How much the Congestion Charge costs
| Vehicle and payment | Daily charge |
|---|---|
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid car, paid in advance or on the day | £18 |
| Paid by midnight on the third day after travel | £21 |
| Electric car registered for Auto Pay | £13.50 |
| Electric van or HGV registered for Auto Pay | £9 |
| Registered resident inside the zone | £1.80 |
Rates from 2 January 2026. Transport for London plans to reduce the electric discounts from March 2030.
When you have to pay
The charge applies to driving or parking on a public road in the zone between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and between 12pm and 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. You pay once per day, however many times you enter. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day inclusive.
Electric cars and the Congestion Charge
Electric cars were exempt under the cleaner vehicle discount until 25 December 2025. From January 2026 they pay, but get 25% off if registered for Auto Pay. Plug-in hybrids pay the full charge. The car must be shown as electric on the V5C logbook.
How to pay
- Auto Pay: register online and TfL charges your card automatically for each day you drive in the zone. It avoids missed payments and is required for the electric discount.
- Pay online or in the TfL Pay to Drive app up to 90 days in advance, on the day, or by midnight on the third day after.
- By phone through TfL.
Penalties
If you do not pay, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is sent to the registered keeper. It is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days, and rises to £270 if unpaid after 28 days.
Congestion Charge and ULEZ
The two are separate. The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all London boroughs and charges £12.50 a day for vehicles that do not meet its emissions standard, 24 hours a day. A non-compliant car driving in central London during charging hours pays both. Check a car with our ULEZ check.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 15 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important on GOV.UK. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.