What you should know about travelling by car in Italy
1. Highway tolls and tolls
In Italy, most motorways are subject to tolls. You will receive a ticket when you enter the motorway and pay on exit according to the distance travelled. Payment can be made by cash, card or Telepass. If you plan to travel to Italy more often, Telepass - an electronic device that speeds you through the toll booths - may be worthwhile.
For example, a trip from the Austrian border to Venice will cost around €15.
We've summarised all the information you need on how Italian motorways work in our article Italian motorways and how to pay for them.
2. Compulsory equipment and traffic regulations
Don't forget the compulsory equipment in the car: a reflective vest for each passenger, a warning triangle.
Children under 150 cm must be in a car seat.
The limit is 50 km/h in villages, 90 km/h outside villages, 130 km/h on the motorway (110 km/h in rain).
3. Parking
In cities you will come across coloured zones: blue zone ( paid parking), white zone (free parking), white zone (free parking).(free parking, usually with a time limit), yellow zone (reserved spaces for residents, disabled people, etc.). All important information about parking in Italy can be found HERE.
4. ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato)
Historic city centres often have a no-entry zone for non-citizens. If you drive into a ZTL without a permit, you can be fined.
By train in Italy: Convenient connections between cities
There are many ways to travel around Italy, but one of the most convenient options is by train. There are two most famous railway companies in Italy: TrenItalia and Italo Treno. Italy's rail network is well developed, with high-speed trains connecting most major cities. We recommend downloading the Trenitalia or Italo app to easily find connections, buy tickets and keep track of current departure times.
Tip: On some routes (especially in the summer season) it's worth booking tickets in advance, they tend to be cheaper and you'll avoid sold-out connections.
Bus services are cheaper and cheaper
In addition to the train, you can also use the bus service. For example, the Pullman bus, which runs for longer distances, or the Flixbus, which offers connections between different cities. Speaking of traffic, it's always wise to look around at least twice before crossing the road. Many Italians drive fast and traffic in larger cities tends to be very busy.
Languages
English is spoken in the larger cities and tourist areas, but a few basic phrases in Italian are useful in the countryside and smaller towns.
Payments and money
You can pay by card almost everywhere, but in smaller places it's still handy to have cash. Public toilets often cost 0.50-1 euro, even at petrol stations.
Restaurants and fees
It's also good to remember that in Italy it's customary to dine at around 8pm at the earliest. So if you're planning to go out for a good Italian dinner, remember that restaurants open later than we're used to here. Last but not least, live your trip to the fullest by indulging in at least one delicious gelato(ice cream) every day, in which you will discover as many amazing flavours as possible.
In some restaurants, a coperto - service charge (usually 1-3 euros per person) is automatically added to the bill. Tipping is not compulsory, but you'll be glad of the extra change for good service.
In major cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, you'll find clean drinking water in their squares, which is completely free. This means you don't have to worry about running out of liquids, especially during the hot summer days.
Apps that come in handy
- Google Maps or Waze (navigation).
- Moovit (public transport in cities).
- Trenitalia / Italo (trains).
Italy is a beautiful and varied country where each regional city offers a slightly different experience. Whether you're driving through the Tuscan vineyards, taking the train to Rome or flying to Sicily for some sun, these tips will help you enjoy your travels smoothly and without unnecessary complications.
Going to Italy? Where exactly are you headed? I'll be happy to advise you with tips for specific regions or cities!
