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26 June 2026 · SunnVio

Car rental in Italy: tips for ZTL, tolls and mountain roads

Italy is fantastic by car, but it has a few pitfalls that surprise visitors: ZTL zones, toll roads and narrow mountain roads. With these tips you drive worry-free.

Watch out for ZTL zones in cities

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are car-free zones in historic centres. Drive in without a permit and you automatically get a fine via camera. Park outside the centre and continue on foot or by bus.

Toll roads: take a ticket

Italian motorways (autostrada) are largely toll. You take a ticket at the entrance and pay at the exit by card or cash. Avoid the yellow Telepass lanes; those are for subscribers only.

Mountain roads and small villages

In Tuscany, on the Amalfi Coast and in the Dolomites roads are narrow and winding. A compact car drives more comfortably there than a large SUV. Take your time and use your horn carefully on blind bends.

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We arrange a reliable car with all-in insurance and no excess, tailored to your destination. Unsure about automatic or size? Tell us your preference and we find the best match.

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