London Congestion Charge Calculator & Auto Pay

Work out what the London Congestion Charge costs for the days you drive: £18 a day from 2 January 2026, £21 if paid up to three days late, and the Auto Pay discounts for electric vehicles. Rates checked 3 November 2026.

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The Motwatch london congestion charge calculator helps private motorists, delivery fleets and business commuters estimate the cost of driving in central London’s Congestion Charge zone (rates checked against TfL and the Mayor’s decision MD3442 on 3 November 2026). Operated by Transport for London (TfL), the Congestion Charge is an urban traffic management tariff aimed at reducing gridlock, improving bus speeds, and funding public transit infrastructure. Motorists entering the charging perimeter during operational hours must pay the daily charge or receive a penalty charge notice.

Our calculator models the £18 daily charge, the £21 late rate, and Auto Pay (including the 25% electric car and 50% electric van discounts) across your expected travel days. Evaluate your commuting costs, review operating hours across weekdays and weekends, and identify resident discounts directly in your web browser.

London congestion charge calculator example

How to use the london congestion charge calculator

  1. Enter annual driving frequency: Type the projected number of days you expect to drive inside the central London Congestion Charge zone each year.
  2. Select payment timing schedule: Choose whether you pay in advance or on the day (£18) or up to three days after travel (£21).
  3. Specify TfL Auto Pay enrollment status: Indicate whether your vehicle is currently registered on TfL’s automated debit clearing service.
  4. Review the daily charge: Check the rate that applies to your choices: £18, £21, or the Auto Pay electric vehicle rate.
  5. Inspect total annual expenditure forecast: Review the cumulative financial outlay required to maintain driving access within central London.
  6. Evaluate Auto Pay cost savings: See how much you would save a year by avoiding the £21 late rate, or through the electric vehicle discounts that only apply on Auto Pay.
  7. Verify operational charging hours: Note that the charge operates 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays.
  8. Check Christmas holiday charge suspension: Remember that the Congestion Charge is suspended annually between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive.
  9. Examine central London resident discount eligibility: Registered residents get a 90% discount; from 1 March 2027 new applicants will need an electric vehicle.
  10. Set automated payment safeguards: Enroll on the official TfL website to prevent unexpected £180 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) from camera detections.

How the Congestion Charge works

TfL Congestion Charge Operational Hours and Zone Boundaries

The central London Congestion Charge encompasses roughly 21 square kilometres bounded by the Inner Ring Road, including major thoroughfares such as Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Pentonville Road, Tower Bridge, and Vauxhall Bridge Road. Unlike the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Congestion Charge enforces specific operational windows. The charge applies from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday through Friday, and from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. No charge applies between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday inclusive.

Tariff Structures: Advance, Same-Day, and Late Payments

Since 2 January 2026 the daily Congestion Charge is £18 if paid in advance, on the day of travel or through Auto Pay (it was £15 before). Drivers who miss that can still pay by midnight on the third day after travel at £21. If payment is not submitted by midnight on the third day, TfL issues an automated Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180 (discounted to £90 if paid within 14 days).

The Strategic Value of TfL Auto Pay Enrollment

Auto Pay registration is free. It records each charging day from the cameras and bills the £18 rate to a linked card monthly, so a forgotten payment cannot turn into a £180 penalty charge. It is also the only way to get the electric vehicle discounts: since the 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ended on 25 December 2025, electric cars on Auto Pay pay £13.50 (25% off) and electric vans £9 (50% off); these are due to fall to 12.5% and 25% from March 2030.

Combined Liabilities: Congestion Charge Plus ULEZ

A critical compliance factor for central London drivers is understanding that the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are two entirely separate regulatory schemes. Entering central London in a non-compliant vehicle during daytime charging hours incurs both charges: £18 for the Congestion Charge plus £12.50 for ULEZ, £30.50 per day. Drivers must ensure both liabilities are settled independently to avoid receiving dual Penalty Charge Notices totaling up to £360.

Frequently asked questions

What are the operating hours of the London Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge operates from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday through Friday, and from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Does an electric car have to pay the London Congestion Charge?

Not in full any more. The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ended on 25 December 2025. Since 2 January 2026 electric cars registered for Auto Pay pay £13.50 a day (25% off); without Auto Pay they pay the full £18.

How much is the fine for not paying the Congestion Charge?

Failing to pay the Congestion Charge within three days of travel results in an official Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, which is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Is TfL Auto Pay free to register?

Yes. Auto Pay registration is free and it bills the £18 daily charge automatically (less for electric vehicles).

Do I have to pay both the Congestion Charge and ULEZ?

Yes. If your vehicle is non-compliant with ULEZ standards and you drive into central London during Congestion Charge hours, you must pay both charges (£18 + £12.50 = £30.50 per day).

Does the Congestion Charge apply to motorcycles?

No. Two-wheeled motorcycles, mopeds, and motor tricycles under 1 metre in width and 2 metres in length are permanently exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

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