Olbia Airport handles late-night and overnight flights, particularly in peak summer season when charter and scheduled services run well into the night. Here is what to expect.
The terminal after hours
Olbia Airport operates 24 hours during the summer season. The terminal handles late-night arrivals efficiently. In peak season (July-August), even midnight arrivals encounter a functioning airport with staff and transport available. In the low season (November-March), the airport handles far less traffic and late-night operations may be reduced.
What stops running
The ASPO city bus runs its last service in the early evening. After that, no public bus connects to Olbia or any Costa Smeralda destination. This is not unusual for a regional Italian airport.
What keeps running
Taxis are available at the rank in peak season, though supply thins significantly after midnight. In July and August, late-night arrivals generally find taxis. In shoulder season (May-June, September-October), the rank may have limited vehicles after 11 PM. Night supplements (after 10 PM) add approximately EUR 5-10 to the fare.
Pre-booked transfers operate at any hour. The driver tracks your flight and waits. In peak season, many Costa Smeralda hotels expect late-night arrivals and their recommended transfer operators are available accordingly. For arrivals after midnight, particularly to distant properties like those in the Palau direction, pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Costa Smeralda late at night
Many high-end Costa Smeralda resorts have staff to greet guests at any hour. The roads between Olbia Airport and Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and similar destinations are safe at night — the Gallura region is quiet and well-lit on main routes. The drive is actually pleasant at night with no daytime summer traffic.
However, some resort properties are on access roads that are harder to navigate without prior knowledge. A pre-booked driver who regularly services a specific resort reaches it efficiently at 1 AM.
Late-night scenarios
Landing at 11 PM in July: Good taxi availability at the rank. Night rate adds EUR 5-10. Or pre-booked transfer at the same fixed price as daytime.
Landing at 1 AM in July: Taxi availability reduced but not absent. Pre-booked driver is the reliable choice.
Landing at 11 PM in May: Taxi availability is lower. Pre-book in advance.
Landing at 1 AM in September: Pre-book your transfer. Do not assume a taxi will be at the rank for a 40-minute drive to Palau at 1 AM in September.
Peak season note
July and August in Costa Smeralda see extraordinary demand. Flights arrive late into the night. Transfer operators scale up for peak season. Pre-booking is advisable even for daytime arrivals during this period — same-day availability can be limited at the airport.