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Toll Italy
Toll roads in Italy: your complete guide
Italy is a popular destination for campers, but before you set off, you should familiarise yourself with the toll systems of the country. On most motorways, Italian motorway toll applies, calculated by distance and vehicle class. Whether closed ,open systems or Free Flow system. This means you don't need a vignette or toll card; cash, card payments or a toll box such as the one from maut1.de or the ADAC toll box are sufficient.
Here you'll find all the important information to travel stress-free. Find out how to calculate costs, what payment options are available and what to watch out for at toll stations and in city centres. With this guide you'll be well prepared for a relaxed trip through Bella Italia!
Table of contents
2.2.1. Toll box from maut1.de - Save with the JahresPass Vorteilswelt
4.1.1. Munt-la-Schera tunnel: motorway connection from Italy to Switzerland
5. What you should know about car transport by train in Italy
What you need to know about tolls in Italy: the most important questions and answers
In this section we answer the most important questions about tolls in Italy. This way you can explore the Italian motorways and towns without any nasty surprises.
How are toll fees calculated in Italy?
In Italy, the toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class. Vehicles are categorised by height, number of axles and weight. Motorcycles and cars pay lower fees, while motorhomes and towing combinations often cost more. On average, the toll is around 7 cents per kilometre. Additional charges may apply for special tunnels or zones. For each stretch you receive a ticket documenting the distance driven.
Tip: Use online toll calculators to work out costs for your route in advance and plan accordingly. We recommend the route planner from ADAC Maps.
Does the vehicle class matter for calculating toll fees?
Yes, the vehicle class is decisive for the toll costs. Italy distinguishes vehicles by number of axles and height at the front axle. Cars and motorcycles fall into category A, motorhomes usually in category B. Towing combinations and larger vehicles are classified into classes 3 to 5 according to their number of axles.
Category A: 2 axles, front axle height ≤ 1.3 m
Category B: 2 axles, front axle height > 1.3 m
Category 3: 3 axles
Category 4: 4 axles
Category 5: 5 or more axles
For tunnels and special routes, different rules may apply. It is therefore important to check in advance which category your vehicle falls into in order to calculate the correct costs.
:quality(60) "Fahrzeuge")
Toll in Italy: what payment options are there and can I buy the toll in Italy online?
At the toll stations in Italy you can pay in cash, by credit card, by Viacard or via the Telepass (toll box) . The white lanes are for cash and card payments intended, while blue lanes accept card payment or Viacards accept. Yellow lanes (Telepass lanes) are exclusively for Telepass users reserved.
Toll box
With a toll box you can pass through toll stations faster, without stopping. The toll box is simply mounted on the windscreen. After about a month you receive a detailed statement including an overview of the toll charges incurred.
Tip: With the toll box from maut1.de you can conveniently Italy, France, Spain and Portugal faster. As a VanSite AnnualPass holder you even get 5 € discount on the activation fees for your Maut1 toll box.
Free-flow system
If you use the modern free-flow system, billing is handled electronically, either via online registration or an app. Make sure to choose the right lane, as changing lanes or reversing at a toll station is strictly prohibited. With the toll box from Maut1.de billing is automatic.
:quality(60) "Autopass")
Can you pay Italian tolls afterwards?
Yes, if you were unable to pay the toll directly at the toll stations, subsequent payment is possible. At the station you receive a receipt ("Mancato pagamento"), with which you can pay the toll within 15 days - either online, at a Punto Blu station or by bank transfer.
Important: Delays can lead to high late payment fees if payment is not made on time. Allow enough time for payment and keep your receipts handy.
Which motorways or roads are toll roads in Italy?
Most motorways in Italy are toll roads and marked with green signs. You pay according to the distance driven, directly at the toll stations.
There are exceptions: The A2 from Salerno to Reggio di Calabria as well as some expressways and shorter road sections are toll-free. On Sicily the toll only applies on the motorways A20 (Messina-Palermo) and A18 (Messina-Catania). There is also a toll obligation for some tunnels, such as the Mont Blanc or Brenner. Blue signs indicate expressways that can be used free of charge.
Toll systems in Italy
Italy uses three different toll systems: the closed system, the open system and the modern free-flow system. Each system has its own characteristics that affect how you pay and use the motorways. Here you can find out how the various systems work and what you need to know.
How the closed system works on motorways
With the closed toll system, you take a toll station at the motorway entrance at a ticket that records your entry and vehicle class. At the exit the toll is calculated based on the distance covered and the vehicle category. You can pay in cash, by card or Telepass. If you lose the ticket, you will be charged the maximum amount for the longest possible route. This system is standard on most Italian motorways.
Important: Even if the barriers are open, you must take a ticket to avoid problems at the exit.
How the open system works on motorways
In the open toll system the fee is charged as a flat rate at fixed toll stations, regardless of the distance covered. This system is often used in urban areas such as Milan or on short motorway sections. Typical routes are the A8 (Varese-Milan) or the A3 (Naples-Salerno). Payment works similarly to the closed system: cash, card or Telepass. The open system helps reduce traffic jams, as there are fewer stations along the route.
Free-flow system - Modern toll payment system
The free-flow system is the most modern toll system in Italy. The toll fee is recorded electronically via license plate scanners, without you having to stop and without a ticket. You can pay the fee online, via an app or with a toll box (Telepass). This system is used on some newer routes such as the A36, A59 and A60 in Lombardy. It saves time and is especially practical for frequent drivers.
Important: Make sure your vehicle is correctly registered to avoid additional charges.
