22 Million Cars Expected on UK Roads as Easter Travel Starts
Motorists are heading out as around 22 million cars are expected on UK roads over the Easter holiday. The AA estimated 21.7 million journeys would take place on Thursday alone. That figure came from a survey of more than 13,000 members conducted between March 13 and March 19.
Traffic outlook and likely congestion
The RAC warned this Easter could be the busiest since 2022. Most planned trips are short. The AA found 53% of drivers expect to travel under 50 miles.
Only 5% plan journeys of 50 to 100 miles. About 1% expect trips between 100 and 200 miles. Fewer than 1% plan more than 200 miles.
Common trip reasons and hotspots
Visiting family and friends is the most frequent reason for road travel. Work and shopping are also common.
- M6 through Birmingham and north towards Blackpool
- M25 between the M23 and M40
- M5 around Bristol and into the South West
- A303 in Wiltshire
- M4 in South Wales
National Highways will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks on motorways and major A roads in England. The removals will run from Thursday through Easter Monday.
Fuel prices and cross‑channel comparisons
Oil price rises, linked to Iran’s increased control over tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed wholesale fuel costs up. The RAC reported retail fuel increases since the conflict escalated on February 28.
The average UK diesel price on a recent Wednesday was 184.2p per litre. That was 29% higher than before the conflict. Average petrol was 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16%.
| Country | Petrol (p per litre) | Diesel (p per litre) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 146 | 170 |
| France | 171 | 183 |
| Netherlands | 203 | 214 |
| Germany | 180 | — |
| Belgium | 156 | — |
The RAC Foundation’s analysis of European Commission data showed many continental forecourts charge more than UK stations. Drivers heading to Europe were advised to refuel before leaving the UK. The foundation suggested filling up at Dover could be cheaper than refuelling in Calais.
Outbound travel, borders and airports
Trade body Abta estimated about two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday. Airports and governments are preparing for heavy passenger flows.
The EU’s Entry Exit System will register fingerprints and photos of third‑country travellers entering the Schengen Area. Airports Council International said border waiting times have deteriorated. Delays regularly reach up to two hours at peak times, the body warned.
EasyJet expects a busy break. The airline planned up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two‑week school holiday.
Rail engineering and planned shutdowns
Network Rail will carry out more than 270 upgrade projects across Britain over Easter. Thousands of train journeys face disruption as a result.
A six‑day closure of the West Coast Main Line starts on Good Friday. No intercity services will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes during that period.
Filmogaz.com advises drivers to plan routes and check fuel and border conditions before departure. Short trips dominate, but local hotspots and travel disruptions could still cause delays during Easter travel.
