Motorways in Italy: How Does Tolling Work?

Motorways in Italy: How Does Tolling Work?

In Italy, motorways—known as autostrade—operate in a similar way to the network in France. The toll system uses barriers where drivers pay according to the distance travelled. Some expressways, however, require payment upon entry rather than exit. Unlike some neighbouring countries, Italy does not use a vignette system; instead, electronic tolling (Telepass) is widely used.  

Did you know? The Italian motorway network stretches for around 6,943 km and sees annual traffic of over 80 million vehicle-kilometres. Which are the main motorways in Italy? How does toll payment work there? Is there an Italian electronic toll badge? Bip&Go, the European mobility specialist, explains everything you need to know.

How to Identify Motorways in Italy

In Italy, the motorways are marked with distinctive green motorway signs which stand out from the blue signs used for national roads. Each expressway is identified by a number preceded by the letter “A”, just like in France. For example, the A1 connects Milan and Naples, while the A4 links Turin and Venice.

The Italian motorway network is extensive, covering over 6,000 km and connecting the country’s major cities. Thanks to Italy’s varied landscape and mountain ranges, it’s common to cross bridges or tunnels on these fast routes. You’ll also find plenty of motorway service areas in Italy, just as you would on the French network.

Toll booths are easy to spot thanks to "Péage" or "Pedaggio" signs at both the entry and exit points of the motorways.

The Main Motorways in Italy

Italian motorways are designed to make travelling across the country easier and more efficient, providing direct routes to major cities.

The main expressways forming the Italian motorway network include:

The A1, A4, and A22 motorways are vital for international transport and economic exchange, as they connect Italy’s largest cities with the rest of Europe.

It’s worth noting that 85% of the motorway network is managed by private companies, with Autostrade per l’Italia being the main operator. This company is responsible for maintenance and upgrades on the major routes.

When Do You Pay on Italian Motorways?

Planning a road trip to Italy and want to know how the tolls work? Italy’s tolling system is quite similar to the one in France. When entering the motorway, drivers take a ticket showing their starting point. At the exit, this ticket is used to calculate the amount owed based on the distance covered. The cost depends on three main factors:

- The number of kilometres travelled, 
- The vehicle class (categories 1 to 5: passenger car, motorhome, HGV, etc.), 
- The motorway category (higher for routes with tunnels).

Some routes—such as the A36—use physical toll barriers, where drivers pay a set amount without a ticket. You can estimate your journey cost in advance by entering your route into your Bip&Go app.

Which Payment Methods Are Accepted in Italy?

As with French motorways, various payment methods are accepted at Italian tolls:

Telepass is by far the fastest and most convenient option, especially for frequent motorway users. Subscribers can use dedicated electronic toll lanes at the barriers. Note: cash payments are not accepted in Telepass lanes. Also, unlike Switzerland and Austria, Italy does not use a vignette subscription system.

With Its Partner Telepass, Bip&Go Offers Seamless Electronic Tolling in Italy

Are you a Bip&Go subscriber or looking to sign up? Great news! The Bip&Go badge is compatible with the Telepass electronic toll system in Italy. This means you can travel safely on Italian motorways and city ring roads during your holidays, without stopping at toll barriers. You’re also entitled to use the dedicated lanes for Telepass subscribers, helping you avoid traffic jams.

Please remember to activate the Italy option on your Bip&Go account for your badge to work in Italy. Your Bip&Go badge also gives you access to selected partner car parks, making it easier to park in city centres.

Find out more about Bip&Go in Italy

FAQ

How can I calculate the cost of a motorway journey in Italy based on distance and vehicle type?

Plan your journey with your Bip&Go app and run a route simulation to access all the information you need (cost, service areas, and more).

What are the benefits of using the Bip&Go badge on Italian motorways?

With your badge, there’s no need to prepare your payment method before reaching the toll barrier—payment is automatic. Save time by avoiding queues and not having to stop at the tolls.

How do I activate and use the Italy option on my Bip&Go badge for travel in Italy?

Simply log in to your customer area via our website or the Bip&Go app to activate the “travel in Italy” option.