Driving to Italy from the UK: Best Routes & Driving Tips

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The Best Routes to Italy from the United Kingdom

We’ve driven between the UK and Italy many times since we started travelling full-time in Europe in 2018, using routes through France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria by car, motorhome and motorbike.

In this guide, we share seven tried-and-tested ways to get to Italy, including the quickest, toll-free, winter and more adventurous options. We’ve compared distances, driving times, tolls and fuel costs, as well as the different Channel crossings, Alpine routes and border crossings, to help you choose the best journey for your vehicle, budget and time of year.

Driving to Italy from the UK: Key Facts

Routes: The Gap Decaders compares six defined driving routes from the UK to Italy, plus a flexible sightseeing route for travellers who want to explore along the way.
Start & finish: Most routes start in Calais and finish in northern Italy, with an alternative from Rotterdam for travellers crossing from eastern England.
Best for: The routes are suitable for travelling from the UK to Italy by car, campervan, motorhome or motorbike.
First-hand experience: Our recommendations are based on driving between the UK and Italy many times during full-time European travel since 2018.

Crossing the Channel

Before you choose your route to Italy, you need to decide how to get your vehicle to mainland Europe. For most travellers, Calais is the obvious starting point, but crossings to the Netherlands can make more sense if you live in eastern or northern England.

LeShuttle

LeShuttle from Folkestone to Calais is the fastest way to cross the Channel with a vehicle, taking just 35 minutes from platform to platform. Services run frequently throughout the day, making this our preferred option when we want to get into France and start covering miles quickly.

It’s also particularly convenient if you’re travelling with a dog, as your pet stays with you in the vehicle for the crossing.

Dover to Calais Ferry

The Dover to Calais ferry is the main alternative, with both P&O Ferries and DFDS operating frequent services. P&O’s crossing takes around 90 minutes, while DFDS currently quotes around 100 minutes.

The ferry takes longer than LeShuttle, but gives you a chance to get out of the vehicle, have something to eat and take a break before starting the drive through France. Prices vary considerably by date and departure time, so it’s worth comparing the ferry with LeShuttle before booking.

Eastern England to the Netherlands

If you’re travelling from eastern or northern England, crossing directly to the Netherlands can save you the drive south to Folkestone or Dover and works particularly well with our Netherlands route to Italy.

Stena Line operates day and overnight sailings from Harwich to Hook of Holland. The daytime sailing leaves at 9am and arrives at 5.15pm local time, while the overnight service leaves at 11pm and arrives at 8am.

P&O Ferries operates an overnight Hull to Rotterdam crossing. Current sailings leave Hull in the evening and arrive in Rotterdam the following morning, giving you the benefit of sleeping on board before starting the drive south.

For travellers coming from further north, DFDS operates a daily Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry. The overnight crossing takes around 16 hours 45 minutes, departing Newcastle in the late afternoon and arriving in the Netherlands the following morning.

Other Popular Crossings

Depending on where you live in the UK, longer ferry crossings to northern France can also be worth considering. Routes from ports such as Newhaven, Portsmouth and Poole may reduce your UK driving and give you a useful break before the long journey south.

Compare the total journey time and cost rather than the ferry fare alone. A crossing that initially looks more expensive can make sense if it saves several hours of driving, fuel and an overnight stop.

The Best Driving Routes from UK to Italy

There’s no single best route from the UK to Italy. The right choice depends on where you’re starting, where you’re heading in Italy, the time of year and how quickly you want to get there.

The six routes below cover the main options we’ve used and recommend, from the quickest route through Switzerland and a toll-free option through Germany and Austria to a longer winter route that avoids the high Alpine crossings. If the journey is part of your holiday, we’ve also included a more adventurous route across some of the Alps’ best mountain passes.

The distances, driving times, tolls and fuel costs shown are for one-way travel and should be used as a guide. Actual costs vary considerably by vehicle, fuel price and the exact roads you use. ViaMichelin is useful for calculating a journey based on your own vehicle and provides current toll and fuel estimates.

TOP TIP: If you’re splitting the journey over two or more days, book overnight accommodation well ahead during the summer holidays and other busy travel periods.

RELATED POST: 19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips

1. The Quickest Route

Calais → Reims → Nancy → Basel → Lucerne → Milan

Distance: 1,026km
Driving time: 12 hours
Toll costs: €86
Fuel costs: €166

This is our quickest route from Calais to northern Italy and the one to choose if you want to cover the distance efficiently without sacrificing the scenery. From Calais, head through Reims and Nancy towards Basel before crossing Switzerland via Lucerne and the Gotthard.

