Driving to Italy from the UK

Italy has so many attractions for travellers from the UK, from shimmering Lake Como to the artistic splendor of Florence and the eternal city of Rome. Most holidaymakers fly there, but driving to Italy is a real adventure, and means you get to see other countries on your trip – usually France, but also Germany, Switzerland and even Austria. It can also work out cheaper than flying too – although there will be road and tunnel tolls to pay. 

LeShuttle is a perfect way to start your Italian journey, with a crossing from Folkestone to Calais of only 35 minutes. 

Preparing for your drive to Italy

If you’re thinking of a dream road trip to Italy, make sure you plan your route carefully.  Driving to Italy is quite an undertaking because it involves crossing the Alps, the epic mountain range that runs across most of the north of the country. Cities in the north like Milan and Turin are ideal destinations if you are planning to drive from Calais to Italy in one day. Cities further south like Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples should be on your road trip checklist too, but are at least a couple of days driving away. 

Turin is the closest major Italian city to France

Essential documents for your trip 

The documents you need to drive to Italy are the same as for France - a full, valid UK driving licence, proof of ID (passport), your motor insurance certificate and a V5 registration document.  

In terms of equipment, seasoned continental drivers will know that there is a list of mandatory things to have in your car, which are conveniently the same in Italy as in France: 

•    A warning triangle 

•    Hi-vis jackets for each person in the vehicle

•    Headlamp deflectors 

If you are driving in the Alps during the winter you should also have snow chains.  

How long does it take to drive to Italy?

Driving from Calais, travelling times can vary, from 10½ to 12 hours, depending on which route you take. You need to be aware that during the winter some of the mountain roads will be closed, if you are thinking of using these to avoid the tolls of the Alpine tunnels. You should factor in several stops, so your total journey time will be longer. If time isn’t pressing there are a wide range of routes you could take through France, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, so an overnight stop in one of these countries could make for a more interesting road trip.

Lake Como is a popular destination in northern Italy

Routes

If you are driving to Italy from major UK cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester, you should first factor in your driving time to the LeShuttle terminal at Folkestone.

The quickest route

The fastest route into Italy is via Reims and Lyon. The main motorways to follow are the A26 and the A43, and you use the Frejus road tunnel through the Alps. This route takes around 10 ½ hours non-stop, if you are driving to Turin. There is a toll for the Frejus tunnel, of around €70 return. You will also have to pay tolls on the motorway routes in France.

The approach to the Frejus tunnel is spectacular

The scenic route

Everywhere is pretty scenic, especially as you get closer to Italy and are actually driving in the Alps, but the most awesome route would have to be from Geneva, heading to the Mont Blanc tunnel. The final approaches to Chamonix provide some spectacular sights, but be aware that a toll has to be paid before you enter the tunnel (as well as the standard French motorway tolls). Passage through the Mont Blanc tunnel takes around 12 minutes, if traffic is free flowing. Please note that if you are travelling between 9th September and 16th December 2024, the Mont Blanc tunnel is closed for renovation works. Drivers must use other routes during this period. 

The cheapest route

It is hard to avoid the motorway tolls in France, unless you are willing to accept a considerably longer journey to Italy (which would use more fuel so may not even be cost-effective). All the tunnels into northern Italy through the Alps from France carry a toll. The Gotthard tunnel from Switzerland is free but you will need the Swiss vignette. Experienced and adrenaline-seeking drivers could try the Great St Bernard Pass, also in Switzerland, one of the most famous mountain roads in Europe – but only between the months of May and October. At all other times it is usually snowbound and impassable. 

The Gotthard tunnel from Switzerland to Italy is toll-free

Driving laws in France

The driving laws in France are similar to those in Belgium, Germany and Italy. It is a legal requirement to carry a hi-vis jacket, reflective triangle, headlamp deflectors and a first aid kit in your vehicle. The speed limit is 130 km/h on autoroutes and motorways, and 110 km/h on dual carriageways. On main roads outside built up areas it is 80 km/h - 90 km/h, and 50 km/h on main roads within urban areas. If caught speeding in France you could be fined up to €750; you could lose your licence if you exceed the speed limit by 30 km/h, and it could be immediately confiscated if you over 50 km/h over. 

Driving laws in Italy

Anyone who has ever visited Italy will know that locals can be quite ‘cavalier’ in their driving style, and cities like Rome and Naples seem to have their own rules of the road. But there are still strict laws to observe. The speed limits are 50-70 km/h in built up areas, 90-110 km/h outside residential areas and 130 km/h on motorways. The police can impose on-the-spot speeding fines, with the maximum fine being over €4,000. Overtaking is not permitted at bends, on the brow of hills, at intersections and when there is limited visibility. 

Taking your electric vehicle to Italy

There are over 50,000 public charging points in Italy, so if you are an electric vehicle owner, you are well served if you want to take your EV on an Italian adventure. Our top tip is to pay for a monthly pass to the Ionity charge point network – this will give you unlimited access to this large ultra-fast network of chargers across France and Italy. 

Parking in Italy

You’ll struggle to park like this in Rome, but spaces are available

On street parking spaces in Italy can be challenging to find, especially near to city or town centres. Spaces are colour coded, with the colours of the lines indicating the following: 

•    White lines – no charge for the space

•    Blue lines – payment is required, either at a meter, leaving a parking disc (showing when you arrived) or by paying an attendant

•    Yellow – disabled users, taxis or official vehicles only

•    Pink – for expectant mothers or mothers with babies 

Alternatively, you might be able to find one of the ‘parking garages’ common in Italy – like multi-storey or underground car parks in the UK, they charge by the hour and day. You’ll see signs for them -  ‘parcheggio clienti’ are the words to look out for. They can be expensive, however, especially the privately-run garages.