As the early May Bank Holiday approaches, the RAC has announced the busiest and quietest travel times, anticipating a staggering 19 million trips across the UK. According to the RAC Media Foundation, Friday, 1 May, will see the highest volume, with around 4 million journeys expected on each of the following Saturday and Sunday, and 3 million on Monday.
The most congested period on Friday is predicted to be between 11am and 7pm. The RAC strongly advises drivers to avoid these peak hours and steer clear of known traffic hotspots to ensure smoother journeys.
“For a better bank holiday experience, setting off earlier than the majority is essential,” the RAC recommends. “However, we recognize that families with young children may find this challenging.”
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Sean Kimberlin, Team Leader of RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs, emphasized that Saturday mornings, especially from 10am through lunchtime, will see particularly heavy congestion – notably on the M5 stretch from Bristol to Taunton as many head towards Devon and Cornwall. “If you’re traveling that route, trying to clear the M4/M5 interchange near the RAC tower early is a smart move,” he advised.
Saturday and Sunday will experience peak traffic between 10am and 3pm, while Monday’s best travel window opens after 3pm. Conversely, Friday’s optimal travel time is before 10am to avoid delays.
This travel forecast is based on a nationally representative survey conducted by FindOutNow for the RAC, involving 2,218 participants on 22 and 23 April 2026. The data was extrapolated to represent over 34 million licensed vehicles, enabling precise predictions for getaway traffic volumes.
Highlighting the impact on rail travel, Anit Chandarana, Group Director at Network Rail, noted that although many rail services operate as usual during the bank holiday, certain major maintenance projects will be underway, benefiting from typically lower passenger numbers. “Planning ahead and checking service updates before traveling is crucial to avoid unexpected disruptions,” Chandarana advised.
With this surge in travel, motorists and travelers alike are encouraged to prepare carefully, buckle up for potential delays, and enjoy a safe and smooth bank holiday weekend.