Bank holiday traffic

It’s almost time for the big Bank Holiday getaway. Where are you planning to go?

Of course, with an extra day off work, the summer holidays and some major festivals (Reading, Leeds, Carfest in Silverstone and Victorious in Portsmouth, we’re looking at you) taking place, the roads are set to be busy.

But where are the traffic hotspots likely to be and how can you avoid sitting in unwanted queues? We’ve looked back at data from the past few years to highlight some busy routes and offer advice on how to manage your journey.

When is traffic set to be worst over the bank holiday?

In recent years, Fleet News reported that there would be 17.6 million leisure journeys taking place over the bank holiday weekend. Based on analysis by RAC and Inrix, the report highlighted the following times as the peak for traffic - and it’s likely to be the same in 2026:

• Friday 28 August (afternoon)
• Saturday 29 August (morning)

What tend to be the most congested routes in the UK?

Any road that heads to a common staycation destination or major event is likely to be busy over the bank holiday weekend. This is in addition to those motorways and A roads that already head to some of Britain’s busiest cities:

• M5 - Heading from the Midlands to Devon, this 163-mile-long motorway heads past destinations including Cheltenham, Bristol (crossing the M4) and Taunton.
• M25 - A ring road around London, which hosts the Notting Hill Carnival from 29-31 August (it’s the 60th anniversary this year), the M25 is notoriously busy at the best of times.
• A30 - Cornwall is an ever-popular destination and the sheer number of cars on the road over the summer and bank holiday inevitably leads to delays and congestion.
• M6 - From the Midlands up to Scotland, this motorway can have severe delays - especially around the Lake District.
• A303 - Whether it’s slowing down to gawp at Stonehenge or heading to or from London or the South West, this renowned road always seems to be busy but sometimes peaks over a bank holiday.

How to avoid the worst of the bank holiday traffic

Preparation is key if you want to beat the queues and enjoy a smoother, hopefully faster journey.

• Leave earlier or later - Most people will leave in the morning of their trip. You could try setting your alarm clock for that little bit earlier and leaving at dawn or, if circumstances allow, head off in the evening. Maybe stop off for a day trip en route?
• Head off the night before - If finances allow, you could try booking an extra night at your accommodation or find a hotel nearby so you’re refreshed and ready to go the following morning.
• Plan an alternative route - Worried about being stuck in traffic for too long? Spend some time researching other routes that will help you get where you need to go.
• Follow your traffic apps - Many apps now provide real-time updates on traffic routes so you can change your plans while you’re on the journey.

What are common causes for breaking down in traffic?

• Flat tyres - Check your tyre tread depth before setting off on any long journey.
• Overheating - Have you checked your fluids? Make sure your oil, coolant and water have all been topped off before starting the car.
• Flat batteries - Engine struggling to start or lights flickering? Dashboard symbol lighting up. Don’t set off until your battery is charged.

If you're sharing the drive, are you both covered?

A bank holiday road trip can be a lot more enjoyable (and comfortable) when you share the driving. This way, you can take turns being in charge of the playlist and snacks or keeping the kids entertained while someone else takes the wheel. It also saves you both from driving too tired at the wheel.

Enjoy extra peace of mind when you take out temporary car insurance. It’s flexible so you’ll only pay one fee for the time you need, and comes comprehensive as standard.

Sources

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/rac-issues-august-bank-holiday-traffic-warning

https://www.teletracnavman.co.uk/resources/blog/august-bank-holiday-traffic-hotspots-to-watch

https://www.sussextaxis.co.uk/blog/august-bank-holiday-2026-gatwick-travel-guide-sussex/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/how-to-avoid-the-bank-holiday-travel-chaos/

https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/plan-pack-prepare

https://inrix.com/press-releases/more-than-14m-cars-expected-to-getaway-for-august-bank-holiday/