The United Kingdom is a dream destination for road trips – from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the wild Highlands of Scotland. If you’re crossing the Channel in your own car (by ferry or Eurotunnel), you’ll not only have to get used to driving on the left, but also to a very special toll system. There are no vignettes in Great Britain, but there are selective toll stations and environmental zones that operate purely electronically. Here is your guide for 2026. 🚗💨🏰
1. Is there a motorway toll in the UK?
In general, almost all motorways and trunk roads in Great Britain are toll-free. However, there is one prominent exception: the M6 Toll north of Birmingham. This privately owned motorway serves as a time-saving bypass for the regular M6, which is often plagued by traffic jams.
M6 Toll 2026 prices (cars):
Prices depend on the time of day and the distance travelled.
| Vehicle class | Daytime rate (06:00 – 23:00) | Night rate (11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) |
| Class 2 (passenger cars) | £10.30 (approx. €12.20) | £8.50 (approx. €10.00) |
2. Der Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge) 🌉
This is the most important toll station for travellers coming from Dover who want to bypass London to the east (M25). For several years now, there have been no toll stations here. Cameras automatically record your number plate.
- When do you have to pay? Daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Passage is free at night.
- How do you pay? You must pay the fee online at
gov.uk/dart-chargeby midnight on the following day. Anyone who forgets to do so will receive a hefty fine by post to Germany.
Current Dart Charge prices for 2026:
| Vehicle type | One-off payment (online/telephone) | With pre-pay account |
| Motorcycles | Free of charge | Free of charge |
| Cars (including motorhomes) | £3.50 (approx. €4.15) | £2.80 (approx. €3.30) |
| 2-axle transporters/lorries | £4.20 (approx. €5.00) | £3.60 (approx. €4.30) |
3. London: Congestion Charge und ULEZ 🏙️
London is a pioneer in traffic management. When driving into the city centre, you need to be aware of two different charges:
- Congestion Charge (city toll): Applies in the city centre. From 2 January 2026, the charge will be £18.00 per day.
- New in 2026: Electric cars are no longer completely exempt, but still receive a discount when registering for “Auto Pay” (approx. £13.50 instead of £18.00).
- ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): Applies throughout the Greater London area around the clock. Older diesel vehicles (pre-Euro 6) and petrol vehicles (pre-Euro 4) must pay £12.50 per day. Modern vehicles with a German green sticker are generally exempt, but often need to be registered in advance with Transport for London (TfL).
4. Important traffic rules in the United Kingdom 🚦
- Driving on the left: The biggest change! Remember this especially when turning and in roundabouts: “Drive on the left, look right”. ⬅️
- Speed: The figures are given in miles per hour (mph). 70 mph on motorways corresponds to approximately 112 km/h.
- Lights: Not compulsory during the day, but mandatory in rain and fog. Your headlights must be covered for left-hand traffic (stickers are available at ferries/Eurotunnel) so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
- Blood alcohol limit: In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the limit is 0.8 per mille, but in Scotland it is only 0.5 per mille.
5th stop: London, Edinburgh and the coast 🏨
The United Kingdom is an expensive place for motorists, especially when it comes to parking.
- Parking: Pay attention to the road markings. Double yellow lines indicate no parking. Use apps such as RingGo or JustPark to book parking spaces in advance.
- Accommodation: Many hotels in historic centres do not have their own car parks. We recommend hotels on the outskirts of town with good connections to the “Park & Ride” systems.
- Refuelling: Petrol is called “unleaded”, diesel remains “diesel”. Prices at motorway service stations are extremely high; it is better to refuel at large supermarkets (Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s) away from the motorways.
6. Official information & links 🌐
- Dart Charge (M25): gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge
- Transport for London (TfL): tfl.gov.uk (Congestion Charge & ULEZ Check).
- M6 Toll: m6toll.co.uk (prices and route).
- Foreign Office: Travel advice for the United Kingdom.
Conclusion: Driving in the UK is relaxed, but requires digital preparation. If you are using the M25 or driving into London, keep an eye on the tolls online. Don’t forget to cover your headlights and enjoy the “Great British Hospitality”!
Enjoy your trip! 🇬🇧 🚗💨☕