The fastest way across the Alps is to stay on Switzerland’s A2 and use the Gotthard Road Tunnel between Göschenen and Airolo. From there, continue south past Lugano and cross into Italy at Chiasso for the final stretch towards Milan.

For vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Swiss motorway vignette to use the A2. There is no additional toll for the Gotthard Road Tunnel itself. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are covered by Switzerland’s separate heavy vehicle charging system.

In summer, you can leave the A2 at Göschenen and take the old Gotthard Pass road instead. It’s considerably slower but makes the journey far more memorable, with sweeping mountain views and plenty of opportunities to stop. The pass usually closes during the winter, so always check the road conditions before setting off.

If you have more time, Basel and Lucerne both make excellent overnight stops. Lucerne is particularly convenient because it sits directly on the route, leaving you well placed to tackle the Gotthard and continue into Italy the following morning.

2. The Toll-Free Route

Calais → Lille → Luxembourg → Stuttgart → Kempten → Landeck → Resia

Distance: 1,080km
Driving time: 13 hours
Toll costs: €0
Fuel costs: €175

This is our favourite route if you want to keep toll costs to a minimum. From Calais, it heads through Belgium and Luxembourg before crossing Germany and entering Austria near Füssen, then follows non-motorway roads through the Austrian Tyrol to the Reschen Pass and into Italy.

From Calais, take the toll-free A16 and A25 towards Belgium, then continue through Luxembourg and Germany. German motorways are toll-free for cars and private motorhomes, making this a particularly economical way to cover most of the distance to Italy.

The Austrian section is where you need to pay attention to your navigation. Austria charges a vignette for cars, campervans and motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes using most motorways and expressways, while vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are generally subject to the distance-based GO toll on the same network. This route avoids those roads altogether.

From the German A7, cross into Austria through the Grenztunnel and follow the B179 Fernpass towards Nassereith. To stay toll-free:

1. Follow the B179 over the Fernpass to Nassereith.
2. Take the B189 towards Imst.
3. At Imst, join the B171 towards Landeck, taking care not to join the parallel A12 motorway.
4. From Landeck, follow the L76 towards Fließ and then the B180 south towards Reschenpass and Resia.
5. Cross the Reschen Pass into Italy and continue towards Merano and Bolzano.

This is a slower and more involved drive than simply using the Austrian motorways, but the Fernpass and Reschen Pass make it a very scenic route. The distinctive submerged church tower in Lake Reschen is also right beside the route and makes an easy stop once you cross into Italy.

3. The French Route

Calais → Reims → Troyes → Dijon → Lyon → Geneva → Chamonix → Turin → Genoa

Distance: 1,340km
Driving time: 15 hours 30 minutes
Toll costs: €242
Fuel costs: €217

This route is a good choice if you prefer fast motorways and want a straightforward journey through France before crossing the Alps into northern Italy. It is considerably more expensive than the toll-free route, but most of the journey is on autoroutes and autostrade.

From Calais, head south through Reims, Troyes and Dijon to Lyon before continuing towards Geneva. From the Geneva area, the route follows the A40 towards Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Tunnel, emerging in Italy’s Aosta Valley before continuing towards Turin and Genoa.

The Mont Blanc Tunnel makes this one of the easiest ways to cross the Alps without tackling a high mountain pass. In 2026, a one-way crossing from France costs €55.50 for a Class 1 car and €73.40 for a Class 2 vehicle, which includes many motorhomes. These charges are in addition to the French and Italian motorway tolls along the route.

This is a particularly useful route if you’re heading for Turin, the Italian Riviera, Genoa or western Tuscany. It also works well if you want to break the journey around Lyon, Lake Geneva, Chamonix or the Aosta Valley.

The Mont Blanc Tunnel can become very busy during peak holiday periods and is also subject to planned maintenance closures, so check the tunnel traffic and closure information before setting off.

RELATED POST: Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

4. The Netherlands Route

Rotterdam → Cologne → Koblenz → Basel → Lucerne → Milan

Distance: 1,092km
Driving time: 13 hours
Toll costs: €56
Fuel costs: €177

This is a great alternative if you live in eastern or northern England and take a ferry to the Netherlands rather than crossing to Calais. From Rotterdam, the route heads south through Germany before crossing Switzerland and the Alps to reach Milan.

After leaving Rotterdam, head towards Cologne and continue south through Germany towards Basel. From there, follow the Swiss A2 past Lucerne and through the Gotthard Road Tunnel, before continuing past Lugano and crossing into Italy at Chiasso.

Most of the journey through Germany is on toll-free autobahns for cars and private motorhomes. Once you reach Switzerland, vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes need a motorway vignette, while heavier vehicles are covered by Switzerland’s separate heavy vehicle charging system.

