Driving through Italy will be one of the most beautiful scenic drives you’ll ever embark on with views of vineyards, beaches, and the hills of the Tuscany region. And if you’re wanting to visit several parts of this beautiful country, a road trip could be the answer to getting around quickly and easily. But there are some things to consider before embarking on this journey. Read ahead to find out if a road trip is the right choice:

Tolls

There are tolls in many Italian roads and they only accept credit cards and cash (no debit cards). Northern Italy has more tolls than its southern counterpart but it is good to keep in mind when budgeting for a road trip. For a quick way to estimate the toll costs of your planned trip go here.

Gas Prices

Gas is much pricier than in the US. In fact, the average cost of gas in Italy is up to three times the cost of gas in US. If renting a vehicle, opt for diesel if possible. Diesel vehicles get better fuel economy and will save you some money. And be sure to know the difference: Diesel is gasolio and petrol is benzina.

Twisting Roads

The roads in Italy are generally smaller and even the vehicles are smaller. Since most of Italy has lots of hills, the roads tend to wind around the terrain. Some drives are adrenaline-raising with narrow, twisting roads that require skillful coordination with oncoming traffic.

Tunnels

Because of all the hills and steep terrain, many tunnels have been built to make it easier for drivers cross the complex geological region. Most tunnels are short but ample. On a recent four-hour drive in Northern Italy, we counted more than 100 tunnels!

The Autogrill

Don’t dismiss the rest stops on the Autostrade. The food at the Autogrill is tasty and you’ll often find great souvenirs at great prices. You’ll often find wine and locally produced foods. Plus, the bathrooms are clean.

Electronic Speed Radars

Police officers usually don’t patrol the roads, instead the speed limit is monitored by electronic radars on the side of the roads. Although speed limits are generally faster than in the US, be careful not to go over. If you get a speeding ticket, it will get mailed to the address on the registration. And if you rented a car, the car rental agency will often forward this to the address on your credit card along with additional fees. But don’t be surprised if you receive a citation more than a year after your visit.

The Fast Lane

The left lane is strictly for passing so don’t get caught cruising on the wrong lane. Italians drive fast and will be quick to signal you to move to the right lane or zoom past you if you are going too slow. In fact, large trailers almost never drive on the left lane.

Zona a Traffico LimitatoLimited traffic zones, usually found in city centers, identified by signs with a red circle, are areas restricting vehicle access. Only vehicles with a pass can enter freely so it may be easy to assume that it is open to all cars. ZTL access is also regulated by camera so citations are generated electronically. But in order to avoid a citation, pay close attention to the signs if you are in a historic city center and do your research about ZTL zones prior to your visit. Rome, Florence, Milan and Pisa all have these zones so heads up if you are headed to any of these!

Tip: To obtain this pass, speak to your hotel as they can give your vehicle information to the local police to allow you access to these zones during your stay. Our hotel in Florence did this during our recent visit and we were able to drive in and out to drop off and load our luggage.

Safety

The roads of Italy are generally very safe and Italians are efficient drivers. Even driving in Italy at night is ok. But in the case of an emergency, below are good numbers to know:

Police 113
Fire Brigade 115
Ambulance 118

If you’re planning a road trip through Italy, it will surely be an experience you won’t soon forget! And if you’re planning to road trip through northern Italy, check out this detailed post! Enjoy the ride!

Cheers!