Tolls in Italy – all information about the costs

How does the toll system work in Italy?

Most motorways use a distance-based toll system. This means that you pay different amounts depending on the number of kilometres travelled and the vehicle class.

The three systems

• Closed system: Take a ticket when you enter, pay when you exit.

• Open system: Fixed flat rate for certain sections, e.g. Milan–Como.

• Free-flow system: Automatic recording via number plate (e.g. A36, A59, A60). Payment is made online or via account.

How much does the toll cost in Italy?

On average, the toll is approximately 7 pence per kilometre for cars.

Price examples (vehicle class A, passenger car)

Brenner → Milan: approx. £19.90

Brenner → Bologna: approx. £24.10

Brenner → Rome: approx. £46.40

Brenner → Naples: approx. £67.70

Exact rates can be calculated using Autostrade's official toll calculator.

How can you pay the toll?

At Italian toll stations, you have several options:

• Cash

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, V-Pay)

• Viacard (prepaid card with fixed amounts, limited availability)

• Telepass / toll box (electronic toll device, automatic billing)

How to pay motorway tolls in Italy by credit card

In Italy, you can pay motorway tolls conveniently with most major credit cards as well as cash.

It is important to pay attention to the colour-coded lanes at the toll booth:

White and blue lanes lead to manned cash desks or machines that accept credit card payments.

Yellow lanes are reserved for the Telepass system. This electronic device automatically records the toll. We recommend the toll box for frequent drivers. If you travel to Italy several times a year or simply want to drive through the toll stations without any hassle, you should purchase the toll box in advance.

How to pay tolls in Italy with the toll box / Telepass

The toll box is attached to the windscreen of your vehicle and automatically communicates with the Italian Telepass system at toll stations. As soon as you pass through a yellow-marked Telepass lane, the barrier opens automatically – no stopping, no ticket, no payment on site. The toll charges are automatically billed afterwards. This saves you time, avoids traffic jams at the normal toll booths and makes driving through the toll stations particularly convenient.

Are there any toll-free routes?

Yes, some motorways are toll-free:

• A2: Salerno – Reggio Calabria

• Sicily: e.g. A19, A29, A29dir

• Regional expressways with blue signs

City tolls and environmental zones (ZTL)

Many cities have ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) or city toll regulations:

• Milan: City toll on weekdays, access only with a ticket or special permit.

• Bologna: Day or multi-day tickets required.

• Palermo: Seasonal fees, e.g. €5 per day.

• Rome: Historic centre closed to private vehicles (exception: special permits, delivery traffic).

Fines & special features

• Lost ticket: The longest possible route will be charged unless you can prove your entry.

• Unpaid tolls: You may face heavy fines and additional charges, even years later.

• Tip: If you encounter problems at the barrier, press the ‘Assistenza’ button and request a payment receipt (‘Mancato pagamento’).