The London Congestion Charge is an £18 daily fee for driving in central London during peak hours. It operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and on weekends and bank holidays from 12pm to 6pm. The charge was introduced to help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in central London.
Most vehicles that drive within the Congestion Charge zone within these hours must pay the charge, however, some vehicles and drivers qualify for discounts and exemptions. You can pay the Congestion Charge online through TfL (Transport for London) before travel, on the day of travel or before midnight on the third day after driving in the zone. Failure to pay may result in a penalty.
Below you can find key information about the Congestion Charge zone, when it applies and how to pay, as well as discounts and exemptions.
London Congestion Charge – key facts
Cost: £18 per day if paid in advance or on the day.
Late payment: £21 if paid by midnight on the third day after travel.
Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm.
Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 12pm to 6pm.
Where: Central London Congestion Charge Zone.
Who pays: Most vehicles driving in the zone during charging hours.
Operator: Transport for London (TfL).
Updated as of March 2026. The Congestion Charge is set by Transport for London (TfL) and is updated periodically.
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What is the London Congestion Charge?
The London Congestion Charge scheme is a daily fee for driving within the congestion zone in central London during specific hours.
It was introduced to help manage traffic levels, reduce congestion and encourage people to use more sustainable London transport options such as buses, cycling or the Tube.
If you plan to drive in the capital, it’s important to understand where the Congestion Charge zone is and how to pay the Congestion Charge London fee.
How much is the London Congestion Charge?
The Congestion Charge costs £18 if you pay in advance or on the same day. A slightly higher rate of £21 is charged if you pay up to three days after you travel.
The Congestion Charge London cost applies per vehicle, per day, regardless of how many times you enter or leave the Congestion Charge zone during that day.
When does the Congestion Charge apply?
The London Congestion Charge times are:
- Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm
- Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 12pm to 6pm
The Congestion Charge does not apply on Christmas Day (25 December).
If you drive within the London congestion zone during these hours, you must pay the congestion charge unless your vehicle is exempt or qualifies for a discount.
Where is the Congestion Charge zone?
The London Congestion Charge zone covers a large area of central London, including many of the city’s most popular attractions, business districts and shopping areas.
TfL Congestion Charge map
You can view and download the official Congestion Charge zone map on the Transport for London website.
How to pay the Congestion Charge
You can pay the London Congestion Charge online in advance or within three days after you travel.
Drivers can also pay via Auto Pay, Transport for London's Pay to Drive in London app or by telephone.
Congestion Charge penalties
Drivers who don't pay the Congestion Charge within three days of travel will be sent a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £180. If the PCN is paid within 14 days, the fee is £90.
You must pay the London Congestion Charge within 28 days or challenge the PCN. If you do not pay or challenge the PCN within 28 days, the fee increases to £270.
Who is exempt or gets discounts?
Exemptions
Blue Badge holders qualify for a 100% exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
Motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles and vehicles with nine or more seats are also exempt from paying the London Congestion Charge.
Discounts
You can apply for Congestion Charge discounts on the TfL website.
People living in London's Congestion Charge zone receive a 90% residents' discount.
A Cleaner Vehicle Discount applies to vehicles with electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.
Congestion Charge v ULEZ – what’s the difference?
Vehicles that don't meet specific emission standards incur an additional charge of £12.50 per day to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The ULEZ area operates across all London boroughs and does not include the M25. Find out more information about ULEZ and driving in London.
