Lorraine Williamson
With millions of motorists taking to the roads each weekend in search of beach breaks, mountain escapes or village fiestas, summer is peak season for long-distance driving in Spain. But while traffic may be unavoidable, paying over the odds for fuel doesn’t have to be.
Consumer group OCU has analysed petrol and diesel prices along 12 of Spain’s busiest holiday routes, identifying the cheapest stations along each. The conclusion? A well-timed stop or slight detour could cut your fuel costs by up to 25%.
In a climate of persistent price hikes, knowing where to fill up can make a tangible difference. For a typical 50-litre tank, choosing the right petrol station can save anywhere between €11 and €20 for petrol – and even more for diesel.
A route-by-route breakdown
OCU’s study covers 12,000 stations on major trunk roads and motorways, including:
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The six radial motorways from Madrid (A1 to A6)
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Coastal highways like the A7 (Mediterranean) and A8 (Cantabrian)
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Northern axes such as the A62 to Portugal and the A66 (Ruta de la Plata)
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Key connectors like the AP-68 (Ebro Valley), A23 (Mudéjar) and A52
In each case, the cheapest station per province has been highlighted, sometimes differentiating between the best diesel and petrol options.
The most affordable option on each route is assigned an index of 100, with all other prices ranked accordingly. Some stations were found to be over 20% more expensive than the cheapest on the same route.
Holiday driving can be costlier than you think
Most drivers know the cheapest stations near home or work. But unfamiliar roads often lead to hasty decisions – and pricier pumps.
OCU’s research found that service stations on main travel arteries are, on average, 2.6% more expensive for diesel and 1.6% for petrol compared to the national average. The A-62 topped the list for costly diesel, with prices 4.5% above average.
The A1 (Madrid–Burgos) is the priciest route overall for petrol, while the AP-68 and A23 buck the trend by offering below-average rates.
Five tips to save on summer fuel
No matter your route, there are ways to trim your travel expenses:
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Use fuel comparison apps
like OCU’s own tool, with GPS functionality to find the best rates nearby. -
Look beyond the motorway
– nearby industrial estates or old national roads often have lower-cost stations. -
Try supermarket chains
like Alcampo or Eroski, where fuel is frequently cheaper. -
Check out agricultural co-ops
, especially in rural areas like the Ebro Valley. Brands like BonÀrea offer some of the lowest prices – though some may restrict access to members. -
Avoid motorway service stations
, which tend to inflate prices due to their convenience and monopoly locations.
Planning pays off
Whether you’re headed for the Costa Brava or the Cantabrian coast, plotting your pit stops in advance can turn into real savings.
A short detour – often just a kilometre or two off the main road – could slash your fuel bill. With price differences of up to 28% on some routes, smart travellers this summer are swapping spontaneity for strategy.
The full list of cheapest stations on each route, as well as the interactive fuel price calculator, can be accessed via the OCU website or app:👉 Find your cheapest petrol stop now.
Does fuel quality vary between brands?
While price matters, the quality of fuel can vary between petrol station brands. Major names like Repsol, BP, Shell and Cepsa often enhance their petrol and diesel with additives that go beyond legal minimums – helping to clean engines, reduce emissions and improve long-term performance. This can be particularly beneficial for modern engines or high-mileage drivers.
By contrast, low-cost stations – including supermarket brands or automatic pumps – generally offer standard fuel with fewer additives. It’s perfectly legal and safe, but may not deliver the same engine-protective benefits. For everyday driving, budget fuel often does the job. But if you’re driving a newer vehicle, covering long distances, or simply want peace of mind, opting for a top-tier brand could be a wise choice.
Final pit stop: Avoid the obvious
Highway service areas may be the most visible – but they’re rarely the most affordable. If you’re willing to plan and veer slightly off-course, your fuel tank and your wallet will thank you.
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