Motorway Tolls in Italy

Table of contents

Buy vignette
Tolls in Italy are based on the total kilometers driven and the vehicle category. They're charged on nearly all motorways in the country and marked with a green motorway symbol. The tolls are levied using toll stations located at entrances to Italy's motorways, called autostrade. Essentially, there is no vignette in Italy needed for driving toll roads; however, a vignette is required to enter low emission zones in cities like Palermo, Milan, and Bologna.

It is possible to bypass Italy's toll stations by using Telepass. This toll tag is the easiest and quickest payment option, allowing drivers to use the yellow-marked lanes without stopping. Additionally, the free flow system has been introduced on three roads: the A36, A59, and A60. Here, a vehicle's license plate is electronically scanned and automatically recorded, with various payment options available, including credit card or cash.

Do be aware that some tunnels will require an additional payment.

While this sums up the motorway tolls you can expect in Italy, read on to learn more about them more in-depth.

Understanding Tolls in Italy

Toll roads were used in Italy as early as 1922 with the first toll road a roughly 31-mile stretch near Milan. Today, they're used across the country's motorway network. The Società Autostrade Concessioni e Costruzioni Spa (ANAS) was established in 1946 to help rebuild Italy after the war. An agreement was signed between ANAS and the Autostrade to manage the Autostrada del Sole between Naples and Milan, opening in 1964. Since then, private companies have built new motorways rather than the Italian government.

Quality control checks and inspections are somewhat lacking as compared to Germany and France, which is believe to have resulted in the 2018 Ponte Morandi bridge disaster in Genoa. The government blamed Atlantia, the company operating half the country's motorways, for the collapse of the bridge and dozens of subsequent deaths. However, the exact cause of the collapse is still up for debate.

Overview of Italian Toll Roads

Nearly all mainland highways in Italy are toll roads. There are some exceptions, however, including the A2 from Salerno to Reggio di Calabria. In Sicily, only the A20 between Messina and Palermo and the A18 from Messina to Catania are subject to tolls.

Italy has a total of 36 toll roads, with the most trafficked including the A1 Milano-Napoli, A14 Bologna-Taranto, and A30 Caserta-Salerno. Toll rates vary depending on the route. They are collected at toll stations using either a closed or open system, particularly around Milan. Additionally, the A36, A59, and A60 motorways near Como have an exclusively electronic 'free-flow' system. That means direct payment at toll stations is not available. Using a toll tag is advisable on this road.

Types of Toll Systems

Closed System

The closed motorway system is applied to most of the motorways in Italy. It requires drivers to collect a ticket at the motorway entrance and pay the amount due upon exit. The cost is based on the vehicle category and the kilometers driven.

Open System

The open system is primarily used in urban centers to help prevent traffic jams. Unlike the closed system, the driver does not pay based on distance driven, rather a flat rate is charged at each toll station which is based on the vehicle category.

Free-Flow System

Italy's Free-Flow System is a toll collection method used on motorways A6, A59, and A36. Cameras and gantries are used to automatically register vehicles and calculate the applicable tolls without having to stop at a toll booth.

The Toll Tag For The Above Systems

The toll tag for Italy can be used for all of the above systems. It enables you to pay the toll automatically after you’ve finished your journey. The toll tag is connected to your vehicle's license plate and toll payments are automatically deducted from your bank account once a month.

Toll-Free Routes

There are no tolls charged on the following road sections, which will be marked with a blue traffic sign. That includes:

  • A2 Salerno - Reggio Calabria
  • A19 in Sicily
  • A29 in Sicily
  • A29dir in Sicily

Vehicle Categories and Toll Rates

Category Vehicle Type
Category A Motorcycles (all vehicles with 2 axles up to 1.3m high on the front axle)
Category B Campervans and busses (all vehicles with axles up to 1.3m high on the front axle)
Category 3 Heavy goods vehicles such as trucks/lorries (vehicle and combination with 3 axles)
Category 4 Heavy goods vehicles and trailers with 2 axles (vehicle and combination with 4 axles)
Category 5 Heavy goods vehicles and trailers with 3 axles (vehicle and combinations with 5+ axles)

Toll Charges and Payment Methods

Average toll rates

While the exact toll cannot be determined in advance, the tolls on all Italy motorways as of 2024 average approximately €.07 per kilometer for regular passenger cars.

Examples of toll charges on popular routes

From Brenner Pass to -

Milan €21.90
Venice €20.50
Florence €33.10
Bologna €27.10
Rome €52.40
Turin €46.40

From the Mont Blanc Tunnel -

Milan €16.45
Venice €34.65
Florence €33.10
Bologna €32.20
Rome €56.70
Turin €11.62

Payment Methods

Closed System

Drivers have three options for paying tolls with the closed system:

  • White lane: cash and credit card
  • Blue lane: credit cards, EC cards, and Viacard
  • Yellow lane: Telepass users only

Free-Flow and Open System

For open and free-flow systems that do not have toll stations, the toll must be paid within 15 days by credit card or bank transfer.

