🇫🇷 Driving in France — Fuel Costs & Road Trip Guide
Current French petrol and diesel prices, motorway toll costs, speed limits, and everything UK drivers need to know before crossing the Channel.
French fuel prices right now
Petrol (Sans Plomb 95) in France currently costs around €1.92 per litre — significantly more than the EU average of €1.54/L, ranking France among the more expensive EU countries for fuel. Diesel sits at around €1.95/L. Prices have risen sharply in 2026 following geopolitical tensions affecting global oil supply.
France vs neighbouring countries — fuel price comparison
France is notably more expensive for petrol than several of its neighbours. If you're driving through or from neighbouring countries, it can be worth filling up before you cross the border:
| Country | Petrol (per litre) | vs France |
|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | €1.40 | 27% cheaper |
| Spain | €1.49 | 22% cheaper |
| Germany | €1.59 | 17% cheaper |
| Belgium | €1.67 | 13% cheaper |
| France | €1.92 | — |
| Italy | €1.81 | 6% cheaper |
Speed limits in France
France has specific speed limits that differ from the UK. Importantly, speed limits on French roads are reduced in wet weather:
| Road type | Dry weather | Wet weather |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway (Autoroute) | 130 km/h (81mph) | 110 km/h (68mph) |
| Dual carriageway | 110 km/h (68mph) | 100 km/h (62mph) |
| Other roads | 80 km/h (50mph) | 80 km/h (50mph) |
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h (31mph) | 50 km/h (31mph) |
French motorway tolls — what to expect
Unlike the UK, most French motorways (autoroutes) charge tolls. These can add significantly to the cost of a French road trip. Here are some example toll costs for a standard car:
| Route | Approximate toll cost |
|---|---|
| Calais to Paris (A26/A1) | €25–€30 |
| Paris to Lyon (A6) | €30–€35 |
| Paris to Nice (A6/A7/A8) | €70–€85 |
| Calais to Bordeaux | €55–€65 |
| Lyon to Marseille (A7) | €20–€25 |
You can pay French tolls with a credit card at most toll booths. Consider getting a Liber-t transponder for faster passage if you drive in France regularly.
What does a French road trip cost in total?
For a UK driver in a typical 40 MPG car driving from Calais to the south of France (Nice, approximately 1,100km), here's a rough cost breakdown at current prices:
| Cost element | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (1,100km at €1.92/L, 6L/100km) | ~€127 |
| Motorway tolls (Calais–Nice) | ~€80 |
| Total driving cost | ~€207 (~£175) |
⚠️ Important for UK drivers in France
Since Brexit, UK driving licences are still valid in France. You must carry your V5C logbook, insurance certificate, and a GB sticker or number plate. Breathalysers are no longer legally required but remain recommended. Speed cameras are very common — France had over 4,500 fixed cameras as of 2026.
💡 Tips to save money on fuel in France
Frequently asked questions
How much does petrol cost in France in 2026?
Around €1.92 per litre for SP95 petrol and €1.95/L for diesel as of July 2026. France is above the EU average for fuel prices due to high taxation.
Do I need to pay motorway tolls in France?
Yes — most French motorways (autoroutes) charge tolls. A drive from Calais to Paris costs around €25–€30 in tolls alone. You can pay by card at most toll booths.
What speed can I drive on French motorways?
130 km/h (81 mph) in dry conditions, reduced to 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet weather. Speed cameras are widespread and fines can be issued to UK drivers.
Where is the cheapest fuel in France?
Supermarket forecourts — particularly Leclerc and Intermarché — are consistently the cheapest. Motorway service stations are the most expensive. Neighbouring Luxembourg has significantly cheaper fuel if your route allows a detour.