Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charges – What Drivers Need to Know
The Silvertown Tunnel is now open, providing a faster link between East and Southeast London. Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charges apply to both the Silvertown Tunnel and the neighbouring Blackwall Tunnel, with charges depending on when you travel and how you pay.
If you drive regularly in London as a PCO or private hire driver, understanding the charging times, toll rates, payment options and exemptions can help you avoid unnecessary costs and fines. This guide also explains the upcoming September 2026 rate changes and how you can save money while making the most of this new route.
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When Do Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charges Apply?
Drivers using the Silvertown or Blackwall Tunnel are charged during the following hours:
- Charging hours: 6 AM – 10 PM (daily)
- Free travel: 10 PM – 6 AM, and all day on Christmas Day
- Applies both northbound and southbound
Overnight travel is currently free, making late-night journeys more cost-effective.
How Much Is the Silvertown Tunnel Toll?
For cars and small vans (including most PCO vehicles), the charges are:
Peak Hours (Higher Charge – £4.00 per crossing)
- Northbound (towards East London): Monday to Friday, 6 AM – 10 AM
- Southbound (towards South London): Monday to Friday, 4 PM – 7 PM
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Charge – £1.50 per crossing)
- All other times between 6 AM – 10 PM
- All weekend travel is off-peak
What Are the Silvertown Tunnel Charges from September 2026?
From 21 September 2026, the charges for cars and small vans, including most PCO vehicles, will change as follows:
- Auto Pay: £1.55 off-peak and £4.20 during peak hours.
- Online or phone payments: £4.20 at all charging times.
- Peak hours: Monday to Friday, 6 AM–10 AM northbound and 4 PM–7 PM southbound.
- Off-peak hours: All other times between 6 AM and 10 PM, including weekends.
Do You Pay for Both Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels?
Yes. The same charges apply to both tunnels, and each crossing is charged separately. Using both tunnels in one day, or crossing and returning later, means you’ll pay twice.
Why Are There Charges on These Tunnels?
The tunnel user charges have been introduced to:
- Control traffic and reduce congestion
- Help repay the cost of building the Silvertown Tunnel
- Fund maintenance and day-to-day operation of both tunnels
By charging more at busy times and keeping overnight travel free, traffic is spread more evenly across the day.
How to Pay the Silvertown Tunnel Charge
Auto Pay (Recommended)
Auto Pay is the easiest way to pay and gives you access to the lower off-peak rate.
- Sign up online with Transport for London
- Link a debit or credit card, or set up a direct debit
- Charges are taken automatically each month
- No sign-up or renewal fees
- Covers up to five vehicles per account
Pay Online or via App
- Pay through the TfL website
- Use the official TfL Pay to Drive in London app (iOS & Android)
Pay by Phone
- Call: 0343 222 2222
- Textphone: 020 7649 9123
You have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay. Late or missed payments will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Who Is Exempt from the Toll?
- TfL-licensed taxis and other exempt vehicles: TfL-licensed taxis, emergency service vehicles, and DVLA-registered buses, minibuses and coaches pay no charge at any time.
- Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible PHVs: Vehicles licensed by TfL are exempt while carrying out a TfL-licensed booking, but not for non-booked or personal journeys.
- Blue Badge holders: Can apply for a 100% discount on the charge.
- Residents and local businesses: Residents of the 12 East London boroughs affected, plus the City of London, can apply for a 50% discount; small businesses, sole traders and charities registered in Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets can apply for a £1 discount on the off-peak rate for up to three vehicles.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, TfL provides a vehicle checker tool on their website.
Also Read: Dartford Crossing Charge – What You Should Know as a PCO Driver?
Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charges for PCO Drivers
PCO drivers should note the following:
- You won’t be charged when completing a TfL-licensed booking in a zero-emission capable or wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- You will be charged for any non-booked journeys, personal use of the tunnels, or trips in non-exempt vehicles
- Charges apply every time you use either tunnel, in both directions
- Auto Pay helps you avoid missed payments, peak-rate charges, and PCNs
What Are the Benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel for PCO Drivers?
Tolls aside, the Silvertown Tunnel is genuinely good news for PCO drivers working East and Southeast London. Here’s why:
Quicker Airport Runs
Blackwall Tunnel has been the main option, but traffic, lane closures and weekend congestion can make it unreliable. Silvertown Tunnel provides a faster route towards:
- London City Airport
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
Easier Night Shifts
Blackwall Tunnel often closes overnight for maintenance, leaving drivers with long detours. Silvertown Tunnel offers an alternative with less stress and fuel wasted, while helping meet demand from:
- Night-shift workers
- Late-night partygoers
- Travellers catching early or late flights
More Corporate & Business Jobs
The tunnel makes cross-river routes easier, opening up journeys that were previously difficult. That means:
- More pick-ups from hotels
- More cross-river business meetings
- Higher-value rides from clients who need punctual, premium service
Better Access to Key Hotspots
The tunnel links Greenwich (South) with Newham (North), cutting right under the Thames. That gives you quick routes to major high-demand areas like:
- Canary Wharf (financial district, busy weekdays)
- Stratford (transport hub, Westfield, Olympic Park)
- ExCeL London (a major event venue with heavy traffic around it)
Silvertown Tunnel isn’t just another route across London. For PCO drivers, it can mean quicker journeys, better access to busy areas and more opportunities to earn.
How Can PCO Drivers Save Money on Tunnel Charges?
- Plan your PCO journeys to travel off-peak where possible.
- Use Auto Pay to access lower rates and avoid paying the higher rate.
- Avoid unnecessary tunnel crossings during peak hours.
- Keep track of booked and personal journeys, as exemptions only apply to eligible booked journeys.
- If you don’t use Auto Pay, set reminders and pay within three days of your journey.
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Final Thoughts
All our plans have fair terms with everything you need included for a fixed weekly fee. We also offer breakdown assistance with a replacement vehicle to minimise your downtime. Book your preferred car or call us for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the toll by taking another route?
Technically, yes. Tower Bridge, Rotherhithe Tunnel, and Woolwich Ferry are toll-free alternatives, but they are often slower and more congested, which can impact your earnings.
Will Uber or Bolt reimburse me for toll charges?
No, but you can include tolls in the fare when using platforms like Uber, Bolt, or FREENOW. Make sure your fare settings and app are up to date.
Will there be ANPR cameras on Silvertown Tunnel?
Yes, tolls are enforced using ANPR cameras, so make sure your number plate is correctly registered with Auto Pay to avoid fines.
What happens if I forget to pay the toll?
You could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, which could be reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks. If it remains unpaid after 28 days, it can increase to £270.
Are there discounts or exemptions for private hire drivers?
Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible PCO vehicles are exempt while completing a TfL-licensed booking. Outside of that, there are no blanket toll discounts for PCO drivers, though this may change in future subject to TfL policy.
What if my vehicle is hired or rented - who pays the toll?
In most cases, the PCO driver is responsible for toll charges unless your rental agreement includes toll coverage. Always check with your rental provider.
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