Driving a Petrol or Diesel Car

Key routes to Toruń

  • From Warsaw: approximately 220 km via national roads and expressways.

  • From Gdańsk: approximately 170 km via the A1 motorway.

  • From Poznań: around 260 km using A2 and national routes.

  • From Bydgoszcz: about 45–50 km via the DK80/A1 regional roads.

Fuel costs

Fuel prices in Poland tend to be in the moderate range compared to Western Europe. Modern petrol (Pb95) and diesel are widely available at national fuel stations such as ORLEN, Shell and BP. For example, standard calculations show that a one-way drive from Warsaw to Toruń might cost around $40–$45 in fuel (about €37–€42), depending on vehicle efficiency and current petrol prices.

Tolls

Poland’s toll system includes both free and paid sections:

  • The A1 motorway from Gdańsk toward Toruń has a paid section for cars (private vehicles under 3.5 t) with a typical cost of about 30 PLN (around €7–8) for the full tolled distance.

  • Many national and express roads (DK and S roads) are free of tolls for passenger cars.

You can pay tolls at booths or via electronic services like Autopay, which allows contactless toll collection without queues at toll gates.

Rest stops and services

Along the major routes (A1, A2 and expressway sections), you’ll find regular motorway service areas (MOPs) with fuel stations, restrooms, cafes and parking.

Driving an Electric Vehicle (EV)

Electric vehicles are increasingly common in Poland, and infrastructure is expanding rapidly. However, travelling long distances with an EV requires some planning for charging stops.

Charging infrastructure

Toruń itself now has multiple EV charging options, including stations operated by ChargeIn and others. These include DC fast chargers (e.g., 60–90 kW stations at Ugory 4 and Łódzka 75 in Toruń) that provide rapid top-ups during a break, as well as additional chargers in the city available through apps like Chargemap.

On the road toward Toruń

  • On long routes such as A1 or A2, EV drivers can also find fast charging hubs developed by networks like ORLEN Charge, including high-power charging hubs along motorways (e.g., Olsztynek Południe on S7, and others coming online). These allow charging at speeds comparable to short rest breaks (around 20 min at high-power sites).

  • When planning an EV journey, map charging points ahead of time using apps like ChargeIn Go, Electrify, Chargemap or ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to avoid range issues, especially in rural segments where chargers are sparser.

Charging costs and time

  • Public charging in Poland typically ranges by charger type. Fast DC charging usually costs more per kWh than slow AC charging, and prices vary by location and operator.

  • During off-peak hours (e.g., night promotions), some networks reduce costs on both DC and AC chargers, helping reduce the overall cost of travel.

Planning tips for EV drivers

  • Charge early rather than waiting until the battery is low, especially on rural road segments.

  • Use route-planning tools that consider charger locations, vehicle range and traffic.

  • Consider charging stops at major cities along your route (e.g., Gdańsk, Toruń, Bydgoszcz) where fast chargers are more numerous.

 

Practical Tips for Both Petrol and EV Drivers

  • Navigation and planning: Use navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) or dedicated route planners that show fuel or charging stations en route.

  • Safety stops: Take rest breaks every 2–3 hours (especially on long drives) for safety and comfort.

  • Parking in Toruń: Most city centre and hotel areas offer parking, though fees and restrictions may apply. Research local parking rules in advance if you plan to enter the Old Town or stay overnight.