UK Bank Holiday Travel Guide: Best Times to Drive in...

Q: How will the rail strikes and engineering works impact local travel and commuting?

The TSSA strike action specifically targets West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway on Friday, May 22, meaning local commuters in the Midlands and South East should expect significant cancellations. From Saturday, the East Coast Main Line engineering works will likely force passengers onto replacement buses or diverted road routes, further increasing the volume of traffic on motorways like the M1 and A1(M).

Q: Where can I find real-time updates and what should I expect for the Tuesday return?

For the latest travel status, use the National Rail Enquiries app for train disruptions and National Highways for live motorway speeds. While the holiday ends Monday, the Met Office warns that the heatwave may persist into Tuesday, May 26. This could lead to continued rail speed restrictions (due to track buckle risks) and heavy 'return-to-work' traffic, so consider staggering your return journey to early Tuesday morning.

Millions of drivers are hitting the roads today, Friday, May 22, 2026, for what is expected to be the busiest late May Bank Holiday weekend in years. With an estimated 19 to 23.4 million car journeys planned through Monday, the RAC and AA are warning of significant congestion. This year’s getaway is further complicated by an “exceptional” heatwave, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures to reach 27°C today and climbing as high as 33°C by Sunday, while heat alerts remain part of the outlook as the cooldown slows.

Friday Traffic Peaks and Congestion Hotspots

Friday afternoon is set to be the most difficult period for motorists as commuters mix with holidaymakers. Traffic experts identify the M25 anticlockwise between Junction 10 and Junction 6 as a primary bottleneck among major traffic hotspots, with delays expected to peak around 4:45 PM today. To avoid the worst of the gridlock, drivers are advised to complete their journeys before midday or wait until after 7:00 PM.

Day	Best Time to Travel	Worst Time to Travel
Friday, May 22	Before 10:00 AM	4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 23	After 3:00 PM	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 24	Before 11:00 AM	12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Monday, May 25	Before 10:00 AM	1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Rail Strikes and Engineering Disruptions

Rail passengers face a challenging start to the long weekend. TSSA strike action is currently affecting West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services today, Friday. Furthermore, major engineering works on the East Coast Main Line are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Saturday, May 23. This will result in significant service alterations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this May Bank Holiday weekend being called a ‘perfect storm’ for UK travel?

The 2026 late May Bank Holiday is uniquely challenging because it combines a record-breaking 33°C heatwave with nearly 23.4 million car journeys, the highest volume in years. This ‘triple threat’ of extreme heat, heavy congestion on routes like the M25, and industrial rail action on Friday creates a significant risk of both gridlock and heat-related vehicle breakdowns.

What is the most effective strategy to avoid both peak traffic and the 33°C heat?

To minimize time spent in stationary traffic during the heat, you should drive before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM on Friday. For those traveling Saturday or Sunday, aim to be off the roads between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, which is when both traffic volume and temperatures are forecast to peak. Always carry at least two liters of water per passenger and check your car’s coolant levels before departing.

How will the rail strikes and engineering works impact local travel and commuting?

The TSSA strike action specifically targets West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway on Friday, May 22, meaning local commuters in the Midlands and South East should expect significant cancellations. From Saturday, the East Coast Main Line engineering works will likely force passengers onto replacement buses or diverted road routes, further increasing the volume of traffic on motorways like the M1 and A1(M).

Where can I find real-time updates and what should I expect for the Tuesday return?

For the latest travel status, use the National Rail Enquiries app for train disruptions and National Highways for live motorway speeds. While the holiday ends Monday, the Met Office warns that the heatwave may persist into Tuesday, May 26. This could lead to continued rail speed restrictions (due to track buckle risks) and heavy ‘return-to-work’ traffic, so consider staggering your return journey to early Tuesday morning.

Source: Met Office

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Data compiled from RAC traffic projections, Met Office heatwave warnings, and National Rail service updates for May 22-25, 2026.

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