This route works particularly well if you’re heading for Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or western northern Italy. It also avoids the long drive to Dover or Folkestone if you live further north or east in the UK, especially when combined with an overnight ferry to Rotterdam.

If your destination is further east, such as Lake Garda, Verona or Venice, you can instead head from southern Germany towards Innsbruck and cross the Alps via the Brenner route into Italy. This adds Austrian motorway and Brenner toll charges but can save considerable distance once you’re heading for eastern northern Italy.

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5. The Winter Route

Calais → Reims → Troyes → Dijon → Lyon → Avignon → Nice → San Remo

Distance: 1,306km
Driving time: 14 hours
Toll costs: €130
Fuel costs: €212

If you’re driving to Italy in winter and want to avoid the high Alpine passes and tunnels, this route takes you south through France to the Mediterranean before following the Côte d’Azur into Italy.

From Calais, head through Reims, Troyes and Dijon to Lyon, then continue south past Avignon and Aix-en-Provence towards Nice. From the French Riviera, the A8 follows the coast towards Menton before crossing the Italian border at Ventimiglia, where it becomes the A10 towards San Remo and Genoa.

It’s a considerably longer route to northern Italy than crossing Switzerland, but staying close to the Mediterranean means you avoid the high-altitude Alpine crossings where snow and severe winter weather are more likely to disrupt your journey.

This doesn’t mean you can ignore winter driving rules. France requires approved winter tyres or snow chains or socks in designated mountainous areas between 1 November and 31 March, and winter equipment requirements also apply on some Italian roads. Check the regulations and weather conditions for your exact route before setting off.

Once you reach the Côte d’Azur, the drive into Italy is spectacular, with the motorway climbing above the Mediterranean and passing through a succession of tunnels and viaducts before reaching the Italian Riviera.

If you have time, Nice makes an excellent overnight stop before crossing into Italy the following day. From San Remo, you can continue along the A10 towards Genoa and connect with the Italian motorway network for your final destination.

6. The Adventurous Route

Calais → Reims → Colmar → Zurich → Davos → Stelvio Pass → Bormio → Milan

Distance: 1,225km
Driving time: 16 hours 45 minutes
Toll costs: €82
Fuel costs: €199

If the drive to Italy is as important as the destination, this is the route we’d choose. Rather than taking the quickest way across the Alps, it heads through eastern Switzerland before crossing into Italy via the spectacular Stelvio Pass.

From Calais, head through Reims and Colmar before crossing into Switzerland and continuing past Zurich towards Davos. From here, the journey becomes much more mountainous, with winding roads, steep gradients and some superb Alpine scenery as you make your way towards the Italian border and the Stelvio.

At 2,758 metres, the Stelvio Pass is one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe. Its famous hairpins make this an unforgettable drive, particularly on the descent towards Bormio, but this isn’t a route to rush. Expect narrow sections, tight bends, cyclists and plenty of other drivers who have come simply to experience the road.

The Stelvio is a seasonal route and normally closes during the winter months. Snow can affect the pass even outside winter, so check the road status and weather forecast before committing to this route. There can also be temporary traffic closures for cycling events during the summer.

This route is best suited to confident drivers in cars, motorbikes and smaller campervans or motorhomes. There are vehicle restrictions on the Stelvio road from the Bormio side, including a maximum height of 3.3 metres due to tunnels and a maximum length of 10 metres, so larger motorhomes and expedition vehicles should choose another route.

Once over the pass, Bormio makes a great place to stop for the night before continuing south towards Milan.

RELATED POST: Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

7. Turn the Journey to Italy into a Road Trip

If you have a few extra days, driving to Italy gives you the chance to turn the journey itself into part of your holiday. Instead of following one of the fastest routes straight through, you can build an itinerary around some of the best places in France, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland before crossing the Alps into Italy.

You won’t be able to include all of these without making some substantial detours, so choose the stops that fit most naturally with your route:

With enough time, you can easily spend a week or more getting to Italy and make the journey across Europe a road trip in its own right.

Onward Travel in Italy

Once you cross the border, Italy’s motorway network makes it easy to continue towards the major cities and regions of the north. Milan, Turin, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Venice are all well connected by autostrade, although many sections are tolled.

If you’re continuing further south towards Tuscany, Rome, Naples or beyond, allow plenty of time for the journey. Driving conditions vary considerably between fast autostrade, busy urban roads and smaller rural routes, and traffic around the major cities can add significantly to journey times.

Our Driving in Italy guide covers Italian road rules, tolls, ZTLs, parking and other practical information you’ll need once you arrive.

