Motorway services fuel prices: how much more do you pay?
Why fuel at UK motorway services costs more, how big the premium is, and how to avoid it on long journeys.
Motorway service stations have a captive audience, so they charge more. The premium is often 10–20p a litre over a nearby supermarket or town forecourt – up to £10 on a full 50-litre tank.
How to avoid it
- Fill up before you join the motorway, at a station near home.
- Plan a stop one junction off the motorway; many supermarket stations are within 2–3 miles.
- Look at the price map along your route before you leave.
- Only buy at services if you are nearly empty and there is no choice.
Is the detour worth it?
A 5-mile round trip burns roughly half a litre in a typical car, costing under £1. Saving 15p a litre on 40 litres is £6, so a short detour usually pays.
Frequently asked questions
Why is fuel so expensive on motorways?
Operators have little competition on the motorway itself and high site costs, so they charge a premium.