Cars & Transportation Italy

Trains

Italy has an extensive railway network, especially in the northern part of the country. High-speed trains, such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca, connect major cities, allowing for quick travel between Rome, Milan, Florence, and other large cities. In addition to high-speed trains, there are also regional trains that connect smaller towns and villages.

Buses

The Italian bus network includes both local and intercity routes. Local buses are convenient for getting around within cities and suburbs, while companies like Flixbus and Megabus offer intercity routes, which can be a cost-effective option for traveling long distances.

Metro and Trams

In major cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin, there are metro systems. The metro is a fast and convenient way to get around the city. Additionally, in some cities like Milan, historical trams operate, which are not only a means of transport but also a tourist attraction.

Water Transport

Venice is known for its unique water transport. Vaporetto are water buses which are the main means of transportation along the city's canals. Water taxis are also available for more private trips. Furthermore, ferries connect the mainland of Italy with islands like Sicily and Sardinia, as well as offer routes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Useful Apps

For convenient use of public transport in Italy, it is recommended to use mobile apps such as Trenitalia for trains, Moovit for all types of transport, and Google Maps for route planning.

Air Transport

Italy has a developed air transport system, providing convenient and efficient flights both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are provided by several airlines, such as ITA Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet. They offer frequent flights between major cities, making air travel a quick and convenient way to move around the country.

International Air Travel

Italy is connected by direct flights to most major cities around the world. Airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, British Airways, and other leading carriers offer direct flights from North America, Europe, and Asia to Rome, Milan, Venice, and other cities. This makes Italy accessible to tourists and business travelers from all over the world.

Low-cost Carriers

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet offer budget flights both within the country and to other European cities. These airlines often use secondary airports such as Bergamo near Milan and Ciampino near Rome, which helps to lower ticket costs.

Buying public transport tickets in Italy is quite simple but has its peculiarities depending on the city and type of transport. 

Where to buy tickets:

Tobacconists: These are one of the most common places to buy tickets. In these kiosks, you can also purchase cigarettes, souvenirs, and top up your mobile balance.

Metro and bus stations: At metro and bus stops, there are automatic ticket machines where you can select the type of ticket you need and pay with cash or card.

Newsstands: Located throughout the city, these kiosks sell public transport tickets.

Mobile applications: For convenience, you can use apps such as MyCicero, MooneyGo, and others to buy tickets online. These apps allow you to quickly purchase and immediately use tickets, which is especially convenient for tourists.

Types of tickets

Single ticket: This ticket costs 1.50 euros and is valid for 100 minutes from validation. It allows unlimited transfers on buses, trams, and the metro during the specified time.

Daily and multi-day tickets: 

   - A 24-hour ticket costs 7 euros and allows unlimited use of public transport for a day.

   - A 48-hour ticket costs 12.50 euros.

   - A 72-hour ticket costs 18 euros.

Weekly ticket: If you plan to use transport a lot during the week, you can purchase a weekly ticket for 24 euros, which will be valid for 7 days from the first validation.

Tourist Tickets: The Roma Pass provides access not only to public transport but also to museums and archaeological attractions. A 48-hour ticket costs 32 euros, and a 72-hour ticket costs 52 euros.

Ticket Validation

All tickets require mandatory validation before use. Validation is carried out in special machines installed at metro stations and inside buses and trams. This action confirms the start of ticket use and activates its temporary validity.

Contact and Contactless Payments

In some cities, such as Rome and Florence, contactless payment systems have been implemented, allowing fare payment with a bank card or smartphone directly upon entering the transport vehicle.

Taxis

Taxis in Italy offer a convenient way to get around, especially in large cities. 

Rates and Payment: Different cities in Italy have different taxi rates. For example, in Rome, the base daytime rate is about 3 euros, while the night and holiday rate is 7 euros. There is also a charge for waiting and for each kilometer of travel. Most taxis accept credit card payments.

