Fuel up savvy: Score major gas savings on your Euro vacation
Hit the road with these fuel-smart tips for your upcoming trip
Affordable Gas Stations: Locations with the Lowest Fuel Prices
Vacation-bound roadtrippers, buckle up! This season, know where to fuel up wisely to save big bucks on gas and splurge at your dream destination. Here's a quick guide to scoring the cheapest fill-ups across Europe.
Southbound
If Austria's your pit stop, rejoice! Fuel up 22 cents cheaper on gas, 6 cents cheaper on diesel compared to Germany. It's a transit nation for some, so fuel prices vary based on your destination. Italy's slightly more expensive, but South Slavic nations Croatia, Hungary, or Slovenia offer cheaper fuel costs. If Austria is just a stopover, consider filling up there — or stretch your tank a tad to save. The cost gap to Slovakia is small, with diesel cheaper there, making it a budget-friendly choice over Germany.
Switzerland? Avoid if you can
Fuel prices in Switzerland (alas, no EU Commission data) seem to top those in Germany, Italy, or France. Traveling westward from Switzerland towards Italy? Fill up diesel tanks beforehand — Italy's slightly more expensive.
Westbound
France and Germany are neck-and-neck on the fuel front. Spain's a different story: Fuel up there to save significantly. Belgium offers cheaper gas (16 cents cheaper), but more expensive diesel (7 cents). The Netherlands, too, costs more, while tiny, eco-friendly Luxembourg boasts savings of 24 and 16 cents on gas and diesel, making it the cheapest westbound option this season!
Eastbound
Poland and the Czech Republic get gold stars for budget-friendly fuels. Differences of 35 cents and 18-22 cents on gas and diesel, respectively, make these countries irresistible fill-up destinations for thrifty travelers. Journeying further to the Baltic? Fuel prices lean cheaper than Germany but costlier compared to Poland. Consider tanking up in transit countries like Hungary or Slovakia, depending on your route!
Northbound
Denmark, be warned: Super gasoline is 23 cents pricier, and diesel 14 cents costlier than in Germany. Hop across to Sweden, and fuel prices plummet: Super drops by 28 cents, and diesel by 9 cents compared to Germany. Fuel up before Denmark if setting course there, or check Sweden's prices if Sweden's on your radar!
Fuel fluctuations defined by taxes
Ever wondered why fuel costs differ per country? Taxes and fees usually drive the variance, with oil prices affecting all nations. The differences — calculated based on May 26, 2022 data — generally remain stable, but can fluctuate based on the station, time, region, and whether you tank on the highway or country road.
Detouring for cheaper fuel may not always be time- or eco-friendly, so weigh your options wisely. Fill up wisely for less-stress travel and more fun at your destination!
[1] EU Commission, 2022
- Europe
- Vacation
- Road trips
- Fuel
- Gasoline Price
- Diesel
- To minimize expenses during your European vacation, consider reviewing the community policy of your chosen travel insurer, as it may include coverage for unexpected expenses such as car repairs due to a fuel-related issue.
- While planning your lifestyle choices for your upcoming trip, consider researching employment policies of various European countries to determine which offers the best income-to-cost of living ratio, allowing you to save on expenses like fuel and travel-related costs, and potentially even enjoy purchase of a new car after the trip.
