🇩🇪 Driving in Germany — Fuel Costs & Autobahn Guide
Current German petrol and diesel prices, Autobahn speed limits explained, and everything you need to plan a German road trip.
German fuel prices right now
Petrol (Super E10) in Germany currently costs around €1.59 per litre — slightly above the EU average but significantly cheaper than France. Diesel sits at around €1.41/L. Germany benefits from its central location and extensive pipeline infrastructure which helps keep distribution costs lower than many EU neighbours.
The Autobahn — what UK drivers need to know
Germany's Autobahn network is famous worldwide, but several myths surround it. Here's what's actually true:
| Road type | Speed limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autobahn (unrestricted sections) | No limit (advisory 130 km/h) | ~30% of the network has no limit |
| Autobahn (restricted sections) | Varies (100–130 km/h) | Near cities, construction zones |
| Rural roads (Bundesstraße) | 100 km/h (62mph) | |
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h (31mph) | 30 km/h in residential zones |
Importantly, the Autobahn is free for cars — Germany does not charge tolls on its motorway network for private vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles pay a distance-based toll (Maut) but this doesn't apply to cars or campervans.
How speed affects your fuel costs on the Autobahn
Driving on unrestricted Autobahn sections at very high speeds dramatically increases fuel consumption. Here's how speed affects a typical family car's fuel use:
| Speed | Fuel consumption (approx) | Cost per 100km (at €1.59/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 km/h (62mph) | 5.5 L/100km | €8.75 |
| 130 km/h (81mph) | 7.5 L/100km | €11.93 |
| 150 km/h (93mph) | 9.5 L/100km | €15.11 |
| 200 km/h (124mph) | 15+ L/100km | €23.85+ |
Driving at 200 km/h rather than 130 km/h doubles your fuel consumption. On a Berlin to Munich drive (600km), that difference adds around €70 to your fuel bill.
Popular German road trip costs
Based on a typical 6L/100km car at current prices of €1.59/L, with no motorway tolls:
| Route | Distance | Fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin to Munich | 600 km | ~€57 |
| Hamburg to Frankfurt | 490 km | ~€47 |
| Frankfurt to Cologne | 190 km | ~€18 |
| Munich to the Rhine | 350 km | ~€33 |
| Calais to Berlin (via Belgium) | 1,050 km | ~€100 |
💡 Tips to save money on fuel in Germany
Frequently asked questions
How much does petrol cost in Germany in 2026?
Around €1.59 per litre for Super E10 petrol and €1.41/L for diesel — slightly above the EU average but cheaper than France, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries.
Is the Autobahn really unlimited speed?
Partly. Around 30% of the Autobahn network has no permanent speed limit, with an advisory speed of 130 km/h. The remaining 70% has posted limits, particularly near cities, in construction zones, and in adverse weather conditions.
Do I have to pay tolls on German motorways?
No — German motorways are free for cars and motorcycles. Only heavy goods vehicles (trucks) pay a distance-based Maut toll. This makes Germany unusually good value for long-distance road trips compared to France or Austria.
What fuel should I use in Germany?
Super E10 is the standard unleaded petrol — equivalent to E10 in the UK. Super Plus (E5, 98 RON) is also widely available. Diesel is labeled Diesel everywhere. LPG (Autogas) is available at many stations if your vehicle is converted.