Picture this: you’re driving in Italy, and on your left, perfectly manicured vineyards hug the hills as far as the eye can see. On your right, a sweeping swath of coast so blue it’s hard to tell where the sky ends and the sea begins.
You stop, pulling off the autostrada with the other Italian drivers, to capture a panorama that’s impossible to appreciate unless you live it fully. Does this sound like something on your bucket list? Then fasten your seat belt because some of Italy’s greatest treasures are best appreciated by car.
As someone who lived in Italy for over a decade, I have clocked in my fair share of miles across the country. Now that I am a travel planner who curates itineraries to Italy, I often have travel clients ask me for all my advice on driving in Italy.
25 Expert Tips For Driving In Italy
Here, I’m compiling all the essential tips for getting an International Driver’s License, planning a road trip in Italy, and how to rent a car in Italy.
First, Get An International Driver’s License
According to the US embassy, American citizens can legally drive in Italy using their American driver’s license so long as an official translation in Italian accompanies it. This is made simple by getting an international driver’s license (also sometimes called an international driver’s permit), which it can be written in multiple languages. This permit acts as a formal translation of your current license and it is valid for renting cars overseas and allows you to freely enjoy the benefits of driving while visiting Italy.
In the United States, AAA is the official provider of international driver’s licenses which they offer for a small fee.
Should I Get An Italian License Instead?
The United States of America and Italy do not have a formal agreement for validating and reciprocating licenses, so, getting an Italian license is not a simple process. In fact, it’s something that we only recommend for those pursuing legal residency.
If you plan to move to Italy, an international permit is only good for 12 months after obtaining Italian residency so you’ll want to start the process pronto. For vacationers planning a trip to Italy, your valid license and international permit are all that’s needed.
Tips For Planning Your Italian Road Trip
Where To Road Trip In Italy
Now that you’ve decided to explore Italy by car and have your permit in hand, you’re ready to plan. There truly is so much to see across the Bel Paese, so here are some tips for narrowing your options.
Create Your Bucket List
Start with your must-see places. Is it a small town, a city, a vineyard, or a church? That will give you a better idea of your bucket list locations.
For me, the first time I drove in Italy was to go visit the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany which really is only reachable by car. I will never forget the thrill of total travel autonomy the car gave me and all the beautiful, otherwise unreachable, locations that I visited.
Find Nearby Spots
Then look at the map and see if anything en route catches your eye. For example, you know you want to go Prosecco tasting, and looking at where that Italian sparkling wine is made (in the Veneto), you realize Verona and Venice aren’t far. Those might then become perfect places to drive to and from, or make a home base for your adventure.
Map The Route
Get on Google and get mapping. This is the best way to check the distances, and time required, and also explore what other places you may encounter along the way.
Leave Extra Time
To really enjoy Italy by car, you don’t want to be rushed! Plan for lots of unexpected stops (be it road work, a traffic jam, or tractors in the country), time for leisurely lunches, and picture photo opportunities.
Have Us Help!
If that still sounds super overwhelming (we get it!) or you don’t know what you’re looking for (Verona and Venice sound nice, but what is really worth seeing there?), then hop on a call with us; we can streamline your trip and make sure you’re only stopping in the most picturesque Italian towns.
How To Rent A Car In Italy
Renting a car in Italy is, thankfully, pretty straightforward. You must bring your passport, driver’s license, credit card, and international permit. However, there are a few additional points to consider.
Have An International Driver’s License
First, make sure you have your international driving permit. Some agencies won’t rent you a car without it.
Check The Car Rental Hours
Before reserving the car, consider your travel days and locations. Some rental companies in smaller towns may be closed on the weekend, for example, or have limited hours. Check the hours to ensure you can pick up the car when the location is open.
Check The Car Rental Location
Also, check the location. Sometimes it’s easier to rent a car outside the city center. You may find the best rates and easiest routes from the airport, for example. Consider your level of comfort and how easy pickup and drop off will be for you before you reserve.
Reserve Ahead
Make a reservation online in advance and specify the type of car you need. This is the most important tip! If you don’t book ahead, you may find yourself without a car. Reservations can easily be made online well in advance of your trip.
Additionally, midsize cars, which are the most popular choice among Americans for rental, tend to be reserved quickly during high season, making them difficult to find without a reservation.
