UK Sees Record 21 Million Easter Road Trips Despite Fuel Price Surge

Millions of UK drivers are preparing for one of the busiest Easter bank holidays on record, with nearly 21 million leisure journeys planned over the four-day weekend despite surging fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The rush, the highest since 2022 following the lifting of Covid restrictions, is expected to clog major motorways starting Thursday, April 2, as families head to coastal destinations, staycations, and family visits amid school holidays.

According to research by the RAC and traffic analytics firm INRIX, over a million more trips are anticipated this year compared to 2025, with Good Friday, April 3, set to see the peak of 3.3 million journeys. Thursday will follow with 2.3 million trips, Saturday with 3 million, and Easter Sunday with 2.3 million, before another 3 million on bank holiday Monday as travelers return home. An additional 6.7 million journeys remain undated, and improving weather could spur more spontaneous travel.

Fuel costs have risen sharply due to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global oil supplies. The RAC estimates filling a typical 55-liter family diesel car will cost around...