The RAC has warned there could be long delays as over 30 million cars hit the road as part of the Christmas getaway
The Christmas getaway is about to begin with millions set to travel home for the festive period over the coming days. A total of 37.5 million cars will hit the UK’s roads in the week running up to Christmas, according to the RAC, with drivers warned to expect traffic chaos if they are travelling at peak times.
This year is expected to be the busiest day on the roads around Christmas since records began. The getaway is likely to ramp up after work on Friday, December 19, before roads become busiest on Saturday, December 20 and Christmas Eve.
The RAC has published data showing when it expects the roads to be busiest. Here is what you need to know.
When will the roads be busiest?
Motoring organisation RAC forecasts that Friday, Saturday and Wednesday will see the most cars on the road. The organisation believes that 3.6 million trips will be made in the UK on Friday, 4.1 million on Saturday and 3.5 million on Sunday.
It predicts that there will be a “slight lull in festive trips” at the beginning of the week with only 3.1 million and three million journeys planned on Monday and Tuesday. But volumes of traffic could be the highest since Covid on Christmas Eve, with 4.2 million journeys planned.
Leisure trips by car show no sign of easing on the Christmas bank holidays either, although the absence of regular commuter traffic and heavy goods vehicles should make journeys easier.
Drivers are expecting to make 4.7 million journeys to see friends and family on Christmas Day, 4.6 million on Boxing Day and 4.1 million on December 27 as they travel home or continue their celebrations elsewhere.
When are the worst times to travel?
Analytics experts INRIX said there will be lengthy delays at peak times as the traffic ramps up from Friday. It warns that M4 eastbound from Newport and the Brynglas Tunnels towards the Prince of Wales Bridge into England could be pinch points.
Outside Wales, queues are expected on the M25 clockwise around London, as well as on the M60 around Manchester and the M62 for Leeds.
On the two busiest days over the getaway period – Saturday and Christmas Eve – the RAC and INRIX are advising drivers to expect lengthy delays on major roads between 1pm and 7pm, when most journeys will be made. On Christmas Eve, RAC said drivers should get on the road before 11am to avoid the worst queues.
On Saturday, peak travel times are predicted to be between 12pm and 7pm, with the RAC advising motorists to travel before 12pm. It’s expected to be a similar picture on Sunday, but the RAC say drivers should aim to travel before 10am.
On Monday, the best travel time is predicted to be after 5pm, while an early start will be better on Tuesday – before 10am.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With record numbers predicted to be taking to the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to be ‘Grinch-worthy’ without some careful planning.
“The week before Christmas is one of the few times of year when most of the UK hits the road simultaneously, with 2025 looking to be the busiest getaway period since our records began.
“‘Snarl-up Saturday’ will be especially busy amid journeys home and the final weekend for gift shopping, but it’s midweek Christmas Eve that takes the top spot, suggesting many drivers are saving their precious annual leave and making getaway journeys at the very last moment.
“This year motorists tell us the reliability and convenience of the car, the practicality of transporting passengers, presents and luggage, and the cost compared to catching trains or coaches are the main reasons for driving rather than using any alternative form of transport.
“Seasonal issues are also a factor in the decision, like fears about public transport being delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or engineering works.
“Perhaps more so than at any other time of year, festive journeys really matter to people – and with so many of us relying on our cars, it’s vital we make sure they’re ready for the road.
“Drivers can avoid a breakdown by checking their vehicles have enough oil and coolant, and that tyres are free of damage and inflated properly.
“If you realise your car needs something fixed before you travel, don’t hesitate to book an RAC mobile servicing and repair technician to repair any issues on your driveway.
“Then, to avoid traffic eating into festive fun with family and friends, make your journeys as early in the day as possible, or later in the evening once commuter trips have subsided.”
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