ADAC
Rest areas are significantly more expensive than truck stops
A sign with the inscription “Autohof” is on the Autobahn 6 near Bad Rappenau (Baden-Württemberg). (Archive image) Photo: picture alliance / dpa
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The cheapest half-liter bottle of water for 1.42 euros – or for 2.15 euros? According to ADAC, the price differences between offers in motorway service stations and truck stops are sometimes huge.
When comparing motorway service areas and truck stops, the ADAC found some large price differences.
On average, the rest stops were more expensive for 13 out of 14 products evaluated, the traffic club said on Tuesday. The price difference was particularly large for water, among other things. On average at truck stops, the cheapest half-liter bottle cost 1.42 euros, at rest stops it was 2.15 euros, according to ADAC. The cheapest sandwiches, a sweet-filled croissant or half a liter of cola, were around a third more expensive at rest stops.
With the evaluated warm main courses – a schnitzel with a side dish or a pasta dish with vegetarian sauce – the differences were minimal. The price difference was clear when refueling: In the test, E10 and diesel cost an average of 26 and 25 cents more per liter at rest stops than at truck stops.
For the comparison, the ADAC had evaluated the prices on 35 pairs from the rest area and truck stop, which were each no more than 20 kilometers away from each other. While rest stops are located directly on the motorway, drivers have to leave the highway to visit a truck stop.