Italy Hitchhiking

Let’S Not Go. Let’s Go never recommends hitchhiking as a safe means of transportation. None of this information is intended to do so.

Let’s Go strongly urges you to consider the risks before you choose to hitchhike. Hitching means entrusting your life to a stranger and risking assault, sexual harassment, theft, and unsafe driving. For women traveling alone (or even in pairs), hitching is just too dangerous. A man and a woman are a less dangerous combination; two men will have a harder time getting a lift, while three men will go nowhere. Because hitchhiking can be difficult in Italy, travelers usually pick a well-lit spot outside of urban areas, where drivers can stop, return to the road without causing an accident, and have time to look over potential passengers as they approach. Note that it is illegal to walk along the highway. Some travelers head to service areas (le aree di servizio) to get rides. Italian speakers will have an easier time getting where they want to go; knowing the Italian name of the destination is essential. Keep luggage on the seat next to you, instead of in the trunk, to facilitate a quick exit. Most Western European countries, including Italy, offer a ride service which pairs drivers with riders; the fee varies by destination. Eurostop International (www.eurostop.be) is one of the largest. Or try Viavai (www.viavai.com/autostop). Not all organizations screen drivers; ask in advance. Request the ID number from the ride service of the driver you are paired with and give it to someone you trust; when you get picked up, make sure your driver confirms the ID number.