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Tolls in Italy: complete guide for freight transporters

For transporters, knowing the details of the toll system in Italy is essential for efficient and economical route planning. This article offers a comprehensive guide to tolls in Italy, focusing on trucks and heavy vehicles used in the transport of goods.

Who must pay tolls in Italy?

In Italy, all motor vehicles, including trucks, buses and light vehicles, must pay tolls to use the highways. Trucks traveling on the 6,600 km of highways (autostrade) are subject to paying tolls, which are calculated in two different ways:

  • Closed sections: Here, the toll is charged based on the distance traveled. When entering the highway, you collect a ticket and when exiting, you pay according to the kilometers traveled.
  • Open sections: On these sections, the toll is a fixed amount for each category of vehicle, regardless of the distance traveled.

The highways (strada extraurbana principale or “superstrada”), on the other hand, are free. However, in the case of certain specific areas such as the Strait of Messina and the Milan urban toll (Area C), the use of an electronic device is required for both light and heavy vehicles.

Types of tolls in Italy

In Italy, tolls operate by radio frequency and, for the most part, through barriers. However, there are exceptions, such as those detailed below.

Toll with barriers

The most common toll system in Italy includes barriers. At these tolls, drivers must stop and pay depending on the length of the trip and the type of vehicle. This system is similar to that used in Spain and is widely used on most Italian highways.

Electronic or barrier-free tolling

Some motorways in Italy operate without barriers, known as Free-Flow systems. These highways use cameras and sensors to automatically detect and collect tolls from passing vehicles. Examples of these highways include:

  • A36 between Cassano Magnago (Gallarate) and Lentate sul Seveso.
  • A60 between Gazzada Schianno and Vedano Olona (South Varese ring road).
  • A59 and the Como South Ring Road (Como) between Villa Guardia and Via Acquane.

Toll in tunnels and bridges

Tunnels and bridges are vital infrastructure that often have tolls for their maintenance and safety. These tolls may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the distance traveled. Examples of tunnel and bridge tolls include:

  • Fréjus Tunnel: Connects Turin (Italy) and Chambéry (France) through the Alps. With a length of 13.7 km, it is a crucial route for the transportation of goods between both countries.
  • Mont Blanc Tunnel: Links Aosta (Italy) and Le Fayet (France), with a length of 11.6 km, offering an essential route for vehicle and cargo traffic.
  • Great San Bernardo Tunnel: Connects Aosta (Italy) and Martigny (Switzerland), with a length of 5.8 km, facilitating transalpine transport.

Toll roads in Italy

Italy has an extensive network of toll motorways that covers the entire country, facilitating connections between regions and major cities. Below are some of the main toll roads in Italy:

  • Autostrada del Sole (A1)

Known as the “Highway of the Sun”, the A1 is the main road artery in Italy. It crosses the country from north to south, connecting the cities of Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. It is a vital route for the transport of goods between the industrial north and the south of the country.

  • Autostrada Adriatica (A14)

Following the east coast of Italy, the A14 connects the northern regions with the center and south of the country. It links important cities such as Bologna, Ancona, Pescara and Bari, facilitating trade along the Adriatic coast.

  • Autostrada dei Laghi (A8/A9)

This highway connects Milan with the lake region of northern Italy, passing through cities such as Como and Varese. It provides access to the tourist towns of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, although its main function for transporters is to connect industrial centres.

  • Brenner Autostrada (A22)

The A22 runs through northern Italy, connecting Bolzano with Verona and providing an access route to Austria and Germany via the Brenner Pass. It is a strategic route for the international transportation of goods.

  • Autostrada del Mare (A16)

Known as the “Highway of the Sea”, the A16 runs through the Campania region, connecting Naples with the Adriatic coast and passing through cities such as Benevento and Foggia. This route is essential for the transport of goods in southern Italy.

These are just some of the main toll roads in Italy. The network extends throughout the country, providing extensive geographical coverage and facilitating the transportation of people and goods in all directions.

Toll prices in Italy

Toll rates in Italy vary depending on several factors, such as distance traveled, vehicle type and road category. Rates are established to maintain and improve the country’s road infrastructure, as well as to finance road construction and maintenance projects.