Driving on the Continent

Every driving route from the UK to Italy crosses at least two European countries, so make sure you understand the rules for each country on your chosen route before leaving home.

For UK drivers taking their own vehicle, you should carry:

UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third-party cover required in the EU and Switzerland, and you don’t normally need a green card for these countries. Check your own policy before travelling, as the level of cover provided outside the UK can vary.

A UK photocard driving licence can be used in Italy without an International Driving Permit. Different rules can apply if you hold a paper licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, so check the current requirements before travelling.

If you’re taking your own UK-registered vehicle abroad for less than 12 months, carry the original V5C. Your vehicle must also remain taxed, insured and, where applicable, have a valid MOT while you’re away.

You may need a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle. You don’t need a separate sticker if your number plate already displays the UK identifier with the Union flag, but plates showing GB, an EU flag or no national identifier require a UK sticker.

You’ll be driving on the right throughout mainland Europe, so take extra care at junctions and roundabouts and when pulling away after stopping. Headlight converters may also be necessary if your vehicle cannot adjust its headlights for driving on the right.

Most of the countries crossed by these routes are within the Schengen Area, but that doesn’t guarantee an uninterrupted border crossing. Temporary border controls can be introduced, so keep your passports and vehicle documents accessible throughout the journey.

Safety equipment requirements vary between countries. A reflective hi-vis jacket and warning triangle are sensible essentials, but check the individual rules for every country on your chosen route before you travel.

If you have an accident, move to a safe place where possible, use your hazard lights and follow the local rules for warning other traffic. Exchange details with the other driver, take photographs and contact the emergency services on 112 if anyone is injured or police assistance is required.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy is generally straightforward once you get used to the local driving style. Motorways and major roads are usually easy to navigate, but city centres can be busy and smaller rural and mountain roads may be narrow, steep or poorly surfaced.

Italian motorways are called autostrade and are shown on green road signs. Away from the motorway network, allow extra time for your journey, particularly in mountainous areas and when approaching major cities.

Here are the main rules to know when driving in Italy:

Italian driving can feel more assertive than driving in the UK, particularly in cities, but give yourself time to adjust, keep an eye out for scooters and motorbikes and don’t feel pressured to match the speed of local traffic.

One of the biggest traps for visitors isn’t the driving itself but accidentally entering a restricted city-centre ZTL. We cover those below, along with Italian motorway tolls, low-emission zones, winter driving and parking.

Toll Roads in Italy

Most Italian motorways, or autostrade, are toll roads, although some sections are free. Motorway signs are green, making them easy to distinguish from other main roads, which generally use blue signs.

On most toll motorways, you collect a ticket when you enter and pay according to the distance travelled when you leave. At the toll booth, follow the signs for your preferred payment method and avoid lanes reserved exclusively for electronic toll devices unless you have a compatible tag.

You can usually pay by cash or card, or use an electronic toll tag such as Bip&Go, Tollbird, or Telepass if your account and device cover Italy.

Motorway tolls add to the cost of a road trip, but the autostrade are generally the quickest and easiest way to cover long distances in Italy. If you choose to avoid them, allow considerably more time for journeys on smaller roads, particularly in mountainous areas and around towns and cities.

Low Emission Zones in Italy

Italy doesn’t have one national low-emission zone system. Instead, restrictions are set locally and can vary considerably between cities and regions, including which vehicles are affected and when restrictions apply.

Milan has some of the most extensive restrictions. Area B covers much of the city and restricts access for more polluting vehicles, while Area C covers the historic centre and combines vehicle restrictions with a congestion charge. If you’re planning to drive into Milan, check your vehicle against the current rules before you travel.

You’ll also come across Zona a Traffico Limitato, or ZTLs, in the historic centres of many Italian towns and cities. These are restricted traffic zones rather than conventional low-emission zones and are usually monitored by cameras that record vehicle number plates.

Unless your vehicle is authorised, don’t drive past a ZTL sign when the restriction is active. Entering accidentally can result in a fine, and following your satnav into a historic centre is one of the easiest ways for visitors to get caught out.

ZTL rules, operating hours and exemptions vary by location, so always check the official website for the town or city you’re visiting. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, contact them before arriving as they may be able to register your vehicle or give you instructions for authorised access.

The easiest option is often to park outside the historic centre and walk or use public transport, particularly in cities such as Florence, Bologna, Pisa and Rome.

Winter Tyres in Italy

Italy doesn’t have a single nationwide requirement to fit winter tyres throughout the winter. Instead, winter equipment is compulsory on roads where signs indicate that it is required.

