Travelling to South Tyrol by car: what should be considered?
You like to be on the road by your own car, and you prefer to be mobile and flexible also during your holidays? Here you will get some information about streets, highways and driving through South Tyrol.
In brief
What do I need if I am travelling to South Tyrol by car?
If you are travelling via Austria motorways and highways, a vignette is required. You can purchase it at petrol stations, tobacconists or online. In addition, tolls are charged on some routes, such as the Brenner Pass, which can be paid either at toll stations or online in advance.
There are no general environmental zones in South Tyrol, but you should be informed about possible/temporary driving bans in certain areas. To enter Italy, you will need a valid driving licence, the vehicle's registration papers and the international insurance card as proof of your car liability insurance.
Most important routes to South Tyrol
The only highway in South Tyrol is the Brenner motorway A22, which goes through the country from north to south. On the left and on the right there are several exits leading to the different parts of the region: Neumarkt, Bozen South and Bozen North, Klausen-Gröden, Brixen-Pustertal and Sterzing.
If you prefer to take the country road rather than the motorway to admire the landscape and the magnificent panorama, you can leave the motorway in Sterzing, for example, if you are coming from the north. The route from the east is via Lienz to Innichen. For the route coming from the north-west via the Reschen Pass, there are restrictions in 2025/26 due to construction work.
Construction site on the Brenner motorway: renovation of the Lueg Bridge
When travelling to South Tyrol via the Brenner motorway (A13/A22), you should be aware of the construction work on the Lueg Bridge in Austria, which may cause temporary traffic delays.
- Construction site area: On the Brenner motorway on the Austrian side between Innsbruck and the Italian border
- Reason of the roadworks: Renovation work to guarantee the long-term safety of the bridge
- Traffic regulation: Restriction of traffic to 1 lane per direction – opening of a 2nd lane on days with high traffic volumes
- Time losses: Comprehensive measures and innovative traffic management are intended to minimize delays. However, traffic jams are to be expected at all times, especially at peak times.
For a relaxed journey: Have a look at the Lueg Bridge journey calendar in advance or use online services such as the ASFINAG traffic service.
Alternative route: Reschen Pass temporarily closed
The Reschen Pass road (B180), a popular alternative route to South Tyrol, will be temporarily closed to traffic in 2025/26. The reason for this is the urgent construction of a rockfall protection tunnel. The following traffic restrictions are planned:
- 10 March-2 May 2025: closure of the Reschen Pass road
- 3 May 2025-August/September 2026: only one lane of the road open, with traffic lights
- September-November 2026: closure of the Reschen Pass road for final work
The recommended alternative route is via Switzerland (Engadinerstraße B184/Martinsbruckerstraße B185), whereby the journey takes approx. 10 minutes longer here.
Traffic regulations in Italy
- Maximum speeds: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 130 km/h on motorways (reduced maximum speeds for new drivers)
- Driving with lights: Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are mandatory on all roads outside built-up areas, even during the day
- Driving bans: Sometimes temporary driving bans or traffic-calmed zones in built-up areas >> look out for appropriate signs
- Parking zones: White lines = free parking, blue lines = paid parking spaces
Winter tyres compulsory from 15 November to 15 April
In winter, you should only drive with appropriate winter tyres! If the roads are snow-covered, sludgy or icy, all vehicles on the state and provincial roads in South Tyrol may only drive with winter tyres or snow chains. This is also indicated on the relevant road signs. On the Brenner motorway (from Brenner to Affi) and in the municipality of Bozen, winter equipment is generally compulsory from 15 November to 15 April.
It is best to find out in advance how high up your holiday destination is, what the local road conditions are like and what the weather forecast is for the time of your stay.
Further information:
Brenner motorway
www.autobrennero.it
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to bear in mind when travelling to South Tyrol by car?
Pay attention to the vignette requirement in Austria, toll charges on the Brenner motorway and carry your driving licence, vehicle documents and insurance card with you.
Can I enter Italy by car in 2025?
It is possible to enter Italy by car in 2025, but please note the traffic restrictions on the Lueg Bridge and the Reschen Pass due to roadworks.
Is it currently possible to drive over the Reschen Pass?
In 2025/26, the Reschen Pass road will be partially closed due to construction work or only passable in one lane. There is an alternative route with little loss of time.
Is there a motorway vignette requirement in South Tyrol?
No, there is no vignette requirement in South Tyrol, but you will need a vignette if you are travelling via Austrian motorways.
How do I pay for the motorway in Italy?
The toll is paid directly at the toll booth (in cash, by card or via Telepass)
What is the best way to get to Meran by car?
The quickest route is via the Brenner motorway (A22) to the Bozen South exit, from there on the MeBo motorway (SS38) directly to Meran.