Toll Italy
What is a toll (obligation)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? So-called toll fees are charged for the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges. The amounts of money gained through the toll are invested in, for example, the road network. This enables you to have 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
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce exhaust emissions
How is the toll collected?
In general, the toll can be collected in various forms. These include the vignette obligation, the distance-based toll and the special toll.
In Italy there is no vignette obligation. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. Generally speaking, most motorways in Italy are subject to tolls, while most expressways are not subject to the toll obligation. In addition, additional fees (special toll) apply for certain tunnels as well as pass roads, car shuttle trains (transport of roadworthy and traffic-approved motor vehicles by train) and the so-called "city toll". The Italian motorways are largely operated by private concession companies, most notably Autostrade per l'Italia, which are responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of their respective routes.
Distance-based toll
Regulations
In Italy there are different vehicle classes, which are charged different toll rates. The following regulations apply for classifying vehicle classes:
Cars: Two-axle vehicles are distinguished on motorways according to their front axle height (up to/over 1.3 m). In tunnels, a distinction can be made using a different criterion.
Combinations (car with trailer): are distinguished by the number of axles, whereby double axles are also considered as two axles. Also note: in tunnels a distinction can be made using other criteria.
Motorhomes: are distinguished by the number of axles. For motorhomes too, double axles can be counted as two axles. Also note: in tunnels a distinction can be made using other criteria.
Vehicle classes
The vehicle classes are distinguished as follows:
Classe A (2 Assi): Motor vehicles (such as cars and motorcycles) with 2 axles and a front axle height of up to 1.3 m
Classe B (2 Assi): Motor vehicles with 2 axles and a front axle height of over 1.3 m
3 Assi: Motor vehicles and combinations with 3 axles
4 Assi: Motor vehicles and combinations with 4 axles
5 o piú Assi: Motor vehicles and combinations with 5 or more axles
When assigning your motor vehicle to one of the vehicle classes, please note that double axles are considered as two axles.
Payment of the distance-based toll
Most Italian motorways are subject to tolls, while expressways are toll-free. The motorway toll is calculated from the distance travelled depending on the vehicle class (number of axles) and is paid at the toll stations. In Italy there are closed and open toll stations for payment, as well as a free-flow system:
Closed toll system: Found at most toll stations. You must take a ticket, which is only paid for when leaving the motorway and is calculated based on the distance travelled. Important: Even if the barrier to the motorway should be open, a ticket must still be taken. If necessary, the toll can be paid retroactively.
Open toll system: A flat fee is charged, which must be paid at a toll station. This includes various routes such as the A9 (Como-Milan), A8 (Varese-Milan), A5 (Mont Blanc-Aosta) and others. Therefore, find out in advance exactly which routes are included.
Free-flow system: Automatic scanning and registration of the license plate, so that there is no need to stop and no waiting times occur. This includes the A33, A36, A59 and A60.
You can always pay in cash at the toll stations, and sometimes also by credit or debit card. In addition, there is also the ADAC toll box, the Telepass, bip & go, and the Camper toll box. With these you can pay your toll cashlessly and without stopping, and use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes (T symbol) at the toll stations. For this option you need a transponder (transmitter device) with a contract, through which the toll is automatically deducted from the registered account. Additional usage 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. The Telepass can be purchased online or on-site at Punto Blu stations and Telepass sales points, as well as, for an additional fee, from German sales portals.
bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.
Special toll: Toll tunnels and pass roads
Please note that there are toll tunnels and pass roads in Italy during your trip. 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)
For tunnels subject to special tolls too, motor vehicles are classified into different vehicle classes. Accordingly, the amount of the flat fee can vary depending on the vehicle class. However, the classification of motor vehicles varies depending on the tunnel. Therefore, you should find out specifically about the applicable vehicle classes for each tunnel before your trip.
Toll car shuttle trains
We are happy to inform you about what exactly is meant by car shuttle trains. The following tunnels are counted among the car shuttle trains:
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 the restricted traffic zones (ZTL) or city centres. The city toll is calculated as a flat rate and not based on distance. It applies to the city centres of Milan, Bologna and Palermo. Please note that the exact times may change depending on the season. Therefore, for your safety, you should also visit the official websites during your trip.