Taxi Apps: There are several apps for ordering taxis, such as Free Now, ItTaxi, and Uber. However, Uber in Italy primarily operates as a premium service (Uber Black, Uber Lux) and is more expensive than standard taxis.

Risks and Safety: Tourists should be vigilant and check if the taxi meter is on at the start of the ride to avoid scams. Drivers are required to provide receipts upon request, which can be useful in case of complaints.

Carsharing and Rental

Car-sharing services are becoming increasingly popular in Italy, offering convenient and flexible options for renting cars, electric scooters, and bicycles.

Car-sharing Services:

   - Enjoy: Offers rentals of Fiat 500 and electric XEV YOYO. Available in cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin.

   - ShareNow: Provides quick access to cars, including Fiat 500, Citroën C3, and BMW. Operates in Rome, Milan, and Turin.

 - Corrente: Specializes in renting electric Renault Zoe cars in the cities of Bologna, Ferrara, Rimini, and others.

Rental of electric scooters and bicycles:

 - Helbiz: One of the most popular electric scooter rental services, available in more than 20 cities across Italy.

 - Cooltra and Zig Zag: Offer electric scooter rentals in Rome and Milan. Scooters can be rented by the minute or hour, making them convenient for short trips.

Living in Italy without a car is not only possible but often more convenient, especially in modern cities with their transport infrastructure and broad opportunities for using public transport and car-sharing services.

A foreigner residing in Italy may need to obtain a local driver's license, especially if they plan to live in the country for an extended period. Here are the steps and requirements for obtaining an Italian driver's license:

Exchange of driver's license

Exchange of driver's license: If you already have a driver's license issued in a country that has an agreement with Italy, you can simply exchange it. The list of countries whose driver's licenses can be exchanged without exams includes Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and others.

Documents for exchanging driver's license

If your country has an agreement with Italy, you will need the following documents:

- Valid passport or other identification

- Valid residence permit in Italy

- Original foreign driver's license

- Official translation of the foreign license (if necessary)

- Medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive

- Two passport-sized photographs

- Application and payment of fees.

Obtaining a new driver's license

If your country does not have an agreement with Italy or if your license cannot be exchanged, you will need to go through the entire process of obtaining a new Italian driver's license.

Steps to obtain a new driver's license:

1. Registration in a driving school: This is not mandatory, but recommended for exam preparation.

2. Medical certificate: Undergo a medical examination to confirm physical and mental fitness for driving.

3. Theoretical exam: Consists of 30 true or false questions to be answered in 20 minutes. No more than three mistakes are allowed to pass.

4. Practical exam: After passing the theoretical exam, you will receive a temporary driving permit (foglio rosa), which allows you to practice with an instructor or an experienced driver. The practical exam involves driving in various conditions and performing maneuvers.

4. Additional requirements

- Residence: To take the exams, you must have a valid residence permit in Italy.

- Language of the exams: The exams are conducted in Italian. In some regions (Valle d'Aosta, South Tyrol), options in French or German may be available.

Cost

Obtaining a driver's license involves various expenses:

- Registration in a driving school: up to 200 euros

- Medical examination: up to 80 euros

- Application and study materials: up to 400 euros

- Driving lessons: from 45 to 60 euros per hour

- Practical exam: from 120 to 180 euros.

Car registration

To register a car in Italy, the following documents are required:

- Valid passport or identity card

- Valid residence permit for non-EU citizens

- Car documents (proof of ownership)

- Tax code 

- Insurance policy.

The car registration procedure can cost from 300 to 1000 euros depending on the type and cost of the car.

Taxes and insurance

- Road tax: This annual tax depends on engine power and CO2 emissions. It can be paid at local ACI offices, banks, post offices, and tobacco shops.

- Inspection: All cars older than four years are required to undergo an inspection every two years. The cost of inspection is around 45-80 euros depending on the location.

- Insurance: The minimum required insurance is liability insurance. Full insurance (Casco) is significantly more expensive, and not all companies offer it for cars older than four years.

