If you're planning a weekend escape for the late May bank holiday, brace yourself – the roads are going to be packed. Around 18 million trips are expected between Friday and Monday, meaning queues, delays, and diversions are all on the cards.
According to the RAC and traffic data firm INRIX, Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May will be especially brutal, with over 3.4 million journeys expected each day. It’s the perfect storm: school half-term kicks off, people start their holidays, and everyone seems to be driving at the same time.
When to not travel
Peak travel times? Between 5am and midday – when nearly 7 in 10 drivers say they'll hit the road. So, unless you love crawling through traffic, aim to travel either super early or later in the evening.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Date | Worst time to travel | Best time to travel |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 23 May | 10am – 8pm | Before 2pm |
| Saturday 24 May | 9am – 4pm | After 5pm |
| Sunday 25 May | 11am – 2pm | Before 11am |
| Bank Holiday Monday | 11am – 6pm | Before 11am |
Traffic hotspots to avoid
The M25 is likely to be a nightmare – again. On Friday, the anticlockwise stretch near the Dartford Crossing could see delays of up to 45 minutes around lunchtime. Later, the bit between Cobham (J10) and Clacket Lane (J6) is predicted to run over 30 minutes slower than usual.
If you're heading to the South West on Saturday, prepare for jams on:
- The A30 near Okehampton
- The M5 southbound towards Bridgwater
- The A303 past Stonehenge (classic)
And don’t think the journey home will be any better – Friday 30 May is expected to see return trip delays of over 30%.
How to make it less painful
To keep the stress levels down (and avoid roasting in a queue), follow these tips:
- Travel super early or after dinner
- Check your car before you leave – oil, coolant, tyre pressure, warning lights – the basics
- Pack smart: Water, snacks, jump leads, torch, suncream, umbrella and a first aid kit
RAC mechanic Aaron Bryan puts it simply: “Always check oil, coolant, tyres and warning lights before setting off.”
“A breakdown is never fun, but being stuck in traffic in the heat makes it even worse."
Places like Devon and Cornwall are still top picks for bank holiday getaways, so coastal routes – especially in the South East – will be just as clogged on the way back.
Whether you’re off to the beach, a festival, or just want a few days away from your routine, do your future self a favour and plan your journey smartly. A bit of prep now could save you hours of frustration later.
