Planning a UK Road Trip: Essential Checklist

A UK road trip offers incredible freedom to explore stunning landscapes, historic towns, and hidden gems. Proper planning ensures your adventure runs smoothly from start to finish.

Before You Go: Route Planning

Choose Your Destinations Wisely

The UK may seem small, but its narrow roads and traffic can make journeys longer than expected. As a rule, plan no more than 3-4 hours of driving per day to allow time for exploration, breaks, and unexpected discoveries.

Popular Road Trip Routes

• North Coast 500: Scotland's spectacular 516-mile coastal loop
• The Cotswolds: Honey-coloured villages and rolling hills
• The Lake District: Dramatic mountains and serene lakes
• Cornwall Coast: Rugged cliffs and picturesque harbour towns
• Welsh Coastal Path: Stunning beaches and castles galore

For inspiration, explore our guide to scenic UK drives.

Vehicle Preparation Checklist

A reliable vehicle is essential for any road trip. Complete these checks before departure:

• Tyres: Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, but 3mm+ recommended) and pressure
• Oil: Check level and top up if needed
• Coolant: Ensure adequate levels for the journey
• Screenwash: Fill the reservoir completely
• Lights: Test all lights including brakes, indicators, and fog lights
• Wipers: Check for wear and replace if streaky
• Battery: Get it tested if older than 3 years
• Spare wheel/repair kit: Ensure it's present and usable

Essential Documents

• Full driving licence (valid for UK roads)
• Vehicle registration document (V5C) if you own the car
• Motor insurance certificate or confirmation
• MOT certificate (if applicable)
• Breakdown cover membership details
• Rental agreement (if using a hire car)

What to Pack

Safety Essentials

• First aid kit
• Warning triangle
• High-visibility vest
• Torch with spare batteries
• Jump leads or battery pack
• Phone charger (in-car and portable)

Comfort Items

• Snacks and water for the journey
• Blanket and pillow for rest stops
• Entertainment (audiobooks, playlists, podcasts)
• Travel cushion for comfort
• Sunglasses for driving

Navigation

• Sat nav or phone with navigation app
• Paper maps as backup (phone signal varies in rural areas)
• Phone mount for safe navigation viewing

Understanding UK Toll Roads

The UK has several toll roads and crossings you may encounter:

• Dartford Crossing: No booths – must pay online within 24 hours
• M6 Toll: Bypass Birmingham traffic, pay at booths or online
• Mersey Gateway Bridge: Online or phone payment required
• Tyne Tunnel: Pay at booth or via app

Read our complete UK toll roads guide and learn about Dart Charge and toll tags.

Congestion Zones and Clean Air Zones

Many UK cities have charging zones that catch visitors by surprise:

• London: Congestion Charge (£15/day) and ULEZ
• Birmingham: Clean Air Zone
• Bath: Clean Air Zone
• Bristol: Clean Air Zone

Check our guides on ULEZ and clean air zones and congestion charge zones.

Driving Tips for Road Trips

1. Take regular breaks: Stop at least every 2 hours
2. Avoid peak hours: 7-9am and 4-7pm on weekdays
3. Fuel up early: Rural areas may have limited fuel stations
4. Stay left: Remember to drive on the left side of the road
5. Respect speed limits: Check our speed limits guide

Budgeting Your Trip

Consider these costs when planning:

• Fuel costs (use our fuel calculator)
• Toll charges (use our toll calculator)
• Accommodation
• Parking fees (especially in cities)
• Congestion and ULEZ charges
• Attraction entry fees
• Food and drink

Where to Stay

• Hotels: Premier Inn and Travelodge offer consistent, affordable options
• B&Bs: Charming and often include hearty breakfasts
• Camping: Scotland's right to roam allows wild camping in many areas
• Holiday cottages: Perfect for longer stays in one location

Your Road Trip Checklist Summary

• ☐ Plan your route and book accommodation
• ☐ Complete all vehicle checks
• ☐ Gather all necessary documents
• ☐ Pack safety essentials and comfort items
• ☐ Download offline maps for rural areas
• ☐ Budget for tolls, fuel, and congestion charges
• ☐ Set up accounts for toll payments
• ☐ Check weather forecast for your route