Sardinia is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea that is part of Italy’s territories. Because it is a relatively small and remote destination, prices for car rentals are already likely to be higher than in other places with a high population and extensive infrastructure.
Like most other places in the world, car rentals in Sardinia are especially expensive right now because of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, rental car companies were forced to sell much of their fleet to remain afloat, and now high demand means they can ask for higher prices. Keep reading to learn more about what driving in Sardinia is like and other options for your vacation.
Will Rental Car Prices go down?
It is unlikely that rental car prices will go down any time soon because rental car companies would have to drastically increase the size of their fleet to meet the high demand of international tourists after the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, rental car companies can make a profit from this demand, so they have little incentive to increase their inventory. It would also take a long time to purchase enough cars for prices to decline significantly.
Prices are also likely to stay high because Sardinia thrives on its tourism industry. So if prices were to go down too much, it might affect the local economy as a whole.
Is Driving in Sardinia Difficult?
Sardinia has traffic laws and regulations like most everywhere else in the world, so driving in Sardinia is not particularly difficult. Roads are well marked with speed limits posted and directions to attractions and cities alike.
The most difficult aspect of driving in Sardinia is often the car itself.
Because many people are used to driving automatic transmission cars, they may be inexperienced and unfamiliar with how to operate a manual car – the most common kind of car in Sardinia and the rest of Italy.
Another potential problem is an overreliance on GPS devices. They are generally correct but often mess up in the dense streets of historic cities and towns in Sardinia.
Does it make Sense to Rent a Car in Italy?
Renting a car in Italy immediately sounds like another headache or complication of what is probably an expensive and complex trip itinerary, but it can be well worth the effort in some cases.
Suppose you are visiting many places in Italy in a short period or just staying in the country for an extended time. In that case, a car rental can be a blessing that many people overlook because it gives you much more freedom over your schedule and where you can go.
However, if you only plan to visit one city, say Rome, then you can probably rely on public transport and your own two feet to get you where you want to go.
Do you need a car in Sardinia?
You certainly don’t need a car in Sardinia, but it can severely limit what activities you do and when. Sardinia does have public transportation, such as trains to connect major locations and buses for specific attractions, but the frequency of these methods is relatively low.
This means you are restricted to planning around these timetables instead of enjoying your vacation.
Not to mention that buses can often be unreliable in their timings, so any time-sensitive plans you may have for the day are at risk, potentially spending money without anything in return.
Is there an Uber in Sardinia?
Unfortunately, no Uber ride-sharing services are available on the island of Sardinia. That doesn’t mean that the company won’t expand its operations in the future to include Sardinia, but because there is relatively little demand on the island, it is unlikely this will happen soon.
Some sources claim that there are alternatives to Uber available in Sardinia but are careful because others say that there are absolutely no ride-sharing services in the area.
This means that if you do see prices for Uber competitors like Lyft or Grab, they may be exorbitantly priced or unofficial rides trying to make a quick buck while using a large entity’s reputation.
Final Thoughts on Why Is Car Hire So Expensive In Sardinia
Sardinia is a beautiful destination for road-tripping, with about 1,250 miles of pristine coastline and gorgeous waters. Of course, it isn’t ideal, but the COVID-19 pandemic has driven up prices for rental car companies.
To get the most out of your trip, it is generally recommended to still book a car rental. However, if you plan on visiting, try to arrange for a car as soon as possible, so you get the lowest prices and secure a vehicle early on without having to stress down the line.