Manual Versus Automatic
The majority of Italian cars come with manual transmissions, so if you need or want an automatic, you will need to specify this when renting a car. I made this mistake once, and although I can drive a manual transmission (I obtained my Italian driver’s license while driving one), I didn’t want to. It made driving just a little bit harder because, on top of navigating, I had to worry about shifting through winding roads and massive hills.
Request Your Add-ons In Advance
If you need a GPS, car seat, booster seat, or other accommodation, make sure you include that in your reservation, too. If you don’t, you may arrive and realize your internet isn’t working, and they don’t have any more GPS units to rent, or no more car seats are available, leaving you out of luck.
Choose Practical Rental Locations
Car rental location pick-up and drop-off are also essential considerations. Don’t assume a pickup or drop-off location is convenient; make sure you check the map and understand precisely where you need to go.
If you’re taking a train before or after using a rental car, opt for a rental car location as close to the train station as possible. If you don’t want to drive in the city center, consider renting a car from the nearest airport and having a taxi take you to town.
Consider Your Luggage
If you plan to travel with multiple bags, you’ll need a car that can accommodate them all. Often, Italian car rental agencies’ default option is a tiny, compact car, such as a FIAT Panda, so be sure to consider the size when choosing a rental agency and its options.
Account For Variable Weather And Roads
If you’re traveling in the winter or are heading into the Alps, consider if you’re going to need snow chains or winter tires. Likewise, if you’re heading to the beach in Sardinia, you may need to drive sandy roads to opt for a vehicle that can handle that. Be sure to ask again if you think you’ll need them.
Essential Tips For Driving in Italy
Going To A Gas Station In Italy
Now that your reservation is set and you’ve specified your specific needs, planned your road trip with plenty of time for wandering, sightseeing, getting lost, and enjoying the drive, it’s time to think about the actual logistics.
Know Your Benzina From Your Gasolio
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this tip on getting gas. In Italy, American petroleum or gas is called “benzina,” and “gasolio” is diesel! You will want to remember that, write it down, or tattoo it on your hand; make sure you don’t put “gasolio” in a car that runs on “benzina.”
You should also specify before leaving the car rental place whether your car takes “gasolio” or “benzina”, as many European cars run on diesel.
Opt For Self or Full Service
Once you arrive at a service station, everything else should look much like it does in the US. You will see that, whether it’s self-service or full-service, there is a card reader on the pump to pay ahead.
For older stations, you may need to go inside first, but generally, the payment and actual pumping of the gas will be just like at home.
Avoiding Common Tourist Mistakes
Driving in Italy, for the most part, is similar to driving in the US: they drive on the right side of the road, require a hands-free device when making calls, and have paid toll roads. However, there are some significant differences worth noting.
Learn The Italian Road Signs
One significant consideration when driving in Italy is the road signs and learning how to read them. Italian road signs differ significantly from their American counterparts.
Most road signs in Italy will be vastly different from the ones you’re used to back home. A significant difference is that in Europe, they rely much more on symbols.
A couple of symbols you may encounter will likely be the same, such as “stop” and “do not enter,” but others might be worth learning before you go. In particular, you will want to understand the parking signs, speed limits, and ZTL regulations. Learn about the major driving signs in Italy to understand their meanings.
Read Up On Traffic Zones
They also have traffic zones, which regulate aspects such as who can enter, who can park, and other related matters. You want to check online for these areas before driving into them. Google Maps doesn’t always know where you can and can’t drive, so it’s a good idea to ask your travel planner to confirm.
Mind The ZTL
ZTL is one of the most common symbols you’ll encounter. It stands for “zona traffico limitato” and refers to a restricted traffic area where cars are not allowed or are only allowed with specific permits.
You should always avoid this, as with a car rental, you likely do not have the credentials to enter. An example of this can be found in most city centers.
You will find that a lot of the historical centers of cities do not allow for driving unless you’re explicitly given a permit to do so. You can also ask your hotel to confirm before driving there that it’s not in a ZTL zone.
Account For Toll Roads
Another thing to be mindful of while driving in Italy is driving on the Autostrada, or the highway. These are usually toll roads. You want to make sure to stop, take a ticket, and then pay the ticket, rather than accidentally driving through without paying.
These look and function much like toll roads in the Eastern United States, so it won’t seem that foreign if you’ve ever driven in Massachusetts or New York.
