Those heading off on a staycation or a fun day trip should be aware that their journey could have some hidden costs. There are numerous toll roads up and down the UK, with some potentially setting you back over £15 for a return trip.

Dubbed the UK's most expensive motorway, the M6 in the Midlands, which spans over 230 miles in length, can cost over £10 for a return trip, which, while not a huge amount, could easily eat into your lunch budget or similar. Northgate Vehicle Hire, a commercial vehicle leasing specialist that supports businesses across the UK, has highlighted that the M6 and other toll roads are warning travellers about these hidden costs. Speaking about the M6, they point out that for a typical family car, a return journey costs around £10.50.

While those driving a heavy goods vehicle could be set back by £20.20 for just a single journey, and a motorhome costs £19.20 one-way.

The M6 links drivers to major tourist hotspots over the summer months, such as Drayton Manor Resort, and reportedly saw 45,749 vehicles per day in 2025.

Spencer Davi, Sales and Marketing Director at Northgate Vehicle Hire, shared some thoughts 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."

However, while the M6 may be the most expensive motorway and toll road, the experts have warned that there's another UK route that is much more expensive.

The specialists at Northgate Vehicle Hire discovered that the London Congestion Charge is the UK’s most expensive crossing for cars.

Setting drivers back £15.00, the crossing is a major route for anyone planning a trip to London this summer, with the charge applying to drivers who enter the Congestion Charge Zone from 7 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays.

The UK’s most expensive toll roads for cars

1. London Congestion Charge, London - £15.00
2. M6, Midlands - £10.50
3. Durham Road User Charge Zone, Durham - £5
4. Mersey Tunnels – Queensway: Liverpool – Birkenhead and Mersey Tunnels – Kingsway: Liverpool - Wallasey - £4.60

For those looking to plan a staycation this year, it’s worthwhile researching your route in advance, as some routes can come with a hefty price tag.