New forecasts suggest the UK Christmas getaway could be the busiest on record, with millions of drivers travelling at the same time and long delays expected on major routes.
From Frantic Friday to Snarl-up Saturday, here’s what you need to know and how to prepare so you’re not left stuck in festive gridlock.
UK Christmas Traffic Set to Break Records
Motoring organisations are warning that Christmas traffic in the UK will reach unprecedented levels this year.
- The RAC expects 37.5 million car journeys in the week leading up to Christmas Day, the highest figure since records began in 2013.
- That’s around eight million more journeys than last year.
- With Christmas falling mid-week, travel will be spread out, but congestion will still peak on certain days.
In short: UK roads will be extremely busy, especially in the days just before Christmas.
The Worst Days to Travel This Christmas
‘Frantic Friday’ – 19 December
This is expected to be one of the most congested days of the year.
- Over 24 million cars predicted on the roads
- 72% of drivers planning to travel
- Amber traffic warning issued by the AA
Expect a messy mix of commuters and festive travellers all travelling at once.
‘Snarl-up Saturday’ – 20 December
According to the RAC, this is likely to be the single worst day for traffic, with heavy delays across major roads between 11am and 7pm.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is forecast to see the highest level of leisure traffic since Covid, as last-minute shoppers and family visitors pile onto the roads.
Where Will Traffic Be Worst?
Key UK Traffic Hotspots
Transport analysts have highlighted several areas where delays of 30 minutes or more are likely:
M25
- Clockwise: J15 (M4) to J19 (Watford)
- Anticlockwise: Kingston to East Grinstead
M60 (Manchester)
- Clockwise from J7 (Altrincham) to J18 (M62 Leeds)
M4 in South Wales
- Eastbound from Newport
- Delays expected near the Brynglas Tunnels and Prince of Wales Bridge
Port of Dover
Nearly 30,000 cars are expected to travel to Europe over the Christmas period, with the busiest times between 6am and 1pm from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December.
Extra Pressure from Rail Disruption
Road congestion could be made worse by planned rail engineering works:
- No trains from London Liverpool Street or London Waterloo on 27 December
- Disruption between Cambridge and Stansted Airport
- Bus replacements in parts of Scotland from 27 December to New Year’s Eve
With fewer rail options, even more people may choose to drive.
How to Avoid the Worst of the Christmas Gridlock
Best Times to Travel
- Early morning or late evening
- Avoid 11am–7pm, when most journeys take place
Before You Set Off
- Check live traffic updates and weather forecasts
- Plan alternative routes in advance
- Allow extra time — more than you think you’ll need
Vehicle Checks Matter
The AA advises drivers to:
- Check tyres, oil, lights and screenwash
- Top up fuel or fully charge EVs
- Carry essentials for winter driving
This is especially important for fleet drivers and anyone covering long distances.
How Fleet Service GB (FSGB) Can Help This Christmas
For businesses running vehicles over the festive period, breakdowns and delays don’t just ruin Christmas plans, they cost money.
Fleet Service GB (FSGB) supports fleets of all sizes with:
- Nationwide vehicle maintenance and repairs
- Breakdown and recovery coordination
- Compliance support and servicing schedules
- Driver support when things go wrong on the road
At one of the busiest travel periods of the year, FSGB helps keep vehicles road-ready, safe and compliant, reducing downtime when traffic is already at breaking point.
If your drivers must travel during peak Christmas congestion, having expert fleet support in place can make all the difference.
FAQs About UK Christmas Traffic
Why is UK Christmas traffic so bad this year?
Record journey numbers, Christmas falling mid-week, rail disruption and increased leisure travel have all combined to create unprecedented congestion.
What is the worst day to drive before Christmas?
Saturday 20 December is expected to be the worst overall, while Friday 19 December will see extreme congestion due to commuter and holiday traffic overlapping.
What are the best times to travel at Christmas?
Travelling early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoiding 11am–7pm, can help reduce delays.
Which UK roads should I avoid at Christmas?
The M25, M60, M4 in South Wales, and routes around the Port of Dover are expected to be especially busy.
FAQs About Fleet Service GB (FSGB)
What does Fleet Service GB do?
Fleet Service GB provides fleet maintenance, repair management, breakdown support and compliance services for businesses across the UK.
Who uses FSGB?
FSGB works with small, medium and large fleets, including vans, cars and mixed vehicle operations.
How can FSGB help during busy travel periods like Christmas?
FSGB helps reduce downtime through proactive maintenance, fast response to breakdowns and nationwide repair coverage, crucial when traffic delays are already unavoidable.
Does FSGB support drivers on the road?
Yes. FSGB offers driver support and coordination, helping resolve issues quickly and safely wherever vehicles are operating.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, UK roads are set to be busier than ever. Whether you’re driving to see family or managing a fleet that can’t stop for the holidays, planning ahead is key.
Avoid peak times, prepare your vehicle properly, and if you’re responsible for fleet operations, make sure you’ve got expert support in place. With the right preparation and help from partners like Fleet Service GB, you can keep moving, even when the roads are packed.
