A guide to fuel costs in Europe.
Learn about the cost of fuel abroad if you’re planning to drive on holiday. And how Tesco Travel Money can help with your holiday spending.
Published: 13 March 2026
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Planning to drive in Europe?
Spend less time guessing at the pump and more time enjoying your holiday. Use our guide to plan your fuel spend, compare petrol and diesel prices and save money on the road. And get top tips for your travel money.
A snapshot of fuel costs in Europe
Here’s a quick comparison of fuel costs at some of the top European destinations. This is based on average fuel prices in December 2025.
How the price of fuel compares
- Germany - Typically, mid-to-high for Europe. Motorway service stations are pricier. Supermarket forecourts can be cheaper. Diesel and petrol are often similar in price, and the cheaper of the two can switch from month to month.Germany - Typically, mid-to-high for Europe. Motorway service stations are pricier. Supermarket forecourts can be cheaper. Diesel and petrol are often similar in price, and the cheaper of the two can switch from month to month.
- France - Generally higher than Spain, similar to or a touch below Italy. Supermarkets (Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché) are often better value than autoroute stations.France - Generally higher than Spain, similar to or a touch below Italy. Supermarkets (Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché) are often better value than autoroute stations.
- Spain - Among the more affordable in Western Europe. Many non-toll autovía routes help keep total journey costs down.Spain - Among the more affordable in Western Europe. Many non-toll autovía routes help keep total journey costs down.
- Portugal - Mid-to-high. Supermarket stations can be a few cents cheaper per litre compared to main-road forecourts.Portugal - Mid-to-high. Supermarket stations can be a few cents cheaper per litre compared to main-road forecourts.
- Italy - Usually high. Urban areas and motorways tend to cost more.Italy - Usually high. Urban areas and motorways tend to cost more.
- Netherlands - Consistently among the highest fuel prices in Europe.Netherlands - Consistently among the highest fuel prices in Europe.
Diesel vs petrol prices in Europe: what to expect
- Diesel fuel prices - In Europe, the price of diesel can sometimes be slightly cheaper than petrol, but not always. In some countries, diesel can be the same price or higher due to tax and market fluctuations.Diesel fuel prices - In Europe, the price of diesel can sometimes be slightly cheaper than petrol, but not always. In some countries, diesel can be the same price or higher due to tax and market fluctuations.
- Petrol grades – These can vary. Just like in the UK, E10 is usually a bit cheaper than E5, which is premium unleaded. If you’re unfamiliar with the car you’re driving, check the handbook for E10 compatibility.Petrol grades – These can vary. Just like in the UK, E10 is usually a bit cheaper than E5, which is premium unleaded. If you’re unfamiliar with the car you’re driving, check the handbook for E10 compatibility.
- Rental choice – This can make a difference to your fuel costs. A modern, efficient petrol or diesel vehicle will usually beat a larger, less efficient one on total cost.Rental choice – This can make a difference to your fuel costs. A modern, efficient petrol or diesel vehicle will usually beat a larger, less efficient one on total cost.
Budget for your fuel before you go
1. Work out the distance you’ll be driving on your route, in kilometres (km).
2. Find out your car’s average fuel consumption - for example, 6.0 litres/100km.
3. Budget for your trip, as follows: (Distance ÷ 100) × Consumption × Local fuel price per litre.
It’s probably a good idea to add 10% for detours, traffic and air-con, which can use up fuel faster on hot days in the car.
Also, you might need to travel with a mixture of cash and cards to pay for your fuel, food and other things while driving in Europe.
To find out more, see our guide - Why you still need travel money abroad.
Money-saving tips for driving in Europe
- Plan your fuel stops - so you can fill up off the motorway. As in the UK, supermarket stations are usually cheaper than service areas.Plan your fuel stops - so you can fill up off the motorway. As in the UK, supermarket stations are usually cheaper than service areas.