Milan
To enter the ZTL of the "Area C" city centre, you need a paid ticket at certain times (Mon - Fri: 7.30 am-7.30 pm). This can be purchased online. In addition, you must activate the ticket online after purchase (on the same day or at the latest the following day).
The "Area C" includes the historic old town within the "Cerchia dei Bastioni" city wall ring. Find out in advance whether you are allowed to enter with your vehicle, since, among others, petrol vehicles with Euro 0-3 emission standards are not permitted to enter "Area C". In addition, certain vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars (except hybrid cars with a CO2 emission value > 100g/km) as well as vehicles used to transport people with disabilities are exempt from the fee obligation. To do so, you must submit an application to the City of Milan.
Bologna
To enter the ZTL of the city centre, you need a paid ticket at certain times (daily from 7.00 am-8.00 pm). This can be purchased online. In addition, you must activate the ticket online before use. You can also purchase 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 entitle you to drive into the "Zone T", as this zone as well as the university area is subject to a driving ban. You should also find out in advance whether your vehicle is permitted to enter the city centre based on certain emission standards. In addition, electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee obligation.
Palermo
To enter the ZTL of the city centre, you need a paid access pass (ticket) at certain times (Mon-Fri: 8.00 am-8.00 pm as well as the night ZTL on Fridays 11 pm-midnight, Saturdays and Sundays midnight-6 am). The zone covers the areas from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Via Cavour as well as from Porta Nuova to Porta Felice.
Please note that you should find out in advance whether your vehicle is permitted to enter the city centre based on certain emission standards. The access pass can be obtained from the mobility centre of the City of Palermo AMAT, Via A. Borrelli 16 (near Piazza Croci) or its offices (Via Gusti, Piazza A. de Gasperi, Via Basile, main train station), or purchased at branches of the Italian automobile club ACI as well as online. Please note that you must activate the ticket after purchase via the PalerMobilità app or online. Motorcycles as well as electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee, but must register in advance.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a good journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ: Questions and Answers for Your Trip
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is there a vignette requirement in Italy?
No. In Italy, there is no vignette requirement like there is in Austria or Switzerland, for example. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged on many motorways.
How does the motorway toll work in Italy?
The toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and 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) as well as free-flow (subsequent payment) without barriers.
What is the difference between a closed and an open toll system?
Closed system: You take a ticket when entering and pay when leaving, with the amount depending on the distance traveled. Open system: A flat fee is charged at a toll station (e.g. on certain stretches around Milan).
Which routes in Italy use a free-flow system?
In Italy, there are sections with purely electronic tolling (free-flow), including on A33, A36, A59 and A60. There, the license plate is automatically recorded. There is no classic payment at the toll station.
How do I pay the free-flow toll if there is no barrier?
With Free-Flow, payment is made afterwards via the respective operator portals or connected payment methods. Important: Payment deadlines often apply (e.g. within 15 days, depending on the operator/route).
Can I pay the toll in Italy in cash or by card?
Yes. At many toll stations you can pay in cash and/or by card. The signage on the lanes helps 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 for them?
Telepass lanes are usually lanes marked in yellow with a “T”. These generally require a transponder/contract so that the toll is billed automatically. Note: These are services provided by external providers.
How are vehicle classes categorized 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). As a result, cars, car-trailer combinations, and motorhomes may be classified differently.
Are there additional toll-charged tunnels or special routes in Italy?
Yes. In addition to the motorway toll, 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 the costs in advance depending on your route.
What is the "city toll" or ZTL (limited traffic zone) in Italy?
Many cities have ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas). Entry often requires a ticket/pass, otherwise fines may apply. Rules and times vary by city and may 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 am to 7:30 pm (public holidays excluded). After purchase, you must assign the ticket to the day of entry (PIN + license plate), usually on the day of entry or by midnight of the following day at the latest (special cases possible).
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