Factors affecting toll price

  1. Distance travelled: The greater the distance travelled, the higher the toll will be.
  2. Highway Category: Major highways and roads with higher traffic typically have higher rates, especially in metropolitan areas and major commercial routes.
  3. Vehicle category: In Italy, there are five vehicle categories. On each toll, the rate to be paid is indicated according to the class to which it belongs. This is determined by the height and number of axles.

It is important for carriers to know the applicable rates on the routes they plan to take, as these costs can significantly affect the freight budget. To be informed and updated on rates, you can use a toll calculator in Italy .

How to pay tolls in Italy?

Tolls in Italy can be paid in several ways, providing flexibility for transporters. Here are the main options:

Cash payment

Tolls can be paid in cash at toll booths. However, this option may involve longer wait times, especially during peak hours and high demand periods.

I pay with credit card

Toll booths also accept credit cards. This option is convenient and generally faster than paying in cash.

Electronics devices

For greater convenience and efficiency, electronic toll devices are the preferred option for transporters. These devices are placed on the truck and allow automatic payment of tolls without having to stop.The use of electronic toll devices has multiple benefits for transporters:

  1. Speed and efficiency : Allows you to go through tolls without stopping, which reduces travel times.
  2. Reduction of operating costs : Minimizes time lost in queues and reduces fuel consumption.
  3. Ease of management : Simplifies payment management and offers detailed consumption reports, which facilitates accounting and expense control.

Electronic toll devices for Italy

At Andamur, we have three devices, which are easily installed. You can choose the most suitable one for your case considering the number of vehicles, the type of route you take and the particular needs of the drivers.

Electronic toll device Toll4Europe

Toll4Europe

You can pay your tolls in Portugal but also in Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Germany, Germany Warnowquerung Tunnel, Germany Herrentunnel Tunnel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel, Slovakia and Hungary. Other features are: possibility of activating and deactivating countries at no additional cost, activation and deactivation of services in 24/48 hours from the request, license plate change allowed and processed between 24 and 48 hours, device blocking allowed by client or by device with a deadline between 24 and 48 for processing, available in 22 languages, a free informative app available, easy installation.

Electronic toll device ServiBox

ServiBOX

It covers a total of 16 toll services, in 13 countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel, Belgium, Italy, Austria, A1 Poland (Gdansk-Torun), A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Poland (Red e- Toll), Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria

In addition, it allows you to activate or deactivate countries at no additional cost and is available in 14 languages.

Electronic toll device EU Interoperable

EU Interoperable

It is easy to install, has radio frequency technology and is available for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), A1 Poland (Gdansk-Torun), Austria and Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel.

If you don’t know which device is right for your needs, contact us. Our team will help you evaluate your current situation and choose the best option.

Practical tips for going through tolls in Italy

Device settings

If you have an electronic toll device, remember to activate it correctly when entering Italy. Make sure vehicle characteristics, such as registration, number of axles, and weight, are set correctly to avoid charging errors.

Consumption review

To avoid fines and ensure that payments are made correctly, check the consumption charged to the device when passing through the first toll in Italy. In the most modern units, this review can be done through a mobile application, making it easier to control expenses.

In addition, our clients have access to the Andamur Connect platform, a platform to consult all transits and expenses associated with their accounts.

VAT recovery

Companies and private drivers with tax domicile in member countries of the European Union can recover VAT. In Italy, the standard VAT rate is 21%. Among the deductible expenses, tolls, diesel and lubricants stand out. 

Speed limits

  • Trucks up to 12 tons: Maximum 100 km/h on highways and highways.
  • Trucks over 12 tons: Maximum 80 km/h on highways and highways, 70 km/h on other non-urban roads.

Customer service

If your fleet operates international routes, it is advisable to have a customer service that can resolve queries and problems related to tolls. At Andamur, we offer multilingual assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to resolve any incident.

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Complete guide to tolls in Spain: system, rates and tips

Tolls in Spain represent a crucial element in the country’s road infrastructure, providing funding for the maintenance and expansion of motorways and dual carriageways. Understanding the toll system, its rates and payment methods is essential for professional drivers on Spanish roads. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about tolls in Spain, from their current context to practical tips for getting through them.

Current context of the toll system in Spain: why are they important?

