Plan truck routes, avoid empty runs and price return loads in seconds.
The Cargota truck route planner gives you the distance, driving time and estimated fuel cost for any route in Europe — built for trucks, vans and cars. Combine it with the return load profit calculator to see how much you earn or lose on your return trip, and find truck stops and rest areas along the way.
All tools are free, with no registration. Plan your route, estimate your fuel bill, and check whether a return load is worth taking before you accept the job.
➤ Route planner · Truck, van, car
€ Return load profit calculator
⛟ Truck stops & rest areas on route
How the Cargota truck route planner works
- Enter origin and destination. Type at least three letters of any town, city or address in Europe and pick it from the list.
- Choose your vehicle and fuel. Truck, van or car; diesel, petrol, LPG/CNG or electric. You can enter the fuel price per litre.
- Press "Calculate route". See the distance in km, driving time, estimated fuel cost, the route on the map, step-by-step directions and an alternative route.
Why a return load profit calculator matters
Every empty kilometre on the way back costs you money: fuel, tolls, tyres, maintenance and your own time. Studies show that a large share of truck kilometres in Europe are still driven empty. A return load turns that cost into revenue.
Use the calculator the way owner-operators do: estimate your operating cost per km (fuel + tolls + maintenance + insurance + driver, typically 0.80–1.20 €/km) and compare it with the rate you are offered for the return load. If the rate covers your operating cost, the load is profitable — and any margin above it is pure profit compared with returning empty.
Truck stops and rest areas on route
After planning a long trip, you need to know where you can safely park. The truck stops tool shows truck parking areas, rest areas and service stations close to your route, with their distance from the route. Plan your driving and rest periods in advance — it helps with safety and with legal driving-time compliance.
European route distances for reference
| Route | Road distance | Est. driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam → Milan | ≈ 1,150 km | ≈ 12 h |
| Madrid → Paris | ≈ 1,280 km | ≈ 12 h 30 min |
| Berlin → Warsaw | ≈ 570 km | ≈ 6 h |
| London → Paris | ≈ 460 km | ≈ 5 h 30 min |
| Munich → Vienna | ≈ 440 km | ≈ 4 h 30 min |
| Bucharest → Budapest | ≈ 830 km | ≈ 8 h 30 min |
| Lyon → Barcelona | ≈ 640 km | ≈ 6 h 30 min |
* Reference values. For the exact distance and optimal route use the planner above.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cargota truck route planner free?
Yes. The route planner, the return load profit calculator and the truck stops finder are completely free, with no registration and no usage limits.
Does it work for trucks and vans across Europe?
Yes. Select truck, van or car, choose the fuel and its price per litre, and get distance, duration and estimated fuel cost for routes in Europe and beyond.
How do I calculate my return load profit?
Enter the rate you are paid per km for the return load and your operating cost per km. The calculator shows your net profit with the return load versus the cost of returning empty.
What counts as operating cost per km?
A realistic operating cost per km includes fuel, tolls, maintenance, tyres, insurance and the driver's time. Most owner-operators use a value between 0.80 and 1.20 EUR/km.
Does the planner include tolls and vignettes?
The planner estimates fuel cost. Tolls and vignettes vary by country (Germany, France and Italy charge per km; Austria, Hungary, Romania and others use vignettes) and are not included in the estimate.
How can I find return loads for my route?
Post your route and available capacity for free on the Cargota freight exchange, and shippers or carriers will contact you with return loads for your return trip.
Post your return trip for free Browse available loads