Fuel Cost Calculator Europe
Plan the fuel cost of a European road trip — in kilometres, L/100km and euro per litre.
Fuel Type
Measure consumption in
— lower L/100km means better economy.
EU average as of — prices vary widely by country, so enter the local price where you'll be filling up.
Journey Cost
€0.00
Cost per km
0.0c
Litres Needed
0.0
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European Fuel Costs, Explained
Fuel across continental Europe is sold in litres and cars are rated in litres per 100 kilometres, which makes the arithmetic consistent wherever you're driving: kilometres multiplied by consumption, divided by 100, multiplied by the local price per litre.
What isn't consistent is the price. The wholesale cost of fuel is broadly similar across the continent, but excise duty and VAT are set nationally and vary enormously — which is why the pump price can shift the moment you cross a border, with no change in the fuel itself. For a trip through several countries, the most accurate approach is to work out each leg separately using the price where you'll actually be filling up.
That same tax-driven gap is why filling up before entering a higher-duty country is worth thinking about. The change is a step, not a gradient, so a tank bought on the cheaper side of a border stays cheaper for the whole leg.
One thing this calculator deliberately leaves out: road charges. Plenty of European countries bill motorway use separately, either at toll booths or through a vignette you must buy before joining the network. On a long cross-border route those can rival a meaningful share of your fuel bill, so budget them alongside rather than assuming fuel is the whole cost of driving.
FAQ
How do I calculate fuel cost for a European road trip?
Multiply your total route distance in kilometres by your car's consumption in litres per 100km, divide by 100, then multiply by the price per litre. For a multi-country trip, run each leg separately using that country's fuel price, since prices vary considerably across Europe.
Why do fuel prices vary so much between European countries?
The underlying wholesale cost is broadly similar across the continent. The differences come almost entirely from national excise duty and VAT rates, which are set individually by each country and vary widely. That is why prices can jump noticeably the moment you cross a border.
Should I fill up before crossing a border?
Often yes, if you are heading into a higher-duty country. Because the difference is driven by tax rather than distance, the change happens immediately at the border rather than gradually. Checking prices for your next country before you cross can be worth a full tank's saving on a long trip.
Does this include tolls or motorway vignettes?
No — this covers fuel only. Many European countries charge separately for motorway use, either through toll booths (common in France, Italy and Spain) or a vignette sticker or e-vignette bought in advance (required in Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and others). Budget for those on top.
What is L/100km?
Litres per 100 kilometres is the standard measure of fuel consumption across continental Europe. It measures consumption rather than economy, so a lower number is better — roughly 5 L/100km is efficient and 10 L/100km is thirsty.
Is diesel cheaper than petrol in Europe?
It used to be almost everywhere, because diesel was taxed more lightly to favour freight. That advantage has narrowed or reversed in many countries as duty rates were equalised, and diesel now sits above petrol in a number of European markets. Diesel engines still typically use less fuel per 100km.