Italy travel costs: Post-holiday return trips reach 270 euros

The post-holiday return travel period, known as the ‘controesodo’ in Italy, is imposing significant financial burdens on families. According to simulations by Codacons, the combined costs of fuel, highway tolls, and service area stops can reach nearly 300 euros per family on long-distance trips.

For a standard 500 km journey, fuel costs approximately 69 euros, with tolls adding another 30 to 40 euros. On longer routes, the expenses escalate significantly. For example, a trip from Bari to Milan (873 km) costs roughly 185 euros in fuel and tolls before any stops. A journey from Lecce to Milan (1,020 km) is estimated at 205 euros, while the route from Reggio Calabria to Milan (1,230 km) totals approximately 229 euros.

When factoring in a single meal break for a family of four—estimated at 40 euros for food and drinks—the total cost for the longest routes can reach approximately 270 euros. Codacons noted that these unavoidable expenses add further pressure to family budgets following the costs of summer accommodations and services.