Driving charges · Toll bridge
Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge)
The Dartford Crossing over the River Thames between Dartford (Kent) and Thurrock (Essex) on the M25/A282 - the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge southbound and the tunnels northbound. Outside Greater London; run by National Highways, not TfL.
Who pays
Cars, motorhomes, minibuses, buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles using the crossing between 06:00 and 22:00. Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes are free.
When it applies
06:00-22:00 every day, including weekends and bank holidays. Free between 22:00 and 06:00.
How much
| Vehicle | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class A: motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes | Free | Free |
| Class B: cars (including trailers), motorhomes and minibuses with 9 or fewer seats | £3.50 | Per crossing, one-off payment or pay as you go account |
| Class B: cars (including trailers), motorhomes and minibuses with 9 or fewer seats | £2.80 | Per crossing, pre-pay account |
| Class C: buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with 2 axles | £4.20 | Per crossing, one-off payment or pay as you go account |
| Class C: buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with 2 axles | £3.60 | Per crossing, pre-pay account |
| Class D: buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with more than 2 axles | £8.40 | Per crossing, one-off payment or pay as you go account |
| Class D: buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with more than 2 axles | £7.20 | Per crossing, pre-pay account |
| Local residents (Dartford or Thurrock council areas) | £25 | Per year for unlimited crossings (account and application needed) |
| Local residents (Dartford or Thurrock council areas) | £12.50 | Per year for 50 crossings; extra 25 crossings £6.25, or £12.50 to upgrade to unlimited; never more than £25 a year in total |
Discounts and exemptions
- Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes: free
- Vehicles that get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability: free (checked automatically)
- Pre-pay account holders: up to 20% discount
- Local resident discount for Dartford and Thurrock council areas: £25 a year unlimited, or £12.50 a year for 50 crossings
- Free for everyone between 22:00 and 06:00
How to pay
No toll booths; pay on GOV.UK. Options: one-off payment with no account (by midnight the day after crossing, or in advance - advance payments last 12 months); a pay as you go account (card charged automatically at midnight the day after crossing); or a pre-pay account (top up in advance, automatic deduction, up to 20% cheaper). Also cash at Payzone stores, by post, or by phone on 0300 300 0120 (textphone 18001 0300 300 0120), every day 08:00-20:00. The Dart Charge is separate from TfL's charges; TfL Auto Pay does not cover it.
Payment deadline
By midnight the day after you cross.
If you don't pay
PCN £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, increased to £105 if not paid within 28 days - in addition to the original crossing charge. PCN phone line: 0300 1313 120.
Good to know
Current prices took effect on 1 September 2025 (DfT written statement, 17 June 2025). No official vehicle checker (GOV.UK lets you check which crossings you have paid for). Fines are paid at https://pay-dartford-crossing-fine.service.gov.uk/. Beware unofficial payment websites - pay only through GOV.UK.
Sources: www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge · www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge/charges · www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge/print · www.gov.uk/government/speeches/dartford-crossing-charge-upda · nationalhighways.co.uk/help-centre/dart-charge-help-page/ · tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/dart-charge