Is it easy for tourists to drive in Italy?

Driving in Italy can be intimidating for a foreigner, but it is safe if you prepare and follow Italian rules. While it is easier to travel between big cities by train, sometimes renting a car is the best option.



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Licences and documents If you are visiting Italy, you can drive on a full, valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you're living in Italy, or planning to live there check the living in Italy guide for information on requirements for residents.

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Driving Rules in Italy
  • You must be over 18 to drive.
  • Keep to the right and overtake to the left.
  • Dipped headlights must be used on two-lane motorways.
  • When passing through towns and villages, the horn may only be used for an emergency - keep that road rage in check!
  • Trams and trains have the right of way.


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The best way to travel around Italy, if you mainly want to visit the cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, is by train. Italy has an extensive network of both fast speed inter-city trains and regional services that connect the smaller cities and towns.

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If you are visiting Italy, you can drive on a full, valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you're living in Italy, or planning to live there check the living in Italy guide for information on requirements for residents.

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When you are on the motorways, you will need to look out for signs marked 'Alt Stazione' – this is where you make the payment at the toll booth. All payments are made in Euros at either a manned or electronic booth – however, they do accept debit cards from other countries.

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6 Things Not To Bring To Italy
  • A new haircut. Rushing around before your trip shouldn't include a haircut. ...
  • Running shoes/ sneakers. Really my friend, unless your actually using them to exercise: leave them at home. ...
  • More baggage than you can carry. ...
  • Too many gadgets. ...
  • Travellers cheques. ...
  • Dirty Bra Straps.


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The speed limits in Italy are similar to other countries in Europe. Thus, the speed limits to follow are 50km/h (30 mph) in cities and towns, 90 km/h (55 mph) on single carriageways, 110 km/h (about 68 mph) on dual carriageways and 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways. Posted signs inform you of the speed limit.

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Driving on the Autostrada or Toll Road You'll take a ticket as you enter the autostrada and pay a toll when you exit, and credit cards do not always work at the toll booth so have cash with you. Italian drivers tend to drive fast, especially on the autostrada, but are generally not aggressive.

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While you can make local friends on trains or experience rural life on a road trip, there's no better way to see Italy than with the help of a local tour guide.

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Thankfully, there are plenty of means of transportation to choose from here in Italy such as cars, high-speed trains, planes, buses and even boats. Many major cities here also have a well-connected system of public transportation that is easily navigable.

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