“Busiest bank holiday in 10 years” as 19 million drives planned despite high fuel prices

Automotive Content Editor

5 minute read|29th Apr 2026

UK drivers aren’t shying away from high fuel prices and are planning around 19 million leisure trips this weekend, making it the busiest early may Bank Holiday in a decade, according to new research.*

The RAC and transport analysts INRIX are expecting four-in-10 (39%) of British drivers will take to the road this weekend at some point between from Friday through to Monday. Saturday is predicted to be the busiest day, with over 4 million journeys planned.

But ‘Frantic Friday’ should still be extremely busy, with 3.7 million trips planned by drivers. Sunday and bank holiday Monday are expected to see 3 million trips apiece, with a further 5 million planning to get behind the wheel but yet to decide which day.

Although six-in-10 (61%) of drivers are not planning to make a leisure trip over the bank holiday weekend, just 6% cite the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices due to the conflict in Iran and the Middle East as the primary reason. 8% of drivers say they will reduce the distance of their drives this weekend due to the cost of fuel.

RAC Fuel Watch data shows the average price of petrol across the UK is 157.17p and diesel is 189.23p. This means it costs £86 to fill up a typical family car with unleaded – £13 more than this time last year – and over £104 for a diesel car, which is £27 more than last year.

The busiest early may Bank Holiday on record is 2016, which saw a forecast of 20 million drivers on the road.

^{*Research conducted for the RAC by FindOutNow among 2,218 on 22 & 23 April 2026. A nationally representative survey. Figures extrapolated to 34.5m licensed cars for predicted getaway totals}

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RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said:

"Even though fuel prices are uncomfortably high it clearly takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a bank holiday weekend.

"And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest early May bank holiday in 10 years shows just how much we, as a country, love a bank holiday – and depend on our cars to get us wherever we want to go.

"In order to enjoy some time away, whether that’s a visit to the coast, a day out or a break with friends or family, it’s vital drivers make sure their vehicles are up to the task. Some quick and easy checks can make the difference between a great weekend and one that falls flat due to a breakdown.

"Checking your oil and coolant are both nicely between the minimum and maximum lines is the first step, followed by ensuring the tyres have plenty of tread, are in good condition, and are pumped up to the right pressures, something that also helps with fuel economy. Screenwash is also important at this time of year to make sure you always have a good, clear and bug-free view of the road.

"If drivers have any nagging doubts about how well their vehicle is running, it’s still not too late to get them sorted or arrange a service with an RAC Mobile Mechanic.

“Beating the traffic is another key part of any bank holiday weekend. Leaving earlier than everyone else is the best tactic, but those with young families may well struggle to do this. Our long-term data shows that Saturday morning from 10am to lunchtime will see the heaviest traffic, almost certainly on the M5 from Bristol to Taunton as people head to Devon and Cornwall. If that’s the way you’re heading on Saturday, getting past the RAC tower at the M4/M5 interchange as early as possible is a good goal.

"Anyone looking to fill up for their bank holiday trip for the lowest possible price should download the myRAC app and use the Fuel Finder feature to track down the cheapest forecourt near them."