Tolls play a fundamental role in the financing of Spain’s road network, due to a few key points:

Road Infrastructure Financing

Tolls represent a significant source of revenue for the construction, maintenance and improvement of the Spanish road network. In a country with an extensive network of motorways and dual carriageways, the revenue generated by tolls is essential to ensure the safety and quality of roads, as well as to facilitate the mobility of people and goods.

Investment in Modernization and Development

Toll revenue goes to road infrastructure modernization and development projects, including the construction of new highways, the widening of existing roads, and the implementation of advanced technologies to improve efficiency and safety on roads.

Promoting Competitiveness and Connectivity

An efficient and well-maintained road network is essential for Spain’s economic competitiveness and regional and international connectivity. Tolls help finance the expansion of the road network, facilitating freight transport, tourism and access to remote or less developed areas of the country.

Traffic Management and Congestion Reduction

In some urban areas, tolls are also used as a traffic management tool to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Urban tolling systems can discourage car use in densely populated areas, encouraging the use of public transport and the adoption of more sustainable modes of mobility.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Revenues generated from tolls can also be used for projects that promote environmental sustainability, such as building bike lanes, improving public transport, and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transport.

Types of tolls in Spain

The different types of tolls in Spain reflect the diversity of the road network and the mobility needs in the country. From long-distance motorways to urban tolls, each toll system has its own characteristics and objectives.

Motorway tolls

The State Highway Network is made up of 26,478 km, of which 12,091 km are high-capacity roads, i.e. motorways, dual carriageways and multi-lane roads. Of these 12,091 km, once the tolls on the AP-1, AP-2, AP-4 and AP-7 (La Jonquera-Alicante) have been eliminated, 1,435 km remain that are toll roads direct to the user.

The figure represents 12% of high-capacity roads. The tolls are divided into about twenty sections, including the four of the AP-7 and the five of the radial motorways and Madrid airport. To these must also be added the regional motorways: two in Galicia, the Basque Country and Catalonia and one in Navarre, which brings the total number of tolls to 27.

Today, among the highways in private hands under the operation and toll regime, the most important are the following. By clicking on each of them, you will be able to access the pricing scheme for light and heavy vehicles:

For its part, the AP-68 linking Bilbao and Zaragoza will be the next to be free, something that will happen in 2026.

Among those managed by the State Land Transport Infrastructure Company (SEITT) are the following, in this case its operating contract ends in 2032. Normally, once expired, they will become free, but it is not yet confirmed.

  • R-2 motorway, Madrid-Guadalajara. Completion: 2032
  • R-3 motorway, Madrid-Arganda. Completion: 2032
  • R-4 motorway, Madrid-Ocaña. Completion: 2032
  • R-5 motorway, Madrid-Navalcarnero. Completion: 2032
  • M-12 motorway, Barajas Airport axis. Completion: 2032
  • AP-7 motorway, Cartagena-Vera. Completion: 2032
  • AP-7 motorway, Alicante ring road. Completion: 2032
  • AP-36 motorway, Ocaña-La Roda. Completion: 2032
  • AP-41 motorway, Madrid-Toledo. Completion: 2032

Finally, the most important motorways that operate under a toll system but are in the hands of the autonomous communities are the following:

  • AP-15 motorway, Tudela-Irurzun. Completion: 2029
  • C-16 motorway, Cadí Tunnel. Completion: 2037
  • C-16 motorway, Sant Cugat-Terrassa-Manresa. Completion: 2039
  • C-32 motorway, Castelldefels-El Vendrell. Completion: 2039

Tolls on motorways

After months of debate, the European Commission has definitively ruled out Spain’s plan to introduce tolls on motorways from 2024. 

Urban toll

In some Spanish cities, urban toll systems have been implemented to control traffic and reduce congestion in densely populated metropolitan areas. These systems are usually applied in central areas or in areas with a high concentration of vehicles, especially during peak hours. The main objective of the urban toll is to discourage the use of private cars and encourage the use of public transport and more sustainable modes of mobility.

Other types of tolls

In addition to tolls on motorways and urban areas, there are other types of tolls in Spain that can be applied in specific situations. For example, some tunnels and bridges may require tolls to use, especially those that have been built with private financing or as part of concessioned infrastructure projects. These tolls can vary depending on the length of the tunnel or bridge and the type of vehicle that crosses it. 

