How to Make Driving in Italy Easy

Driving in Italy can be daunting to the first-timer. However, with a little knowledge beforehand and a few tips for navigating the Italian roads, your Italian road trip will be stress-free!

Consider leasing rather than renting

Car rental prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic. If you’re going to be in Italy for 3 weeks or longer, it is much more cost-effective to do a short-term lease. Several car companies offer this choice, I would recommend Renault, as our experience with them has been easy. It’s really easy to book through Auto Europe. Book way in advance so you can choose a car that’s right for you. They have automatic options if you don’t drive stick. And, while it’s tempting to get a nice big car to fit all your luggage, you’ll be happier with a smaller choice. Most towns in Italy have narrow streets and small parking spaces. You can get away with what they consider a small SUV, but that’s really the biggest you should go.

Don’t try to drive in the big cities

Most of the bigger cities in Italy (Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples) are very walkable and have good public transportation. It is difficult to drive in these cities due to traffic, small streets, lack of parking and more. I highly recommend parking your car at your hotel or vacation rental and leaving it there until you move on to another city or town.

Beware of the ZTL

Many cities and towns in Italy have what is known as a Zona Traffico Limitato or ZTL. This is a limited traffic zone, found in the historic city centers, to help reduce traffic and protect the historic areas of the town from further destruction. Only residents can get a permit for the ZTL. Tourists may not drive in these areas. There are cameras and you will be fined for entering. Even if you enter, park and leave without receiving a ticket, that doesn’t mean you won’t get one eventually. Believe it or not, they do find tourists due to the car license plates and fine them when they return to their home countries. There are signs and lights as you enter the ZTL to let you know where it is, but you can also find it labeled on Google maps, so you can plan ahead how to get to your destination or find parking without entering.

Know the different types of roads

In Italy there are different road and highway distinctions just like in most countries. It’s worth it to know what kind of road you’re getting on because your experience driving in Italy can vary greatly depending on the quality of the roads. Most GPS apps will tell you the road type, so here’s a breakdown:

Autostrada: These toll highways are marked with green signs, and they are the best roads.  They’re well-kept and fast moving. The rest stops on the Autostrada are clean, have good restaurants (see the Autogrill section) and well-stocked shops. You get your ticket when you enter and pay for the toll as you exit the highway.

Strada Statale: These are state roads and are abbreviated SS on maps and on GPS. They are free and usually well-maintained.

Strada Regionale (SR): Regional roads are smaller than the Autostrada or state roads, but they are still usually two lanes.

Strada Provinciale (SP): Provincial roads are locally maintained roads and can be significantly smaller than the other categories. They are usually two-lane roads but can be very narrow.

The Regional and Provincial roads can be fun to take because they often go through the countryside and smaller towns. However, if you’re trying to get somewhere quickly, you’ll want the Autostrada or Strada Statale.

Plan ahead for parking and learn the rules

Parking in cities or very popular tourist towns can be difficult (think San Gimignano or anywhere on the Amalfi Coast). However, it is possible to plan ahead. Google maps shows the location of most public parking lots if you search them. I have found that searching in Italian (parcheggio) brings up more options than searching in English. While you can get lucky with street parking, finding a lot is generally easier. If you choose street parking, learn the color system. Blue lines on the spaces means paid parking, white lines are free parking and yellow is for residents with permits. I see parking enforcement fairly often, so I wouldn’t risk not paying in a paid spot or parking in the yellow!

Also, don’t assume your hotel or vacation rental has parking. Many places don’t. Make sure to confirm with them ahead of time. If your hotel or rental is in the ZTL they should have arrangements for getting your car in and avoiding a ticket. Many vacation rentals will have an agreement with a local parking garage, but they might charge extra for that.

Enjoy the Autogrill while driving in Italy

The best part of driving in Italy on the Autostrada (in my opinion) is eating at the Autogrill! I’m almost hesitant to call it a rest stop, because if you’re coming from the U.S., these are like no rest stops you’ve ever seen! Of course there’s a gas station, but the real allure of the Autogrill is the café/restaurant. There’s a full coffee bar, pastries and usually sandwiches in every stop. Some have full sit-down restaurants. And here’s the thing, the food is actually good! Everything is fresh, the coffee is delicious, and the assortment is vast.

One tip: you must pay at the cashier before you order. They will give you a receipt to take to the counter. Also, every stop has a large store where you can get snacks, drinks and gifts.

Use other forms of transportation

Road tripping through Italy doesn’t necessarily mean you will be exclusively traveling by car. There are places that are easier to get to by train like Venice or Cinque Terre. If you plan on visiting these towns, I recommend getting a hotel or vacation rental outside the city, or finding a safe parking lot in which to leave your car, and then taking the train in.The Amalfi coast is another area that is hard to drive and park in because of the sheer number of people there. It’s not as hard to park in Sorrento or Salerno and then take the ferry to the various Amalfi Coast towns.

Driving in Italy is a great way to see ‘off the beaten path’ parts of the country and to be able to travel on your own schedule!