Getting there

You drive through Germany and on through Austria over the Brenner, or through Switzerland and the Gotthard tunnel. Either way you need a vignette. To save a long day on the road, you can take a car train from Hamburg to Villach or Munich.

Charging networks

Free To X, part of the motorway company Autostrade per l'Italia, has rapid chargers at many service areas. Ewiva, Atlante, Electra, IONITY and Tesla also have rapid chargers. At Atlante you can pay by credit card, app or charging card. See more in EV charging networks in Europe.

Motorway tolls

Most motorways (autostrada) have tolls. You take a ticket when you get on and pay when you get off, by card or cash. Not all foreign cards work, so bring more than one.

ZTL zones in cities

Many city centres are ZTL zones, where only residents and others with a permit may enter. Cameras photograph the number plate, and the fine can arrive months after your holiday. You can be fined every time you drive in. Look for the ZTL sign, and do not rely blindly on your navigation.

Speed and rules

The limit is 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on country roads (110 km/h on bigger roads) and 130 km/h on motorways. If you have held a licence for less than 3 years, the limit is 90 km/h on country roads and 100 km/h on motorways. Outside towns, dipped headlights must be on during the day. If bikes or luggage stick out at the back, you need a red-and-white warning sign of 50 × 50 cm.

Winter

Winter tyres are not required across the country. In the Aosta Valley you must have winter tyres or carry snow chains from 15 October to 15 April, and elsewhere where signposted.

Checklist