The Ultimate Guide to Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG/LIEE) – Your Gateway to Southern Sardinia
Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG/LIEE), officially known as Aeroporto Mario Mameli, stands as the principal international gateway to the stunning southern region of the island of Sardinia, Italy. Located strategically in Elmas, the airport is a mere 7 km (4.3 miles) southwest of the vibrant capital city of Cagliari, placing it in immediate proximity to iconic tourist sites like Poetto Beach, the mesmerizing flamingo lagoons, and the ancient Nora archaeological site.
CAG has cemented its position as a major European regional airport, handling approximately 5.1 million passengers in 2024, and is confidently poised for a record-breaking operational season in 2025. Beyond its operational efficiency, the airport is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources to power its facilities.
1. General Airport Information, Terminal Services, and Facilities
Cagliari Airport operates through a single, modern, and highly efficient passenger terminal designed to ensure a smooth flow for both arriving and departing travelers. The terminal is structured to manage high passenger volumes, boasting an arrival capacity of 3,050 passengers per hour and a departure capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour.
Key Services & Amenities for Travelers at CAG:
- Seamless Connectivity: Travelers benefit from free, high-speed Wi-Fi access available throughout the terminal building.
- Retail and Gastronomy: A diverse selection of dining options, ranging from quick cafes to full-service restaurants, accompanies an array of retail outlets, including extensive Duty-Free shops offering local Sardinian products and international brands.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully equipped with comprehensive facilities and dedicated support services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), ensuring an inclusive travel experience.
- Essential On-site Services: Dedicated desks for car rental services, foreign exchange offices, and multilingual information points are conveniently located in the arrivals hall.
- Business Facilities: Exclusive access to VIP Lounges provides a quiet and comfortable environment for business travelers and those seeking premium services.
- Nearby Accommodation: For overnight stays or early morning flights, convenient hotel options are available close by, including the popular Holiday Inn Cagliari and the Sardegna Hotel.
2. 2025 Expanded Route Network and Key Airlines at CAG
Cagliari Airport is anticipating a major surge in traffic, projecting a record operational season in 2025. The summer schedule features an impressive total of 109 connections (75 scheduled and 34 charter flights), operated by 39 different airlines linking Cagliari to 25 countries across Europe and beyond.
The airport is a vital operating base for low-cost giant Ryanair and is also well-served by major legacy carriers, including ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Volotea.
Key 2025 Route Enhancements and New Connections Highlights:
- Ryanair Expansion: The carrier operates a record total of 40 routes from CAG, connecting to 21 destinations across 12 countries. Noteworthy additions include a new domestic route to Pescara and an international flight to Brussels Charleroi (starting October 2025).
- International Growth:
- London Connectivity: British Airways EuroFlyer has significantly enhanced its service to London (Gatwick), increasing frequencies up to 10 times per week.
- Spanish Market: Vueling has boosted its capacity to Barcelona by over 20%.
- Scandinavian Access: SAS has introduced a new twice-weekly route to Copenhagen, complementing existing services to Oslo.
- Central Europe: Edelweiss offers daily flights to Zurich during the high season, and Smartwings has increased capacity on the popular Prague route by 50%.
- French Links: easyJet has doubled its flights to Lyon while maintaining service to Paris-Orly, Basel, and Geneva.
- Domestic Focus and Territorial Continuity: Aeroitalia has launched a new connection to Catania and heavily enhanced its territorial continuity flights, operating up to 20 daily flights to Rome (Fiumicino) and up to 16 daily flights to Milan (Linate), ensuring vital links with mainland Italy.
3. Ground Transportation Options: Getting To and From Cagliari Airport
Cagliari Airport offers travelers highly convenient, cost-effective, and efficient options for reaching the city center and exploring the rest of Sardinia.
| Transportation Method | Destination | Travel Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) | SEO Keyword Focus |
| Train (Trenitalia) | Cagliari City (from Elmas Aeroporto station) | 5–7 minutes | ~1.30 EUR | Cagliari airport train, Elmas Aeroporto station |
| Bus (ARST lines) | Cagliari City (Piazza Matteotti) | 10 minutes | ~1.30 EUR | Cagliari airport bus service, ARST bus |
| Taxi | Cagliari City (Centre) | 10–15 minutes (approx.) | 15–20 EUR (approx. 25 EUR based on 2025 estimate) | Taxi from CAG, Cagliari airport transfer |
Car Rental and Parking for Island Exploration:
- Car Rental: Sardinia is best explored by car, and major international and local car rental agencies operate directly from the terminal. Agencies include Avis, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, and more. This is the ideal option for tourists heading to distant resorts like Villasimius or the Costa Rei.
- Parking: The airport provides an extensive, secure car park with a capacity for approximately 1,500 vehicles, offering both short-term and long-term parking solutions.
4. Essential Contact and Location Details
For official information regarding flights, services, or operations at the airport, travelers can contact the operating company:
- Cagliari Airport Operator: So. G. Aer. S.p.A.
- Address: Via dei Trasvolatori snc, 09030 Elmas (CA), ITALY
- Telephone: +39 070 211211
- Official Website: www.sogaer.it (Recommended for up-to-the-minute flight information)
- Coordinates: 39° 14′ 49” N, 9° 3′ 39” E