If you're heading out this weekend, brace yourself — roads and railways are going to be packed. Travel experts are warning that this Friday (May 2) will be the busiest day to drive, with millions of people making early getaways for the May Day bank holiday.
Here’s the deal:
- Friday afternoon and evening will be the worst for traffic. If you can, hit the road before 10am to avoid getting stuck in gridlock.
- If you’re travelling Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, your best bet is to drive before 11am or after 3pm.
The RAC says 17 million leisure trips are expected between Friday and Monday — that's a million more than usual.
Worst Roads to Avoid:
- A720 Edinburgh bypass (towards Dreghorn)
- M25 clockwise from South Mimms to Essex (40-minute delays expected from 4pm Friday)
- M5 southbound between Bristol (J15) and Bridgwater (J23) — delays from 7pm Friday
Rail Disruption Hotspots:
- London Euston: No trains Sunday & Monday; bus replacements from Milton Keynes south
- London Victoria: No Southeastern trains Sat & Sun; Southern trains also limited
- Carlisle–Glasgow: Buses replacing trains all weekend
- Carlisle–Edinburgh/Dumfries: Buses replacing trains Sat & Sun
TfL Disruptions:
- Bakerloo line: No service Queen’s Park ↔ Harrow & Wealdstone (Sun & Mon)
- Circle line: No service Edgware Rd ↔ Tower Hill via Victoria (Sat & Sun)
- District line: No service Edgware Rd/Embankment ↔ West London (Sat & Sun)
- DLR: No service Westferry ↔ Lewisham and Stratford Intl ↔ Canning Town (Sat–Mon)
- Elizabeth line: No Paddington ↔ Ealing Broadway until 7:45am Sunday
- Overground lines (Lioness, Suffragette, Windrush): All disrupted Sunday & Monday
Why’s Everyone Travelling?
According to a survey:
- 34% are going to see friends or family
- 17% are shopping or running errands
- 10% are going on a short break
So yeah, expect busy roads and long queues — especially Friday. If you’re driving, check your car’s oil, tyres, coolant, and screenwash before you go. And if you’re using public transport, definitely check for service changes first.
