Motorists have been warned that UK roads are predicted to experience their busiest Christmas getaway on record, according to the RAC.

As Britons travel across the country to spend Christmas with their loved ones, Saturday this weekend – called “Snarl-up Saturday” – is predicted to be especially frantic. 

Drivers are advised to plan ahead, check their routes, and allow extra time for journeys due to the unprecedented volume of festive travel. The worst time to drive this year is between 1pm and 7pm this Saturday and on Christmas Eve.

A massive 37.5million trips to see friends and family are planned in the week running up to December 25. This year’s Christmas getaway figures are the highest since records began in 2013, up by a huge 8 million trips since last year’s 29.3million.

Christmas falls mid-week on a Thursday in 2025. The figures indicate that drivers are keen to set off early to avoid getting stuck in traffic. 

Around 18% of getaway journeys, equating to 6.5m trips, will be made on December 17 and 18.

The RAC forecasts that the main wave of Christmas car journeys will begin on Friday, December 19 with 3.6million trips. Then, it will escalate to 4.1million on “Snarl-up Saturday”. A further 3.5million journeys are expected on Sunday.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With record numbers predicted to be taking to the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to be ‘Grinch-worthy’ without some careful planning.

“‘Snarl-up Saturday’ will be especially busy amid journeys home and the final weekend for gift shopping, but it’s midweek Christmas Eve that takes the top spot, suggesting many drivers are saving their precious annual leave and making getaway journeys at the very last moment.”

Between December 19 and 21, some 5.3million journeys will take place, but drivers are still unsure which day they will choose.

“This year motorists tell us the reliability and convenience of the car, the practicality of transporting passengers, presents and luggage, and the cost compared to catching trains or coaches are the main reasons for driving rather than using any alternative form of transport,” said Mullender. 

“Seasonal issues are also a factor in the decision, like fears about public transport being delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or engineering works.”