Egg-scape the Easter mayhem with these tips
April 14, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Planning a family getaway this upcoming Easter bank holiday? Hop over the hassle with these traffic and travel tips to keep your sanity intact.
With the Easter bank holiday fast approaching, the RAC warns that it could be the busiest in years, with over 19 million leisure trips expected. That would make it the heaviest travel period since 2022.
Traffic is expected to be heavy on Thursday 17th, Good Friday 18th, and Saturday 19th April, with 2.7 million journeys each day. While numbers dip slightly on Easter Sunday to 2.5 million, they will rise again on Easter Monday as 2.7 million return home ahead of the school term starting the next day.
Another 6.2 million journeys are also expected across the weekend, although many drivers are still undecided on exactly when they鈥檒l travel 鈥 they鈥檙e likely waiting to see how the ever-unpredictable British weather plays out.
Traffic analysts INRIX predict Thursday 17th April will be the busiest day, with 30% more traffic than usual. The worst delays are expected around 11:45am on the M25 anti-clockwise between J7 (Gatwick) and J16 (M40), with over an hour of delays. The M6 north of Chester and M25 clockwise near Godstone could also see severe evening congestion.
On Good Friday, the worst traffic is expected between 11am and 1pm, with drivers advised to travel early or later to avoid delays. Routes to the West Country will be particularly affected, including the A303 westbound near Stonehenge, where delays could reach 43 minutes.
The M5 southbound between J15 (RAC Tower) and J23 (Bridgwater) may see delays of up to 1 hour 20 minutes, more than twice the usual travel time. Both routes are expected to be heavily congested, turning what should be a scenic drive into a slow crawl.
If you鈥檙e returning from the West Country on Easter Monday (21st April), expect severe delays around 2:30pm on the M5 northbound between J25 (Taunton) and J16 (RAC Tower), with up to 58 minutes of hold-ups. The M25 anticlockwise between J4 (Bromley) and the Dartford Crossing will also see lunchtime delays of over 30 minutes.
Here are the best and worst times to drive this Easter bank holiday:
| Date | Worst Times to Travel | Best Times to Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17 April | 2鈥7辫尘 | Before 12pm |
| Good Friday 18 April | 10补尘鈥5辫尘 | Before 10am |
| Saturday 19 April | 11补尘鈥1辫尘 | Before 10:30am, after 2pm |
| Easter Sunday 20 April | 11补尘鈥1辫尘 | After 1pm |
| Easter Monday 21 April | 11补尘鈥6辫尘 | Before 11am |
Table: RAC 鈥 Source: Time recommendations courtesy INRIX; estimated leisure trips data courtesy RAC 鈥 Created with Datawrapper
RAC spokesperson, Alice Simpson, said: 鈥淲hile getaway trips may be shorter, high traffic levels are expected from Thursday, with the busiest Easter getaway in three years. Drivers should plan to travel early or later in the day to avoid the worst congestion, especially to popular destinations like the West Country, Scotland, or Wales.
鈥淭he Easter bank holiday is always a busy time for our patrols, but motorists can often avoid breaking down altogether if they make sure their cars are road-ready before setting off. Book a service or repair now to minimise the chances of a breakdown during your trip.鈥
Tips and tricks for your Easter journey
Here are seven quick tips to help ensure a smoother journey amid the Easter chaos:
Plan your route ahead of time
Use traffic apps or GPS to check real-time traffic conditions. Planning alternate routes can save time if there are unexpected delays. If you have an EV, look up charging points on your route in advance.
Leave early or travel late
If possible, avoid peak travel times. Leaving early in the morning or travelling later in the evening can help you bypass the worst traffic jams.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks
Keep non-perishable snacks and plenty of water in the car, especially if you鈥檙e traveling with kids or pets. This helps avoid unnecessary stops.
Make sure your car is prepared
Before hitting the road, check your car鈥檚 tyre pressure, oil levels, and top off fluids. A quick check can prevent avoidable breakdowns during the journey.
Take regular breaks
To avoid fatigue, take short breaks every couple of hours. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee (or your preferred beverage), and refuel both your body and your car.
Keep an emergency kit handy
Pack essentials such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, phone charger, and jumper cables. It鈥檚 better to be prepared for the unexpected.
Check weather conditions
Easter weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to check weather reports along your route so you鈥檙e prepared for rain, snow, or other conditions that might impact your drive.
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