The good news at the moment is that as soon as the German border is crossed, petrol prices will become a lot cheaper. Unless you are travelling to the Netherlands. The most expensive petrol prices in Europe are currently lurking there. Our direct comparison of driving costs shows why an Easter trip to our western neighbours could still be a good idea. The basis is an average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres at the current price of around 2.00 euros per litre of petrol.
Route 1: Munich - Riva del Garda
The classic Easter route for all bikers from the south: over the Brenner Pass and down to sunny Lake Garda. However, there are three toll booths on this relatively short stretch.
Distance: 384 km, about 4:40 hours travelling time
- Fuel costs: approx. 57 euros
- Toll Austria: 10-day vignette: 12.80 euros
- Brenner toll: 12.50 euros
- Toll Italy: 12,40 Euro
Total cost one way: around 95.30 euros
There & back (10 days): with 10-day vignette (12.80 euros) around 177.80 euros
Tip: If you are travelling at short notice, please note: For consumer protection reasons, vignettes purchased online only become valid after 18 days - this is now too short for Easter, so you also have to buy the digital vignette at the petrol station. Ideally together with the Brenner toll. That way you can use the video line and don't have to queue to pay again.
Route 2: Munich - Pod Smrkem (Czech Republic)
The Pod Smrkem singletrail park in the Jizera Mountains is one of the best bike spots in Europe, but celebrated trail parks are now blossoming all over the country and with petrol prices still the cheapest in Europe, a road trip through the Czech Republic is well worthwhile.
Distance: around 510 kilometres, approx. 6 hours driving time
- Fuel costs: approx. 76 euros
- Digital 10-day vignette: 12.30 euros (valid immediately)
- E-cars drive free of charge (after application in advance!)
- Other fees: none
Total cost one way: 88,30 Euro
There & back: around 164.30 euros
Tip: The average price for petrol in the Czech Republic is currently only 1.39 euros/litre petrol and 1.38 euros/litre diesel - so if you're clever, fill up just over the border.
Route 3: Munich - Utrecht, Netherlands
The city of Utrecht is located around 40 kilometres south of Amsterdam and is the first port of call for mountain bikers. The 60-square-kilometre Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park with a trail park network of over 100 kilometres stretches along a green strip of forest hills near the city. As far as travel costs are concerned, there is no toll, but you should definitely refuel on the German side.
Distance: 725 kilometres, approx. 7:30 hours driving time
- Fuel costs: approx. 109 euros
- Tolls/vignettes: none (Germany + the Netherlands are toll-free for cars)
Total cost one way: around 109 euros
There & back: around 218 euros
Tip: The city of Utrecht has perfect rail connections from Germany and there are well-stocked bike hire stations on site. This would save you the trauma of the Dutch petrol stations (currently the highest fuel prices in Europe).
Conclusion: The south loses out when it comes to travel costs
| Destination | Distance | Tolls & fees | Fuel costs (there) | Total (there) | Total (there & back) |
| Riva del Garda 🇮🇹 | 384 km | 37,70 € | 57 € | ≈ 95,30 € | ≈ 177,80 € |
| Pod Smrkem 🇨🇿 | 510 km | 12,30 € | 76 € | ≈ 88,30 € | ≈ 164,30 € |
| Utrecht 🇳🇱 | 725 km | 0 € | 109 € | ≈ 109 € | ≈ 218 € |
So if you're looking for the best price/trail ratio, you won't find it on Lake Garda at the moment, but in the Czech Jizera Mountains. Those starting from the centre of Germany naturally have a much shorter journey to Utrecht. This could be much more worthwhile as there is no toll.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