Driving and Parking

- Parking: Parking spaces in large cities can be limited. Parking spaces are color-coded: white - free, blue - paid, yellow - for the disabled, pink - for pregnant women and mothers with children.

- Traffic fines and regulations: Italy uses a points-based penalty system. The starting limit is 20 points, and with each violation, points are deducted. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%. Violations can result in a monetary fine that can be paid on the spot or at the nearest police station.

Additional Tips

- Inspections and maintenance: Regular car maintenance costs about 300-500 euros per year, depending on the model and condition of the car. Replacing brake pads and other consumables can increase these expenses.

- Toll rates: The use of highways in Italy is chargeable. The cost is approximately 1 euro per 7 km, depending on the distance and size of the vehicle.

Points-based penalty system

Italy uses a points-based penalty system, which also applies to foreigners. A driver starts with 20 points, and certain points are deducted for each violation. If a driver accumulates 20 penalty points, their driver's license is revoked for a period of 6 to 24 months. If the driver is not the vehicle owner, the owner must provide information about the offender. Refusal to provide information is punishable by a new fine.

Speeding fines

- Up to 10 km/h: from 42 to 173 euros.

- From 10 to 40 km/h: from 173 to 695 euros.

- From 40 to 60 km/h: from 544 to 2,174 euros and possible revocation of driver's license for 1-3 months.

- Over 60 km/h: from 847 to 3,389 euros and possible revocation of driver's license for 6-12 months.

Parking violations

- Parking in prohibited areas: from 45 euros.

- Parking that creates a hazard for other road users, on the sidewalk, pedestrian crossing, or bus stop: from 84 euros.

- Illegal parking in a limited traffic zone (ZTL): from 78 euros plus vehicle towing.

Other Violations

- Running a red light: from 175 euros.

- Failure to give way: from 175 euros.

- Using a mobile phone while driving: from 165 to 1,697 euros and possible suspension of the driver's license for 15 days to 2 months for the first offense.

- Driving under the influence of alcohol:

  - From 0.5‰ to 0.8‰: from 535 euros and/or license suspension for 3-6 months.

  - From 0.8‰ to 1.5‰: from 800 euros and/or license suspension for 6 months and/or imprisonment.

  - More than 1.5‰: from 1,500 euros and/or license suspension for 1-2 years and/or imprisonment.

Limited Traffic Zones 

Many historic centers of Italian cities have limited traffic zones, and entering these without permission leads to significant fines - from 40 to 3,316 euros depending on the severity of the violation.

Payment of Fines

Fines can be paid online, at the post office, or via bank transfer. A 30% discount is provided if payment is made within the first 5 days of receiving the fine. Ignoring fines may result in an increase and involvement of collection agencies, which may affect your credit score and future travels to Italy.

Foreign drivers in Italy must comply with local traffic regulations and be prepared to pay fines.

- The penalty points system applies to any driver, regardless of their citizenship.

- Fines for traffic violations can be sent to the driver's home address abroad. Italy has a centralized system that allows for tracking and directing fines even after the violator has left the country.

Foreign drivers can pay fines in several ways:

- Online: through specialized websites and applications, such as EasyPol.

- At post offices.

- Via bank transfer. A 30% discount on the fine amount is provided if paid within the first 5 days. If the fine is not paid within 60 days, its amount may double due to administrative costs and late fees.

 Ignoring fines can lead to the following consequences:

- Increase of the fine amount over time.

- Involvement of collection agencies.

- Impact on credit rating and potential future trips to Italy.

- Possibility of vehicle confiscation upon subsequent entry into the country.

Vehicle Registration

1. Required documents:

   - Valid passport or national identity card.

   - Tax code.

   - Vehicle documents (certificate of ownership).

   - Medical certificate (if required).

   - Completed form TT2119 for registration.

   - Vehicle technical specification and certificate of conformity (if the vehicle is imported from another country).

   - Receipt of payment for taxes and fees.

