Manchester, London, and Glasgow: Boxing Day Travel Delays Expected as Millions Hit the Roads

Published on December 26, 2025

As the holiday season continues, Boxing Day is set to bring a wave of travel disruptions across the UK, with an estimated 19.7 million car journeys expected on the roads. Drivers are being warned to expect severe congestion, particularly between 10 am and 7 pm, as families and shoppers hit the roads in droves. This surge in road traffic comes alongside significant rail disruptions due to ongoing engineering projects. Both business travelers and tourists will need to navigate a combination of road closures, diversions, and train delays during this festive period.

Surge in Car Journeys and Congestion Hotspots

According to The AA, 19.7 million vehicles are expected on UK roads on Boxing Day alone, with numbers reaching 22 million by the weekend. The main reason for this surge is family visits, with over 60% of travelers citing this as the primary reason for their journey. Shopping trips are also a key factor, with around 50% of respondents planning to hit the stores.

The M25, M1, M40, and M6 are set to be among the busiest motorways, with congestion hotspots expected between 10 am and 7 pm. Travelers in the South East, particularly those heading towards London, Southampton, or Portsmouth, will experience delays due to ongoing M27 closures between Junctions 9 and 11. This temporary closure for major works will affect journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth until January 4, 2026.

Rail Disruptions: Major Train Service Interruptions Over the Holidays

For those relying on trains, rail disruptions will continue to impact travel, particularly on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The usual Christmas Day shutdown will extend to Boxing Day with most UK operators suspending services. Network Rail has confirmed that engineering projects on the West Coast Main Line will lead to significant delays and cancellations, particularly affecting journeys from London Euston to the North West of England and Scotland. Travelers on certain routes, including those traveling to Glasgow, Crianlarich, and Balloch, should expect major delays or no services at all until January 2.

Although 95% of the UK’s railways will remain unaffected, disruptions on high-traffic routes like London Waterloo and Stansted Airport will make travel difficult, especially for those looking to reach Cambridge or East Anglia.

Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

For business travelers, the holiday travel surge means longer waiting times and unexpected delays, particularly when trying to reach destinations in busy metropolitan areas like London or Bristol. The ongoing rail closures and road diversions will also impact those needing to attend meetings, conferences, or other work-related events.

Meanwhile, tourists visiting the UK will have to factor in these delays when traveling to popular attractions. While London and other major cities will still offer plenty of festive activities, the increased traffic and disruptions to public transport could make visiting these locations more stressful than usual.

For those traveling to see festive markets or popular attractions like Windsor Castle, Edinburgh Castle, or the Lake District, planning ahead for additional travel time and using public transport alternatives or rideshare services may be the most efficient way to move around.

Quick Travel Tips for Drivers and Passengers

To help travelers manage the holiday chaos, here are some practical travel tips:

1. Avoid Peak Hours: The worst times to travel are between 10 am and 7 pm on Boxing Day. If possible, try to travel earlier or later to avoid heavy congestion.
2. Check Live Traffic Updates: Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or National Highways to get real-time traffic updates. Adjust your route or departure time if necessary.
3. Use Public Transport: If driving isn’t essential, consider taking trains, buses, or rideshare services to avoid the stress of road congestion, particularly in busy city areas like London and Manchester.
4. Plan for Rail Delays: Be prepared for rail service disruptions, especially on major routes like the West Coast Main Line. Always check train schedules before setting out.
5. Check for Roadworks: The M27 is closed for maintenance between Junction 9 and 11, so plan your travel accordingly. Diversions are in place, but they may take longer.
6. Pack Essentials: Make sure your car is ready for winter travel by checking the tyres, battery, screenwash, and fuel level. Have snacks, water, and entertainment for long delays.
7. Book in Advance: If you’re planning to visit festive markets or events, book tickets and accommodations ahead of time to avoid disappointment and reduce waiting time.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

After Boxing Day, traffic levels will remain high as travelers continue their journeys. On New Year’s Day, 18 million vehicles are expected on the roads, but it’s the January 2 and January 6 return days that will see a sharp increase, with 20.7 million and 22 million vehicles, respectively. Business travelers returning to work and students heading back to school will drive much of the surge.

The M27 closure will cause further headaches for those planning to travel between Southampton and Portsmouth, but this is a necessary disruption for long-term improvements to the region’s transport infrastructure.

Conclusion: Navigating the Post-Christmas Travel Chaos

The Boxing Day travel surge, combined with rail disruptions and road closures, presents a major challenge for travelers throughout the UK. Whether you are a business traveler heading to a meeting or a tourist visiting festive destinations, planning ahead and staying informed is essential to avoid delays. By taking note of traffic peak times, checking live updates, and considering alternative routes or public transport, travelers can minimize the stress of this busy holiday period and ensure a smoother journey.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated