How to Use the Autostrada in Italy — Tolls Guide (2026)

How the toll system works

Italy's autostrada (highway) network is mostly toll roads operated by private companies (Autostrade per l'Italia is the biggest). The system is simple: take a ticket at the entry barrier, drive, pay at the exit barrier based on distance.

Step by step

Entry: Approach the barrier, pull into a lane marked with a hand icon or the green arrow. Press the button or just pull up — a ticket pops out automatically. Take it. The barrier opens. Do not lose this ticket — without it, you pay the maximum toll from the farthest entry point on that stretch.

Exit: Approach the exit barriers. Choose your lane carefully:

🟣 Purple/blue lanes (Telepass): Electronic only. Don't enter these unless you have a Telepass device.

⚪ White lanes with credit card symbol: Insert ticket, then pay by card. Fastest for tourists.

⚪ White lanes with cash symbol: Insert ticket, pay in cash. Machines accept coins and bills up to €50. Some give change, some don't.

Typical costs (2026)

Rome → Florence: ~€18-22. Rome → Naples: ~€15-18. Milan → Venice: ~€22-26. Milan → Rome: ~€42-48. Florence → Bologna: ~€10-12. The exact amount depends on your vehicle class. Motorcycles pay about 70% of car rates.

Telepass — worth it for tourists?

Telepass is the electronic toll transponder. It's brilliant for Italians who drive daily. For a 1-2 week tourist trip? Not worth the paperwork. Some rental car companies offer it as an add-on for €1-3/day — if yours does, take it. It saves time at every barrier and works on parking garages too.