- Use local fuel price apps - for the country you’re visiting: France - Prix Carburants, Germany - Clever Tanken, Spain - GasAll, Italy - Prezzi Benzina, Portugal - Mais Gasolina, Netherlands - ANWB OnderwegUse local fuel price apps - for the country you’re visiting: France - Prix Carburants, Germany - Clever Tanken, Spain - GasAll, Italy - Prezzi Benzina, Portugal - Mais Gasolina, Netherlands - ANWB Onderweg
- Think about fuel economy - Keep to a steady speed and apply gentle acceleration when driving. Keep your tyres correctly inflated. And remove roof boxes when they’re not needed.Think about fuel economy - Keep to a steady speed and apply gentle acceleration when driving. Keep your tyres correctly inflated. And remove roof boxes when they’re not needed.
- Choose routes wisely - Toll roads are faster but add to your cost; non toll routes can be cheaper overall, especially in Spain.Choose routes wisely - Toll roads are faster but add to your cost; non toll routes can be cheaper overall, especially in Spain.
- Fill up before borders if the next country is pricier. Or after the border if it’s cheaper. Check local rules on carrying spare fuel.Fill up before borders if the next country is pricier. Or after the border if it’s cheaper. Check local rules on carrying spare fuel.
- Watch out for pay-at-pump - Some pumps place a temporary hold on cards. So make sure you have available funds.Watch out for pay-at-pump - Some pumps place a temporary hold on cards. So make sure you have available funds.
Plan your fuel spend with Tesco Travel Money
- Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Get Euros and more before you go, so your fuel and snack stops are simpler when you get there.Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Get Euros and more before you go, so your fuel and snack stops are simpler when you get there.
- Tesco multi-currency passport - A prepaid card that lets you load and spend in multiple currencies. Handy at pay at pump and in shops where Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. Local ATM operator fees and limits may apply.Tesco multi-currency passport - A prepaid card that lets you load and spend in multiple currencies. Handy at pay at pump and in shops where Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. Local ATM operator fees and limits may apply.
- Buy online or in-store - Order your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.Buy online or in-store - Order your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.
Exchange rates may vary during the day. Rates will vary whether you're buying in-store, online or over the phone. They'll also vary depending on whether you're buying cash or a pre-paid currency card.
We buy back most currencies we sell in most banknote values. Excludes closed currencies.
Helpful ways to use Tesco Travel Money for fuel
- Set a separate fuel budget on your multi-currency passport to keep driving costs on track.Set a separate fuel budget on your multi-currency cash passport card to keep driving costs on track.
- Keep a small amount of local cash for rural stations that prefer cash or have a minimum spend for card minimums.Keep a small amount of local cash for rural stations that prefer cash or have a minimum spend for card minimums.
- Check today’s rates and plan your total road-trip budget in one go - fuel, tolls, parking, snacks, the lot.Check today’s rates and plan your total road-trip budget in one go - fuel, tolls, parking, snacks, the lot.
Useful to know
- Prices change frequently. For the latest, consult official country price apps and European Commission Oil Bulletin roundups, plus motoring guides from RAC/AA.Prices change frequently. For the latest, consult official country price apps and European Commission Oil Bulletin roundups, plus motoring guides from RAC/AA.
- Search-friendly pointers: if you’re comparing the price of fuel in Germany before a Rhine road trip, or scanning diesel fuel prices in Europe for a multi-country route, check prices just before you travel and again en route.Search-friendly pointers: if you’re comparing the price of fuel in Germany before a Rhine road trip, or scanning diesel fuel prices in Europe for a multi-country route, check prices just before you travel and again en route.
Stay up to date on fuel prices
Prices can change quite often. For the latest prices, check:
- The official fuel price app for the country you’re going to.The official fuel price app for the country you’re going to.
- European Commission Oil Bulletin roundups.European Commission Oil Bulletin roundups.
- Motoring guides from the RAC and AA.Motoring guides from the RAC and AA.
When should I buy my travel money?
It’s a good idea to buy your travel money before you go, not leave it till the last minute or when you’re at the airport.
You’ll usually get a better exchange rate on the high street or buying your currency online. And with Tesco Travel Money, you’ll get a better rate with your Clubcard.
How much travel money will I need in Europe?
Whether it’s pizza in Sicily or a taxi in Paris, get a feel for how far your travel money might go in Europe with our foreign currency guide.
Travel Money with Clubcard Prices
Buy Travel Money online or in-store and get a better rate with your Clubcard. Choose from up to 50 currencies in cash or add up to 22 currencies to a Multi-currency Cash Passport card.
Important information
Tesco Travel Money ordered in store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.