The Italian Autostrada is much like the German Autobahn. They are high-speed roads with at least 2 lanes but many have 3 lanes each way. There are tolls on these roads. Toll plazas can be at exits/entrances or across the entire highway. The main north-south highways are labeled A plus a one or two digit number. Connector highways that can go in any direction are labeled E and have two or three digit number. These roads are easy to navigate. A few driving rules exist:
- Never hog the left lane! Use it to pass and then move back into the middle lane. If a car is approaching from the rear, move over. I can not stress this enough. Italians roads have speed limits by lane. The left is the highest, the middle a little less and the right lane is for slow-moving vehicles.
- Use your turn signal to indicate lane change.
- Lane lines are just a suggestion in Italy! You will see cars driving on them and right next to you. This is normale (normal)!
- Use your GPS device or smart phone to get directions and distances. We use the Tom-Tom App on our iPhones.
- Auto Grills are rest areas on these highways. They have good food, restrooms and all kinds of tourist junk. Take a break from driving, stretch your legs, eat something and have a cafè.
The main Autostrada’s are:
- A1 – Milan to Naples
- A2 – Old Rome to Naples but now it is part of A1
- A3 – Naples south to ferry to Siciliy
- A4 – Turin to Trieste
- A5 – Turin to Monte Bianco
- A6 – Turin to Savona
- A7 – Milan to Genoa
- A8 – Milan to Varese
- A9 – Lainate to Chiasso
- A10 – Genoa to Ventimiglia
The list goes on and on. See a complete list on Wikipedia.
Get out and rent a car and see the real Italy.
George & Jo Anne
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