Easter Travel Disruptions New Updates: UK Faces Road and Train Delays, What You Need To Know

Published on April 17, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As the Easter bank holiday weekend approaches, travel disruptions are expected across the UK due to heavy traffic and train closures. With millions planning getaways, travelers are warned to prepare for delays on major roads and railways, with Network Rail implementing extensive engineering work.

Road Congestion Across Major Routes

The AA and RAC forecast heavy traffic congestion, especially on Thursday, 18 April, when approximately 19.8 million motorists are expected to hit the roads. The busiest areas will include:

• M6 near Birmingham (heading towards Blackpool and the Lake District)
• M5 from Birmingham to Bristol and Exeter
• A303 in Wiltshire, heading towards Southwest England
• M25, especially between the M23 and M40 junctions, and Dartford Crossing in the southeast.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow rain warning for the southwest of England from Good Friday through Saturday, which could cause further delays. Heavy rain may result in difficult driving conditions and potentially exacerbate traffic congestion, especially in Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.

Airport Congestion Expected

UK airports are also set to experience record passenger numbers, with Good Friday expected to be the busiest day at almost all major airports. Bristol, Gatwick, Liverpool, and Manchester airports are anticipating a surge in travelers. The busiest domestic routes are likely to be Heathrow to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast, with the majority of air traffic peaking on Good Friday.

Train Disruptions: Over 300 Engineering Projects

Train travel will also be heavily impacted as Network Rail begins Easter engineering work on more than 300 projects across Britain. The most significant disruptions will occur at London Euston, where there will be no services to or from Milton Keynes on Saturday and Easter Sunday. A reduced timetable is expected on Good Friday and Monday.

Other major stations such as London Victoria will experience closures, with Southeastern trains unable to operate over the four-day weekend. The West Coast Main Line will also see reduced services, with replacement buses running from Carlisle to stations further north. Travelers are advised to check their routes in advance for any alternative transportation arrangements.

Preparation and Advice for Travelers

Travelers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, especially with the forecast of heavy rain and road congestion. RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson emphasized the importance of being prepared for longer travel times, particularly for those making Easter leisure trips.

With 19.1 million people expected to drive on Good Friday, the Easter holiday is set to be the busiest travel period since 2022. While the government is lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks to ease congestion, delays are still anticipated across UK roads and train services.

For those traveling by ferry, Port of Dover reports minimal delays, but Calais is likely to face congestion due to heightened border checks.

As Easter 2025 approaches, travelers should stay informed on weather updates and potential service disruptions to ensure a smooth and safe holiday journey.