UK drivers are heading into a difficult early May bank holiday weekend, with the RAC forecasting more than 19 million leisure car journeys and warning that several major routes could face long delays.
The motoring group expects this to be the busiest May bank holiday period for car travel since 2016, as families, day-trippers and holidaymakers take advantage of the long weekend despite higher fuel costs and a less settled weather outlook.
Friday is expected to bring the first wave of pressure, with getaway traffic mixing with school runs and regular commuter journeys. But the heaviest congestion is likely to arrive late on Saturday morning, when many drivers are expected to begin day trips or short breaks.
The M5 between Bristol and Taunton has been flagged as one of the likely pinch points, particularly for motorists travelling towards Devon and Cornwall. Roads serving airports, coastal towns and popular countryside destinations may also become busier than usual as holiday traffic builds.
RAC research suggests almost 40% of drivers are planning either a day trip or an overnight stay during the bank holiday weekend. That points to strong demand for short domestic breaks, even as petrol and diesel prices remain a concern for household budgets.
Only 6% of surveyed drivers said the recent rise in pump prices had put them off travelling. Fuel costs have climbed amid renewed concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East, but the RAC figures suggest most planned journeys are still going ahead.
The weather could add another layer of uncertainty. After several days of sunshine across much of the country, heavier rain is expected in parts of the UK during the long weekend. That may lead some people to change plans, but it could also slow traffic where wet roads reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
For more updates on major UK developments, transport alerts and public travel advisories, readers can also explore our latest UK news coverage, where similar high-impact stories are tracked throughout the week.
Rail works add pressure to bank holiday travel
Roads will not be the only pressure point. Rail passengers are also being urged to check before travelling, as engineering works are scheduled across several parts of the network.
Network Rail has said most of Britain’s railway will operate as normal, but some major exceptions will affect long-distance and regional journeys.
One of the biggest disruptions will be on the East Coast Main Line, where the section between York and Darlington is due to close for three days from Saturday. The work is expected to add significant time to journeys between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Services from London Euston towards the Midlands and the north will also be affected, with passengers facing slightly fewer and slower trains over the weekend.
Liverpool Lime Street station is scheduled to close throughout Sunday and remain shut until midday on Monday. In London, Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will also close during the same period, affecting passengers moving in and around the capital.
Further disruption is expected around Bath Spa, Huddersfield and Ely, where engineering works may lead to longer journeys, timetable changes or replacement transport.
Anit Chandarana, a group director at Network Rail, said bank holidays remain among the least busy periods for passenger and freight services, making them a practical window for major railway work, even though disruption can still be frustrating for travellers.
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How travellers can reduce delays
For motorists, timing will be crucial. Leaving outside the busiest windows, especially late Saturday morning, may help avoid the worst of the congestion. Drivers heading to the south-west should be especially cautious around the M5 and connecting routes.
Before setting off, basic vehicle checks can reduce the risk of breakdowns. Tyres, oil, coolant, lights and screenwash should all be checked, particularly for longer journeys or travel in heavy rain.
Families travelling with children should also prepare for slower-than-usual journeys by carrying water, snacks, chargers and any essential medication. A journey that normally takes two hours can easily stretch much longer during a bank holiday rush.
Rail passengers should review their route before leaving home and check whether replacement buses or amended timetables apply. Those travelling between London and Scotland, or through Liverpool, Bath, Huddersfield, Ely and parts of south-east London, should allow extra time.
Live travel advice from the RAC and rail updates from Network Rail can help travellers make last-minute decisions before setting off.
The combination of heavy road demand, rail engineering works, rising fuel prices and changing weather means this bank holiday could feel more difficult than usual for many travellers. While not every journey will be affected, the scale of expected movement suggests delays are likely on key routes.
For anyone planning a trip, the safest approach is to build in extra time, stay flexible and avoid assuming that normal weekend journey times will apply. With 19 million car trips expected, even small changes in departure time could make a noticeable difference.
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