UK drivers are gearing up for what’s expected to be the busiest Easter Bank Holiday in four years, with a staggering 22 million leisure trips planned. Despite diesel prices rising by nearly £19 per tank, major motorways like the M25 and M1 are predicted to face serious Easter traffic jams in 2026, especially on Thursday.
Easter traffic chaos: UK drivers warned of 22 million trips
Key facts
- Around 22 million leisure trips are expected on UK roads this Easter Bank Holiday.
- It now costs drivers about £19 more to fill a standard 55-litre diesel tank than last year.
- 1,500 miles of roadworks will be lifted by National Highways to help ease queues.
- London Euston station will close for ten days, disrupting the West Coast Main Line.
- The M25, M1, and M5 are tipped to be the worst-affected routes this weekend.
If you’re planning to hit the road this Easter, brace yourself; Britain is about to experience its busiest Bank Holiday getaway since 2020. With an estimated 22 million trips planned, major routes are expected to grind to a halt as the nation embarks on a long weekend escape after months of wet, wintry weather.
Rising fuel prices failing to stop drivers
Despite fuel price pain at the pumps, UK motorists are showing no signs of staying home. Global oil prices have climbed to around £90 per barrel, pushing up costs at forecourts nationwide. Filling a 55-litre diesel car now costs almost £20 more than it did last Easter weekend.
Petrol drivers aren’t escaping unscathed either – a full tank now sets them back roughly £8 more than in 2023. Even so, a recent survey found 94% of drivers still intend to travel over the long weekend. Only 6% said they’re considering staying put, meaning packed roads are practically guaranteed.
Traffic experts are urging motorists to leave before 10am on Thursday, as delays are expected to build rapidly from late morning onwards.
UK’s busiest motorways revealed – avoid these if you can
To ease congestion, National Highways is lifting 1,500 miles of roadworks, but with millions of journeys planned, that relief may be short-lived. Thursday alone is expected to see nearly 22 million car trips, making it the worst day for delays.
Among the top traffic hotspots:
- M25 clockwise (Junctions 15–19) – predicted to be one of the worst in the country.
- M1 southbound from Junction 16 – expect crawl-speed conditions.
- M5 between Junctions 15–23 – the main route to the South West will be packed.
- M4 westbound and M40 northbound – likely to face heavy afternoon congestion.
RAC’s latest Easter travel advice warns that long queues and stop-start traffic will be unavoidable on these key stretches.
Rail disruptions set to push more travellers onto the roads
The Easter getaway isn’t just a road story. Travelling by train won’t be easy either, as London Euston station will close for ten days due to engineering works on the West Coast Main Line.
From Good Friday, no services will run between Euston and Milton Keynes, forcing many travellers to find alternatives. This rail disruption will likely worsen the Easter weekend road congestion, especially for drivers heading to and from London and the Midlands.
Expert travel advice: Stay safe and stress-free
Before setting off, experts recommend a quick FLOWER check – Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, and Rubber (tyres). It takes just a few minutes but could save you from breaking down on a packed motorway.
With airports like Heathrow and Gatwick expecting record numbers, nearby roads will also be under pressure. So, if you’re heading away this Easter, your best move is simple: pack snacks and water, set off early, and keep an eye on your fuel levels.
Being prepared and planning ahead could be the difference between a smooth journey and a standstill this Easter weekend.