Updated September 2025 — Correct 2026 Prices

Dartford Crossing Cost 2026Dart Charge Prices, Free Times & How to Pay

Independent guide to the Dartford Crossing Dart Charge. Prices rose 40% in September 2025 — find out exactly what you owe, when it's free, and how to avoid fines.

Select your vehicle type

Standard charge
£3.50
Pay by midnight next day
Pre-pay account
£2.80
Save £0.70 per crossing
Free window
10pm–6am
Every day, all vehicles
Includes most passenger vehicles

No toll booths. ANPR cameras read your number plate automatically. You must pay by midnight the day after crossing — or risk a £70 fine.

Forgot to pay?

All Vehicle Charges 2026

Prices effective from 1 September 2025. All vehicles charged using ANPR number plate recognition — no barriers, no toll booths.

VehicleStandardPre-pay
Motorcycle
All motorcycles & mopeds
FREEFREE
Car (Class A)
Cars, campervans, minibuses
£3.50£2.80
Light Van (Class B)
Vans up to 3,500kg
£3.50£2.80
Heavy Van (Class C)
Vans/goods over 3,500kg, 2 axles
£4.20£3.60
HGV (Class D)
Multi-axle goods, 3+ axles
£8.40£7.20
Blue Badge / Exempt
Disability tax exempt (must register)
FREEFREE

Source: gov.uk · Effective 1 September 2025

When Is It Free?

Every night
All vehicles, 365 days a year
10pm – 6am
Motorcycles
No charge at any time
Always free
Blue Badge
Must register vehicle first
Always free
Christmas Day
No charge on 25 December
Free
Traffic times & tunnel vs bridge guide
Payment Deadline

Pay by midnight the day after crossing. Cross Monday? Pay by Tuesday 11:59pm. After midnight: PCN of £70 may be issued.

Missed the deadline? Read this →
Save 20% with Pre-Pay

Pre-pay account reduces car crossings from £3.50 to £2.80. Daily commuter crosses (260/year)? That's £182 saved annually.

Is a pre-pay account worth it? →

What Happens If You Don't Pay

The Dart Charge escalation timeline — from crossing to county court.

1
Cross
Day 0
ANPR records your plate
2
Pay
By midnight Day 1
Standard charge applies
3
PCN Arrives
Days 2–28
£70 (reduced to £35 in 14 days)
4
Charge Certificate
After 28 days
Fine becomes £105
5
County Court
Final stage
£157.50 + court costs + possible CCJ
Forgot to pay? Act nowFull fines & appeal guide

Detailed Guides

How to Pay the Dart Charge

4 payment methods, step-by-step. Online, phone, Payzone and app.

Pre-Pay Account & Annual Pass

Save 20% per crossing. Break-even calculator and annual pass guide.

Forgot to Pay?

Step-by-step guide based on when you crossed. Act fast to avoid fines.

Van Pricing Guide

Class B (up to 3.5t) vs Class C (over 3.5t) charges and savings.

Fleet & Business Accounts

Manage up to 20 vehicles. Direct Debit setup and savings calculator.

Times, Free Hours & Routes

Free 10pm–6am. Tunnel vs bridge. Peak traffic times to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions about Dartford Crossing costs and the Dart Charge.

As of September 2025, the Dartford Crossing costs £3.50 for a car or light van (standard rate). With a pre-pay account, the cost is £2.80 per crossing — a 20% saving. Motorcycles are free. The crossing is also free for all vehicles between 10pm and 6am every night.

About the Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing carries the M25 motorway across the River Thames between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex. It is one of the busiest river crossings in the UK, handling over 150,000 vehicles per day — more than its original design capacity of 135,000.

The crossing comprises two tunnels (northbound, opened 1963 and 1980) and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (southbound, opened 1991). Toll booths were removed in 2014 and replaced with the Dart Charge ANPR system, managed by National Highways.

Daily vehicles150,000+
Bridge opened1991
Charge systemDart Charge ANPR
Managed byNational Highways
Free window10pm – 6am daily
Last price riseSeptember 2025