Telepass System - Italian Toll Tag

As mentioned previously, the Telepass system uses an electronic device called the toll tag. The toll tag is installed in your vehicle and will allow you to pass through Italy's toll stations without having to stop. It is satellite-based and operated by the namesake Telepass society (the Autostrada dei Flori (ATA).

As the Telepass payments are automatic, linked to the toll stations via radio, there is no need to stop and pay so you'll save time on your journey. It can also provide access to services such as AREA C, a traffic-restricted area in Milan, and the affiliated car parks. Additionally, the Telepass toll tag can be used for paying the motorway tolls in France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia (excluded parking lots).

Additional Tolls for Tunnels and Roads

There are additional tolls for tunnels and some roads. It's important to be aware that the prices from Italy to France can differ from France to Italy. The below listed prices are from the Italian side. On our page about the French motorway tolls we’ve listed the prices from France.

Munt La Schera Tunnel:

A 3.5km single-lane road tunnel in the Swiss canton of Graubünden connecting the Engadin valley with Lago di Livigno

Car/Van

Up to 9 seats and 3.5 T

 December to April December to April May to November May to November
One-way trip Return ticket One-way trip Return ticket
Saturday- E-ticket €30,32 €43,91 €15,68 €26,14
Saturday- Purchasing at the toll station €36,59 €52,27 €17,77 €29,27
Sunday till friday- E-ticket €20,91 €36,59 €15,68 €26,14
Sunday till friday- Purchasing at the toll station €26,14 €43,91 €17,77 €29,27
January till December January till December
Monday till sunday One-way trip Return ticket
Motorbike

E-Ticket

 €11,50 €17,77
Motorbike

Purchasing at the toll station

 €13,59 €20,91
Caravan/Camper

E-Ticket

 €24,05 €42,86
Caravan/Camper

Purchasing at the toll station

 €26,14 €46,-
Minibus

10-19 seats

 €35,55 -
Bus

20-35 seats

 €65,87 -
Bus

36+ seats

 €94,09 -
Truck

Up to 18t

 €39,73 -
Truck

Over 18t

 €46,- -

Great St Bernard Tunnel:

A 5.8km tunnel between the Valais in Switzerland and the Val d'Aoste in Italy

Vehicle category One-way trip Return ticket
A1 MOTORCYCLE, MOTORCYCLE WITH SIDECAR, MOTORCYCLE WITH TRAILER €18,50 €24,50

A2 VEHICLES WITH 2 OR MORE AXLES, HEIGHT MEASURED FROM FRONT AXLE LESS THAN 1.30CM AND TOTAL HEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 2 M €31,- €50,-
B1 VEHICLES WITH 2 OR MORE AXLES, HEIGHT EXCEEDING 2M AND EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN 3M €48,50 €77,50
B2/B3 -AXLE TRUCK WITH TOTAL HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3 M / 2-AXLE BUS WITH HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3M €84,50 €136,50
3A/3B 3-AXLE TRUCK WITH TOTAL HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3M / 3-AXLE BUS WITH TOTAL HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3M €123,- €195,-
4 VEHICLES WITH 4 OR MORE AXLES AND TOTAL HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3 M €186,50 €295,-

Mont Blanc Tunnel:

An 11.7km tunnel linking Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France with Courmayeur in Italy

Vehicle Category One-way trip Return ticket

1 Vehicle with two or more axles with a height from the front axle less than 1.3 meters and a total height of less than or equal to 2 meters €55,- €68,60

2 Vehicle with two or more axles with a total height greater than 2 meters and less than or equal to 3 meters €72,80 €91,50
3 Vehicle with two axles with total height greater than 3 meters €199,70 €310,80
4 Vehicle with three or more axles with total height greater than 3 meters €401,30 €630,40
5 Motorcycle, motorcycle with side-car, motorcycle with trailer €36,40 €45,70
D Exceptional transport "A" (refrigerator, vehicle towing another vehicle) €416,30 -
E Exceptional transport "B" (that requires occupation of the whole carriageway) €1106,- -

Fréjus-Tunnel:

A pair of 12.87km tunnels connecting France and Italy running beneath the Col du Fréjus in the Cottian Alps

Vehicle category One-way trip Return ticket

1 Vehicle or combination of vehicles whose height at the front axle is less than 1.30 meters and whose total height is less than or equal to 2 meters €55,- €68,60

