Key Takeaways
- Christmas Eve is expected to be the UK’s busiest ever, with 4.2 million drivers on the road and hundreds of thousands of passengers catching planes.
- The worst time to travel by car will be between 1pm and 7pm, with popular routes likely to be busier than usual.
- The most congested areas on Christmas Eve are expected to be along the M25, M60, and other major motorways.
- Train services will be ending earlier than normal, with no trains on Christmas Day and very few running on Boxing Day.
- A record number of people are taking to the sky this festive season, with 3 million people expected to fly from UK airports in the week up to Christmas.
Introduction to Christmas Travel Chaos
Travel this Christmas Eve could be the UK’s busiest ever, as millions of drivers take to the roads and hundreds of thousands of passengers catch planes for festive getaways. According to the RAC, there will be 4.2 million drivers on the road, with popular routes likely to be busier than usual between 11am and 7pm. The worst time to travel will be between 1pm and 7pm, with the most congested areas expected to be along the M25, clockwise from Junction 15 for the M4 to junction 19 to Watford, and anticlockwise from junction 10 to Kingston to junction 6 to East Grinstead.
Road Closures and Congestion
More than 37 million people are expected to have made road journeys to visit friends and family over the week running up to Christmas, the highest level since the RAC began recording the figures in 2013. Manchester is also expected to be busy on the M60 clockwise from junction 7 to Altrincham to junction 18 for the M62 for Leeds. Road closures may add to longer drives than usual, with the M27 in Hampshire being closed in both directions between junction 9 to junction 11 from 8pm on Christmas Eve until 4am on 4 January. This closure is likely to cause significant delays and disruptions to travel plans, and motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly.
Train Travel Disruptions
Train journeys are also forecast to be very busy, with rail services ending earlier than normal. The last train from London to Edinburgh leaves at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve, while the final train from Newcastle to Birmingham is at 5.40pm. There are no trains on Christmas Day, and very few running on Boxing Day. This means that passengers who rely on trains to travel to their destinations will need to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements. Additionally, travellers from Gatwick are facing train delays as Great Western Railway has warned that services between Reading and the airport will be disrupted on Christmas Eve due to a shortage of train staff.
Air Travel and Airport Delays
Meanwhile, a record number of people are taking to the sky this festive season, with the Civil Aviation Authority predicting that 3 million people will fly from UK airports in the week up to Christmas. Heathrow has said it is expecting its busiest Christmas ever, as have airports in Birmingham and Manchester. This surge in air travel is likely to put a strain on airport resources, leading to potential delays and disruptions. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for any updates on flight schedules and to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Bus Travel on Christmas Day
Buses are also expected to be busy on Christmas Day, with journeys forecast to reach their highest level in a decade, according to the industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport. It has predicted that more than 100,000 people will take a local bus journey on 25 December this year, slightly higher than last year and up from 87,000 in 2023. This increase in bus travel is likely due to the fact that many people will be visiting friends and family who live locally, and buses provide a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Conclusion and Final Preparations
In conclusion, Christmas Eve is expected to be a very busy day for travel, with millions of people taking to the roads, skies, and railways. With road closures, train disruptions, and airport delays expected, it is essential to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements where necessary. By being aware of the potential disruptions and taking steps to mitigate them, travellers can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to their destinations. Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, it is crucial to check for updates and plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute disruptions.
