Italy Transportation Tips by sargentjeff

You will most likely fly into...

You will most likely fly into one of the major airports. Train stations are usually accesible by bus or within walking distance. Cabs are an option, but of course are more costly
I've created a Travelogue entitled Traveling around Italia with more info and pictures of things you will see while driving in Italy.

Getting around Italy can be quite a challenge for the unaccustomed driver. Be careful in big cities if you drive. Be very defensive. Many Italians are very aggressive, and will take more risks, such as sudden lane changes and tailgating at high speeds. Flashing headlights is also a way of saying 'get outta my way'. A left turn signal constantly on in the fast lane means I want to pass you, pull over.

Expect to see lots of signs, especially in cites. There are often numerous signs at one intersection pointing the direction to every hotel, restaurant, city, etc...

Many gas stations are closed on Sundays, as well as around midday. Use a credit card for purchasing during these times.

Viacard
The Viacard is a prepaid plastic card, which can be inserted into a slot at tollbooths. The appropriate sum will be automatically deducted from the card, and this method of payment is quite quick. Additionally, the lines more bearable.

Drawbacks? This is no Smart-card! For example if you go to pay a toll of 12.000 lire with a card which has only 10.000 lire remaining, it’s not possible to stick in a new card and have only the remaining 2.000 lire deducted.
Advice: always carry a spare card and use exact sum or more when paying, or go to the manned booths, which can handle mixed payments of card and cash.

Viacard passes can be bought at most (not all) tobacconists’, at the autogrill restaurants, and at tollbooths.

Fastpay

Its logo signals which lane is enabled to handle credit card payments. Almost all tollbooths equipped to handle Viacard payments will also accept most major credit cards -especially VISA. The toll is charged to your account at no additional costs.

To determine whether your credit card is accepted by the Società Autostrade, just call their toll-free client-service number from anywhere in Italy.



Telepass

For longer stays in Italy, this is the absolute tops in automatic payment systems. If your bank has a branch in Italy, you can ask for a Telepass device.

There are, naturally, a few formalities and some forms to fill out before you’re given your own radar device to be installed in your car by a competent garage.

The radar communicates your car’s approach to each tollbooth so that the bar goes up as you pass. You only slow down but never come to a complete stop. The toll is charged to either your credit card or bank account, according to whatever arrangements have been made with your bank.



Isoradio

Do you really hate the idea of being stuck for hours in the middle of a traffic jam on your vacation? Or might it be nicer to duck into an autogrill for an hour or so ‘til it’s all over?

Autostrade hell can be avoided by tuning your car radio, whereever you are in Italy, to:

Isoradio - fm 103.300

This public service band broadcasts music and traffic updates in Italian, English, French and German.

Mode: TO,AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home