Gas station apps: find the cheapest fuel in the Netherlands

Fuel prices in the Netherlands are among the highest in Europe. Fortunately, there are handy apps that help you find the cheapest gas stations near you. In this article we cover the best gas station apps for the Netherlands and share tips to save on gasoline and diesel on a regular basis.

Why use a gas station app?

Prices at the pump can vary considerably, even between gas stations that are close to each other. The difference can be as much as 20 cents per liter between an expensive branded station along the highway and a cheap unstaffed station nearby. With an average fill-up of 40 liters, that quickly adds up to 8 euros.

Gas station apps collect current fuel prices from thousands of gas stations in the Netherlands. With a few taps you can see which stations near you have the lowest prices. Some apps even calculate whether a detour to a cheaper station is worth it.

The best gas station apps for the Netherlands

Several apps are available to help you fill up cheaply. Here we cover the most popular options.

DirectLease Tankservice

DirectLease Tankservice is one of the most complete fuel price apps in the Netherlands. The app shows current prices from more than 4,000 gas stations and is updated regularly by users and automatic feeds.

Features:

Search by location or along a route. Filter by fuel type: gasoline, diesel, LPG or EV charging. View price history and trends. Sort by price or distance. Report price changes to keep the database up to date.

Brandstof-Check

Brandstof-Check is a user-friendly app that focuses on simplicity. The app shows the cheapest gas stations near you in a clear map view.

Features:

Clear map with color coding for price levels. Quick comparison of stations in your area. Save your favorite stations for quick access. Home screen widget with current prices.

ANWB Onderweg

The ANWB Onderweg app is more than just a gas station app, but it does include a handy feature for comparing fuel prices. It's especially useful if you already use the app for traffic information and roadside assistance.

Features:

Integration with navigation and route planning. Fuel prices along your planned route. Combined with traffic information and speed camera alerts. ANWB benefits at selected stations for members.

Google Maps

Google Maps also shows fuel prices in the Netherlands. This is handy if you don't want to install a separate app and already use Google Maps for navigation.

Features:

Search for 'gas station' and see prices right in the search results. Filter by fuel type. Plan your route including a fuel stop. Reviews and opening hours of gas stations.

Setting up and using a gas station app

We'll use DirectLease Tankservice as an example to show you how to use a gas station app.

Step 1: Download the app

Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for 'DirectLease Tankservice'. Download and install the app on your phone.

Step 2: Set your preferences

Open the app and go to the settings. Select your preferred fuel: Euro 95, Euro 98, diesel or LPG. Some apps also ask about your vehicle to calculate fuel consumption.

Step 3: Find cheap gas stations

The app automatically shows gas stations near you, sorted by price. You can immediately see which stations are the cheapest. Tap a station for more details such as the address, opening hours and when the price was last updated.

Step 4: Navigate to the station

From the app you can start navigation to the chosen gas station directly. The app opens your default navigation app with the correct destination filled in.

Tips to save on fuel

Besides using an app, there are more ways to save on fuel:

Fill up at unstaffed stations

Unstaffed gas stations are often the cheapest. Well-known chains are Tango, Tinq and Firezone. These stations have no staff and can therefore offer lower prices. The fuel quality is the same as at branded stations, by the way.

Avoid highway stations

Gas stations along the highway often charge the highest prices. If you don't urgently need to fill up, wait until you're off the highway. Stations just off the highway are usually considerably cheaper.

Fill up near the border

If you live near Germany or Belgium, filling up across the border can save you a lot. Fuel prices in Germany in particular are often lower than in the Netherlands. Do keep in mind the cost and time of the detour.

Use fuel cards with discounts

Some supermarkets and loyalty programs offer fuel cards with discounts. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and other chains regularly run promotions where you get a discount on fuel with saved-up loyalty credit.

Fill up at the right time

Fuel prices fluctuate during the week. According to research, Monday and Tuesday are often the cheapest days to fill up, while prices rise toward the weekend. The differences are small, but they can still add up over a year.

EV charging as an alternative

Do you drive an electric car or are you considering one? Then there are also apps for charging stations:

Apps for EV charging

Chargemap: Find charging stations all over Europe with real-time availability and prices.

Plugsurfing: A card and app that let you charge at many different charging networks.

Shell Recharge: Shell's app for its charging network, with costs calculated in advance.

Comparing costs

Just like with fuel, prices for EV charging can vary considerably. Charging at fast chargers along the highway is more expensive than charging at a public charging point in town or at home. Use an app to find the cheapest charging option near you.

Tracking your fuel consumption

To really understand your fuel costs, it's useful to keep track of your consumption:

Apps for tracking consumption

Fuelio: A popular app for logging fill-ups and analyzing your consumption. You can see trends over time and calculate your cost per kilometer.

Drivvo: Similar to Fuelio, with extra features for maintenance and reminders for the APK (Dutch vehicle inspection) and insurance.

Why track consumption?

By logging your consumption you can see whether your car is becoming more economical or, on the contrary, thirstier. A sudden rise in consumption can point to a technical problem. You also get insight into your total car costs.

Gas station apps and CarPlay or Android Auto

Some gas station apps are available in CarPlay or Android Auto. This makes it even easier to find a cheap station on the road. Google Maps in CarPlay, for example, shows fuel prices when you search for gas stations.

Current fuel prices in the Netherlands

Fuel prices in the Netherlands are influenced by several factors: the oil price, excise duties, VAT and the gas station's margin. The government regularly adjusts excise duties, which directly affects the price at the pump. Stay informed through the news or apps that show price trends.

Common mistakes when filling up

Avoid these common mistakes:

Not comparing: Many drivers fill up out of habit at the same station without comparing. Opening an app takes little effort but can save you tens of euros per month.

Wrong fuel: Always pay attention to which fuel you put in. Diesel in a gasoline car or vice versa can cause expensive damage. Some apps show which fuel types a station offers.

Filling up too late: When your tank is almost empty, you have no choice and have to fill up at the nearest station, even if it's expensive. Fill up in time so you can choose.

Conclusion

A gas station app is a simple way to save on fuel costs on a regular basis. With apps such as DirectLease Tankservice, Brandstof-Check or even Google Maps, you quickly find the cheapest stations near you. Combine using an app with smart fueling tips such as avoiding highway stations and taking advantage of supermarket promotions. That way you have more money left at the end of the month, without giving up any mobility.

Frequently asked questions

Which gas station app is the best in the Netherlands?

DirectLease Tankservice and Brandstof-Check are the most complete apps for the Netherlands. Google Maps also shows fuel prices and is handy if you don't want to install an extra app.

How much can I save with a gas station app?

The difference between expensive and cheap gas stations can be as much as 20 cents per liter. With a 40-liter fill-up, you then save 8 euros. Over a year, this can add up to hundreds of euros.

Are unstaffed gas stations reliable?

Yes, unstaffed gas stations such as Tango and Tinq supply the same fuel quality as branded stations. They are cheaper because they have no staff and less overhead.

What is the best day to fill up?

According to research, Monday and Tuesday are often the cheapest days to fill up. Prices often rise toward the weekend. The difference is small but can add up over a year.