2 Vehicle or combination of vehicles whose height at the front axle is greater than 1.30 meters or whose overall height is greater than 2 meters and less than or equal to 3 meters. €72,80 €91,50
3 Two-axle vehicle with a total height of over 3 meters Starting at €199,70 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle Starting at €310,80 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle
4 Vehicle with three or more axles with total height greater than 3 meters Starting at €401,30 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle Starting at €630,40 depends on the euro norm of the vehicle
5 Motorcycle, motorcycle with side-car, motorcycle with trailer €36,40 €45,70
B Vehicle width between 2.81 meters and 3.50 meters, Slow-moving vehicle, Tow vehicle €557,10 -
C Vehicle with a width of between 3.51 metres and 6 metres or a length of more than 25 metres €1 106,- -
F ADR Class 1 goods, classification 1.3 C and 1.3 G (quantity - 5 T) and ADR Class 2 (Aut. of 22/06/2010) €746,60 -
Escorte ADR Mandatory escort for ADR shipments €161,70 -

Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road:

A 60km road connecting Obergurgl in Austria to Merano in South Tyrol, Italy

Vehicle category One-way trip Return ticket
Car max. 9 seats incl. driver, motor homes up to 3.5 tons €19,- €26,-
Motorcycles Group discount available for 10 or more motorcycles €17,- €23,-
Other vehicles Motorhomes over 3.5 tons, lorries etc. €30,- -
Buses as well as all vehicles used for commercial passenger transport such as taxis, hire cars, hotel minibuses etc.
Price per adult€ 6,-
Per child (7 to 15 years)€ 4,-
Maximum€ 120,-
Minimum€ 30,-
 -
Season ticket car/motorcycles €85,- -

A13 Brenner Motorway:

A 36km road between Italy and Austria crossing Brenner Pass*

*An extensive amount of information on the digital vignette for the Brenner motorway can be found on our website here.

Car Shuttle Train: Routes and Usage

It is possible to travel from Switzerland to Italy via car shuttle train. Also known as a car-carrying train, they are used to transport vehicles between places that aren't easily accessible to each other via road. Occupants typically stay with tier vehicles throughout the journey.

  • Simplon Car Transport (Switzerland - Italy): Running between Brig, Switzerland and Iselle, Italy, vehicles up to 3.5 tons that do not exceed the maximum mass can be transported.

Vignette Italy for Low Emission Zones

As noted at the start, there is no Italy vignette needed for driving toll roads, however, you will need an Italian vignette to drive in Italy's three major low emission zones: Palermo, Bologna, and Milan. This is referred to as a "congestion charge," a fee used to reduce or prevent congestion and pollution in city centers.

The Italian emissions scheme differs significantly from that of Germany and France, with countrywide stickers available in both. The Italian low emissions zones require a city-based registration.

Palermo

The congestion charge in Palermo is levied between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Diesel and petrol vehicles of emission classes Euro 0, 1, 2, and 3, are not permitted to enter during these periods. Both monthly (€20) and daily (€5) tickets are available online through the Palermo Mobility Centre (AMAT) or the Italian Automobile Club ACI. Motorcycles are exempt from paying this toll.

Bologna

If you plan to travel in the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., you will need an environmental ticket which can be obtained at public transport sales points.

Milan

In Milan, the congestion charge applies to the AREA C environmental zone which is located in the historic city center. Toll tickets are required Monday to Friday between 7.30 am to 7.30 pm. Euro 0 petrol vehicles and Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 diesel vehicles cannot enter this area during these periods unless they have a particulate filter installed. This includes vehicles with or without trailers exceeding a total length of 7.5 meters. No ticket is required for a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Tickets can be purchased at parking machines, participating car parks, newspaper kiosks, and Tabacchi shops.

FAQs

Can I prepay for tolls in Italy?
No, you cannot prepay for tolls in Italy. Tolls are calculated based on the distance traveled and the vehicle category. They are paid at toll stations upon exiting the motorway.
If you do not pay the required tolls in Italy within 15 days, you will receive a letter from Nivi SpA, an Italian collection agency. It will specify the amount which will include a significant reminder fee. This can range from €87 to € 344. Turning and reversing at toll stations is strictly prohibited with fines up to €6,000.
Frequent travelers can use the Telepass system, which offers convenience but not necessarily discounts. Check with Telepass for any available frequent user programs.
If you lose your toll ticket, you will be charged the maximum toll fee for the route. Report the loss at the toll booth when exiting.
No, electric vehicles are not exempt from tolls on Italian motorways. They must pay the same toll rates as other vehicles.
Yes, motorcycles are subject to toll charges in Italy. They fall under the same category as cars for toll calculations.
You can check toll charges by keeping the toll tickets or using the Telepass app if you have a Telepass account.
Yes, you can use the Telepass app to manage and pay your toll charges if you are a Telepass user.
There are no specific exemptions for disabled drivers. All vehicles must pay the applicable toll charges.
If you enter a toll road by mistake, you will still need to pay the toll charges based on the distance traveled until the next exit.
Yes, most major foreign credit cards are accepted at toll booths in Italy for payment.

Tolls in Neighbouring Countries

Switzerland FlagSwitzerland
Austrian FlagAustria
French flagFrance
Slovenian flagSlovenia