Should tourists drive in Italy?

While it is easier to travel between big cities by train, sometimes renting a car is the best option. For example, if you want to explore smaller towns in Tuscany, or on the Amalfi Coast, or in Sicily, a car can be necessary. If you are traveling with a group, a car can be a more cost effective option as well.



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Italians are known to be aggressive drivers compared to other places. They will quickly switch lanes, drive fast, and there are scooters zooming through all the cars. This can seem chaotic to someone who is not from Italy, but it is their way of driving. It is safe and legal, and Italians expect you to drive like them!

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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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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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With trains, ferries, water buses, taxis, drivers, mountain cable cars and funiculars, bikes, e-bikes and hiking paths, “you can really explore the corners of Italy for quite a ways before you need a car.”

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If you plan on driving during your visit to Italy, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you should carry with your driver's license. Can foreigners drive in Italy? Yes, if you're visiting, you'll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your legal driving license.

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General Rules
  • In Italy, we drive on the right side of the road.
  • You are not allowed to turn right at a red light.
  • Headlights must be on while driving outside of urban areas.
  • Stay in the right lane except when passing.
  • Don't use your phone to call or text – it's illegal in Italy and you will be fined.


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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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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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How to Rent a Car in Italy. It's not hard to rent a car in Italy as long as you book in advance. During high season (summers, Christmas, Easter) all rental cars might be fully booked so make sure you make a reservation online. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the laws of driving in Italy (read more here).

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