The standard winter period is generally from 15 November to 15 April. On affected roads, you must have suitable winter tyres fitted or carry approved snow chains or snow socks for your vehicle. Local authorities and road operators can impose different dates where conditions require them, so always follow the signs on your route.

If you’re driving to Italy through the Alps in winter, check the requirements for every country and road on your journey as well as your destination. Mountain routes can experience snow and ice outside the standard winter period, and high passes may close completely.

If you use winter tyres, make sure they comply with the specifications for your vehicle. All-season tyres can also be suitable where they meet the required markings and specifications.

Parking in Italy

Parking spaces in Italian towns and cities are usually marked with coloured lines, so knowing what they mean can save you a lot of confusion.

Always check the road signs as well as the colour of the parking bay, as restrictions and charging periods are set locally.

Be particularly careful when parking overnight. Temporary restrictions may be introduced for street cleaning, markets and other local activities, and vehicles left in restricted spaces can be fined or removed.

If you’re visiting a historic centre, check for ZTL restrictions before following your satnav towards a car park. A perfectly legal parking space isn’t much help if you have to drive through a restricted zone to reach it.

Driving Through France, Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Depending on which route you choose, you may drive through France, Germany, Switzerland or Austria before reaching Italy. You don’t need to know every local driving rule before you leave home, but there are a few country-specific requirements that can affect your route, vehicle or costs.

Driving Through France

All of our routes from Calais start in France, so check the current French driving requirements before you travel.

Driving Through Germany

Germany is particularly useful if you want to reduce toll costs, which is why several of our routes use the German autobahn network.

Driving Through Switzerland

Our quickest route and the Netherlands route both use Switzerland and the Gotthard corridor to reach northern Italy.

Driving Through Austria

Our toll-free route crosses western Austria between Germany and Italy, while the Brenner route is an alternative if you’re heading towards Lake Garda, Verona or Venice.

Rules, tolls and low-emission restrictions can change, so check the official requirements for each country on your chosen route shortly before travelling.

Driving to Italy from the UK FAQs

How long does it take to drive from the UK to Italy?

The quickest route from Calais to Milan is around 1,026km and takes approximately 12 hours of driving without significant stops or delays. Once you include the journey from home, the Channel crossing, fuel and rest stops, most people will want to spread the drive over at least two days.

If you’re travelling further south to Tuscany, Rome or southern Italy, allow considerably longer.

What is the fastest route from the UK to Italy?

The fastest route is generally Calais → Reims → Nancy → Basel → Lucerne → Milan, crossing Switzerland on the A2 and using the Gotthard Road Tunnel.

The route is around 1,026km from Calais to Milan and takes approximately 12 hours in good conditions. You’ll need a Swiss motorway vignette for a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes.

What is the cheapest route from the UK to Italy?

Our toll-free route via Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and western Austria is usually the cheapest of the routes in this guide.

From Calais, it travels via Lille, Luxembourg, Stuttgart and Kempten before crossing Austria on non-motorway roads via the Fernpass and Reschen Pass. It avoids French motorway tolls and the Austrian motorway vignette, although your overall cost will still depend on your vehicle and current fuel prices.

Can you drive from the UK to Italy without going through Switzerland?

Yes. Several routes avoid Switzerland completely. You can travel through France and cross into Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel or Mediterranean coast, or travel through Germany and Austria before crossing into northern Italy.

Avoiding Switzerland may make sense depending on your destination, vehicle weight, time of year and the type of roads you prefer.

What is the best route to Italy in winter?

If you want to avoid the high Alpine crossings, our winter route travels from Calais through Reims, Dijon, Lyon, Avignon and Nice before following the Mediterranean coast into Italy at Ventimiglia.

It’s longer than the quickest route through Switzerland, but avoids the high mountain passes where winter weather is more likely to disrupt your journey. You’ll still need to comply with winter equipment requirements in France and Italy and check the weather before travelling.

Can I drive from the UK to Italy in a motorhome?

Yes. All of the main routes in this guide can be driven in a motorhome, but your vehicle’s weight and dimensions can affect tolls, road charges and the routes available to you.

Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes are subject to different charging systems in countries including Switzerland and Austria, while some mountain roads have size restrictions. If you have a large motorhome, check the requirements for your chosen route before setting off.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly to Italy from the UK?

It depends on how many people are travelling, your vehicle, your destination and how long you’ll be in Italy. Flying can be cheaper for a short city break, particularly if you don’t need a car once you arrive.

For a longer road trip, travelling as a family or visiting several places, driving can be more economical once you compare the cost of flights, airport transfers and car hire with fuel, tolls and Channel crossings.

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