Christmas 2024 traffic - best and worst times to travel by car

Travelling over the Christmas  period? Here are the best and worst times to travel by car - don't leave home over the festive season for 2024/25. 

The RAC working with traffic data experts Inrix, has released it’s annual predictions for when the worst traffic delays are expected to hit as drivers hit the road for the Christmas getaway and final commutes of the year. Here motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden takes a look at their findings.

The RAC and Inrix have predicted the time and date of the worst delays expected over Christmas for drivers. (Credit: PixabayAn estimated 29.3 million Christmas getaway journeys will be made by drivers this festive season – the highest number since 2013. According to new data from the RAC and INRIX, nearly half of these trips (14.3 million) will occur this coming weekend, making it one of the busiest periods on the roads.

When are the best and worst times to drive over Christmas 2024?

Date	Leisure trips by car	Worst times to travel	Best times to travel
Wed 18 Dec 2024	3,055,771	1pm to 6pm	After 6pm
Thu 19 Dec 2024	2,619,232	8am to 6pm	After 6pm
Fri 20 Dec 2024	2,988,611	2pm to 7pm	After 7pm
Sat 21 Dec 2024	3,727,369	1pm to 6pm	Before 1pm
Sun 22 Dec 2024	2,921,451	8am to 11am	After 6pm
Mon 23 Dec 2024	3,055,771	10am to 4pm	After 4pm
Tue 24 Dec 2024	3,760,949	10am to 4pm	After 4pm

Why traffic will surge over Christmas?

With Christmas falling mid-week on Wednesday, December 25th, the holiday rush is spread across multiple days. This has led to an extended period of “pre-Christmas panic” on the roads. Key trends include:

• 5.7 million trips are expected on Wednesday, December 18th, and Thursday, December 19th.
• The festive getaway officially kicks off on Friday, December 20th, with 3 million trips.
• Traffic peaks on ‘Snarl-up Saturday,’ December 21st, with 3.7 million journeys.
• Sunday, December 22nd, will see 2.9 million trips, but an additional 4.7 million motorists remain undecided on their travel day.

Christmas Eve: The busiest day on the roads

The single busiest travel day is predicted to be Christmas Eve, December 24th, with 3.8 million separate journeys. This is nearly 800,000 more trips than the day before, December 23rd (3 million trips). Adding to the congestion are 2.5 million drivers who plan to travel on either the 23rd or 24th.

---

Where and when to expect the worst delays

Data from INRIX highlights potential traffic hotspots and peak congestion times:

Traffic hotspots

• M3 (Surrey and Hampshire): Expect delays of 45 minutes or more on Friday evening. The stretch between the M25 (West London) and the South Coast will be particularly affected.
• M25 (Anticlockwise): Congestion is likely from the junction with the M1 near Watford to the M23 for Gatwick Airport.
• M53 Northbound: Delays will be heavy between Chester and Liverpool during Friday home-time traffic as commuters share the road with holiday travellers.

Worst Times to Travel

• ‘Frantic Friday’ and ‘Snarl-up Saturday’ (Dec 20-21): Traffic will be heaviest between 1pm and 7pm.
• Post-Christmas (Dec 26-27): Avoid travelling between 10am and 3pm on Boxing Day and Friday, December 27th, when roads will be busiest.

Best Advice: Set off early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst jams.

---

Post-Christmas travel chaos

The festive traffic doesn’t end on Christmas Day. Over 4.4 million trips are expected on Boxing Day, while another 3.8 million trips are predicted for Friday, December 27th. With major rail engineering works planned over the holidays, roads near key cities will face additional pressure:

• London: Railway disruptions at Liverpool Street, Paddington, and St Pancras.
• Cheshire and Cambridge: Major signalling work in Crewe and Cambridge will cause delays across the North West and East of England.

Will toll roads, bridges and congestions zones be free on Christmas Day?

With many people travelling to unfamiliar destinations over Christmas as they visit family and friends, many people could be hit with shock charges for the likes of the Dartford Crossing and Bristol Clean Air Zone. Find out if you need to pay this Christmas with our list here. 

London Congestion Zone and ULEZ

Dartford Crossing

Tamar Bridge

Itchen Bridge, Southampton

Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Oxford ZEZ

Do I pay the ULEZ at London Airports

M6 Toll Road

Tyne Tunnel

---

Why we prefer cars over public transport

The RAC surveyed drivers to understand why they favour using cars for festive travel:

• 53%: Cars offer more flexibility and convenience.
• 35%: Journeys would take too long on public transport.
• 34%: Travelling with family or luggage makes public transport impractical.
• 31%: Driving is cheaper than public transport.
• 12%: Concerns about weather-related delays or cancellations.

---

Expert travel tips for a smooth journey for Christmas 2024

RAC Breakdown Advice

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson warns: “‘Snarl-up Saturday’ and Christmas Eve look particularly challenging. Travelling outside peak hours might be the best way to avoid the jams.”

To ensure your car is road-ready:

• Check tyres, oil, coolant, and screenwash levels.
• Book an appointment with an RAC Mobile Mechanic if unsure about your vehicle’s condition.

Port of Dover Travel Tips

Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, advises:

• Arrive no earlier than two hours before your ferry crossing.
• Expect peak traffic between 6am and 1pm from Friday, December 20th, to Sunday, December 22nd.
• Operation Brock will be in place on the M20 to keep traffic flowing.

National Highways Advice

Andrew Butterfield, National Highways Customer Service Director, recommends:

• Use the acronym TRIP to check Tyres, coolant, and oil levels before setting off.
• Plan ahead, as recent storms may cause further disruptions.

---

Plan ahead and avoid stress

With millions of holidaymakers expected to hit the roads this Christmas, planning your travel carefully is essential. Bob Pishue, Transportation Analyst at INRIX, says: “Drivers should expect delays in major cities. Use navigation apps like the myRAC app to find the best routes and avoid the worst traffic.”

By travelling during off-peak hours, checking your vehicle in advance, and staying informed of roadworks and rail disruptions, you can enjoy a smoother, stress-free Christmas journey.

---

Safe travels and have a great Christmas from all at Petebarden.co.uk/news

 

See our privacy page here