Tunnel and city toll
In Italy you pay tolls not only on motorways tolls but also tunnels and city centres can add extra costs. Particularly tunnels that connect Italy with its neighbouring countries, such as the Mont Blanc or Brenner Tunnel, are subject to tolls. Some cities also charge a Milan, Bologna and Palermo a city toll to reduce pollution and traffic. Here you'll find out which fees to expect, how to pay them, and what rules apply in each zone. This way you'll be fully prepared for tunnels and city toll.
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Fees for major tunnels
Italy has many tunnels that come with not only spectacular views but also fees. These vary by length, vehicle category, and season. Among the best known are the Mont Blanc Tunnel between France and Italy, and the Brenner Tunnel connecting Austria and Italy. Prices can differ for one-way or return trips. Here you'll find the key details about the most-used tunnels and what to watch out for when paying.
Munt-la-Schera Tunnel (Italy-Switzerland)
The Munt-la-Schera Tunnel connects Livigno in Italy with Zernez in Switzerland. It is a single-lane tunnel operating with alternating traffic controlled by traffic lights. The fees vary by vehicle type and season: In winter, cars up to 3.5 t pay around 25 euros for a one-way trip; in summer it's about 17 euros. For motorhomes the prices are higher. Payment options include cash and credit card. This tunnel is especially popular with winter sports fans heading to Livigno.
Brenner (Italy-Austria)
The Brenner Tunnel is part of the Brenner motorway and connects Italy with Austria. In addition to the regular motorway toll, there is an extra toll charge of 11 euros for cars. For return trips, 22 euros (as of 2024). Motorhomes pay more depending on their category. The toll charge can be paid at the toll booths in cash or by card. The Brenner is an important transit route and sees heavy traffic especially during holiday periods. Early planning and toll transponders save time here.
Great St. Bernard Tunnel (Italy-Switzerland)
The 5.8-kilometre-long tunnel connects the Aosta Valley in Italy with Switzerland. The toll charges are around 31 euros for cars for a one-way trip and 50 euros for return trips. Motorhomes and larger vehicles pay higher amounts. Payment is possible in cash, by credit card or online. This tunnel offers a quick link between the two countries and is frequently used by travellers heading to the Alpine regions.
Mont Blanc Tunnel (Italy-France)
The Mont Blanc Tunnel connects Italy and France and is one of the best-known Alpine crossings. For cars the one-way trip costs around 55 euros, and a return trip is around 68 euros. Motorhomes pay more depending on height and category. The tunnel is 11.6 kilometres long and is an important link between Courmayeur and Chamonix. Payment is made at the toll booths in cash or by card. Note that the tunnel undergoes regular maintenance, which can lead to temporary closures.
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Toll in the city
In some Italian cities there is a city toll to regulate traffic and reduce pollution. This rule applies in particular to restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in Milan, Bologna and Palermo. The toll charges depend on vehicle type, emission class, and duration of entry. Motorcycles are often exempt from the toll, while larger vehicles pay more. Find out here which rules apply in each city and how to pay the city toll pay to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Milan
In Milan there is a congestion charge for the "Area C", the historic city centre. The toll fees are 5 euros per day and depend on the emission class of your vehicle. Petrol vehicles below Euro 3 and diesel vehicles below Euro 5 are not allowed to enter the zone. Motorcycles are exempt. Payment is made online or at machines, often also after the fact within 24 hours. Note that the zone is monitored on weekdays between 7:30 and 19:30. Public holidays are exempt.
Bologna
In Bologna a ticket is required to access the "Zona a Traffico Limitato" (ZTL), which costs 6 euros per day. The zone applies daily from 7 to 20 hours. Vehicles with a poor emission rating are not allowed, while motorcycles are often exempt from the regulation. The tickets can be purchased at machines, in tobacco shops or online. If you are planning a longer stay, Bologna also offers multi-day tickets. Find out about the applicable rules in advance to avoid fines.
Palermo
The congestion charge in Palermo applies to the "ZTL Centrale" and costs 5 euros per day. It is charged on weekdays from 8 to 20 and at night from Friday to Sunday. Older vehicles, especially those with high emissions, are not allowed in the zone. Motorcycles and electric vehicles are often exempt from the toll requirement. Payment is made online, via apps or at local sales points. Find out in advance about the exact times and exemptions to drive through Palermo without problems.
Car transport Italy
Car transport is a convenient alternative to cover long distances without stress and save time. This service is especially practical for campers travelling with a motorhome or caravan. Italy offers various car transport services connecting the country with its neighbours such as Switzerland and Austria. Frequently used tunnels include the Simplon and Lotschberg tunnels as well as car transport services in the Alpine regions. Here you can find out which routes are most popular, what they cost and what to keep in mind when planning.
Frequently used motorway routes
Simplon Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy):
Costs:
Car up to 3.5 t: 26 CHF.
Motorhomes up to 3.5 t: 26 CHF.
Motorhomes over 3.5 t: 45 CHF.
Trailers: 15-26 CHF, depending on weight.
Highlights: Journey time approx. 20 minutes, departures every 90 minutes. Especially popular with campers coming from Switzerland.
Lotschberg Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy):
Route: Kandersteg (Switzerland) - Iselle di Trasquera (Italy).
Costs:
Car up to 3.5 t: 27 CHF (Mon-Thu), 29.50 CHF (Fri-Sun).
Motorhomes up to 5 t: 27-29.50 CHF.
Trailers: 20-29.50 CHF.
Highlights: A convenient connection to the southern Alpine regions. Online booking recommended, especially during the holiday season.
Car transport through the Brenner (Italy-Austria):
Route: Innsbruck (Austria) - Brenner (Italy).
Costs:
Car: approx. 11 euros one way.
Motorhomes: depending on vehicle class, approx. 18 euros.
Highlights: Part of the Brenner motorway; the car transport saves time and hassle in peak season.
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