Europe’s hidden road trip costs: What drivers need to know about tolls

Thinking about loading up the car and heading off on a European road trip this summer? If you’re anything like most of us, you’re probably imagining vineyard pitstops in France, pasta in Italy, or a beach somewhere along the Med. But here’s the thing almost nobody talks about until it’s too late: European road tolls can chew a massive hole in your holiday budget, sometimes before you’ve even made it to the border.

I know, it’s not the most exciting part of trip planning. But, if you skip this step, you could end up forking out hundreds of pounds you hadn’t planned for. And with the cost of everything else on the up, that’s the last thing any of us need.

Actually, a new study from Tollwayr, who went through all the numbers on Europe’s motorways, bridges, and tunnels to find out exactly where the big expenses lurk.

Toll trouble: The real costs of driving across Europe

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re driving from the UK, you’ll hit your first big charge at the Eurotunnel, where it’s now £60.48 (€72.00)
for a single trip to France. That’s before you’ve even sniffed a croissant.

Drive much further, and you’ll soon run into France’s infamous toll roads. For example, the classic Paris to Marseille run on the A6 and A7 will cost you £57.88  (€68.90) one way. Fancy Paris to Bordeaux? That’s another £50.82 (€60.50). Oh, and Strasbourg to Montpellier? £57.04 (€67.90)-each way. You get the picture. The numbers add up fast, and if you’re doing a round trip, you can easily tip past £200 (€237) à in tolls just getting there and back.

Italy isn’t much kinder on the wallet. If you’re aiming for Bari from Milan via the A1 and A14, set aside £57.37 ( €68.30) for tolls. Even Milan to Rome is £37.30 (€44.40). By the time you’ve paid for fuel, a motorway coffee and maybe the odd parking ticket, your travel budget might already be crying for mercy.

And it’s not just about roads. Crossing countries is pricey, too. Fancy the Mont Blanc Tunnel between France and Italy? That’s £46.87 ( €55.80) per crossing. The Øresundsbron bridge between Denmark and Sweden? £45.36 (€54.00). Suddenly, those little detours on the map start to look a lot less romantic.

Quick snapshot from Tollwayr’s research:

• Eurotunnel (UK/France): £60.48
• Paris – Marseille (France): £57.88
• Milan – Bari (Italy): £57.37
• Strasbourg – Montpellier (France): £57.04
• Paris – Bordeaux (France): £50.82
• Mont Blanc Tunnel (France/Italy): £46.87
• Tunnel du Fréjus (France/Italy): £46.87
• Øresundsbron (Denmark/Sweden): £45.36
• Milan – Rome (Italy): £37.30

(Full details in the 2025 Tollwayr report.)

Simple ways to dodge the shock – and maybe even save a few quid

So, what’s the secret to not having your road trip ruined by a row over unexpected toll bills at a French service station? Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first European drive.

1. Start planning for tolls early.

   It sounds boring, but it’ll save you so much stress. Look up your route on a reliable app or website (there are loads now that even estimate the tolls for you). Don’t forget return journeys, or any spontaneous day trips—tolls can apply to more than just the main drag.

2. Don’t assume “the scenic route” is free.

   Yes, you can avoid some tolls by zigzagging through country lanes and back roads, but it’ll take a lot longer, might cost more in fuel, and sometimes you’ll just end up lost (speaking from experience here). For short hops it might be worth it; for long distances, maybe not.

3. Keep an eye out for ‘digital vignettes.’

   These are basically motorway passes, needed in countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary. They’re not expensive on their own (£10–£81 each), but if you’re touring through several countries, the costs soon mount up. Miss buying one, and you’ll risk a fine that’ll really spoil your holiday mood.

4. Set a proper budget including for tolls.

   Add up what you’ll need for accommodation, food, fuel… then add a “toll fund” on top. As Mattijs Wijnmalen, the CEO of Tollwayr, puts it: “Most people plan every detail of their holidays, but almost no one budgets for tolls. The result? Shocks and overspending that could have been avoided with a little extra prep.”

5. Bring cash and more than one card.

   It’s rare, but some toll booths still don’t like UK cards. Having a bit of cash and a backup card can save a lot of hassle at the barrier.

Smart road trip planning: Avoiding unexpected toll costs in Europe

Driving in Europe is one of the great travel joys—sunrise on a French autoroute, a surprise picnic in the Italian hills, or a spontaneous swim in the Med. The tolls? Well, they’re the hidden price of admission. But with a bit of foresight and a few minutes spent mapping out the real costs, you can avoid all the nasty surprises.

So before you pack the suncream and set your sights on the open road, do yourself a favour: check those toll costs, sort your vignettes, and build a buffer into your holiday fund. Your future self (and your travel mates) will thank you.