What are the alternatives to the Dartford Crossing?

The main alternatives to the Dartford Crossing are the Blackwall Tunnel (tolled since April 2025), the Silvertown Tunnel (new, also tolled since April 2025), the Woolwich Ferry (free but slow), and the Rotherhithe Tunnel (free, height/weight restrictions). All are significantly further west. Going the long way around the M25 adds about 40 miles.

Is Blackwall Tunnel free?

No. The Blackwall Tunnel became tolled in April 2025, when the new Silvertown Tunnel opened alongside it. Both tunnels now have a charge managed by Transport for London. The combined road is called the Silvertown Crossings.

When will the Lower Thames Crossing open?

The Lower Thames Crossing is expected to open in the early 2030s. It was approved in March 2025 and construction started in March 2026. The route runs from Shorne in Kent to South Ockendon in Essex, approximately 14 miles east of the current Dartford Crossing.

Dartford Crossing AlternativesRoutes Around It, Blackwall/Silvertown Tunnels & the Lower Thames Crossing

The short answer: There's no convenient free alternative. All nearby crossings are now tolled (Blackwall and Silvertown from April 2025) or significantly restricted. The Dartford Crossing remains the most practical option for most cross-Thames journeys in this area. Crossing 10pm–6am is free — the best way to avoid both the charge and queues.

Western Alternatives (Closer to London)

Blackwall Tunnel

Tolled since April 2025

The A102 Blackwall Tunnel was free until April 2025, when TfL introduced charges alongside the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel. The combined tunnel complex is now called the Silvertown Crossings, with charges managed by Transport for London.

Distance from Dartford

~20 miles west

Time added to journey

+20–30 min (vs Dartford)

Charge (from April 2025)

£4 (car, standard)

Height restriction

Yes (low clearance)

The Blackwall Tunnel has a height limit for vehicles and is not suitable for articulated lorries or high vehicles. The Silvertown Tunnel alongside has no height restriction.

Silvertown Tunnel

New · Opened April 2025

The new Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025, running parallel to the Blackwall Tunnel. It is the first new Thames crossing in London for decades. Managed by Transport for London with a time-of-day pricing structure.

Location

Between Silvertown and Greenwich Peninsula

Time penalty vs Dartford

+20–30 min

Charge

£4 (car, peak)

Managed by

Transport for London

Woolwich Ferry

Free

The Woolwich Ferry is free for cars and pedestrians. However, it runs on a timetable with a capacity of approximately 40 vehicles per sailing. Waiting times can be significant — up to 60 minutes in busy periods.

Cost

Free

Distance from Dartford

~22 miles west

Wait time

Up to 60 min (peak)

Operating hours

Mon–Sat 6am–10pm, reduced Sun

Rotherhithe Tunnel

Free

The Rotherhithe Tunnel is free but has significant restrictions: maximum height 5.0m, maximum width 2.95m, and no vehicles over 2 axles. It is not suitable for large vans or lorries. Located between Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.

Not suitable for large vans, lorries or tall vehicles. Very narrow and congested during peak hours.

The Long Way Round (M25 Full Circuit)

Instead of crossing at Dartford, you can drive the entire M25 anticlockwise via the M1/M40 and cross at Tower Bridge or London Bridge (both free). This avoids all toll charges.

Distance added

+35–50 miles

Depending on origin/destination

Extra fuel cost (car)

£4–7

At 40mpg, £1.40/litre

Verdict: The long way round costs more in fuel than the Dart Charge and takes significantly longer. It's only worth considering if the crossing is completely closed or there is a major incident causing extreme delays.

Route Comparison: Dartford vs Alternatives

Route	Cost (car)	Extra distance	Restrictions	Verdict
Dartford Crossing	£3.50 (or free 10pm–6am)	0	4.88m tunnel height	Best option for most
Blackwall Tunnel	~£4	+20 miles, +20–30 min	Height limit, narrow	More expensive + longer
Silvertown Tunnel	~£4	+20 miles, +20–30 min	None	More expensive + longer
Woolwich Ferry	FREE	+22 miles + wait time	Timetabled, capacity limited	Free but much slower
Long way round	~£5 fuel	+40+ miles, +45 min	None	Rarely worth it

Coming: Lower Thames Crossing

Under construction · Opens early 2030s

The Lower Thames Crossing will be a new 4-lane bored tunnel between Shorne (Kent) and South Ockendon (Essex), approximately 14 miles east of Dartford. Approved in March 2025 and construction began March 2026. Expected to significantly relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing when it opens.

Full Lower Thames Crossing details

Free crossing tip

Cross at Dartford 10pm – 6am and pay nothing. Also the quietest time to use it.

Crossing times guide

Save on Dartford crossings

If you have to cross at Dartford, a pre-pay account saves 20%.

Pre-pay savings guide

Other UK toll roads

M6 Toll Cost guide