Flying to Olbia with Neos: what to know before landing
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is located about 4 km south of the city center and can be reached in 10–15 minutes by car or taxi. Outside the arrivals area, there are two ASPO urban bus lines — routes 2 and 10 — connecting the terminal to downtown Olbia in about 20 minutes, with a stop just a short walk from arrivals. Tickets cost approximately €2.50. Taxis wait outside in Zone B, with fares typically ranging from €15–25 to the city center and higher fares for Porto Rotondo and more distant coastal areas.
For travelers wishing to explore the coastline or the interior of Gallura freely, renting a car is the most effective option. Several rental companies operate within the terminal, and booking online before departure often guarantees better rates during peak season. This is especially important in July and August, when vehicle availability tends to sell out quickly.
Olbia Airport is well organized while remaining a moderately sized airport: arrival procedures are usually fast, and baggage claim lines are generally short.
For travelers wishing to explore the coastline or the interior of Gallura freely, renting a car is the most effective option. Several rental companies operate within the terminal, and booking online before departure often guarantees better rates during peak season. This is especially important in July and August, when vehicle availability tends to sell out quickly.
Olbia Airport is well organized while remaining a moderately sized airport: arrival procedures are usually fast, and baggage claim lines are generally short.
Direct Neos flights to Olbia: duration and advantages
From Milan Malpensa, the flight to Olbia takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Verona, flight time is just under an hour; from Bologna, travel times are similar, around 55–60 minutes.
These are extremely short flights, but the difference between a direct flight and a connecting itinerary on a route like this is very tangible. Anyone familiar with Sardinia knows that every hour saved upon arrival is another hour spent at the beach.
With a direct Neos flight, there is one boarding process, one baggage drop-off and retrieval process, and no risk of missing a connection. For seasonal destinations such as Olbia, where vacation days are often limited and every one counts, the simplicity of a direct route is not only a matter of convenience — it translates into real vacation time.
These are extremely short flights, but the difference between a direct flight and a connecting itinerary on a route like this is very tangible. Anyone familiar with Sardinia knows that every hour saved upon arrival is another hour spent at the beach.
With a direct Neos flight, there is one boarding process, one baggage drop-off and retrieval process, and no risk of missing a connection. For seasonal destinations such as Olbia, where vacation days are often limited and every one counts, the simplicity of a direct route is not only a matter of convenience — it translates into real vacation time.
Must-sees in Olbia and Gallura
Olbia is the gateway, but Gallura begins immediately beyond it. To the north lies the Costa Smeralda — Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and countless coves nestled among granite rocks and Mediterranean vegetation — with waters that shift between emerald green and deep blue depending on depth and morning light.
The La Maddalena Archipelago can be reached by ferry from Palau in just a few minutes: seven main islands, dozens of islets and coves accessible only by sea. Cala Coticcio, on Caprera Island, is the kind of place that alone can justify a trip to Sardinia.
Closer to the airport, Bados Beach and Olbia's northern coastline can be reached within minutes by car, making them ideal for the first or last day of a trip when time is limited.
For travelers interested in culture, Olbia's historic center features the Basilica of San Simplicio — the most important Romanesque church in northeastern Sardinia — and an archaeological museum displaying the remains of Roman ships discovered in the gulf.
Gallura is not only about beaches; you often discover that by staying a few extra days.
The La Maddalena Archipelago can be reached by ferry from Palau in just a few minutes: seven main islands, dozens of islets and coves accessible only by sea. Cala Coticcio, on Caprera Island, is the kind of place that alone can justify a trip to Sardinia.
Closer to the airport, Bados Beach and Olbia's northern coastline can be reached within minutes by car, making them ideal for the first or last day of a trip when time is limited.
For travelers interested in culture, Olbia's historic center features the Basilica of San Simplicio — the most important Romanesque church in northeastern Sardinia — and an archaeological museum displaying the remains of Roman ships discovered in the gulf.
Gallura is not only about beaches; you often discover that by staying a few extra days.
Offers, included services and practical details for flying to Olbia with Neos
Travelers heading to Olbia often carry more than a cabin trolley: beach vacations have their own logistics. It is worth choosing carefully among Neos fare options. Relax and Freedom fares include checked baggage and offer different levels of booking flexibility, while Promo is designed for travelers with fixed plans who pack light.
The ability to combine baggage allowances between passengers on the same booking — available with fares that include checked baggage — is particularly useful for couples and families.
Online check-in becomes available 48 hours before departure and closes 3 hours before the flight. It is free and can be completed directly on neosair.com. It allows travelers to receive a digital boarding pass on their phone, avoiding check-in desk queues — especially useful at airports such as Milan Malpensa and Bologna during busy summer weekends.
Passengers checking baggage must still visit the baggage drop counter, but having a boarding pass already ready makes the process faster.
Neos also provides dedicated options for families traveling with children, including reduced fares for minors, the possibility of requesting special meals and boarding assistance. For passengers with young children, it is advisable to review available options directly on neosair.com during booking, especially when selecting seats — sitting together comfortably on a one-hour flight can make a noticeable difference.
Olbia is one of Italy's most in-demand summer destinations, and Neos schedules to this airport follow a seasonal calendar. Travelers planning for July or August should book several months in advance: seats in the most affordable fare categories often sell out much sooner than expected. On neosair.com, it is possible to monitor schedule openings and search for preferred travel dates as soon as flights become available.
Then you land, pick up the car, and Gallura begins.
The ability to combine baggage allowances between passengers on the same booking — available with fares that include checked baggage — is particularly useful for couples and families.
Online check-in becomes available 48 hours before departure and closes 3 hours before the flight. It is free and can be completed directly on neosair.com. It allows travelers to receive a digital boarding pass on their phone, avoiding check-in desk queues — especially useful at airports such as Milan Malpensa and Bologna during busy summer weekends.
Passengers checking baggage must still visit the baggage drop counter, but having a boarding pass already ready makes the process faster.
Neos also provides dedicated options for families traveling with children, including reduced fares for minors, the possibility of requesting special meals and boarding assistance. For passengers with young children, it is advisable to review available options directly on neosair.com during booking, especially when selecting seats — sitting together comfortably on a one-hour flight can make a noticeable difference.
Olbia is one of Italy's most in-demand summer destinations, and Neos schedules to this airport follow a seasonal calendar. Travelers planning for July or August should book several months in advance: seats in the most affordable fare categories often sell out much sooner than expected. On neosair.com, it is possible to monitor schedule openings and search for preferred travel dates as soon as flights become available.
Then you land, pick up the car, and Gallura begins.
FAQ
Neos flies from Milan Malpensa, Verona and Bologna.
Depending on the departure airport, between 50 and 75 minutes.
Public transportation is available, but renting a car is strongly recommended if you want to explore the most beautiful beaches and experience the charm of the Gallura hinterland.
The schedule is focused on the summer season. June and September are generally the most attractive months from a value-for-money perspective.
The Costa Smeralda is home to some of the clearest waters in Italy. Must-see beaches include Cala di Volpe, San Teodoro, Cala Brandinchi, Liscia Ruja, and the beautiful Grande Pevero and Piccolo Pevero.
