Dart Charge prices
| Vehicle | One-off payment | With a pre-pay account |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorhomes, minibuses up to 9 seats | £3.50 | £2.80 |
| Motorcycles | Free | Free |
Prices from 1 September 2025, set by National Highways. Vans, buses and lorries pay higher rates.
When you pay
The charge applies in both directions, every day, between 6am and 10pm. Crossing between 10pm and 6am is free. You can pay up to 12 months in advance, or up to midnight the day after you cross.
How to pay
- Online on the GOV.UK Dart Charge service. Use only the official GOV.UK site, as copycat sites add fees.
- By phone on 0300 300 0120.
- With an account, which takes payments automatically and gives the lower £2.80 price.
Penalties
If you do not pay by midnight the next day, a Penalty Charge Notice is sent to the registered keeper. The penalty is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, plus the original charge. It rises to £105 if left unpaid.
Avoiding a penalty
If you use the crossing more than a few times a year, an account is the simplest way to avoid fines. If you use it once, pay as soon as you know your travel date. Set a reminder if you are paying afterwards.
Planning a long trip? Our fuel cost calculator works out the fuel cost, and you can add crossings and tolls on top.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)
- GOV.UK: Dart Charge fines (penalty charge notices)
- National Highways: Dart Charge price change
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 Spotted something out of date?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.