Toll Roads in Italy to Increase in 2026: Here's What You Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, toll road fees will increase across a large portion of the Italian highway network, with average increases of 1.5% and peaks up to 1.9%. This adjustment is linked to the inflation rate forecast for 2026 and is stipulated in the concession agreements.

Why Are Tolls Increasing?

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport explained that these increases are not discretionary but stem from mechanisms embedded in concession contracts signed in previous years. These contracts mandate annual tariff adjustments based on parameters, primarily the inflation rate.

For 2026, the projected inflation rate is 1.5%, which the Transport Regulation Authority has identified as the benchmark for toll updates. The Constitutional Court further solidified the increase by rejecting the tariff freeze implemented in prior years in October 2025.

According to the court, freezing the increases violated principles of administrative continuity and freedom of enterprise, paving the way for concessionaires' requests. The government faced a choice: implement the increases or risk potentially costly legal disputes.

Economic-Financial Plans (Pef)

At the heart of the issue are the Economic-Financial Plans (Pef), documents that each concessionaire presents annually to update tariffs. These plans incorporate various elements, including operating costs, infrastructure investments, maintenance, and traffic forecasts.

The Ministry of Infrastructure reviews these plans, but the final toll adjustment is also determined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Mef). Without approval for the increases outlined in the contracts, the state would risk appeals and administrative lawsuits, many of which have been pending for years.

Which Routes Are Affected?

The increases will affect nearly all major Italian highway routes. For Autostrade per l’Italia, which manages the largest share of the national network, the increase will be 1.5%, aligning with the standard range expected for 2026.

The same percentage will apply to numerous other concessions, including Brescia–Padova, Milano Serravalle, Tangenziale di Napoli, Satap A4, Pedemontana Lombarda, Brebemi, and Tangenziale Esterna di Milano.

The highest increase pertains to the Salerno–Pompei–Napoli highway, with an expected rise of approximately 1.9%, while the Brenner Highway will see a slightly below-average adjustment of +1.46%.

Exceptions to the Rule

Not all routes will experience increases. Some concessions, like Strada dei Parchi and Autostrade Alto Adriatico, will maintain unchanged tariffs, while toll reductions are even planned on routes managed by Concessioni del Tirreno and on certain sections of the Ivrea–Torino–Piacenza.

Here's a breakdown of the toll adjustments for various routes:

Political Reactions

The decision to implement the increases has reignited political conflict. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport cited thwarted efforts due to decisions by the Constitutional Court and the Regulatory Authority, claiming no further room for intervention.

Conversely, the opposition accuses the government and Minister Matteo Salvini of failing to protect motorists and businesses from the increases, which compound rising fuel costs and declining household purchasing power.

Economic Impact

While a 1.5% increase may seem limited, the economic impact becomes significant over the year for daily highway users. Commuters, truckers, and tourism operators risk increased travel costs, potentially affecting the final prices of goods and services.

Impact on Purchasing Power

The toll road increases in 2026 occur within a context of strained purchasing power, fueling debate about the sustainability of the concession system and the future of tariffs along the Italian highway network.

Here's a look at concessions maintaining unchanged tariffs:

Routes with Toll Reductions

Here are the routes with toll reductions:

The increase in toll fees adds to the existing pressure on household budgets, raising concerns about the long-term affordability of transportation in Italy.

Future Outlook

The situation underscores the ongoing debate about balancing infrastructure funding with the financial strain on citizens and businesses. The adjustments highlight the complexities of managing a vast highway network while considering economic factors and contractual obligations.