Almost 19 million drivers are expected to hit UK roads over the late May bank holiday weekend, with heavy traffic predicted from Friday and peaking on Saturday, according to the RAC. The figure is one million more than the same period in 2025, as temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C in some areas, drawing day-trippers to coastal resorts.
The Port of Dover is bracing for long queues due to the implementation of the EU’s entry-exit system (EES), which is not yet fully operational. Manual border checks are causing delays of up to an hour, with 18,000 travellers expected between Friday and Sunday. The AA warned of congestion on routes to the east and north-west coasts, as well as the A303, M5 and A38 towards the south-east and Cornwall.
Despite high fuel prices averaging 158.52p per litre, the RAC found that almost 40% of drivers plan a leisure trip, though 5% will stay home due to costs. The parking company RingGo noted that Saturday is typically the busiest for seaside day trips, with Bournemouth seeing the biggest visitor surge. Inrix identified the M1, M25, M5 and M6 as the worst-hit roads.
Meanwhile, up to two million people are expected to fly abroad, with over 12,000 flights scheduled from UK airports. Palma de Mallorca and Dublin are top destinations, and Abta reports strong demand for half-term breaks to the Mediterranean. Rail passengers face disruptions due to engineering works and strikes on West Midlands and London North Western services, affecting routes including the east coast mainline and Great Western mainline.
