Tolls in Italy
What is a toll (requirement)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll requirement. But what does that mean? For using many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges, so-called toll fees are charged. The money collected through tolls is, for example, invested in the road network. This enables you to enjoy a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas for investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
- Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
- Road safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
- Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How are tolls collected?
In general, tolls can be collected in different ways. These include a vignette requirement, distance-based tolls and special tolls.
In Italy there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. Generally speaking, most motorways in Italy are subject to tolls, while most expressways are not. In addition, additional fees (special tolls) apply for certain tunnels and mountain pass roads, car-shuttle trains (transport of roadworthy and road-registered vehicles by train), and the so-called “city toll”.
Distance-based toll
Rules
In Italy, there are different vehicle classes that are charged at different rates. The following rules apply for assigning vehicle classes:
- Cars: Two-axle vehicles on motorways are differentiated based on their height at the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m). In tunnels, classification may be based on a different criterion.
- Car and trailer combinations: are differentiated by the number of axles, whereby tandem axles are also considered as two axles. Also note: in tunnels, classification may be based on other criteria.
- Motorhomes: are differentiated by the number of axles. For motorhomes, tandem axles may also be counted as two axles. Also note: in tunnels, classification may be based on other criteria.
Vehicle classes
The vehicle classes are differentiated as follows:
- Class A (2 axles): motor vehicles (such as cars and motorcycles) with 2 axles and a height of up to 1.3 m at the front axle
- Class B (2 axles): motor vehicles with 2 axles and a height of over 1.3 m at the front axle
- 3 axles: motor vehicles and combinations with 3 axles
- 4 axles: motor vehicles and combinations with 4 axles
- 5 or more axles: motor vehicles and combinations with 5 or more axles
When assigning your vehicle to a vehicle class, note that tandem axles are considered as two axles.
Paying distance-based tolls
Most Italian motorways are subject to charges, while expressways are generally free of charge. The motorway toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class (number of axles) and is paid at toll stations. In Italy, there are closed and open toll systems as well as a free-flow system:
- Closed toll system: This applies at most toll stations. You take a ticket and pay it when leaving the motorway; the amount is based on the distance travelled. Important: Even if the barrier is open when entering the motorway, you must still take a ticket. If necessary, the toll can be paid afterwards.
- Open toll system: A flat fee is charged and must be paid at a toll point. This includes various routes such as the A9 (Como–Milan), A8 (Varese–Milan), A5 (Mont Blanc–Aosta) and others. Check in advance which routes are included.
- Free-flow system: Automatic scanning and registration of the number plate, so you do not have to stop and no waiting times arise. This includes the A33, A36, A59 and A60.
At toll stations you can always pay in cash, and in some places also by credit or debit card. In addition, there are the ADAC toll box, Telepass, bip & go and the Camper toll box. With these, you can pay cashless and without stopping and use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes (T symbol) at toll stations. For this option you need a transponder (electronic device) with a contract, through which the toll is automatically charged to the stored account. Additional service fees also apply.
- ADAC toll box: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight.
- Telepass: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight. Telepass can be purchased online or on site at Punto Blu stations and Telepass sales points, and (for additional fees) via German sales portals.
- bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
- Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.
Special tolls: tolled tunnels and mountain pass roads
When travelling, note that there are tolled tunnels and mountain pass roads in Italy. You can find the best-known tunnels and pass roads subject to special tolls here:
- Great St Bernard Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
- Munt La Schera Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
- Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
- Fréjus Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
- Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (Austria–Italy)
Vehicles are also divided into different vehicle classes for tunnels subject to special tolls. Therefore, the amount of the flat fee may vary depending on the vehicle class. However, vehicle classification differs from tunnel to tunnel. For this reason, you should check the applicable vehicle classes for each tunnel before your trip.
Tolled car-shuttle trains (car trains)
We are happy to explain what is meant by car-shuttle trains (car trains). The following tunnels are considered car-shuttle routes:
- Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)
- Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)
City toll: Milan, Bologna and Palermo
Fees are charged for access to restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and city centres. The city toll is a flat fee and is not calculated based on distance travelled. It applies to the city centres of Milan, Bologna and Palermo. Please note that the exact times may change depending on the season. Therefore, to be safe, you should also check the official websites during your trip.
Milan
To access the ZTL in the city centre, “Area C”, you need a paid ticket at certain times (Mon–Fri: 7:30–19:30). You can purchase this online. After purchase, you must activate the ticket online (on the same day or at the latest the following day).
