Italy Toll Roads Complete Guide: Telepass, Autostrade & Payment 2025
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Italy Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Distance-based toll collection (Closed & Open systems)
Coverage: Nationwide Autostrade network (A2, A18, A20 sections toll-free)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Technology: Telepass RFID, Cash/Card booths, Free Flow systems
Operators: Autostrade per l'Italia, regional concessionaires
Do I Need Telepass for Italy? 2025 Update
No, you don't need Telepass to drive on Italian toll roads - but it significantly speeds up your journey. Italy operates both traditional toll booths and electronic payment systems across its extensive Autostrade network.
Key Reality: Without Telepass, you'll wait in regular toll booth lines that can extend travel time by 15-45 minutes during peak periods. Telepass lanes allow speeds up to 30 km/h through dedicated yellow lanes.
2025 Update: Viacard prepaid cards were discontinued in 2025 but remain valid until December 31, 2029. New Free Flow systems on A33, A36, A59, and A60 require electronic payment only.
Italy Toll Costs: Current Rates
Italy operates distance-based tolls on most Autostrade, with costs varying by vehicle class, route characteristics, and concession operator.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Description | Rate per km | Example Cost (100km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (2 Axles) | Motorcycles, cars <1.3m front axle height | €0.06-0.09 | €6-9 |
| Class B (2 Axles) | Motorhomes, vans >1.3m front axle height | €0.08-0.12 | €8-12 |
| Class 3 (3 Axles) | Trucks, buses, car+trailer | €0.14-0.20 | €14-20 |
| Class 4 (4 Axles) | Heavy trucks, articulated vehicles | €0.16-0.24 | €16-24 |
| Class 5 (5+ Axles) | Large trucks, heavy transport | €0.18-0.27 | €18-27 |
Major Route Costs (Current Rates)
Popular Routes (Class A vehicles):
- Milan - Rome (A1): €32-38 (570km)
- Rome - Naples (A1): €18-22 (225km)
- Milan - Venice (A4): €15-19 (280km)
- Bologna - Florence (A1): €12-15 (105km)
How to Pay Italian Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Italy:
1. Electronic Systems:
- Telepass: RFID transponder for yellow lanes (up to 30 km/h passage)
- European ETC providers: As24, Axxes, DKV Box Italia, TollTickets, UnipolMove
- Free Flow apps: Conto Targa for A33, A36, A59, A60
2. Manual Payment:
- Cash: White lanes with attendant (exact change recommended)
- Credit/Debit cards: Blue "Carte" lanes with attendant
- Viacard: Valid until 2029 (no new cards sold)
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Italian toll roads, use TollGuru Italy toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Payment System Updates:
- Viacard prepaid cards discontinued January 1, 2025 (existing cards valid until 2029)
- Free Flow expansion on A36 Pedemontana Lombarda sections
- Enhanced Telepass European coverage including Croatia
Infrastructure Developments:
- A13 Brenner Autobahn: Lueg Bridge reconstruction causing single-lane restrictions
- Annual toll adjustments continue across major concessions
- VAT remains at 22% on all toll charges
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lane Selection Errors:
- Never enter yellow Telepass lanes without proper device
- Choose white (cash) or blue (cards) lanes if paying manually
- Reversing at toll booths is prohibited (up to €6,000 fine)
Ticket Management:
- Always take entry ticket even if barrier is open
- Keep ticket safe - lost tickets incur maximum distance charges
- Pay unpaid tolls within 15 days to avoid penalties (€87-345)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily costs: €15-40 for typical tourist routes
- North-South Italy: €60-80 for Milan-Naples journey
- Free alternatives: Provincial roads (SS) available but significantly slower
Toll-Free Sections
- A2 Salerno-Reggio di Calabria (southern Italy)
- A18 Messina-Catania (Sicily)
- A20 Messina-Palermo sections (Sicily)
- Urban ring roads around major cities
Regional Toll Information
Northern Italy - Dense Network:
- A4 Turin-Trieste: Major east-west corridor
- A1 Milan-Bologna: Primary north-south route
- A36 Pedemontana Lombarda: Free Flow technology
Central Italy - Tourist Routes:
- A1 Bologna-Rome: Tuscan countryside access
- A11 Florence-Pisa: Connects major art cities
- A12 Rome-Civitavecchia: Open system flat rates
Southern Italy & Islands:
- A1 Rome-Naples: Continued from central section
- A3 Naples-Salerno: Connects to toll-free A2
- Sicily: Limited toll sections (A18, A20 partially tolled)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Italian tolls completely?
Yes, by using provincial roads (SS = Strada Statale), but expect 2-3x longer travel times. For example, Milan-Rome takes 5.5 hours on tolled A1 vs. 8-10 hours on free roads.
What happens if I don't pay Italian tolls?
Unpaid tolls must be settled within 15 days. After this, fines range from €87-345, escalating to debt collection. Payment can be made online, at toll booths, or post offices.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Italy?
Yes, motorcycles over 150cc pay the same Class A rates as cars. Scooters under 150cc are prohibited on Autostrade.
What about tunnel tolls?
Major Alpine tunnels charge separate tolls: Mont Blanc (€68.60 return), Fréjus (€68.60 return), Great St. Bernard (€50.00 return). These are additional to Autostrade tolls.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all vehicles pay the same rates regardless of nationality. However, rental car companies may add administrative fees for toll processing.
Italy vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Distance-based tolls | €0.06-0.09/km | Most Autostrade |
| France | Péage system | €0.08-0.12/km | Major autoroutes |
| Austria | Vignette system | €9.60/10 days | All motorways |
| Switzerland | Vignette system | CHF 40/year | All motorways |
| Slovenia | E-vignette | €15/week | All motorways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Autostrade Resources:
- Autostrade per l'Italia: autostrade.it - Official toll calculator and traffic info
- Telepass: telepass.com - Electronic toll payment registration
- Pedemontana Lombarda: pedemontana.com - Free Flow payment portal
Customer Service:
- Telepass Support: +39 840 048 048
- Autostrade per l'Italia: +39 06 43631
- European Emergency: 112
