What times is the Congestion Charge?
The Congestion Charge applies 7am–6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm–6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, with no charge from Christmas Day to the New Year’s Day bank holiday inclusive (TfL).
| Day | Charging hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7am–6pm |
| Saturday | 12pm–6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm–6pm |
| Bank holidays (e.g. Good Friday, Easter Monday) | 12pm–6pm |
| Christmas Day to New Year’s Day bank holiday, inclusive | No charge |
It’s a daily charge, so driving in the zone at any point during those hours means paying for the whole day.
Christmas 2026: there’s no Congestion Charge from Friday 25 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027. It applies as normal (7am–6pm) on Thursday 24 December and restarts at 12pm on Saturday 2 January 2027. See road charges on bank holidays and at Christmas.
Outside these hours you can drive in the zone without paying the Congestion Charge — but the ULEZ still applies 24 hours a day to non-compliant vehicles.
How much is the Congestion Charge?
£18 per day if you pay in advance or on the day you travel. If you drive in without paying that day, you can still pay by midnight on the third day after, but the charge rises to £21. After that, a penalty charge notice is issued.
Do electric cars pay the Congestion Charge?
Yes, since 2026. The old Cleaner Vehicle Discount (a 100% exemption for electric vehicles) ended on 25 December 2025. Electric cars now get a 25% discount (50% for electric vans and HGVs), and only if the vehicle is registered for TfL Auto Pay. See Congestion Charge for electric cars.
Who doesn’t pay the Congestion Charge?
Motorcycles, mopeds, licensed London taxis, buses and vehicles in the ‘disabled’ tax class are exempt. Blue Badge holders can register for a 100% discount (£10, up to two vehicles they use), and any vehicle with nine or more seats can register for a 100% discount (£10 per vehicle a year). Residents of the zone can get a 90% discount (£10 a year, paid through Auto Pay); TfL has announced that from March 2027, new applicants will get it only for electric vehicles. See ULEZ and Congestion Charge exemptions for who qualifies and how to register.
What if I forget to pay?
A Congestion Charge penalty charge notice is currently £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. Our guide covers what to do if you forgot to pay the Congestion Charge.
Want a reminder next time? EveryDrive alerts you when you enter the London Congestion Charge and reminds you before the deadline. Join the free beta →
