Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)
£3.50 per crossing (car). There's no barrier and nowhere to pay at the crossing, so you have to pay online, by phone or in a shop, by midnight the day after you cross. Here's how, and what it costs if you forget.
When do I have to pay by?
Pay on the official Dartford site
We don't take payments. That link goes to National Highways's own page.
The charge
| Vehicle | One-off or pay as you go | Pre-pay account |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes | Free | Free |
| Cars, motorhomes, minibuses with up to 9 seats | £3.50 | £2.80 |
| 2-axle buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles | £4.20 | £3.60 |
| Vehicles with more than 2 axles | £8.40 | £7.20 |
Charged 6am to 10pm. A pre-pay Dart Charge account gives a discount of up to 20%: £2.80 instead of £3.50 for a car.
When it applies: 6am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays. It's free to cross between 10pm and 6am.
How to pay Pay by midnight the day after you cross
- Online on GOV.UK ('Pay the Dartford Crossing charge'), as a one-off payment, without an account
- With a pay-as-you-go account: your card is charged automatically at midnight the day after you cross
- With a pre-pay account: money comes out of your balance, with a discount of up to 20%
- In cash at a Payzone shop
- By phone: Dart Charge contact centre, 0300 300 0120 (every day, 8am to 8pm)
Can you pay in advance? Yes. A one-off payment can be made for future crossings and stays valid for 12 months.
Forgot to pay?
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penalty Charge Notice | £70 |
| Paid within 14 days | £35 |
| Not paid within 28 days | £105 |
The fine is on top of the original crossing charge. Pay or challenge it online with your number plate and PCN reference, pay by phone on 0300 1313 120, or challenge by post using the representation slip on the PCN. You can't challenge a PCN by phone.
Notices go to the registered keeper of the vehicle, so if you borrowed or hired a car, the letter goes to the owner or hire company first.
Who doesn't pay, and discounts
- Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes: free
- Vehicles that get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability: free, checked automatically when you cross
- Crossing between 10pm and 6am: free
Residents of Dartford or Thurrock council areas can apply for a local resident discount: £25 a year for unlimited crossings, or £12.50 a year for 50 crossings (with top-ups of £6.25 for 25 more). Whichever you choose, you won't pay more than £25 in a year. You need a Dart Charge account, your V5C log book and two proofs of address (such as a bank statement, utility bill or council tax bill), and you have to send the documents again every 2 years.
Questions
How much is the Dartford Crossing charge?
£3.50 per crossing (car). Charged 6am to 10pm. A pre-pay Dart Charge account gives a discount of up to 20%: £2.80 instead of £3.50 for a car.
How do I pay the Dartford Crossing charge?
Online on GOV.UK ('Pay the Dartford Crossing charge'), as a one-off payment, without an account; With a pay-as-you-go account: your card is charged automatically at midnight the day after you cross; With a pre-pay account: money comes out of your balance, with a discount of up to 20%; In cash at a Payzone shop; By phone: Dart Charge contact centre, 0300 300 0120 (every day, 8am to 8pm). You must pay by midnight the day after you cross.
What is the deadline to pay the Dartford Crossing charge?
By midnight the day after you cross. Yes. A one-off payment can be made for future crossings and stays valid for 12 months.
What happens if I don't pay the Dartford Crossing charge?
Penalty Charge Notice: £70; Paid within 14 days: £35; Not paid within 28 days: £105. The fine is on top of the original crossing charge. Pay or challenge it online with your number plate and PCN reference, pay by phone on 0300 1313 120, or challenge by post using the representation slip on the PCN. You can't challenge a PCN by phone.
Who doesn't have to pay the Dartford Crossing charge?
Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes: free; Vehicles that get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability: free, checked automatically when you cross; Crossing between 10pm and 6am: free.
Is there a discount on the Dartford Crossing charge?
Residents of Dartford or Thurrock council areas can apply for a local resident discount: £25 a year for unlimited crossings, or £12.50 a year for 50 crossings (with top-ups of £6.25 for 25 more). Whichever you choose, you won't pay more than £25 in a year. You need a Dart Charge account, your V5C log book and two proofs of address (such as a bank statement, utility bill or council tax bill), and you have to send the documents again every 2 years.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)
- GOV.UK: Dart Charge charges and local resident discount
- GOV.UK: Dart Charge fines (Penalty Charge Notices)
Run by National Highways (Dart Charge). Checked on the operator's own website on 16 October 2026. Charges change, so check the official site before you travel. Spotted a change? Email hello@airportdropoff.co.uk.
Going to the airport?
Drop-off and pick-up charges at airports in the area, from each airport's own website.