โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
75
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the primary international gateway to northeastern Sardinia, situated approximately four kilometers from the center of Olbia. Recently renamed to honor Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in February 2025, the airport features a single modern terminal building that handles high volumes of seasonal tourist traffic, particularly during summer months. The facility is well-equipped with premium amenities including Sardinian-themed retail shops, diverse dining options, and passenger lounges, with arrivals and departures clearly marked on the ground floor.
Inside the terminal, travelers have access to modern services including free unlimited Wi-Fi, multiple currency exchange desks, and the dedicated 'Corte Smeralda' area featuring high-end boutiques and local gastronomic products. Security and customs processes are typically efficient, though travelers should allow extra time during peak summer season (June-September) when the airport operates at near-full capacity. The facility maintains high standards for cleanliness and customer service, reflecting the luxury tourism market it serves throughout the Costa Smeralda region.
Operational capacity at OLB supports an extensive network of seasonal European holiday flights, with connections to 32 destinations served by major carriers and budget airlines like easyJet connecting to Berlin, Milan, Lyon, London, Paris, Geneva, and Basel. The terminal connects to a dedicated car rental center via a short walk from the main exit. Its strategic location provides ideal access to world-famous Costa Smeralda resorts, the Gallura region, and the nearby Maddalena Archipelago, with clear multilingual signage and helpful staff available for regional travel planning.
๐ Connection Tips
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport offers several convenient ground transportation options for reaching the city center and Sardinia's famous resort areas. For those heading to luxury resorts like Porto Cervo or Baja Sardinia, several private regional bus lines such as Sun Lines and Turmo Travel offer direct shuttles from the airport hub during the summer season. Car rental is a popular choice for exploring the island, and the 'Rent a Car' center is housed in a separate building just a short walk from the terminal exit.
The ASPO local bus lines (No.2 and No. 10) provide the most frequent service to central Olbia, with departures every 15 to 20 minutes from the stop located just 50 meters outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are also readily available outside the terminal, with a typical 10-minute journey to the city center costing between โฌ15 and โฌ20. Travelers should be aware that many direct bus services to remote coastal spots operate on a seasonal basis, so it is best to check current timetables if visiting in the winter.
Tickets should be purchased at the automated machines inside the terminal or via the MooneyGo app; ensure you validate your ticket immediately upon boarding to avoid fines. If you are heading to the Marina di Olbia, take the local bus to the 'Olbia Mare' stop near the shopping center, followed by a short walk to the docks. The airport's proximity to the Olbia Terranova railway station provides further connectivity to other Sardinian cities like Sassari and Cagliari, though a short bus or taxi ride is required to reach the station from the terminal.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Brindisi Airport (BDS), officially known as Salento Airport, serves as the primary gateway to the Salento peninsula and the broader Puglia region in Southern Italy. The airport features a single, modern terminal building that efficiently manages all passenger traffic, including domestic flights to major Italian hubs and international services operated largely by European low-cost carriers. The terminal's layout is designed for logical flow, with check-in desks and the arrivals hall located on the ground floor. Passengers transitioning to the secure departures area will find security checkpoints and transit gates on the first floor, accessible via escalators and lifts.
Inside the terminal, travelers can access a variety of essential facilities designed to enhance their journey. Amenities include several refreshment areas such as cafes and snack bars offering local Italian delicacies, alongside a selection of retail shops selling regional products, souvenirs, and travel necessities. The airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and dedicated assistance is available through the Sala Amica for passengers with reduced mobility. Families can also utilize the nursery located near Gates 6 and 7. For financial needs, banking services and multiple ATMs are conveniently situated within the public areas.
Operational procedures at Salento Airport are characterized by the typical efficiency of a well-managed regional hub. During the peak summer season, the terminal can become significantly crowded due to the influx of tourists heading to Puglia's coastal resorts, so arriving at least two hours before international flights is strongly recommended. Security and passport control are conducted in accordance with European Union and Schengen Area regulations. Travelers should note that while the terminal offers various services during the day, many shops and dining outlets may close late at night, and vending machine availability is limited during off-hours.
The airport is situated just 6 kilometers north of Brindisi's city center, offering excellent connectivity to the surrounding region. The STP Brindisi bus service provides a reliable link between the airport, the central train station at Piazza Crispi, and the Costa Morena port, with departures every 30 minutes. For those heading further south to the Baroque city of Lecce, dedicated bus connections are available, typically taking about 45 minutes. Taxis are stationed directly outside the arrivals hall for immediate transport, while a wide range of international and local car rental companies maintain desks on-site, providing the ideal solution for travelers wishing to explore the picturesque Salento coastline at their own pace.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Brindisi Airport (BDS), or Salento Airport, is generally a straightforward process due to its compact, single-terminal design. For passengers arriving on domestic or Schengen flights, transferring to another flight within the same zone involves a simple walk through the transit area without the need for additional security or passport checks. However, if your onward journey is to a non-Schengen destination, you must pass through passport control located on the first floor. It is essential to monitor the flight information screens throughout the terminal for real-time updates on gate assignments, as these can change quickly, especially during the busy summer months when regional traffic is at its peak.
For travelers who have separate tickets or need to re-check their baggage, the process requires exiting to the arrivals hall and returning to the check-in area on the ground floor. Since all check-in desks, security, and gates are housed within the same building, the physical distance to cover is minimal, typically requiring only a few minutes of walking. Nevertheless, passengers should allow a minimum connection time of 90 minutes to account for potential queues at security or baggage drop during peak travel periods. If you find yourself with extra time between flights, the first-floor departure lounge offers comfortable seating and a variety of cafes where you can enjoy traditional Puglian snacks.
Those connecting to ground transportation will find the process equally efficient. The STP Brindisi shuttle bus is the most popular option for reaching the Brindisi train station, providing a vital link for those continuing their journey by rail across Italy. If your destination is Lecce or other towns in the Salento region, look for the Pugliairbus services which coordinate their schedules with major flight arrivals.
โ Back to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport