Is it worth refuelling in Switzerland in 2026?
Today, hardly ever. With the strong franc, Swiss fuel that looks cheap in francs costs more in euros — both petrol and diesel.
Comparison at the 2026-05-29 rate: 1 CHF = €1,098. Swiss reference prices from TCS (25/05/2026), Italian official self-service prices (MIMIT).
Work out if it really pays off (at today’s rate)
Rate 1 CHF = €1,098 (2026-05-29) · the detour is counted round-trip
EUR/CHF rate: ECB reference data (2026-05-29). Swiss prices: TCS average, crowdsourced reading of 25/05/2026 (unofficial). Italian prices: MIMIT self-service. TCS →
Why the “Swiss fill-up” pays off less than people think
The posted price in Switzerland is in francs, and for years the franc was close to the euro. In 2026 that’s no longer true: the franc is strong (around 0.92 to the euro), so 1 CHF is worth about €1.09. The result: a price that looks in line with Italy in francs is higher once converted to euros. That’s why the “Swiss advantage” often isn’t there today.
The gap is widest on diesel, which in Switzerland is traditionally more expensive than petrol (the opposite of Italy). On petrol the comparison is closer, but rarely in Switzerland’s favour once you remove the exchange and the detour.
On top of that come the practical costs: in Switzerland you pay in francs (watch your card’s exchange fees), and if you use the motorways you need the annual vignette. Even when the pump price is similar, these costs tip the net result against filling up across the border.
When can it still make sense? If you’re already heading into Ticino or crossing the border anyway: there the detour is almost zero and you recoup a few euros. Driving from Como just for the fill-up rarely pays off today. For the real price at the specific station, use Rifuel.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth refuelling in Switzerland in 2026?
Often not. At the current rate (1 CHF = €1,098), reference Swiss petrol works out to about €2,118/L and diesel €2,349/L, both above the Italian self-service average. It mainly pays off if you’re already crossing the border. Use the calculator above with the price you actually see.
Why does Swiss fuel cost more if it looks cheap in francs?
Because of the exchange rate. The franc is strong (around 0.92 to the euro), so 1 CHF ≈ €1.09: a price that looks fine in francs is higher once converted to euros.
How do you pay for fuel in Switzerland?
In Swiss francs (CHF). Cards are widely accepted, but check your bank’s exchange fees. For Swiss motorways you also need the annual vignette — add it to the maths if you take them.