Southwestern Sardinia is rural, and transport requires careful planning. Tunnels tours depart at exact times, and late visitors cannot join. Use this detailed transit directory to coordinate your arrival.
Most visitors travel by car from Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. The road distance is 68 kilometres (42.2 miles).
Drivers proceed west along the State Road SS 130 Iglesiente to the town of Iglesias. From Iglesias, transition to the State Road SS 126 Southwest Sardinia towards Gonnesa. Before entering Gonnesa, exit onto the Provincial Road SP 83. Follow this winding coastal road past Nebida to the hamlet of Masua.
Cost: €2.00 (~$2.18) per hour during the summer season.
Payment Method: Cash only. The parking meters do not accept credit or debit cards. Keep coins on hand.
Motorcycles: Free parking is available in designated bays.
Walking Distance: The path from the parking lot to the Porto Flavia ticket office is 200 metres (656 feet) along a gravel track.
Sardinia has a railway network operated by Trenitalia. A regional line links Cagliari Central Station and the Cagliari Elmas Airport to the station in Iglesias. The rail distance is 44 kilometres (27.3 miles).
Standard class carriages feature air conditioning, electrical sockets, baggage storage, and free transit for one folded bicycle.
The regional transport company, ARST, runs the only bus service connecting Iglesias to Masua. Route 808 is the designated corridor. The bus departs from the Piazza Mercato stop in Iglesias and terminates at the Masua coast. The journey takes 31 minutes. A one-way ticket costs between €1.00 and €3.00 (~$1.09 to ~$3.27).
Attention: The bus operates approximately once every four hours. Missing a connection will result in missing your non-refundable pre-booked tour slot.
| Departure (Iglesias Piazza Mercato) | Timetable Code | Return (Masua Coast) | Timetable Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:56 | FER (Workdays) | 06:49 | FER (Workdays) |
| 08:15 | GIO (Daily) | 07:30 | FER (Workdays) |
| 10:50 | GIOE (Daily Summer) / GIOI (Daily Winter) | 08:50 | GIO (Daily) |
| 12:45 | FERE (Workdays Summer) / FERI (Winter) | 11:30 | GIO (Daily) |
| 13:40 | GIOI (Daily Winter) | 13:25 | FER (Workdays) |
| 13:50 | GIOE (Daily Summer) | 15:00 | GIO (Daily) |
| 14:40 | SCO (School Days) | 16:20 | FER (Workdays) |
| 15:45 | FER (Workdays) | 19:20 | FER (Workdays) |
| 18:45 | FER (Workdays) | 20:30 | GIO (Daily) |
| 19:52 | GIO (Daily) | — | — |
Coordinates: 39.3364° N, 8.4074° E (Porto Flavia, Masua Coast, Iglesias, Sardinia).
Open in Google MapsTo avoid transit delays or parking queues, hire a local driver (Noleggio con Conducente, or NCC). Call or WhatsApp these operators:
Zoppo Paolo Taxi (Iglesias):
📞 +39 338 6242141
Taxi Service Iglesias:
📞 +39 338 5268132
Dan. Travel (Minibuses):
📞 +39 393 3316542
Michele Pilia Private Driver:
📞 +39 320 8539303
Roberto Manca (Gonnesa):
📞 +39 339 2238470
ProTuSar Luggage & People:
📞 +39 349 3760796
GM Viaggi (San Giovanni Suergiu):
📞 +39 340 0638132
Sardegna Trasferimenti (Airport):
📞 +39 393 9117576
Top Sardinia Driver:
📞 +39 349 3797921
Heavy bags are prohibited inside the mining tunnels. Store your baggage at these locations:
Cartolibreria Barracca (Iglesias):
📞 +39 351 567 0487 (Nannybag affiliate)
Associazione L'Anima dei Minatori:
📞 +39 339 1871386 (Local hold in Nebida)
Easy-Bag (Cagliari City Center):
📞 +39 347 100 9877
Offroad Sud Sardinia Tour:
📞 +39 348 918 3262 (Luggage transfers between hotels)
Trail Adventure Sardinia:
📞 +39 331 362 6121 (Cyclist gear transport)
La Pedivella (Cagliari):
📞 +39 351 7127282 / +39 348 9981996
Rent trekking or gravel bikes. Delivery to Iglesias can be arranged.