How to Get to La Maddalena from Olbia: The Complete Guide 2026
In this guide
From Olbia to La Maddalena: everything you need to know
Are you landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) and want to reach the island of La Maddalena? In this practical guide, you'll find all the options – hire car, bus, private shuttles, and the ferry from Palau – with estimated times, costs, and useful tips to best organise the final leg of your journey.
In summary, the route is always the same: from Olbia, you reach Palau (approximately 40 km, 40–45 minutes), and from Palau, you take the ferry to La Maddalena (approximately 15–20 minutes' sailing, with very frequent departures).
1. Hire car (the most convenient solution)
Hiring a car directly at the airport is the most flexible way to get around.
- Olbia → Palau journey: approximately 40 km along the SS125 and SP123, 40–45 minutes.
- Embarking at Palau: join the queue at the port and board the ferry with your car.
- Advantage: once in La Maddalena, you'll have the car to travel between beaches and coves, many of which are only accessible by road.
In La Maddalena, parking is included for guests of Il Maestrale, a valuable convenience during high season.
2. Public bus (ARST)
For those travelling without a car, the ARST network connects Olbia to Palau.
- Olbia → Palau: direct buses or with a change, journey time varies between 1 hour and 1 hour 45 minutes.
- From Palau station/port, you can walk (5 minutes) to the ferry embarkation point.
- Tip: check the timetables in advance, as services are less frequent out of season and on Sundays.
3. Shuttles and private transfers
Several companies offer private or shared transfers from Olbia Airport to Palau port, with advance booking.
- Ideal if you're travelling with bulky luggage, as a family, or arriving at awkward times.
- They drop you directly at Palau's ferry embarkation point.
4. The Palau → La Maddalena ferry
The final leg is a short and picturesque crossing through the archipelago.
- Duration: approximately 15–20 minutes of sailing.
- Frequency: very frequent departures, every 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
- Companies: multiple operators run the service throughout the day.
- Once you disembark at La Maddalena port, you're just a few minutes from Via Cala Chiesa.
Total journey time
Considering the journey to Palau, the wait, and the crossing, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by car to get from Olbia to La Maddalena (longer with public transport). Once you arrive, the strategic location of Il Maestrale allows you to easily reach beaches, the town centre, and services.
Are you organising your holiday? Discover our apartment and contact us for any information regarding your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Olbia to La Maddalena?+
It's about an hour and a half by car: 40–45 minutes from Olbia to Palau, plus queuing and a 15-20 minute ferry crossing. Allow extra time if you're using public transport.
How to get to La Maddalena without a car+
You can take the ARST bus from Olbia to Palau, or opt for a private shuttle/transfer, then catch the ferry from Palau to La Maddalena.
How often do ferries depart from Palau for La Maddalena?+
Ferries are very frequent, departing every 15-30 minutes during peak times, and the crossing takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Written by Francesco
Host of Il Maestrale
Has been coming to La Maddalena since 2004 and still discovers something new every year. These guides collect the tips Francesco gives the guests of Il Maestrale.
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