Headline: Easter Weekend Travel Set to Hit Four-Year High Despite Fuel Price Concerns

Why this matters: High traffic levels could lead to delays and strain transport networks during a peak holiday period.

Date: 30 March 2026

Tags: UK, Travel, Transport, Economy

Summary:

• Nearly 21 million road trips planned over Easter weekend, highest since 2022.

• Traffic expected to be consistently heavy from Thursday through Easter Monday.

• Good Friday predicted to be the busiest day on roads.

• Increase driven by more people choosing UK trips over overseas travel.

• 12.5 million plan UK overnight stays versus 7.4 million travelling abroad.

• Rising fuel prices worry drivers, but most are not changing travel plans.

• Congestion expected to peak between 10:00 and late afternoon daily.

• Rail travel expected to be quieter, though some routes affected by engineering works.

• Port of Dover preparing for around 37,000 cars between Thursday and Sunday.

• New EU Entry/Exit System may cause delays for international travellers.

What’s next: Authorities advise early travel and planning as congestion and travel disruption are expected throughout the weekend.