar 1920.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A left luggage office is available. Location, hours, and rates are not available.

Mobile Charging

A reader tells us that mobile charging is available. Some outlets are in the departure area, on the 1st floor, behind check-in counters.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Cagliari Airport. Connect to the “WiFi Cagliari Airport” network and follow the instructions for unlimited access.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Accessibility – Cagliari Airport offers facilities and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including a dedicated assistance lounge (Sala Amica), designated drop-off points, reserved parking spaces, and intercom stations for requesting help.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available in both the Departures and Arrivals areas. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s international withdrawal policies before travelling.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – A small selection of shops sell Sardinian souvenirs, local specialties, clothing, and reading materials. A newspaper and bookstore are also available.
Fast Track – Fast Track security is available as a paid service, allowing passengers to use a priority lane to reduce waiting time. Tickets are sold at automated machines landside. Cost: €5.00 • Free for select Meridiana premium fare passengers.
Information Desks – Information desks are available to assist travellers.
Luggage Wrapping – Sicurbag provides luggage wrapping services in the check-in area.
Massage Chairs – Massage chairs are available in the Departures area.
Medical Services – First aid and basic medical assistance are available 24 hours a day. Services include initial treatment and transport to a nearby hospital if required.
Meeting rooms – Available
Pharmacy – A pharmacy (FARMAfly) is available in the shopping area.
Prayer Room – A chapel is available in the Departures area on the upper level.
VIP Services – Fast Track, lounge access, boarding priority and transfers are available for VIP passengers.

Airlines

Cagliari Airport is served by the following airlines: Air France • Austrian Airlines • British Airways • Czech Airlines • EasyJet • Edelweiss • Ernest • Eurowings • Ita Airways • KLM • Lufthansa • Luxair • Neos • Ryanair • S7 Airlines • Smartwings • Transvia • Volotea • Vueling • Wizzair.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

Car rental desks are located in front of the airport terminal. On-site car rental agencies include AutoEuropa • Avis • Dinamica Rent • Europcar • Goldcar • Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty • Interrent • Locauto Rent • Maggiore • Matta Autonoleggio • Mida Rent • Noleggiare • Only Sardinia • Pintauro Autonoleggio • Ruvioli Autonoleggio • Sardinya Autonoleggio • SIXT • Viten Group • Winrent.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are available in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. At the time of this update, a one-way journey between the airport and Cagliari city center is about € 15 – 20 (daytime hours).

Train

Elmas Aeroporto railway station is located within a 5-minute walk from the airport terminals. Rail service, operated by Trenitalia, is available from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM, departing every 20 minutes. A train to downtown Cagliari takes about five to seven minutes and costs € 1.30 for a single ride. Trains to all major cities in Sardinia are also available from the airport railway station. Trenitalia tickets are sold online in ticket vending machines located in the Arrivals Hall and train stations. For routes, schedules and fare information, visit the Trenitalia website.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-09

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.