“Area C” includes the historic old town within the city wall ring road “Cerchia dei Bastioni”. Check in advance whether your vehicle is allowed to enter, as petrol vehicles with emissions standards Euro 0–3 are not allowed in “Area C”, among others. In addition, certain vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars (except hybrid cars with CO2 emissions > 100 g/km) as well as vehicles used for transporting people with disabilities are exempt from the fee. For this, you must submit an application to the City of Milan.
Bologna
To access the ZTL in the city centre, you need a paid ticket at certain times (daily from 7:00–20:00). You can purchase this online. In addition, you must activate the ticket online before use. You can also obtain a ticket at the BomoB counters at Piazza Manfredi Azzarita 4 (entrance Via Calori 4E) and Via Piero Gobetti 52.
Please note that the ticket does not allow you to drive in “Zone T”, as this area and the university area are subject to a driving ban. You should also check in advance whether your vehicle is permitted to enter the city centre due to certain emissions standards. In addition, electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee.
Palermo
To access the ZTL in the city centre, you need a paid access pass (ticket) at certain times (Mon–Fri: 8:00–20:00, as well as the night ZTL on Fridays 23:00–24:00, Saturdays and Sundays 0:00–6:00). The zone covers the areas from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Via Cavour and from Porta Nuova to Porta Felice.
Please check in advance whether your vehicle is allowed to enter the city centre due to certain emissions standards. You can obtain the access pass at the City of Palermo’s mobility centre AMAT, Via A. Borrelli 16 (near Piazza Croci), or its offices (Via Gusti, Piazza A. de Gasperi, Via Basile, main railway station), or purchase it at branches of the Italian Automobile Club (ACI) as well as online. Please note that after purchase you must activate the ticket via the PalerMoblità app or online. Motorcycles and electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee, but must register in advance.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip
We wish you a safe journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time by email.
FAQ: Questions and answers for your trip
Is a vignette required in Italy?
No. There is no vignette requirement in Italy as, for example, in Austria or Switzerland. Instead, many motorways charge a distance-based toll.
How do motorway tolls work in Italy?
The toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class and is usually paid at toll stations (take a ticket, pay when exiting). There are also routes with an open system (flat fee) and free-flow (payment afterwards) without barriers.
What is the difference between the closed and open toll systems?
Closed system: You take a ticket when entering and pay when leaving; the amount depends on the distance travelled. Open system: A flat fee is charged at a toll point (e.g. on certain routes around Milan).
Which routes in Italy use a free-flow system?
Italy has sections with fully electronic tolling (free-flow), including on the A33, A36, A59 and A60. The number plate is recorded automatically. There is no traditional payment at a toll station.
How do I pay the free-flow toll if there is no barrier?
With free-flow, payment is made afterwards via the relevant operator portals or connected payment methods. Important: there are often payment deadlines (e.g. within 15 days, depending on the operator/route).
Can I pay tolls in Italy in cash or by card?
Yes. At many toll stations you can pay in cash and/or by card. The signs above the lanes help you choose (e.g. yellow “T” for Telepass lanes, blue for card payment, white for cash payment, depending on the station).
What are Telepass lanes and do I need a device?
Telepass lanes are usually yellow-marked lanes with a “T”. They generally require a transponder/contract so that the toll is charged automatically. Note: These are services provided by external providers.
How are vehicle classes categorised in Italy?
The toll depends, among other things, on the number of axles and, for cars, often on the height at the front axle (e.g. up to/from 1.3 m). This means that cars, combinations and motorhomes may be classified differently.
Are there additional tolled tunnels or special routes in Italy?
Yes. In addition to motorway tolls, special tolls may apply for certain tunnels, mountain pass roads or special routes (e.g. international Alpine tunnels such as Mont Blanc or Fréjus). Check costs in advance depending on your route.
What is the “city toll” or ZTL (restricted traffic zone) in Italy?
Many cities have ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas). To enter, you often need a ticket/pass; otherwise, fines may apply. Rules and times are city-specific and can change.
Area C in Milan: When is it active and by when do I need to activate the ticket?
Area C is generally active Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 19:30 (public holidays excluded). After purchase, you must assign the ticket to the day of entry (PIN + licence plate), usually on the day of entry or by 24:00 on the following day at the latest (special cases may apply).