Toll rates and payment methods in Spain

The wide availability of electronic payment systems in Spain reflects the country’s commitment to technological innovation and improving the user experience on toll roads. Drivers and transport companies can benefit from these solutions to optimize their operations and minimize transit times and costs associated with paying tolls.

Toll rates in Spain for trucks

Truck toll rates in Spain vary depending on a variety of factors, including the distance traveled, the type of vehicle, the category of the road, and the time of day. Typically, heavier and larger trucks will pay higher rates than light vehicles. In addition, the rates may be different depending on whether the journey is made on toll motorways, dual carriageways or conventional roads.

It is important for drivers and trucking companies to properly calculate toll costs when planning their routes and budgets. In this sense, there are tools and mobile applications that allow estimating the cost of tolls based on the planned itinerary, which facilitates logistics planning and decision-making.

Electronic payment systems

In Spain, various electronic payment systems have been implemented to speed up and simplify the toll payment process. One of the most widely used systems is electronic tolling, which allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths, by using an electronic device installed in the vehicle. Electronic toll speeds up traffic on motorways and toll roads, reducing waiting times and improving traffic flow.

Toll road network in Spain: Geographical coverage and key connections

The network of toll roads in Spain is one of the most extensive and developed in Europe, covering important national and international routes that connect different regions of the country and facilitate the transport of people and goods. The geographical coverage of these motorways is wide and strategic, providing access to cities, ports, industrial and tourist areas throughout the Spanish territory.

Toll roads in Spain are designed to offer high standards of quality and safety, with modern infrastructures and services that guarantee a comfortable and efficient driving experience. These highways often have additional lanes, rest areas, gas stations, and lighting systems that ease traffic and improve road safety.

Key connections to the toll road network in Spain include:

  • North-south and east-west connections: Toll roads in Spain connect the main cities in the north with those in the south, as well as those in the east with those in the west, facilitating the movement of people and goods between different regions of the country.
  • Access to ports and airports: Many toll roads in Spain offer direct access to important seaports and international airports, which favours the transport of goods and passenger mobility nationally and internationally.
  • International corridors: Spain has toll roads that connect with neighbouring countries, such as France and Portugal, forming part of important international transport corridors that cross Europe and facilitate trade and regional integration.
  • Connections to tourist areas: Toll roads in Spain also provide access to numerous tourist and cultural interest areas, such as beaches, natural parks, historic cities, and mountainous regions, promoting tourism and economic development of these areas.

Practical tips for passing through tolls in Spain

Going through tolls in Spain can be a smooth experience if you plan ahead and use the right payment methods. Here are some practical tips to make your passage through tolls in Spain easier:

Route and cost planning

Before you set off on your trip, carefully plan your route and calculate the costs of the associated tolls. Use mobile tools and apps that allow you to estimate tolls based on the planned route and the type of vehicle you drive. This will help you budget properly and avoid surprises along the way.

Also consider opting for alternative routes that minimise toll costs, although they may involve a little more travel time. Evaluate the benefits of toll roads in terms of time and comfort compared to conventional roads, and choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

Payment Method Optimization

To speed up the passage through tolls, consider using electronic payment systems such as electronic tolls. These systems allow you to pay tolls without stopping at booths, reducing waiting times and improving traffic flow. Find out about the different electronic toll devices available and choose the one that best suits the needs of your route and your driving habits.

Considerations for Foreign Drivers

If you are a foreign driver, familiarise yourself with the toll system in Spain and the payment requirements before starting your trip. Make sure you have your local currency or valid means of payment with you to pay tolls, either in cash or by international bank cards.

Also, keep in mind that some electronic payment systems may require the prior purchase of a specific device or card, so it is advisable to inform yourself in advance and take the necessary measures to facilitate your passage through tolls during your stay in Spain.

The future of tolls in Spain

The future of tolls in Spain will be marked by technological innovation, the promotion of sustainable mobility, the modernisation of road infrastructure and the debate on equity in transport financing. Further implementation of electronic payment systems, incentives for low-emission vehicles, investment in infrastructure and discussions on fair cost sharing are expected. Adapting to these changes will be crucial to ensure an efficient, sustainable and equitable toll system that meets the needs of Spanish society in the future.

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