When the Silvertown Tunnel opened on 7 April 2025, TfL introduced charges on both the new tunnel and the previously-free Blackwall Tunnel — a major change for anyone driving between East and South London. The charge is time-based, cashless and camera-enforced, with a £180 penalty for non-payment. This guide sets out the rates, charging hours, Auto Pay, discounts and exemptions, and how to stay on the right side of it. Figures are indicative for 2026 — always check TfL for the current numbers.
Key takeaways
- Both tunnels charged since 7 April 2025 — same rate whichever you use, each crossing charged separately.
- Cars (Auto Pay): from about £1.50 off-peak up to £4 at peak; more for vans and HGVs.
- Charging hours: 06:00–22:00 daily; free overnight and on Christmas Day.
- No Auto Pay = higher rate, and you must pay by midnight on the third day after travel.
- Miss it and it’s a £180 PCN — reduced if paid promptly.
01 / WHATWhat changed in April 2025
The Silvertown Tunnel — a new twin-bore crossing between Silvertown (Newham) and the Greenwich Peninsula — opened on 7 April 2025 to relieve the chronically congested Blackwall Tunnel. Crucially, from the same date TfL began charging for both tunnels. The Blackwall Tunnel, free for over a century, now costs the same as Silvertown. It’s a barrier-free, camera-enforced system — you pay online, not at a booth.
02 / RATESWhat you pay — peak vs off-peak
The charge depends on when you cross and your vehicle, not which tunnel you use. For cars and small vans on Auto Pay, it’s roughly £1.50 off-peak and up to £4 at peak; HGVs can reach around £10. Critically, the off-peak rate is only available with Auto Pay — without it, you’re charged the higher rate regardless of the time. Each crossing is charged separately, so using both tunnels in a day means paying twice.
Charging & peak hours
Charged: 06:00–22:00 every day, including weekends and bank holidays (free overnight, and free on Christmas Day).
Peak (Mon–Fri only): northbound 06:00–10:00, southbound 16:00–19:00. Outside those windows within charging hours, the off-peak rate applies.
03 / PAYHow to pay & the deadline
Pay via TfL: set up Auto Pay (the cheapest, easiest option — the charge is taken automatically and you get the off-peak rate), or pay manually online. Either way, payment is due by midnight on the third day after you travel. Miss it and TfL issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £180 (reduced if paid promptly) — far more than the toll, so Auto Pay is well worth it for anyone crossing regularly.
04 / EXEMPTDiscounts & exemptions
Some drivers pay less or nothing. East London low-income residents in eligible boroughs receiving certain benefits can get a 50% discount; there’s a tunnels business discount; and a zero-emission-capable private hire vehicle on a TfL-licensed booking is exempt (though charged if used without a booking). Blue Badge and other concessions may apply — check TfL’s eligibility and postcode checker, as the rules are specific.
05 / AVOIDAvoiding the charge & the hassle
Your options: cross overnight (free 22:00–06:00), use Auto Pay to get the lower rate and never miss a payment, or — for an airport or cross-river trip — book a fixed-fare transfer that includes any applicable tunnel charge, so the driver handles it. As a TfL-licensed operator, Rushxo folds the relevant charges into the quoted fare, so there’s no toll admin and no PCN risk for you.
FAQFrequently asked questions
How much is the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnel charge?
For cars and small vans on Auto Pay, roughly £1.50 off-peak and up to £4 at peak, with HGVs up to around £10. The off-peak rate is only available with Auto Pay — without it you pay the higher rate at any time. Check TfL for exact current figures.
When are the tunnels charged?
Between 06:00 and 22:00 every day, including weekends and bank holidays (free overnight and on Christmas Day). Peak applies Monday to Friday only: northbound 06:00–10:00, southbound 16:00–19:00.
Is the Blackwall Tunnel still free?
No — since 7 April 2025 the Blackwall Tunnel is charged at the same rate as the new Silvertown Tunnel. It was free for over a century, but charging was introduced on both when Silvertown opened.
How do I pay the tunnel charge?
Through TfL — set up Auto Pay (cheapest and automatic) or pay manually online, by midnight on the third day after you travel. Miss the deadline and you get a £180 Penalty Charge Notice, reduced if paid promptly.
Are there discounts or exemptions?
Yes — a 50% discount for eligible low-income East London residents, a tunnels business discount, and an exemption for zero-emission-capable private hire vehicles on a TfL-licensed booking. Check TfL’s eligibility and postcode checker for the full list.
Do I pay twice if I use both tunnels?
Yes — each crossing is charged separately, so using both Silvertown and Blackwall in a day means paying the charge twice.
Does a fixed-fare taxi include the tunnel charge?
Yes — a pre-booked fixed fare folds any applicable tunnel charge into one agreed price and the driver handles payment, so there’s nothing to remember and no PCN risk.
Time Matters
Cross-river trip? Get a fixed fare, charges included
Fixed fares confirmed before you ride. Local licensed drivers, flight tracking, 24/7 human support — and no surge, ever.