Driving in Italy for many foreigners is like a nightmare. Too many cars and a not efficient urban system are the problems. Driving in Italy may be also tricky because of us, the Italians. Sometimes, we do have a kind of reluctance in respecting the rules of the road. Some people park on sidewalks or double park.
Is it safe for tourists to drive in Italy?
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!
Can foreigners drive in Italy?
Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S.
What is driving in Italy like?
Italian drivers tend to drive fast, especially on the autostrada, but are generally not aggressive. But unless you’re planning to race in the fast lane, just leave the left lane for passing and stick to the right-hand lanes.
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Italy?
I recommend against renting a car in Italy if you: Plan on visiting large cities such as Venice (car-free), Rome, Bologna, Florence, Milan or Naples. They are all well connected by high-speed trains and very difficult to explore by car, with crazy traffic and hard-to-grasp parking rules.
Is driving in Italy like driving in the US?
Spoiler: while driving in Italy is very different than driving in, let’s say, the US, it is definitely doable. Get these tips first though! Top tip: if planning on renting a car, you may also find helpful >>>our guide about renting a car in Italy.
Is it better to travel in Italy by car or train?
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.
What to avoid doing in Italy?
10 things you should never do in Italy
- Don’t overtip.
- Don’t order a cappuccino after 11am.
- Don’t put cheese on a pasta that contains fish or seafood.
- Don’t cut your spaghetti with a knife and fork, ever.
- Don’t order the Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Don’t wear shorts, tank top or flip-flops when visiting a church.
Can you turn right on red in Italy?
You can’t make a right turn on a red light.
So naturally, you might think that is okay in Italy. You would be wrong. Though Italy has far fewer traffic lights than roundabouts, there are traffic lights and it is illegal to make a right turn on red.
Can I rent a car and drive in Italy?
If you’re visiting as a tourist, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver’s license. If you’re living here in Italy, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver’s license, but only if you’re not a resident or have been a resident for less than one year.
Are there roundabouts in Italy?
Roundabouts. Many highway junctions lead towards a roundabout, and roundabouts are also used as intersections between roads. All you need to do is get into the correct lane. In Italy, you give way to traffic on the left.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Italy?
Generally, rental car companies in Italy require you to be 21 or over and no older than the maximum age (usually 70-75 years). All drivers must present a valid driver’s license, an ID as proof of their identity, and a credit card to make the payment.
Do they drive on the same side of the road in Italy?
Italians drive on the right side of the road, just like Americans. That may seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t know. Traffic lights and stop signs work the same as most other countries, but, like most of Europe, right turns during red lights are ALWAYS ILLEGAL.
Is a road trip in Italy worth it?
The gorgeous country of Italy is perfect for a road trip!
A road trip in Italy opens up the sweeping landscapes, historic cities and some of the most picture-perfect seaside towns in Europe, like no other way to travel does.
What side is the steering wheel on in Italy?
Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road (the same as the U.S. and much of Europe). And equally important, the steering wheel is on the left side as well.
How do tourists rent a car in Italy?
Requirements for Renting a Car in Italy
- You must be at least 18.
- You must not exceed the maximum age outlined by the rental company (commonly 70-75 years)
- Most drivers under 25 will be charged an additional rental fee.
- All drivers must present a driving license and an international driver’s permit.
- Insurance is essential.
How much money do you need to have a good time in Italy?
On average you can expect a trip to Italy to cost €55-130 per person per day (around $60 to $150 USD) for budget to mid-range travellers. These prices will be heavily influenced by how you chose to spend your money across accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment.
What to expect driving in Italy?
Some Italian road rules to know: In Italy they drive on the right side of the road. On three-lane roads, the right lane is the slow lane and the left lane is the passing lane. At crossings, vehicles on the right have the right of way. In short, always yield to the right.
How do I prepare for driving in Italy?
Driving in Italy checklist:
- Full and valid driver’s licence.
- V5C.
- Proof of Insurance.
- Green card.
- Passport/national ID.
- Reflective jackets.
- Warning triangles.
- Headlamp beam deflectors.
Do I need anything to drive in Italy?
Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Italy. Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over, while moped (not exceeding 50cc) riders must be aged 14 or over. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted.
Is Italy right hand driving?
All traffic in Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road, not on the left like the UK. If you hire a car, the driver’s seat will be on the left side of the car.