East of central London, crossing the Thames by car increasingly means paying — the Dartford Crossing, and now the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, all charge, each with different rates, hours and payment rules. This guide compares them side by side, notes the free alternatives, and helps you choose the right (and cheapest) crossing for your journey. Figures are indicative for 2026 — check TfL and GOV.UK for current numbers before you travel.
Key takeaways
- Dartford Crossing: £2.50 car, 06:00–22:00, pay by midnight next day (GOV.UK / Dart Charge).
- Silvertown & Blackwall: ~£1.50–£4 car by time of day, 06:00–22:00, pay within 3 days (TfL).
- All free overnight (22:00–06:00) — timing can save the charge entirely.
- Different systems: Dartford is GOV.UK/Dart Charge; the tunnels are TfL Auto Pay.
- Free options exist (e.g. Woolwich Ferry, Rotherhithe/Tower Bridge) but each has trade-offs.
01 / TABLEThe crossings at a glance
| Crossing | Car charge | Charged | Pay via / deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartford Crossing | £2.50 | 06:00–22:00 | Dart Charge (GOV.UK) — midnight next day |
| Silvertown Tunnel | ~£1.50–£4 | 06:00–22:00 | TfL Auto Pay — within 3 days |
| Blackwall Tunnel | ~£1.50–£4 | 06:00–22:00 | TfL Auto Pay — within 3 days |
| Woolwich Ferry | Free | Daytime service | — (limited hours, queues) |
| Rotherhithe / Tower Bridge | Free | — | — (congested, restrictions) |
Indicative 2026 figures. The Congestion Charge and ULEZ are separate charges that may also apply to central-London journeys — check TfL.
02 / DARTFORDDartford Crossing
Furthest east, on the M25, the Dartford Crossing charges £2.50 for a car (06:00–22:00), paid via Dart Charge on GOV.UK by midnight the next day. It’s a different system from the tunnels — a separate account and deadline. See our full Dart Charge guide.
03 / TUNNELSSilvertown & Blackwall tunnels
Closer to the centre, the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels charge by time of day — roughly £1.50 off-peak to £4 peak for a car on TfL Auto Pay — with payment due within three days. They’re handy for Greenwich, Canary Wharf and London City Airport. Full detail in our tunnel charges guide.
04 / FREEThe free crossings (and their catches)
There are still free options — the Woolwich Ferry, and further west Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge — but each has trade-offs: limited hours and queues at the ferry, congestion and vehicle restrictions at Rotherhithe and Tower Bridge, and all of them divert you from the fastest route. And every charged crossing is free overnight (22:00–06:00), so timing is often the simplest saving of all.
05 / CHOOSEWhich to use
Rule of thumb: for the M25 and Kent/Essex, it’s Dartford; for inner East–South London, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and London City Airport, it’s the tunnels; and if you’re flexible, an overnight crossing avoids the charge entirely. For any airport or cross-river run, a fixed-fare transfer includes whichever charges apply and the driver handles them — one price, no toll admin. As a Kent-based, TfL-licensed operator, Rushxo crosses all of these regularly.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What does it cost to cross the Thames by car in East London?
It depends on the crossing: the Dartford Crossing is £2.50 for a car, while the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels charge roughly £1.50 off-peak to £4 peak on Auto Pay. All are charged 06:00–22:00 and free overnight. Free options like the Woolwich Ferry exist but have trade-offs.
What’s the difference between Dartford and the tunnel charges?
Different systems. Dartford uses Dart Charge on GOV.UK, at a flat £2.50 for a car, paid by midnight the next day. The Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels use TfL Auto Pay, charge by time of day, and must be paid within three days.
Which is the cheapest Thames crossing?
Timing matters most — all charged crossings are free overnight (22:00–06:00). During the day, the tunnels off-peak (~£1.50) can be cheaper than Dartford (£2.50), but it depends on your route. Free crossings exist but often add time and congestion.
Is there a free way to cross the Thames in East London?
Yes — the Woolwich Ferry, and further west Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge, are free, but each has limited hours, queues, congestion or vehicle restrictions, and may divert you from the fastest route.
Which crossing is best for London City Airport?
The Silvertown or Blackwall tunnels are closest for London City Airport and the Greenwich/Canary Wharf area. For journeys on the M25 to/from Kent and Essex, the Dartford Crossing is the relevant one.
Do fixed-fare taxis include all these charges?
Yes — a pre-booked fixed fare includes whichever crossing charges apply to your route, with the driver handling payment, so you get one price and no toll admin or PCN risk.
Time Matters
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