Jetting Off for Pentecost Holidays: Where to Fill 'Er Up for Less
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Pre-Pentecost Holidays: Optimal Fuel Stations to Consider Filling Up At - Preparing your Fuelling before the Pentecost Holidays: Suggested Locations
Planning a road trip for the Pentecost holidays? You can stock up on cash for your first indulgent dessert once you've reached your destination by knowing where to fuel up along the way. Depending on your destination, though, you might need to fill up before or after the border, or even in a neighboring country. Here's a breakdown of current fuel prices:
Heading South
Fuel is cheaper in Austria than Germany, with gasoline 22 cents cheaper and diesel 6 cents cheaper. If Austria is just a transit country, it depends on the destination—Sprit is more expensive in Italy but cheaper in Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary. So, it might be worth a slightly longer drive or just half-filling up in Austria. The difference in gasoline prices with Slovakia is small, but diesel is cheaper there—and significantly cheaper than Germany.
Switzerland is a less appealing choice for fueling up. While there are no EU Commission data, information from the Touring Club Switzerland suggests that fuel is more expensive there than in Germany, Italy, or France. If driving through Switzerland towards Italy, it's best to fill up before, as the destination country is also expensive.
Heading West
France is almost on par with Germany. Those heading towards Spain can save a lot by filling up in Spain. Belgium is significantly cheaper for gasoline—16 cents cheaper—but 7 cents more expensive for diesel than Germany. The Netherlands and Luxembourg have higher fuel prices, but Luxembourg is the cheapest in the west with savings of 24 and 16 cents for gasoline and diesel, respectively.
Heading East
The answer here is simple: Poland and the Czech Republic have the cheapest gasoline in the nearby German vicinity, with a difference of 35 cents. Diesel is also cheaper there, 18 and 22 cents cheaper. Those heading further towards the Baltics may find cheaper fuel, but it's more expensive than in Poland. And those driving through the Czech Republic to Hungary or Slovakia should fill up in the transit country.
Heading North
Those heading to Denmark should fill up before: Super gasoline is 23 cents more expensive, and diesel is 14 cents more expensive than in Germany. However, fuel becomes much cheaper in Sweden. Super is 28 cents cheaper, and diesel is 9 cents cheaper than in Germany.
Fuel price differences are due mainly to different taxes and fees, while oil price fluctuations affect all countries, making fuel price differences relatively stable. However, prices can vary depending on the gas station, time of day, region, and whether you're on the highway or a country road. Differences are often lower directly before and after the border.
Optimizing your travel route for cheaper fuel and accepting detours might not be worth the time and environmental impact. Even if you calculate costs at a conservative rate of 30 cents per driven kilometer, the savings disappear quickly.
Those unwilling to fill up abroad should do so the evening before departure, as fuel is usually a few cents cheaper then than in the morning.
- Road Trip
- Germany
- Austria
- Italy
- EU Commission
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- France
- Munich
- Brussels
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Slovenia
- Croatia
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Ice Cream
Insight:
During the Pentecost holidays, it's a smart move to refuel with a savings-focused approach. Researching current fuel prices can help you save money for those vacation treats by filling up where prices are lower. As of early June 2025, you might want to take advantage of fuel prices in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate and can differ based on various factors, but this general guideline will help you stretch your budget on your road trip.
References:
- European Commission, "Average retail price of motor gasoline in euros per liter (liters=10 dm3) (EU27)". https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/nama/data/database (accessed on June 10, 2025)
- While planning your road trip for the Pentecost holidays, consider saving money for your dessert or other vacation expenses by refueling in locations with lower prices.
- In addition to planning your meals and accommodations, researching fuel prices in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can help you make informed decisions for filling 'er up along the way.
