New Google Maps Feature Could Help Families Save Money on Theme Park Trips

Families planning a visit to a UK theme park could soon find it easier to manage their travel costs, thanks to a new Google Maps feature that displays petrol and diesel prices at filling stations across the country.

Introduced on Thursday, 8 October 2026, the update allows motorists to compare fuel prices directly through Google Maps, helping drivers make more informed decisions about where to fill up before setting off on a family day out.

With the cost of petrol and diesel adding to the expense of visiting attractions, the feature could be particularly useful for families travelling long distances to some of the UK’s most popular theme parks.

Google Maps Introduces UK Petrol and Diesel Prices

Google has introduced near-real-time fuel prices to Google Maps in the UK, using information from the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme.

The feature means motorists can search for nearby petrol stations and see the reported prices for different types of fuel. Instead of automatically choosing the nearest filling station, drivers can compare prices and decide where to stop.

According to the UK Government, comparing fuel prices could save households with a car an average of £40 a year.

The Fuel Finder scheme requires petrol stations to report changes to their fuel prices within 30 minutes. The Government says the scheme now covers around 99% of the fuel sold on UK roads.

The move is intended to make fuel pricing more transparent and help motorists find better-value options when filling up.

For families already budgeting for theme park tickets, parking, food and refreshments, being able to compare fuel prices could offer another way to keep the overall cost of a day out under control.

How to Check Petrol Prices on Google Maps

Using the new feature is designed to be straightforward, making it useful for visitors planning a journey before leaving home.

Here’s how motorists can get started:

1. Open Google Maps on your smartphone.
2. Search for “petrol” or “fuel” to find nearby filling stations.
3. Compare the prices displayed for the stations shown on the map.
4. Check the available fuel types to make sure you’re comparing the correct option for your vehicle.
5. Choose a convenient filling station and check the price displayed at the pump when you arrive.

Drivers can use the information to compare fuel near home, along their planned route or close to their destination.

The prices are near-real-time rather than a guarantee of the exact amount charged at every pump, so it’s worth checking the information before filling up.

Google has also introduced the feature to Waze, giving motorists another navigation option for comparing fuel prices.

Could It Help Families Visiting Alton Towers?

For families travelling to Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, fuel can be an important part of the overall cost of a visit.

Depending on where visitors live, the journey could involve several hours on the road, making the cost of petrol or diesel a significant consideration.

Checking prices before leaving home could help visitors identify a cheaper filling station nearby or plan a suitable stop along the way.

The same approach could benefit visitors travelling to other popular attractions, including Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor and Drayton Manor Resort.

Families travelling from further afield may find it particularly useful to compare fuel prices before beginning their journey, rather than waiting until their fuel gauge is running low.

However, the cheapest filling station is not necessarily the best choice if reaching it requires a lengthy detour. Drivers should consider the extra distance, time and fuel involved before changing their route.

Planning a Theme Park Day Out on a Budget

Fuel is just one of several expenses families need to consider when planning a theme park visit.

Admission tickets, parking, food, drinks and accommodation can all add to the total cost, particularly for larger families or those visiting during school holidays.

There are several ways visitors could combine fuel-price comparisons with other money-saving measures.

Book tickets in advance. Check the attraction’s official website for advance-booking prices and any available discounts before travelling.

Compare accommodation prices. Families planning an overnight stay can compare hotels and short-break packages to find an option that suits their budget.

Plan your route. Check your journey before setting off and consider where you might need to refuel. Avoid unnecessary detours simply to reach a cheaper filling station.

Check parking arrangements. Look at your chosen theme park’s parking information before travelling so you know what to expect.

Budget for food and drinks. Check the attraction’s rules on bringing your own food and refreshments, as policies vary between parks.

Combining these steps could help families make better-informed decisions about their spending before they even arrive at the entrance.

Will Google Maps Automatically Find the Cheapest Petrol?

Although the new feature makes it easier to compare prices, drivers should not assume that Google Maps will always select the cheapest filling station for them.

The prices displayed allow motorists to compare their options, but choosing where to refuel remains an individual decision.

It is also worth considering the type of fuel your vehicle requires, the filling station’s opening hours and whether the stop fits conveniently into your journey.

Fuel prices can vary considerably between locations, including between nearby filling stations. Comparing the available information before setting off may therefore be worthwhile.

For visitors planning a longer journey to a theme park, a little preparation could help avoid paying more than necessary for fuel.

Could This Make UK Theme Park Visits Cheaper?

Google Maps’ new fuel-price feature will not remove the expense of travelling to a theme park, but it gives families another practical tool for managing their budgets.

The ability to compare petrol and diesel prices alongside journey information could make it easier to plan where to refuel, particularly for visitors travelling long distances.

With the Government estimating potential annual savings of around £40 for households with a car, the feature could also be useful for everyday journeys beyond theme park trips.

For regular theme park visitors, checking fuel prices could become another simple step in preparing for a day out.

Ultimately, the amount saved will depend on the journey, the vehicle and the price differences between filling stations. Nevertheless, comparing prices before travelling could help families make their money go further.