Frequently Asked Questions

September is the cheapest month at around £41/day — a fraction of August’s peak of £257/day. April, May, June and October also offer excellent value with good weather. The yearly average at OLB is £109/day according to Skyscanner data.

Skyscanner data shows booking two weeks ahead gives the best daily rate at OLB. For July and August, book 6–8 weeks ahead: availability runs out well in advance and prices escalate significantly. September onwards has good last-minute availability.

Olbia has a very wide price range depending on season. In low season (September–March), deals start from £18/day. In peak summer (August), prices regularly exceed £200/day. Choosing a local Sardinian company and booking in advance significantly reduces the cost.

Best-rated by Google reviews: T.Rent (5.0★, 188 reviews), Olbia Prime (5.0★), Only Sardinia (4.9★, 1,700 reviews), AGATA PALARENT (4.9★), Olbia Rent Car (4.9★, 502 reviews), Simple Rent (4.9★, 352 reviews), Islandrive (4.9★, 206 reviews). Local operators consistently outperform international brands at OLB.

Yes — many of the highest-rated companies operate off-airport with free delivery to the OLB terminal or your hotel. Companies like Only Sardinia, Islandrive, T.Rent and Simple Rent deliver direct to the arrival area, meaning no shuttle wait and prices typically 20–40% lower than terminal desks.

Olbia Airport has a dedicated car hire building (Autonoleggio) separate from the main terminal. Follow signs for “Autonoleggio / Rent a Car” after collecting luggage. International brands (SIXT, Europcar, Hertz, Sicily by Car, Goldcar) have desks in this building. Local companies typically meet you in the arrivals area or a designated pickup spot — coordinates are in your voucher.

All 17 cars on our Localrent platform accept credit card payment for the deposit. Some local Sardinian companies also accept cash — check the listing before booking. International brands (Hertz, SIXT, Europcar) typically require a credit card in the renter’s name.

UK licence holders do not need an IDP if their licence is in English and clearly legible. Drivers from non-EU countries or those with licences not in the Latin alphabet should carry an IDP. Always check the specific requirements on your booking confirmation.

The minimum age is 18 in Italy, though individual companies often set a higher minimum (typically 21–25) and may charge a young driver surcharge. Check the specific listing before booking as requirements vary by company and car category.

Italy drives on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside towns and 110 km/h on motorways. Headlights must be on at all times when driving outside urban areas — even in daylight. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Blue parking lines are paid, white are free, yellow are reserved.

Taking a hire car off Sardinia by ferry to mainland Italy is generally not permitted without prior authorisation from the rental company. This is explicitly prohibited in most Localrent contracts. Always check your voucher before booking a ferry.

Via our partner platform: 17 cars ranging from the Fiat Panda (mini) and Fiat 500 (economy) through compact Opel Corsa and Citroën C3, crossover VW T-Cross, hybrid MG EHS PHEV, and up to the Mercedes Vito (9-seat van). All are new cars with free airport delivery, free cancellation and unlimited mileage.

Several petrol stations are located near the airport and along the main roads into Olbia. Important: many stations close for 2–3 hours at lunchtime and on weekend afternoons. 24-hour stations are mainly on motorways. Plan ahead when driving into rural Sardinia or the Gennargentu mountains.