The Cost of Driving from Barcelona to Valencia: Gas Prices and Toll Costs

Are you planning a road trip from Barcelona, Catalonia, to Valencia, Valencian Community? If so, one of the main concerns on your mind is probably the cost of the trip. Gas prices and toll costs can add up quickly, especially for a long-distance journey like this. In this post, we’ll break down the different routes and their respective costs, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The Direct Route

The most direct route between Barcelona and Valencia is via the AP-7 toll road, which spans 243 kilometers (151 miles) and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. As of the time of writing (October 2021), gas prices in Spain hover around €1.43 per liter ($6.15 per gallon), which means you’d need to spend approximately €24.50 ($28.62) on gas for this trip. The toll cost for the AP-7 varies depending on the time of day and day of the week, but typically ranges between €17 ($19.86) and €21.60 ($25.21) each way. So, for a round trip, you’d be looking at a total cost of approximately €84.10 ($98.30).

The Coastal Route

If you have some extra time and want to enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, you can opt for the slightly longer coastal route via the N-340 and A-7 highways. This route covers 252 kilometers (156 miles), and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. While gas prices remain the same, tolls are not included on this route. However, keep in mind that you may need to pay for parking if you decide to stop along the way and enjoy the views.

The Inland Route

Finally, if you want to explore some of Spain’s charming inland towns and cities along the way, you can take the inland route via the AP-2, AP-7, and A-3 highways. This route spans 398 kilometers (247 miles) and takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Again, gas prices are the same, but tolls on this route can add up quickly, with costs ranging between €45.70 ($53.40) and €54.50 ($63.64) each way.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Barcelona to Valencia depends on the route you choose. The most direct route via the AP-7 is the quickest but also the most expensive due to toll costs. The coastal route offers some spectacular scenery but may require additional stops and parking fees. Finally, the inland route is the longest but allows you to explore more of Spain’s fascinating interior. Whatever route you decide to take, be sure to calculate the gas and toll costs upfront, so you can plan your budget accordingly and have a stress-free journey.