Toll roads in Italy: a complete guide and benefits for travelers
Italy, with its extensive network of motorways, is one of the countries in Europe that has developed a very efficient toll road system. This infrastructure is essential to maintain and expand arterial roadways, offering travelers a fast and safe service. In this article, we will look at how the toll roads in Italy work , the cost, the payment methods and some tips for those who want to travel on these roads.
What are toll roads?
Toll roads are sections of highways or roads for which a fee is charged. In Italy, most major motorways are tolled and the funds are used to manage, maintain and improve the road network. The paid system allows you to maintain high standards of security and traffic flow.
Toll roads in Italy
- A1 Milan – Bologna – Florence – Rome – Naples
- A2 Salermo – Cosenza – Reggio Calabria
- A3 Naples – Salerno
- A4 Turin – Milan – Venice – Trieste
- A5 Turin – Aosta – Monte Bianco
- A6 Turin – Savona
- A7 Milan – Genoa
- A8 Milan – Varese
- A9 Lainate – Switzerland A2
- A10 Genoa – France A8
- A11 Florence – Pisa
- A12 Genoa – San Pietro in Palazzi, Tarquinia – Rome
- A13 Bologna – Padua
- A14 Bologna – Ancona – Bari – Taranto
- A15 Parma – Spezia
- A16 Naples – Canosa
- A18 Messina – Catania, Syracuse – Rosolini
- A19 Palermo – Catania
- A20 Messina – Palermo
- A21 Turin – Brescia
- A22 Modena – Trento – Austria A13
- A23 Palmanova – Austria A2
- A24 Rome – Aquila – Teramo
- A25 Torano – Pescara
- A26 Voltri – Gravellona Toce
- A27 Mestre – Pian di Vedoia
- A28 Portogruaro – Conegliano
- A29 Palermo – Mazara del Vallo
- A30 Caserta – Salerno
- A31 Badia Polesine – Piovene Rocchette
- A32 Turin – Bardonecchia
- A33 Asti – Alba, Cherasco – Cuneo
- A34 Villesse – Slovenia
- A35 Brescia – Liscate
- A36 Cassano Magnago – Lentate sul Seveso
How does toll work in Italy?
Motorway tolls in Italy are calculated based on distance traveled and vehicle category. Vehicle categories are usually divided based on the height of the vehicle on the front axle and the number of axles. Travelers enter the highway through toll booths equipped with barriers and receive a ticket indicating the entry point. After departure, the system calculates the fare based on the distance traveled.
Available payment types
Several payment methods are available to travelers:
- Cash : Still widely used, especially by tourists.
- Credit/debit cards : Almost all toll booths accept card payments, including international schemes.
- Telepass : An electronic system that allows vehicles to pass through toll booths without stopping, automatically charging the toll to the appropriate account. This method is especially convenient for those who often drive on the highway.
- Viacard : a prepaid card that can be used at toll booths on motorways.
Travel expenses
The fare depends on the distance and the type of vehicle. For example, a standard car pays about 7-8 euro cents per kilometer. To calculate the cost of tolls for a particular trip, there are online tools, such as the calculator on the official Autostrade per l’Italia website , which allows you to get an accurate estimate.
The main toll roads in Italy
Toll roads cover most of Italy, connecting major cities and tourist areas. Among the most important routes we find:
- A1 – Autostrada del Sole : the longest Italian motorway connects Milan to Naples, passing through Bologna, Florence and Rome.
- A4 – Turin-Trieste : one of the busiest motorways, it connects the north-west of Italy with the eastern border.
- A14 – Adriatic : runs along the coast of the Adriatic Sea from Bologna to Taranto.
Advantages and disadvantages of toll roads
advantages:
- Better maintenance : Toll roads are generally well maintained and safe.
- Less traffic : Toll roads tend to be less congested than toll roads.
- Roadside services : service areas, restaurants and petrol stations are well distributed along the motorway routes.
Disadvantages:
- Cost : Depending on the distance, the toll can be high, especially for long journeys.
- Fewer alternatives : In some regions, toll roads may be the only fast option for traveling between major cities.
Tips on saving on travel
- Use Telepass : If you frequently travel on Italian autostradas, Telepass will allow you to save time and avoid queues at toll booths.
- Travel on public roads : If possible, consider using alternative public roads, which are free but may increase travel time.
- Check Fares : Before you travel, use a fee calculator to plan your trip and estimate costs to avoid surprises.
Toll roads in Italy are an important part of the national road network, providing fast and safe connections between major cities and tourist destinations. With careful planning and knowledge of various payment methods, travelers will be able to make the most of these services. Always check the costs in advance and evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the costs based on your travel itinerary.
Toll road prices in Italy vary depending on the distance traveled, the type of vehicle and the specific motorway. The toll is calculated mainly on the basis of the kilometers traveled and the category of the vehicle . Here’s an overview of the costs:
Average price per kilometer
- For cars and motorcycles, the average cost is about 7-8 Eurocents per kilometer .
- For light commercial vehicles (vans), the cost increases to approximately 10-12 euro cents per kilometer .
- For trucks and buses, costs can be higher, up to 15-20 euro cents per kilometer depending on the number of axles and the height of the vehicle.
Categories of vehicles
The Italian toll system classifies vehicles into different categories:
- Category A : cars and motorcycles (front axle height less than 1.3 m).
- Category B : vehicles with a front axle height of more than 1.3 m (SUV, camper).
- Category 3-5 : Commercial vehicles and trucks with more than 2 axles, where the rate increases with the number of axles.
Examples of fees for common routes
Here are some examples of tolls for category A vehicles:
- Milan – Bologna (about 215 km): 17.60 euros .
- Rome – Naples (about 225 km): 18.10 euros .
- Turin – Trieste (about 500 km): 40-45 euros .
Methods of reducing travel costs
- Telepass : The electronic Telepass allows you to pay without stopping and, in some cases, offers discounts for frequent users.
- Viacard : a prepaid card that allows you to pay tolls without cash and offers easier management.
- Fixed-price motorways : some routes have fixed tolls regardless of distance traveled, such as the A3 Naples-Salerno , which is free.
Online calculators
To get an accurate estimate of the toll cost for a specific trip, you can use the toll calculator on the official Autostrade per l’Italia website . After entering the point of departure, destination and type of vehicle, the system will provide you with a detailed price quote.
Prices for travel on toll roads in Italy can vary significantly depending on the route and type of vehicle. Planning your route in advance and taking into account the cost of travel will help you better manage your travel budget.