2. Registration procedure:

   - Visit the local branch of Motorizzazione Civile or ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) to submit documents and undergo a VIN inspection.

   - Upon successful inspection and submission of all documents, you will receive Italian license plates and vehicle registration.

Vehicle Inspection

1. Frequency:

   - The initial inspection is required 4 years after the vehicle's first registration.

   - Subsequent inspections are conducted every two years.

   - For some commercial vehicles, taxis, and rental vehicles, inspections are conducted annually.

2. Inspection locations:

   - Inspections can be conducted at authorized service centers or specialized inspection stations.

   - The cost of inspection ranges from 45 to 80 euros depending on the location.

3. Inspection procedure:

   - The inspection includes checking the condition of the braking system, light devices, steering, tires, and emission levels.

   - If the vehicle fails the inspection, the owner is given a month to fix identified issues and undergo a re-inspection.

   - In case of repeated failure, the vehicle may be deregistered until all problems are resolved.

Use of Foreign Vehicles

Foreign vehicles can be used in Italy, but with some restrictions:

Usage period: Vehicles registered abroad and owned by persons residing in Italy can be operated on Italian territory for no more than three months from the date of obtaining residency. After this period, the vehicle must be registered with Italian license plates.

Documents for temporary use: If the vehicle belongs to another person, the driver must have a document signed by the owner, indicating the purpose and duration of vehicle use. If the vehicle is used for more than 30 days a year, even if not consecutively, it must be registered in the Register of Foreign Vehicles.

Penalties for violations: Penalties for violating the rules of using foreign vehicles range from 400 to 1,600 euros, as well as seizure of the vehicle registration certificate. If the vehicle is not registered in REVE, the fine can range from 712 to 3,558 euros.

Registration of Foreign Vehicles

The procedure for registering a vehicle imported from another country involves several steps:

1. Deregistration in the country of origin: Before registration in Italy, the vehicle must be deregistered in the country of origin and obtain the corresponding certificate.

2. Certificate of Conformity: This document confirms that the vehicle meets European standards. It must be obtained from the manufacturer or vehicle dealer and presented for technical inspection in Italy.

3. Technical inspection: After obtaining the certificate of conformity, the vehicle must undergo a technical inspection at the inspection center. It is important to indicate that the inspection is carried out for the registration of a foreign vehicle.

4. Submission of documents: The following documents must be collected and submitted to the Motorizzazione Civile or ACI office:

   - Certificate of deregistration in the country of origin.

   - Vehicle technical specification, signed and certified by the manufacturer or accredited dealer.

   - Registration application (form TT2119).

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   - Registration documents of the car and their certified translation into Italian.

   - Technical inspection certificate with a certified translation into Italian.

5. Change of license plates: After successfully submitting the documents and passing all checks, it is necessary to replace foreign license plates with Italian ones at an authorized garage.

6. Insurance: The last step is obtaining an insurance policy for the vehicle. Mandatory civil liability insurance is the minimum requirement, but more comprehensive coverage can be chosen.

Charging stations

Number of charging stations: Currently, there are over 4,500 charging points in operation in Italy, providing a wide range of services for electric vehicle owners. Charging stations can be found in cities, on highways, and in public places, allowing easy recharging of electric vehicles throughout the country.

Interoperability of charging networks: Thanks to agreements between various operators, such as Be Charge and Telepass Pay, electric vehicle owners can use charging stations of different networks, making the charging process more flexible and accessible.

Types of charging stations: Italy has both slow and fast charging stations installed. Fast charging is available on major highways and near toll roads, allowing for a quick energy refill during long journeys.

Service centers

Number and location: Service centers for electric vehicles are widely distributed in Italy, especially in large cities and along major transport corridors. They offer a full range of repair and maintenance services for electric vehicles.

Professional servicing: Many service centers specialize in servicing electric vehicles and use modern technology for diagnostics and repair. This ensures high-quality service and vehicle reliability.