Hit the Road on Vacation: Fuel Savings Across Europe for Holiday Travelers
Discovering the Most Affordable Gas Stations
Beat the tank and the border for a cheaper ride this Whitsun vacation! Depending on your destination, you could save enough for your holiday treat by selecting the right refueling spots. Here's a rundown of current fuel prices across Europe:
Heading South
Fuel up in Austria for cheaper rates; gasoline is 22 cents cheaper there, diesel 6 cents. Transiting through Austria towards Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary could be cheaper still. Slovakia offers minor gasoline savings, with diesel cheaper than in Austria and significantly less pricey than in Germany.
Switzerland and the Alps
Switzerland isn't exactly the place to tank up. The cost of fuel there exceeds Germany, Italy, and France. Travelers heading to Italy should fill up their diesel tanks beforehand as Italy's fuel prices, while still cheaper, are slightly higher.
Westbound Bohemians
France is a close match with Germany. Travelers bound for Spain can save a bundle on fuel. Neighboring countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg offer contrasting prices; gasoline is cheaper in Belgium but more expensive for diesel, while in the Netherlands, both fuel types cost a bit more. Luxembourg is the most cost-effective in the west, with savings of 24 cents for gasoline and 16 cents for diesel.
Eastern Breeze-Tankers
Venture eastbound, and the answer is clear: Poland and the Czech Republic offer the cheapest gasoline in nearby Germany. The difference is 35 cents. Diesel is also cheaper, with savings of 18 cents in the Czech Republic and 22 cents in Poland. Travelers headed further to the Baltic countries could find cheaper fuel, but at higher prices than Poland. Fill up in the Czech Republic when transiting to Hungary or Slovakia.
Norse Seafarers
Those setting sail for Denmark may want to top up their tanks before departure; super gasoline costs 23 cents more, and diesel 14 cents more. Sweden, however, offers cheaper fuel prices, with super gasoline 28 cents cheaper and diesel 9 cents less expensive.
Fuel Shopping Woes and Myth-Busting
The reasons behind these stark price differences usually come down to dissimilar taxes and fees. Although shifts in oil prices affect all countries, the differences generally remain consistent. Prices can fluctuate based on factors like the gas station, time of day, region, and whether you're at a highway or rural station. Deviating your route for cheaper fuel likely won't be worth it, as the time and carbon footprint costs could negate the savings.
The best time to fuel up? Turn your tank in the evening before departure. Prices are often slightly lower then than in the morning.
Sources: ntv.de, chl/dpa
- EU Fuel Prices
- Gasoline and Diesel
- European Travel
- Holiday
[1] europa.eu
[2] automobile-club-oesterreich.at
[3] adv-drv.de
[4] rust.org.uk
- To ensure a more cost-effective vacation, consider reviewing the community policy of your chosen area, as living locally could help mitigate expenses related to lifestyle, home-and-garden, and cars, especially with car-maintenance and electric-vehicles.
- While traveling, it's essential to understand the employment policy of the countries you visit. This knowledge might help you secure a part-time job or save on expenses while on holiday, thereby contributing to your overall travel budget.
- As you plan your itinerary for the upcoming vacation, remember the employment policy variations across Europe could impact your transportation costs. Factoring in fuel prices at different destinations, as detailed in this article, will help you make informed travel decisions and optimize your trip.
