Italy Highway Tolls to Rise 1.5% Starting 2026 Despite Transport Ministry Objection

Motorists in Italy are preparing for higher travel costs as new toll increases on highways are set to take effect at the start of 2026.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the average rise across most routes will be 1.5%, with the highest increase of 1.9% affecting the Salerno–Pompeii–Naples highway, while the key Brenner route will see a 1.46% hike.

These changes are part of a pricing system based on complex calculation models embedded in contracts between the state and highway operators, allowing for periodic adjustments tied to economic indicators.

Although the Transport Ministry criticized the measures, the court approved them as compliant with existing agreements.

Inflation is cited as a primary driver behind the increases, following several postponed toll hikes in previous years despite rising maintenance and operating costs.

The issue of highway tolls remains a major topic in Italy, as commuters and tourists assess the impact of highway tolls on travel expenses, while experts expect further reviews of highway tolls in the coming years.