Travel news : Avoiding the Easter Holiday traffic
This time of year always brings a rise in travel, and 2025 is set to be no different. Families are making the most of the break, friends are reuniting, and it seems like everyone is planning a spring staycation. Add to that the usual holiday traffic, Easter events, and a hopeful dash of spring sunshine, and you’ve got a recipe for potential chaos on the roads.
To help us all avoid the dreaded stop-start crawl on the motorways, the team at Plates Express have crunched the numbers from last year’s Easter traffic patterns to predict what we can expect this time around – and more importantly, when we should aim to travel.
Based on last year’s traffic patterns, Plates Express advises the following:
Thursday, 17 April – Early Getaway Chaos
- Busiest Time: 2 PM to 7 PM
- Best Time to Travel: Before 1 PM or after 8 PM
Good Friday, 18 April – Peak Holiday Rush
- Busiest Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
- Best Time to Travel: Before 9:30 AM or after 5:30 PM
Saturday, 19 April – Day Trip Crowds
- Busiest Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
- Best Time to Travel: Before 9 AM or after 2 PM
Sunday, 20 April – Moderate Flow
- Busiest Time: 11 AM to 1 PM
- Best Time to Travel: Early morning or after 3 PM
Monday, 21 April – Homebound Surge
- Busiest Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
- Best Time to Travel: Before 9 AM or after 1 PM
Whether you're heading off on a countryside retreat, visiting family, or chasing some coastal sunshine, a little preparation can make a big difference. Here’s how to keep your Easter getaway smooth and stress-free:
Check live traffic updates before you set off
Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or National Highways to stay ahead of delays. Real-time updates can help you reroute and avoid the worst of the congestion.
Give your car a quick health check
Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Check tyre pressure and tread, top up essential fluids (oil, screenwash, coolant), and don’t forget about your lights and wipers — especially with unpredictable spring weather.
Plan regular rest stops
Long journeys can take their toll, especially with Bank Holiday traffic. Schedule breaks every 2–3 hours to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and stay alert behind the wheel.
Pack the essentials
Water, snacks, a phone charger, sunglasses, and some in-car entertainment (especially if you’ve got kids onboard) can make a huge difference. A travel pillow and a blanket don’t go amiss either for passengers looking to snooze.
Travel smart with past data insights
Take advantage of insights from previous Easter traffic patterns. Avoid peak travel windows where possible — early mornings or later evenings tend to be quieter — and give yourself plenty of time so the journey becomes part of the break, not a battle.
Check out our UK breaks inspiration section if you're looking for ideas for your Easter getaway.
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