Very often, those visiting our country ask themselves, “How do I pay for highways in Italy?”
That’s why we thought it would be useful to explain the correct process to our visitors.
First of all, it’s important to understand the naming system of Italian roads.
The classification in Italy is regulated by the Codice della Strada (Highway Code), which divides roads into several categories. The main ones are:
HIGHWAYS (AUTOSTRADE): Identified by the letter A followed by a number (e.g., A1). The symbol is a green octagon.
STATE ROADS (STRADE STATALI): Identified by SS followed by a number (e.g., SS1). The symbol is a blue rectangle with white lettering.
REGIONAL ROADS (STRADE REGIONALI): Identified by SR followed by a number (e.g., SR1). The symbol is also a blue rectangle with white lettering.
PROVINCIAL ROADS (STRADE PROVINCIALI): Identified by SP followed by a number (e.g., SP1). The symbol is a blue rectangle with white lettering.
HOW TO PAY FOR HIGHWAYS IN ITALY?
Once the road classification has been explained, it’s important to understand how to access them.
When it comes to state, regional, and provincial roads, it’s very simple! These types of roads do not require any payment or special procedure—just follow the signs toward your destination.
Highways, on the other hand, are subject to a toll, meaning a mandatory fee that drivers must pay to access and use the motorway network.
TOLL CALCULATION
At every highway entrance, you’ll find toll booths where you must take an entry ticket, which is issued by an automatic dispenser.
Once you exit the highway, you’ll find additional toll booths where you must pay the toll by inserting the ticket you took at the entrance into the appropriate machine or simply handing it to the cashier.
At this point, the driver will see several lanes to choose from. These lanes are marked with different colors, which distinguish the types of toll payment portals. For example:
White portal: for self-service toll machines that accept cash and credit/debit cards.
This type of lane is marked with a coin symbol.
Blue portal: for self-service payment using magnetic cards, Viacard, debit cards, and credit cards. Marked with a credit card symbol.
Yellow portal / TELEPASS: exclusively for vehicles equipped with Telepass (a small electronic device installed in the vehicle that allows drivers to pass through the toll without stopping).
The toll amount is calculated based on the distance traveled, the type of vehicle used, and the characteristics of the highway infrastructure, whether it’s flatland or mountainous terrain.
Below you’ll find the link where you can calculate your toll fee in advance for travel on Italian highways.
👉 To calculate your toll, click here:
http://www.autostrade.it/autostrade_en-gis/percorso.do
Just enter your starting point and destination, then click OK. Very simple and useful for planning your trip!
We hope this guide has provided all the useful information you need on how to navigate and pay for highways in Italy.
If you still have any questions or need further details, feel free to email us at info@hotelsienaborgogrondaie.com
Safe travels!
