Connect with us

%

European Road Trip 2025: Tolls & Tips

Published

on

european-road-trip-2025:-tolls-&-tips

Drivers heading across Europe face high motorway tolls in 2025. Credit: Philip Lange/Shutterstock

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.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news about Travel

%

€17 Million And No Winners: EuroMillions

Published

on

e17-million-and-no-winners:-euromillions

Tonight’s EuroMillions draw has concluded without a jackpot winner, meaning the top prize of €17 million will roll over to next Tuesday’s draw, where it is expected to exceed €26 million.

The winning numbers of this Friday’s 20th June draw were the following nº: 05, 08, 24, 37, 47, with the Lucky Stars being 03 and 09.

While no participant matched all five numbers and both Lucky Stars required to claim the jackpot, several participants did walk away with substantial prizes. Notably, one winning lottery ticket in Spain matched five numbers and one Lucky Star, earning the second-tier prize of approximately €172,609.

In addition, Spain’s exclusive raffle “El Millón” saw one lucky ticket holder win €1 million with the code QKV94144.

This follows Tuesday’s historic draw in which a single ticket purchased in Ireland scooped the record-breaking €250 million jackpot, resetting the prize pool for tonight’s game.

The EuroMillions draw continues to attract millions of hopefuls across Europe, and anticipation is already building for next week’s draw, which offers another chance at a life-changing sum.

Continue Reading

%

Rafael Nadal Crowned Marquis By King Felipe VI

Published

on

rafael-nadal-crowned-marquis-by-king-felipe-vi

Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, newly named Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca by King Felipe VI. Credit : Facebook – Rafa Nadal

It’s not every day a tennis legend trades his headband for a marquis’s crown, but that’s exactly what’s just happened in Spain. For the first time since he took the throne eleven years ago, King Felipe VI has dusted off one of the monarchy’s oldest traditions—handing out new noble titles. And leading the pack? None other than Rafael Nadal, the pride of Mallorca and one of the greatest athletes Spain has ever produced.

You heard right: the man who made Roland-Garros his second home is now officially the Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. The announcement came as part of a special royal honours list released on June 19, celebrating the king’s anniversary with a bang. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get knighted in Spain these days, apparently, being a global sports icon and a top-notch ambassador for your homeland does the trick.

From the tennis court to nobility: Nadal’s newest win

Rafa Nadal might be used to holding up trophies, but now he’s got something even rarer—a title no one else has ever had. The Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca is a brand-new honour, tailor-made for the tennis star, and it’s named after the beautiful part of the Balearic Islands where he grew up. Not a bad way to mark your retirement, is it?

Felipe VI praised Nadal—and the five other honourees, as ‘examples of excellence’ who make Spain proud. It’s a big statement and a big gesture, but anyone who’s seen Nadal play or met him off-court knows he’s the real deal: humble, passionate, and always flying the Spanish flag.

There’s another bonus, too: Nadal gets to create his own coat of arms, and when he’s no longer around, the title passes to his eldest son, Rafael Junior. Yes, the legacy is set in stone—or maybe in marble.

A Royal connection: Nadal and the spanish monarchy

If you follow Spanish celebrity circles, you’ll know that Rafa and the royals go way back. It was King Juan Carlos I who first spotted his talent, and over the years, Nadal’s become a familiar face at royal gatherings and even private family holidays in the Balearics. It’s a friendship built on mutual respect—and probably a bit of healthy competition at the dinner table!

Who else made the list? A mix of icons

Nadal isn’t the only new marquis in town. The honours list also included Jaime Alfonsín, who’s been by the king’s side for years as his private secretary (he’s now also a Grandee of Spain, which is as fancy as it sounds); Luz Casal, the iconic singer; Carlos López Otín, a pioneering scientist; Teresa Perales, the paralympic swimming superstar; and Cristina García Rodero, an award-winning photographer.

It’s a who’s-who of Spanish talent, and each one represents the modern face of Spanish excellence—arts, science, public service, and, of course, sport.

What’s it like to be a Marquis in 2025?

So, what does a marquis actually do these days? Don’t expect Nadal to start wearing a feathered hat or riding a white horse through the streets of Manacor. Modern Spanish nobility is much more about setting an example than throwing fancy balls. These new titles are a nod to people who represent the very best of Spain—on the world stage, in their communities, and in the stories they tell about the country.

It’s a far cry from the old days of kings and castles, but it’s a tradition that still means a lot to Spaniards—and gives the rest of us something to talk about over coffee.

What’s next for Rafael Nadal as Spain’s new marquis?

With his new marquis title, Rafael Nadal is starting a new chapter, and you can bet he’ll take it just as seriously as his tennis. For now, he hasn’t made a fuss about it on social media, but if you’re anywhere near Mallorca, don’t be surprised if you see a little more spring in his step.

One thing’s for sure: whether he’s holding a racket or a royal decree, Nadal remains a symbol of Spanish pride and resilience. As for King Felipe, this new batch of marquises sets a precedent—honouring the people who help put Spain on the map for all the right reasons.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more celebrity news

Continue Reading

%

Many Fall Ill At Ascot This Past Week

Published

on

many-fall-ill-at-ascot-this-past-week

The grandiosity of the Royal Ascot has been a tricky one this week due to the extreme heat, as dozens of racegoers were treated for heat-related issues amid soaring temperatures. On Wednesday’s Ladies’ Day alone, at least 42 people required medical attention on-site, with one individual having to hospitalised with suspected heatstroke, then again if we mix sun and alcohol we can expect no good to come from it! 

The prestigious five-day racing event, renowned for its elegance, fashion, and royal appearances, was met with a heatwave sweeping southern England. Temperatures climbed to nearly 30°C, yes, those of us in Spain may laugh but this left spectators sweltering in their formal attire. Emergency services and medical tents remained busy, treating symptoms ranging from dizziness and dehydration to full-blown heat exhaustion.

In response, organisers deployed extra misting fans, increased access to free drinking water, and installed shaded rest areas across the grounds. Officials issued repeated announcements encouraging people to drink plenty of fluids (and by that I don’t mean a good old glass of bubbly) and sun protection. Despite the conditions, more than 40,000 guests attended Wednesday’s proceedings.

The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert during the week, warning of risks to vulnerable individuals, particularly young and the elderly

Racing Carries On

Despite the challenging heat, the horse races have continued uninterrupted.  Of course they would, why would running at a flat out gallop in 30º heat affect the horse? Trainers and veterinarians remained on high alert, but emphasised that the thoroughbreds were coping well with the conditions and that they couldn’t just stop the races especially as the bets had already been placed, and as you all well know, money before animal welfare!  (I might have thrown that last bit in). 

Race officials took proactive steps to protect the horses, including installing mobile misting units, providing over 3,000 litres of iced water, and watering the track overnight to maintain “Good to Firm” going, because if anything is going to bring a horse down it would just be the condition of the track and not the intense heat.

Leading trainers, including those from Aidan O’Brien’s stables, said horses are generally well-conditioned and able to tolerate the heat, provided post-race cooling measures are in place. Then again he’s not a horse so how would he know?

Thankfully, Thursday’s Gold Cup went ahead without incident, with Godolphin’s Trawlerman claiming victory in a record time of 4:15.02.

Royal Ascot, a staple of the British summer social calendar, may now be forced to reconsider its approach to climate extremes. While the spectacle and racing have endured, the week has underscored the growing need for preparedness as high temperatures become more frequent. Hopefully in these preparations they will also reconsider the hours in which the races are held avoiding the hottest hours of the day so that the horses may be a little more comfortable. 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Spanish Property & News