Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) is the main gateway to Sardinia, with direct flights from most Italian cities and many European hubs — Ryanair in particular serves Cagliari well from northern Europe. The airport is about 8 km northwest of the city centre; bus line 11 runs frequently to the centre, or a taxi takes about 15 minutes.
By ferry, Cagliari is connected to Civitavecchia (Rome), Genova, Livorno, Palermo, and Naples. Grimaldi, Tirrenia, and Sardinia Ferries operate these routes; overnight sailings from the mainland are a practical way to arrive with accommodation included. The ferry terminal is at the Stazione Marittima, a short walk from the city centre.