Rent a Car in Olbia: Full Guide with Tips

Olbia, the beautiful coastal city in Sardinia, Italy, is known for its stunning beaches and ancient history. With a charming historic center with narrow streets, traditional shops and delicious local cuisine, Olbia is the perfect combination for romantic, culinary and cultural vacations.

Car hire in Olbia is the easiest way to explore the island at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten path wonderful places, away from mass tourism.

Read further the ultimate car rental guide for Olbia and get prepared for an amazing journey!

The most popular car rental locations in Olbia are in Olbia airport, Olbia city center and Olbia port. Car hire at Olbia airport has the great asset of having your own transportation mean as soon as you arrive in Olbia, while renting a car in Olbia city center may be difficult especially regarding the parking.

The are many car rental companies with various offerings in Olbia. The best tips for choosing a reliable rental agency are:

• Price comparisons and deals: Check online the offers and discounts for the car category you want.
• Hidden fees: Read thoroughly the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
• Car fleet: Choose a rental company with new and safe vehicles and great variety to find the perfect car for you.
• Customer service and reliability: A worldwide reliable company with local partners is your safe option to avoid car rental issues.
• Online booking: The easy and straightforward process of booking online in a user-friendly platform is the best choice to perfectly organize your trip and find the best deals.

Abbycar is one of the most affordable and best car rental companies in Olbia, with worldwide reputation, offering great deals all-year-long. Plus, it has great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service.

Car rental in Olbia is a simple procedure. The step-by-step rental process consists of the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s easy platform or in person in one of our rental locations the car type that meets your criteria according to your needs, travel plan and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any pre-existing damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point.

The required documentation to rent a car in Olbia is:

• Driving license (International Driving Permit for foreign non-EU drivers)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under the main driver’s name.

The most useful tips for a smooth rental experience in Olbia are:

• Obtain an International Driving Permit: It is required along with your national license if you are a foreign driver outside EU.
• Book in advance: Make the reservation early, especially in high season.
• Choose the right car: A small car to easily find parking is the best option. Otherwise, if you want to do long road trips to explore Sardinia or even mainland Italy, a compact car or an SUV is ideal.
• Best insurance: There are many options for car rental insurance in Olbia. It is wiser to choose an insurance with wide coverage and low deductible, including theft protection. Thus, you can enjoy your vacations stress-free and reduce the deposit in your credit card.
• Check the car before pick-up: Inspect the rental car for damages before taking it. Take photos to prove its pre-existing condition.
• Fill up the tank: The tank must be full before returning the car to avoid extra charges. The most common policy is “same to same”, meaning you should return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you took it.
• Understand the rental agreement: Read thoroughly the Terms & Conditions and keep the contract.

When visiting Olbia, consider these travel tips:

• Rent a car: Public transportation is limited in Sardinia, so car rental is ideal for exploring the stunning beaches and nearby attractions.
• Visit Costa Smeralda: Just a short drive away from Olbia, this area is famous for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
• Explore historic sites: Don't miss the Romanesque Church of San Simplicio and the ancient Nuragic sites.
• Try local cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Sardinian dishes and local wines at the city's restaurants.
• Be aware of weather conditions: Summer in Sardinia is hot, so if you visit the island during June, July and August, avoid wandering around from 12-5 p.m., carry water and have your own umbrella in unorganized beaches.
• Ferry trips: You can take the ferry from Olbia port to visit nearby islands.

Navigating the roads in Olbia can be very easy and stress-free with these tips:

• GPS navigation: Use a reliable GPS or navigation app to guide you, as some streets can be narrow and winding. If the cost to use your mobile phone for roaming may be high, you can ask for GPS from the rental company.
• Traffic rules: Follow local traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs. Be aware of pedestrian crossings.
• Roundabouts: Olbia has many roundabouts. The rule in roundabout is to give way to traffic already in the roundabout.
• Avoid rush hours: Traffic is heavy during morning and evening rush hours.
• Coastal roads: The route along the coast is scenic but be cautious of sharp bends and narrow lanes.
• Local driving style: Italian driving style may be aggressive and stressful, so be prepared accordingly.

Some useful parking tips for Olbia are:

• Parking in the city center: Look for designated parking lots and private garages to avoid fines. Street parking is limited and busy.
• Blue zones (Zona Blu): For street parking, look for parking areas marked with blue lines. Purchase a ticket from nearby meters and display it on your dashboard.
• White zones (Zona Bianca): Free parking areas are marked with white lines. There, you are not obliged to pay a ticket, but it is highly unlikely that you can find a free parking spot.
• Yellow zones (Zona Gialla): These are reserved for residents, disabled drivers or specific services. Avoid parking here unless you have the proper permit.
• Parking garages: You can use public parking garages for longer stays. They are secure and conveniently located in the city center.
• Beaches: Parking near popular beaches can be crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early.

When visiting Olbia, you can rent a car and explore many nearby attractions. Unmissable excursions are the following:

• Costa Smeralda: Famous for its stunning beaches, clear waters and luxury resorts. 
• La Maddalena Archipelago: A group of beautiful islands with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day trip by boat.
• Porto Rotondo: A picturesque village with charming streets, luxury yachts and lovely beaches.
• Golfo Aranci: A coastal town known for its beaches, dolphin-watching tours and diving opportunities.
• Tavolara Island: A stunning island and marine protected area, ideal for hiking, snorkeling and enjoying unspoiled nature.
• Arzachena: Visit this nearby town for its archaeological sites, including Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants' Tombs.
• Wine Tours: Explore the local vineyards and wineries, such as those in the Vermentino di Gallura region, to tastepot Sardinian wines.

The most common car rental issues in Olbia you should take into account are age requirements, payment options and insurance coverage. Let’s see the best tips for renting a car in Olbia.

Age requirements for renting a car in Olbia

The minimum age to rent a car in Olbia is 25 years, but you can be as young as 21 years old (19 for some groups) if you pay an additional young driver fee. The maximum age is 79 years, but you can be as old as 85 years old if you pay an additional senior driver fee.

Payment options for car rental in Olbia

The car rental payment options in Olbia are:

• Cash
• Debit card
• Credit card.

However, keep in mind that there are some terms and conditions for car rental without debit card. The most important are:

• Age restrictions: There are car rental age restrictions in Sardinia. It is mandatory to meet a minimum age requirement, often 21 or 25, with a valid driver’s license to rent a car without credit card.
• Insurance coverage: Most rental companies require insurance with full coverage to pay with debit card or cash.
• Geographic restrictions: Driving the rental car outside the island of Sardinia might be prohibited or require additional fees and permissions, especially with no credit card.

As abovementioned, it is important to inspect the car and take photos to prove its pre-existing condition. It is highly recommended to choose a reliable rental company, such as Abbycar, that has excellent customer service and can help you with any issue or safety matter.

A wide-coverage insurance is the best way to travel stress-free, eliminate the deposit amount in your credit card and feel confident in case of emergency.

Rent a car in Olbia with Abbycar, which is one of the most reliable and affordable car rentals in Olbia and enjoy your trip at its fullest!