If you’re curious about the cost of toll roads, consider that it costs approximately 42 euros to travel from Milan to Rome, covering a distance of around 350 miles and involving more than 6 hours of toll road driving.
Some may find this expense, but if you consider that it costs around $20 to travel 4 hours and 215 miles from New York City to Boston on toll roads, you can see that the price is comparable between Italy and the US.
Plan For More Aggressive Drivers
Generally, Italians drive faster and more aggressively than in the United States, whether they speed down the autostrada or tail you on a back road.
Speaking of, Italy has many winding country roads that lack guardrails. While driving in the countryside is easier than dealing with city traffic, you may get passed by locals or have a hard time finding the right exit.
Traffic Violations: Can I get a ticket in Italy?
Yes! You can receive a ticket in Italy if you do not follow the road rules. Interestingly, police rarely pull cars over, but tickets are automated with machines called “autovelox.”
These machines measure your speed, read your license plate, and then send infractions to the car rental company, which will track you down to pay.
These machines can be found everywhere, from all country roads to major motorways. Tickets can cost up to 600 euros, so be mindful of the speed limits.
Additionally, you can incur fines for offenses such as parking in a no-parking zone, entering a ZTL without the proper permit, and failing to pay tolls and fees. To avoid this, ensure you are familiar with basic signage and avoid ZTL areas with your vehicle.
Pro Tip: Prepare for your next trip to Italy by reviewing these 105 basic Italian expressions for travel!
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving In Italy
According to the US embassy, American citizens can legally drive in Italy using their American driver's license so long as it's accompanied by an official translation in Italian. This is made simple by getting an international driver’s license (also sometimes called an international driver’s permit), which it can be written in multiple languages. This permit acts as a formal translation of your current license and it is valid for renting cars overseas and allows you to freely enjoy the benefits of driving while visiting Italy.
You must bring your passport, driver’s license, credit card, and international permit. Make sure you have your international driving permit. Some agencies simply won’t rent you a car without it. Also, check the car rental hours and location. Make a reservation ahead of time online, and specify what type of car you need. If you need a GPS, car seat, booster seat, or other accommodation, make sure you include that in your reservation.
Learn the Italian road signs, read up on traffic zones, mind the ZTL (restricted traffic area where cars are not allowed or are only allowed with certain permits), account for toll roads, plan for more aggressive drivers, and be aware of traffic violations. You can get a ticket in Italy if you do not follow the rules of the road.
Overcoming Fears Of Driving In Italy
If you started reading and felt like a road warrior and now are thinking there just might be too much to consider, remember these last few tips:
Ask A Local
Italians are super helpful. They won’t mind if you stop to ask what kind of gas to use, or need directions. So, rely on them if you get into a jam.
Avoid Big City Driving
Driving in Italy is really only chaotic when you’re in a big city like Milan, Rome, or Naples, and, lucky for you, big cities are better visited by foot, train, taxi, and bus anyways. The places you’ll likely be driving to are going to be smaller, calmer, and easier to navigate.
Know Where You Can’t Drive
In some places, driving will actually not be allowed, so public transportation is recommended. Some of these include Cinque Terre, Venice, and Palermo.
Additionally, the 13 towns making up the famous Amalfi Coast have implemented new rules to keep cars off the scenic coastal road between towns, so car travel is not recommended.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
Road Trip To The Beautiful Lakes In Italy
After reading all these Italy driving tips you are likely wondering where to go. Our clients love driving through the Tuscan countryside and the Dolomites. But, one of our favorite spots is a journey through the alpine lakes in the north.
Head to Lake Garda for outdoor adventures, Lake Como for classic chic, or Lake Maggiore for an off-the-beaten path option or combine them all for a trip (and even do day trips to Switzerland) through these beautiful lakes in Italy!
Classic Italian Pasta Recipes
Want to cook all things pasta? Here are a few of our readers’ favorite pasta recipes beyond this spicy vodka sauce recipe:
Italy Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Italy in real life? Check out our free Italy Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles.
Have Us Plan Your Italy Trip
We are here to help! If this sounds like something you want to do, but the thought is overwhelming, Salt and Wind can help you plan the perfect trip and feel prepared for anything that might happen along the way. If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help.
Photo Credit: Opening photo by Daniele Novati; Prosecco region photo by Alberto Caliman on Unsplash; Fiat photo by Alberto Caliman on Unsplash
