The easiest way to pay tolls on Italy’s autostrada with a rental car is to use the Telepass lane if your rental company provides a transponder. Otherwise, you must take a ticket upon entering the highway and pay the calculated fee with cash or card at a staffed or automated booth when exiting. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but having some euros on hand is a reliable backup.
Most major rental companies offer an optional electronic toll payment device (like Hertz’s e-Toll or Avis’s Avis Pass). You’ll typically pay a daily service fee for the convenience, even on days you don't use the highways. This is often the best choice for peace of mind, as it automatically deducts tolls and avoids potential fines for missing a payment.
If you choose to pay manually, be extremely careful to select the correct lane. Look for signs with icons for cash (“Contanti”) or card (“Carta”). Avoid the Telepass-only lanes (marked with a white "T" on a blue background), as driving through them without a transponder results in a high fine sent to the rental company, which they will charge to you along with an administrative fee.
Here is a breakdown of common payment methods:
| Payment Method | How It Works | Best For | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|
| Rental Company Transponder | Small device on windshield. Tolls + daily fee billed to your contract. | Convenience, avoiding mistakes, multi-trip travel. | Daily service fee can add up over a long rental. |
| Credit/Debit Card | Insert card at automated or staffed booth when exiting highway. | Travelers who prefer not to use cash. | Ensure your card has a chip and PIN for unmanned booths. |
| Cash (Euros) | Hand cash to an attendant or use a machine that accepts bills/coins. | Budget-conscious travelers, short trips. | Need sufficient euro denominations; lanes can be busier. |
| Telepass App/Viacard | Pre-paid card you can top up and hold to the reader. | Frequent travelers to Italy, those planning ahead. | Requires setup before your trip; not all rental cars are compatible. |
Remember, on some newer toll sections, there are no entry tickets. You'll pass under a camera that records your license plate, and you must pay at a designated payment point ("Punto Pay") within a set time or at a gas station before leaving the highway. Always clarify the toll payment policy with your rental company before you drive away.
