Driving charges · Tunnel
Blackwall Tunnel charge
Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames, carrying the A102 from the west side of the Greenwich Peninsula to the A12 at Poplar. Same charging scheme as Silvertown Tunnel.
Who pays
Every vehicle driving through the tunnel during charging hours, in either direction, unless exempt or registered for a 100% discount. This includes motorcycles.
When it applies
06:00-22:00 every day, including bank holidays, except Christmas Day (25 December). Peak (weekdays only): 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound. Off-peak: all other charging times, including weekends. Free 22:00-06:00.
How much
| Vehicle | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles, mopeds and motor tricycles | £1.55 | Per crossing, Auto Pay off-peak rate (weekdays outside peak times, and all day at weekends, 06:00-22:00) |
| Motorcycles, mopeds and motor tricycles | £2.60 | Per crossing, Auto Pay peak rate (Monday to Friday, 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound) |
| Motorcycles, mopeds and motor tricycles | £2.60 | Per crossing, paid online, in the app or by phone (no Auto Pay): this rate applies at all charging times |
| Cars and small vans | £1.55 | Per crossing, Auto Pay off-peak rate (weekdays outside peak times, and all day at weekends, 06:00-22:00) |
| Cars and small vans | £4.20 | Per crossing, Auto Pay peak rate (Monday to Friday, 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound) |
| Cars and small vans | £4.20 | Per crossing, paid online, in the app or by phone (no Auto Pay): this rate applies at all charging times |
| Large vans | £2.60 | Per crossing, Auto Pay off-peak rate (weekdays outside peak times, and all day at weekends, 06:00-22:00) |
| Large vans | £6.80 | Per crossing, Auto Pay peak rate (Monday to Friday, 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound) |
| Large vans | £6.80 | Per crossing, paid online, in the app or by phone (no Auto Pay): this rate applies at all charging times |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £5.25 | Per crossing, Auto Pay off-peak rate (weekdays outside peak times, and all day at weekends, 06:00-22:00) |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £10.50 | Per crossing, Auto Pay peak rate (Monday to Friday, 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound) |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £10.50 | Per crossing, paid online, in the app or by phone (no Auto Pay): this rate applies at all charging times |
Discounts and exemptions
- East London low income residents' discount: 50% off for people on certain benefits living in Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or the City of London (with Auto Pay it applies to peak and off-peak; without Auto Pay only to peak charges)
- Tunnels business discount: £1 off each off-peak crossing for eligible small businesses, charities and sole traders in Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets, up to 3 vehicles, Auto Pay required
- Blue Badge holders: 100% discount (applied automatically if you have an active TfL Blue Badge discount for that vehicle)
- Vehicles with 9 or more seats: 100% discount; DVLA-registered minibuses, buses and coaches are not charged
- Accredited breakdown vehicles and roadside recovery vehicles: 100% discount
- Exempt: emergency service vehicles, TfL-licensed taxis, NHS vehicles exempt from vehicle tax, vehicles in the 'disabled' tax class
- TfL-licensed private hire vehicles that are zero-emission capable or wheelchair accessible are not charged when carrying out a booking
- Motorcycles and mopeds are NOT exempt (unlike the Congestion Charge)
- No Cleaner Vehicle Discount and no Congestion Charge residents' discount on the tunnels
- NHS patients travelling to hospital appointments may be able to claim a refund
How to pay
No barriers or toll booths; cameras read number plates and you cannot pay at the tunnel. Easiest is TfL Auto Pay (free; London Road User Charging account; card or Direct Debit billed monthly; up to 5 vehicles, Fleet Auto Pay for 6 or more) which is the only way to get off-peak rates and protects you from PCNs. Otherwise pay online at TfL 'Pay to drive in London', in the free TfL Pay to drive in London app, or by phone 0343 222 2222 (international +44 343 222 2222; textphone 020 7649 9123), Monday to Friday 08:00-20:00, closed weekends and bank holidays - these methods charge the peak rate at all times. You can pay for up to 3 previous days, today, or up to 65 charging days ahead.
Payment deadline
By midnight on the third day after the crossing.
If you don't pay
PCN £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days; rises to £270 (charge certificate) if not paid or challenged within 28 days. A PCN can be issued for each unpaid crossing.
Good to know
One scheme covers both Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels; charges are per crossing, each direction. Tunnel charges increased on 21 September 2026 (the prices here are the new ones; TfL says charging times did not change). Tunnel charge is separate from ULEZ, which also applies here.
Sources: tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/silvertown-blackwall-tunnels-charge · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/silvertown-blackwall-tunnels-charge · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/silvertown-blackwall-tunnels-charge · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/silvertown-blackwall-tunnels-charge · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/silvertown-blackwall-tunnels-charge · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/discounts-and-exemptions · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/auto-pay · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/pay-to-drive-in-london