Airport Parking and Hotels compares toll costs on some of the busiest motorways in Europe

According to recent research published by GreenFlag, 46 per cent of the British population are more likely to go on a driving holiday around Belgium, France, Italy, Spain or Germany than any other European country. Ahead of the European short-break season which sees travellers visit Europe for the likes of Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has created a guide highlighting the cost of some of the busiest toll routes in Europe.
 

The research highlights some of the most popular motorways in Europe and any charges that drivers will face when driving through the busiest routes in each country. These routes include the likes of Calais to Paris in France, Lisbon to Porto in Portugal, and Milan to Rome in Italy. The research also highlights the different payment options available and any further stipulations each toll route might have.
 

Of the 18 countries researched, six were found to operate a Highway Vignette system which is an anti-congestion measure put in place in selected European countries to promote off-peak travel. Belgium, Germany and Holland all use this road pricing, which is based on the period of time the driver will be travelling. The remaining 12 countries, such as France, Greece and Spain, were found to operate a road toll method where the price is calculated on the distance travelled. A further two countries including Croatia and Italy, operate an open and closed toll system. Furthermore, seven of the 18 countries researched, such as Belarus, Ireland and Spain, offer drivers the possibility of signing up for the local automatic toll system designed for those who are planning on travelling around a specific country for a longer period of time.
 

With regards to payment options, 10 out of the 18 countries researched, offer drivers the option of paying their tolls at the toll gate, with a further two countries including Belarus and Poland offering drivers the possibility of paying in either Euros, US Dollars or the local currency. Motorists in Poland must note that when paying in Euros or US Dollars, all change will be given back in Polish Zloty. Four countries researched including Ireland, Italy and Spain, stipulate that tolls must be paid in Euros only.
 

Drivers are advised to always carry cash when driving on Europe’s motorways as only six out of the 18 countries researched offered drivers the option of paying via credit card, though may not accept all types. Only Bosnia and Herzegovina accept most common types of credit card, such as MasterCard, Maestro, Visa, American Express and Dinners Club.
 

Drivers strapped for cash should be more cautious when driving on toll roads in France and Italy, as a return journey for a 2-axle vehicle from Paris to Marseille can cost up to £78, whilst a return journey from Rome to Milan can cost from £58 in toll road charges. Motorists who wish to avoid toll roads all-together should head to Iceland, Luxembourg or Monaco where there are currently no tolls fees on any motorway.
 

For those wishing to pay tolls with British Pounds, France was the only country in the survey that offered drivers the possibility of paying in Sterling at selected toll gates. Motorists must note that when paying Sterling in France, all change given back will be returned in Euros.
 

The comprehensive research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/tollcosts.