What are the Blackwall Tunnel peak times?
Peak times are Monday to Friday, 6am–10am northbound and 4pm–7pm southbound. Every other time between 6am and 10pm — including all of Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays — is off-peak, and crossing from 10pm to 6am is free (TfL).
| When | Northbound | Southbound |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri, 6am–10am | Peak | Off-peak |
| Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm | Off-peak | Off-peak |
| Mon–Fri, 4pm–7pm | Off-peak | Peak |
| Mon–Fri, 7pm–10pm | Off-peak | Off-peak |
| Saturday and Sunday, 6am–10pm | Off-peak | Off-peak |
| Bank holidays, 6am–10pm | Off-peak | Off-peak |
| Any day, 10pm–6am | Free | Free |
| Christmas Day (25 December) | Free all day | Free all day |
Northbound means driving from the Greenwich side to Poplar; southbound is the reverse. TfL’s statement of charges leaves bank holidays out of the peak hours, so a weekday bank holiday such as Good Friday is off-peak all day. The off-peak price only applies if you’re registered for TfL Auto Pay — otherwise every crossing between 6am and 10pm costs the peak price.
How much is the Blackwall Tunnel charge?
| Vehicle | Peak, or any time without Auto Pay | Off-peak with Auto Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Car | £4.20 | £1.55 |
| Motorcycle | £2.60 | £1.55 |
| Large van | £6.80 | £2.60 |
| HGV | £10.50 | £5.25 |
Prices from 21 September 2026. The cheaper off-peak rate is only available with TfL Auto Pay — if you pay online, by phone or in the app, you pay the peak rate whenever you cross. Christmas Day is free all day.
How to pay the Blackwall Tunnel charge
- Pay on TfL’s tunnels charge page, or in the TfL Pay to Drive in London app.
- Or register for TfL Auto Pay (free), which bills every crossing automatically and unlocks the off-peak rate.
- Pay in advance, or by midnight on the third day after you crossed.
Are there discounts for the Blackwall Tunnel?
Blue Badge holders can get a 100% discount, and residents of 12 east and south-east London boroughs and the City of London who receive certain benefits can get 50% off (on peak and off-peak crossings with Auto Pay, peak only without). Small businesses, sole traders and charities based in Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets get £1 off the off-peak charge through Auto Pay. Licensed London taxis are exempt. Vehicles with 9 or more seats get a 100% discount: those registered with the DVLA as a minibus, bus or coach don’t need to register, others must register (£10 a year).
Is it the same as the ULEZ or Congestion Charge?
No. The tunnel charge is separate. The Blackwall Tunnel is inside the ULEZ, so a non-compliant vehicle pays the ULEZ daily charge as well as the tunnel charge.
What if I forget to pay?
TfL sends a £180 penalty charge notice to the registered keeper, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days and increased to £270 if left unpaid. See forgot to pay the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnel charge?.
Want a reminder next time? EveryDrive alerts you when you use the Blackwall Tunnel and reminds you before the deadline. Join the free beta →
