Easter Travel Guide

The great Easter getaway is almost here and the RAC are predicting there will be almost 21 million journeys taking place over the weekend - the busiest on the roads since 2022.

According to the BBC news report, congestion is likely to be at its worst from 10am each day between Thursday and Saturday, and on Easter Monday, with the following expected to be the busiest:

Good Friday (Friday 3 April) - 3.3 million trips.

RAC data presented by the Mirror also suggests the following number of journeys per day over the Easter weekend:

Maundy Thursday (2 April) – 2.3 million.
Easter Saturday (4 April) – 3 million.
Easter Sunday (5 April) – 2.3 million.
Easter Monday (6 April) – 3 million.

There is some public transport work planned which could also add more cars to the roads, with the following train lines being affected:

London Euston to Milton Keynes.
Preston to Carlisle.
Carlisle to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.
London Waterloo to Clapham Junction and around Winchester.
Margate to Herne Bay and Ramsgate.

Where will the most traffic be over Easter?

According to RAC Mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin, the following roads are set to be traffic hotspots over the Easter weekend:

M5 heading towards Devon and Cornwall.
M25.

Haven’t decided where you’re going yet? Take a look at our Easter holiday ideas.

Want a day out around your area? Use our Microadventures Generator:

All set to go and want to keep the whole family entertained during the journey. We’ve put together a list of family games to play in the car.

Preparing your car for your Easter holiday

The RAC’s poll found a quarter of drivers admitting to suffering a vehicle breakdown while on holiday with the following being the most common issues:

Punctured tyres
Alternator or starter motor problem
Engine overheating
Clutch problem
Electronic Control Unit problem

With this in mind, it’s important to make all your basic vehicle checks before you head off on your travels, paying particular attention to any outstanding MOT advisories. The following checks can help your journey go more smoothly.

Fuel level – Will you have enough petrol in the tank to get to your destination? Maybe make note of petrol stations along the way in case you do have to stop unexpectedly.
Tyres – Is your tread depth up to the minimum legal standard? Resolve this before your drive to potentially help avoid punctures.
Fluids – Check your oil and coolant levels to help stop your car from overheating.
Warning lights – Are any of them on? Check out our What do your dashboard lights mean? blog post to find out what they could be indicating.
Headlights – Check all your lights are working ahead of the Easter break and change the bulbs if needed.
Battery – Check your battery is not flat.

If anything is causing you concern, get it checked over by a professional.

Any more travel tips this Easter?

Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and avoid peak times for travelling.
Check Google Maps and local traffic forecasts before setting off.
Pack plenty of snacks, drinks and warm clothing in case you do find yourself in traffic or breaking down.
You can share the drive if you get tired. One of your passengers can take the wheel with temporary car insurance– and with Tempcover, you can get a quote in 2 minutes and be back on the road in next to no time.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/easter-traffic/

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/easter-holiday-travel-delays-trains-flights-roads-ferries-b2725240.html

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/easter-bank-holiday/

https://inrix.com/press-releases/more-than-20-million-cars-will-hit-uk-roads-over-easter-maundy-thursday-set-to-be-the-busiest-day/

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/366410/easter-holiday-traffic-predictions-are-no-yoke

https://www.motortradenews.com/news/easter-exodus-to-bring-21-million-car-journeys-as-rac-warns-of-breakdown-risks/

Easter bank holiday set to be busiest on roads in four years - BBC News

Exact days and times to expect traffic jams this Easter weekend - The Mirror

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Easter Holidays in 2025 will be from Saturday 4 to Monday 21 April, with the Easter Weekend taking place from Friday 18 April (Good Friday) to Monday 21 April (Easter Monday).

This will be down to personal preference but, according to The RAC and Inrix, the busiest days over the general school holidays are expected to be Friday 4 April, Saturday 5 April and the Easter weekend itself. If you are driving over these days, either leave outside peak traffic times or prepare for delays.

Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) is often the busiest Easter travel day, with many choosing car getaways, leading to crowded roads. Consider arranging temporary car insurance for unexpected incidents, providing peace of mind during your journey. Always check traffic updates before departure to avoid peak times and ensure a safe trip.

Good Friday often experiences extended traffic delays, especially between 11am-1pm. To avoid peak times, it's advised to plan your journey accordingly. Travelling early morning or delaying until later in the afternoon can help you avoid severe congestion.

Your Easter weekend journey's optimal start time depends on your destination and drive length. Peak traffic usually occurs from 10am to 2pm, so consider leaving after 5pm to avoid congestion. Remember, travel conditions can fluctuate, so always check the latest traffic updates before departure.

Good Friday marks the start of the Easter weekend, a popular time for UK residents to travel for short breaks or family visits, often resulting in congested roads and longer journey times. To ensure a smooth journey during this busy period, it's advisable to plan ahead, allocate extra travel time, and consider temporary car insurance for additional drivers. Preparation is crucial.

UK roads are typically less congested on Mondays and Fridays, with Thursdays being the busiest. If you're planning a trip or using temporary car insurance, consider travelling on these quieter days for a smoother drive. However, traffic can vary by location and other factors, so always check the latest traffic reports before setting off.

Related tags:

Driving AdviceTemporary Car InsuranceTempcover

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Easter Travel Guide

When is the best time to travel over Easter?

Where will the most traffic be over Easter?

Preparing your car for your Easter holiday

Any more travel tips this Easter?

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Easter 2025?

When is the best time to travel over Easter?

What is the busiest travel day around Easter?

Is Good Friday bad for traffic?

What is the best time to drive on Easter weekend?

Is Good Friday a heavy travel day?

What is the least busiest day of the week on the road?

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