Turin and the whole Piedmont region are stunning, well I’m biased to say it because I chose to live here in 2018, and I can’t get enough of the natural and historical beauty of Northern Italy. And if you want to see it all, planning a road trip or visiting Turin by car is the best option. And here is what you need to know about driving to Turin, Italy.
This guide is part of my series on how to travel to Turin which covers all means of transportation. In case you want to read them all and choose the best way for you to get to Turin, here are the links:
Needless to say, traveling to Turin by car offers you the freedom to explore the beautiful Italian countryside at your own pace. It’s a great option if you plan to see the region or do a big road trip through other Italian destinations.
Driving to Turin is also a good idea if you live in the countries nearby, such as France, Switzerland, Germany or Austria. The roads are marvelous and you are set for a scenic and memorable trip.
Are you planning to rent a car in Turin and drive around? This guide is also for you, and don’t forget to read our article about Turin car rental, so you know how to find the best deals.
Said that, let’s move to the practical tips. Here you will find the best roads to Turin, information about tolls, parking tips, and what to expect while driving in Turin and Italy.
Main highways to Turin, Italy
- A4 Trieste – Venice – Milan – Turin – www.autostrade.it
- T1/T2-A5 Monte Bianco Tunnel – Aosta – Turin – www.ativa.it – www.tunnelmb.net
- A6 Savona – Turin – www.autostrade.it
- A21 Piacenza – Turin – www.autostrade.it
- T4-A32 Fréjus Tunnel – Turin – www.sitaf.it – www.tunneldufrejus.com
- SS 10 Monselice (Pd) – Turin
- SS 11 Venice – Turin
- SS 20 Ventimiglia – Col di Tenda (Cn) – Turin
- SS 23 France – Sestriere – Turin
- SS 24 France – Cesana Torinese – Turin
- SS 25 France – Colle del Moncenisio – Turin
- SS 26 France/Switzerland – Aosta – Turin
The A55 ring road surrounds Turin and has several exits, for example to the Turin International Airport, Lingotto, Allianz Stadium, Rivoli, and Venaria Reale. If you need to access the Turin city center, the main exits are Corso Regina Margherita (north) and Corso Allamano (south).
Turin is well-connected to major cities in Italy and international destinations. Here are the most common routes you can take:
- Driving from Milan to Turin: a quick and easy trip, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll take the A4 Highway, aka the Turin–Milan Motorway. This highway is well-maintained, with plenty of service stations where you can grab a coffee, snacks, and even have a proper meal.
- Driving from Rome to Turin: it’s a long journey, around 7 to 8 hours to cover almost 700 km. The most direct route is via the A1 heading north to Bologna, then switching to the E70 motorway to reach Turin. You’ll pass through beautiful regions and cities like Florence, Parma, Modena, Asti, and not to mention the small charming towns along the way.
- Driving from France – Nice to Turin: Nice is only 278 km ~ 3h30 minutes away. Here you will use the A10/E80 and A6 highways passing by the Ligurian Coast. It’s a nice road, I’ve driven it when traveling with my husband’s parents around Italy and France.
- Driving from France – Lyon to Turin: the journey is via the Fréjus Tunnel and takes approximately 4 hours to cover the 315 km road distance. From Lyon, you will follow the A43 motorway, and on the Italian side, it’s the E70 to Turin. It’s truly a scenic journey through the French and Italian Alps.
- Driving from Switzerland – Geneva to Turin: I’ve done this road trip and it was spectacular. The drive from Geneva to Turin takes about 3 to 4 hours to cover 250 km through the mountains, and the cherry on top is to cross the Mont Blanc tunnel. You start your journey at A40 Highway then to N205, after the tunnel you follow the E25 to Turin.
You can visit Turin and many other incredible European cities during a road trip. Of course, it takes more time than flying or taking a direct train, but it is a unique experience.
Driving to Turin: tolls and road fees
Italy’s highways are mostly toll roads, which can add up to your budget, but the roads are well-maintained. Here’s what you need to know:
Toll booths:
Most tolls are collected at booths located at entry and exit points of highways. You must take a ticket when entering the highway and you pay the toll when exiting. Payments can be made via cash, card, or electronic toll devices like Telepass.
Cost of tolls:
The toll prices depend on the driving distance and the type of vehicle you’re driving. Here is a guide on toll prices in Italy, so you can plan your Turin travel budget.
Telepass:
If you are planning a long road trip in Italy, it’s a good idea to get a Telepass device. This allows for automatic toll payment and can save you time, especially during busy periods. You can get it at service stations or rent one from the car rental company.
Driving in Turin: what you need to know
Once you arrive in Turin, you’ll need to navigate the city streets. Here are some key tips for driving in Turin:
- ZTL Zones (Limited Traffic Zones): Turin, like many Italian cities, has ZTL zones, where access is restricted to residents and authorized vehicles. If you accidentally drive into one, you could be fined. Pay attention to the signs, the ZTL zones are usually historical areas in the old town, central streets or near important landmarks.
- Parking: finding parking in Turin can be tricky, especially in the city center. There are a few options:
- Public parking garages: they are throughout the city and are your safest bet. You find them near major attractions like Piazza Castello, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa railway stations. Most of these public parking areas are underground.
- Street parking: there are metered parking spots around the city, but they can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Remember that people with disabilities can park freely at parking spots with blue lines.
- Parking Tips: Always check the parking signs carefully for restrictions, as fines can be expensive.
In fact, Turin is not a city where you want to drive from one attraction to another. I suggest you use public transport to get around the city and use your car to visit the nearby towns and royal palaces like Venaria Reale and Moncalieri.
The car is also great for doing day trips to the lakes and mountains, especially to visit the ski resorts near Turin.
If you are staying outside the city center, you can drive to one of the parking spots near train stations, and from there get a train, city bus, or tram to the place you want to visit in town.
Public transportation in Turin works well and bus ticket prices are not that expensive, in fact, they are cheaper than paying for car parking.
Plan your trip to Turin easily:
Tips for driving in Italy
Driving in Italy can be a fun experience, but it’s important to follow the rules of the road to stay safe and avoid fines. In my experience, Italians drive fast and they are usually in a hurry, but the roads are well-signed and it’s easy to get around.
- Speed Limits: The speed limits in Italy are generally:
- 130 km/h on highways
- 110 km/h on some rural roads
- 50 km/h in urban areas
Always pay attention to road signs, as speed limits can change depending on road conditions.
- Seat belts: they are mandatory for all passengers, and you can be fined if caught not wearing one.
- Drinking and driving: Italy has strict drink-driving laws. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, which is lower than in many countries. It’s safest not to drink if you plan to drive as fines range from €527 to €6,000.
- Fuel: gas stations in Italy are usually open during the day, with some also offering 24-hour service. Be sure to fill up before entering rural areas, as gas stations can be sparse in the countryside.
- Service station: my favorite thing about driving in Italy is the service station called Auto Grill. You can find them on almost every road within the country, and be ready for delicious coffee, great sandwiches, and mouthwatering brioches.
- Roundabouts: roundabouts are common in Italy, and the rule is that vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
I’m done with my driving to Turin tips. Now you know how to get to Turin, what to expect from tolls and fees, and the rules you need to follow.
So, when are you planning to travel to Turin by car? I’m sure the trip will be scenic and enjoyable, just plan ahead, stay safe on the roads, and enjoy your Italian journey!