Fuel prices may be climbing steeply, but it doesn't appear to be deterring UK motorists from making the most of the forthcoming long weekend.
A new study suggests there are nearly 21m journeys planned. Research from the RAC and traffic analytics specialists INRIX indicates there are more than a million additional trips planned this year compared to 2025, with this Easter weekend set to be the most congested on the roads since 2022 - which was the first full getaway following the Covid lockdowns.
RAC data suggests that the worst day for traffic will be Good Friday, April 3, with some 3.3m trips anticipated. More than 2.3m trips are planned on Thursday, April 2, while drivers are expected to make 3m journeys on Saturday, April 4. The number of trips planned dips slightly on Easter Sunday to 2.3m, before climbing once more to a further 3m on bank holiday Monday as travellers head home.
A further 6.7m journeys are expected at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with drivers yet to settle on their precise date of travel. However, with early indications suggesting the weather could warm up in time for the weekend, the number of spontaneous journeys could increase.
On Good Friday, numerous major roads are expected to be congested throughout the day from 10am-7pm. On Saturday, drivers are advised to steer clear of 10am to midday when traffic will be at its peak. The roads are also anticipated to be busy for much of Easter Monday, as families make their way home from their Easter breaks.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: "The Easter bank holiday getaway is traditionally one of the biggest of the year, and 2026 looks no different. In fact, the number of planned leisure journeys by car has risen for the second year running and as a result we expect this to be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, when the country opened up after the Covid lockdown.
"Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it's often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family. While a significant number of drivers are concerned about rising fuel prices, a much smaller contingent are actually changing their plans this Easter as a result. This is despite the cost of filling up a family diesel car increasing by around £19 compared to this time last year, and a tank of petrol being £8 more expensive. In the face of rising prices, we urge everyone to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest forecourts near them.
"We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday when many schools break up. We advise drivers to plan for the best time to travel if they want to avoid significant queues, especially in traffic hotspot areas such as the M5 heading towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25. Congestion is likely to be at its worst from 10am from Thursday to Saturday and on Easter Monday, so leaving early in the morning is the best way to avoid the jams.
"The Easter bank holiday is always a particularly busy period for our patrols, but many breakdowns can be avoided if drivers ensure their vehicles are fully prepared before they travel."
