The UK’s most expensive motorway spans 236 miles and cost £900million to build

If you're heading off on a staycation or a day trip this summer, beware of hidden costs on UK toll roads

14:33, 28 May 2026

This is the UK's most expensive motorway(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)

Those setting off on a staycation or enjoyable day out should bear in mind that their journey might come with some unexpected expenses.

There are multiple toll roads scattered across the UK, with some potentially costing over GBP15 for a return journey.

Branded the UK's priciest motorway[1], the M6 in the Midlands[2], which stretches over 230 miles, can set drivers back more than GBP10 for a return trip - while not a massive sum, it could quickly chip away at your lunch money or similar.

The M6 Toll, the 27-mile route between Cannock and Coleshill, cost GBP900million to build.

Northgate Vehicle Hire[3], a commercial vehicle leasing specialist supporting businesses nationwide, has flagged that the M6 and other toll roads[4] are alerting travellers to these concealed expenses.

Discussing the M6, they note that for a standard family car, a return journey runs to approximately GBP10.50.

Travellers should be aware of toll roads when driving(Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, those behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle could face a bill of GBP20.20 for just a single journey, while a motorhome costs GBP19.20 one-way.

The M6 connects drivers to major tourist destinations during the summer months, including Drayton Manor Resort, and reportedly saw 45,749 vehicles per day in 2025.

Spencer Davi, Sales and Marketing Director at Northgate Vehicle Hire, offered some insight on toll roads: "Toll charges are a real consideration, especially for those making regular cross-border trips.

"What surprised us most about this research is how much variation there is across roads within the UK."

The London congestion zone is the UK's most expensive area to drive in(Image: Getty)

However, while the M6 may hold the title of the most expensive motorway and toll road, experts have warned that there is another UK route that will set drivers back considerably more.

Specialists at Northgate Vehicle Hire revealed that the London Congestion Charge[5] is in fact the UK's most expensive crossing for cars.

Costing drivers GBP15.00, the crossing is a key route for anyone planning a trip to the capital this summer, with the charge applicable to drivers entering the Congestion Charge Zone between 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

The UK's most expensive toll roads for cars

1. London Congestion Charge, London - GBP15.00
2. M6, Midlands - GBP10.50
3. Durham Road User Charge Zone, Durham - GBP5
4. Mersey Tunnels - Queensway: Liverpool - Birkenhead and Mersey Tunnels - Kingsway: Liverpool - Wallasey - GBP4.60

For those considering a staycation this year, it's well worth doing your homework on your route beforehand, as some roads can come with a surprisingly hefty price tag.

References

1. ^ motorway (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ M6 in the Midlands (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Northgate Vehicle Hire (www.northgatevehiclehire.co.uk)
4. ^ the M6 and other toll roads (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ London Congestion Charge (www.mirror.co.uk)