Key Takeaways:
- 21.7 million car journeys are expected in the UK this Easter, despite fuel prices surging by up to 29%.
- Travelers to the EU face potential two-hour border delays due to the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Filling up in the UK before crossing to France or the Netherlands is strongly advised, as fuel is significantly cheaper.
- Major motorways like the M6, M25, and M5 are predicted congestion hotspots.
Easter Exodus Defies Soaring Fuel Costs
Despite a sharp spike in fuel prices, millions of UK motorists are hitting the roads for the Easter break. The AA estimates a staggering 21.7 million car journeys were planned for Thursday alone, based on a pre-conflict survey. This surge comes as the RAC predicts the busiest Easter roads since 2022.
The cost of filling up has escalated dramatically. Since late February, the average price of diesel has risen by 29% to 184.2p per litre, while petrol has increased by 16% to 153.7p. This surge is directly linked to rising oil prices, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting tanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
“For those driving on the continent this Easter it is a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. If pump prices are high here – and indeed they are – then in many parts of Europe they have gone through the roof.” – Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation.
Smart Refuelling: A Key Cost-Saving Tip
For drivers planning to cross the Channel, a simple piece of advice could save significant money: refuel before leaving the UK. Analysis shows fuel is considerably more expensive in many popular European destinations.
- Petrol in France averages £1.71 per litre, 25p more than the UK.
- The Netherlands charges a staggering 203p per litre for petrol.
- Diesel in France is 13p per litre more expensive, while in the Netherlands it's 44p more.
This price disparity makes a UK fuel stop a financially savvy first step for any continental road trip.
Navigating Congestion and Roadworks
Most Easter journeys are expected to be relatively short, with over half of travelers covering under 50 miles. To ease the flow, National Highways will suspend 1,500 miles of roadworks across England's major routes from Thursday through Easter Monday.
Drivers should still prepare for delays at known congestion hotspots, including:
- The M6 through Birmingham and north towards Blackpool.
- The M25 between the M23 and M40.
- The M5 around Bristol and into the South West.
- The A303 in Wiltshire.
- The M4 in South Wales.
The New EU Border Reality: Lengthy Delays Expected
For the estimated two million UK holidaymakers traveling abroad this weekend, a new challenge awaits at EU borders. The long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) is being ramped up, and its impact is already being felt.
The EES is a digital border system for the Schengen Area. It requires travelers from non-EU countries, like the UK, to register their fingerprints and a facial photograph upon first entry. This extra layer of biometric checks is causing significant bottlenecks.
Airports Council International reports a "continued deterioration in waiting times," with queues regularly reaching two hours during peak times at some European airports. This represents a major shift for UK travelers post-Brexit, adding a tangible friction to what was once a seamless border crossing.
A Busy Period for All Transport Modes
The travel surge isn't limited to roads. EasyJet is preparing for its busiest Easter ever, with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school break. Meanwhile, rail travelers face their own disruptions, with Network Rail undertaking over 270 upgrade projects. A significant six-day shutdown on the West Coast Main Line will suspend all intercity services between London Euston and Milton Keynes starting on Good Friday.
This Easter presents a perfect storm for travelers: high costs on the road and new procedural delays at the border. Planning, patience, and a full tank of UK fuel will be essential for a smoother journey.