Driving to Ramsgate - do I avoid the toll?

[Sundaymoney28]

First time driving from North Wales to Ramsgate (long drive) and first time driving this far before.
I have to make the journey, despite hating long journeys.
Google maps say there is a toll road on the M25.
I can screenshot if easier as not exactly sure whereabouts.

However, I lost my card yesterday so only have cash on me, so thinking whether it is best to avoid the toll road as google maps has an alternative route for if you want to avoid tolls.

Not sure what"s best though. Any tips?
Also any tips for someone who hates long journeys. I feel quite anxious going somewhere i've never been before on a 5 hour journey by myself

You can pay it online www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge

The toll is at Dartford crossing isn't it? If you're going to Ramsgate you'll come off M25 just before it

The toll is when going from the North part of the M25 to the South or vice Versa on the Dartford crossing. Just go round the South part only and avoid crossing the Thames in Essex/Kent and there will not be a toll charge.

Of you go south round the M25 you'll avoid the toll (Dartford crossing). But...you pay the toll charge online anyway not when you cross. I think you have until midnight the following day to pay it.

Drive through central London to avoid the Dartford crossing

You can go either way round the M25 can't imagine you will same much time either way. Crossing is £2.50 each way if I remember correctly.

I'd go whichever way has less traffic issues on the day.

This is google maps - don't mind paying the toll online if it's an online one like the runcorn bridge :)

Don’t drive through central London, then you have to pay the congestion charge!

It's an actual toll you pay there on the spot i'd rather avoid if I only have cash on me

Coming from north Wales, the most direct route is to use the Dartford toll crossing - you can’t use cash though. You have to pay by card, you can pay before or up to 24 hours after though (it just registers your number plate as you drive through).

Following the non-toll route will take you longer and probably take you through the blackwall tunnel.

You have to pay online there are no toll booths anymore .

No, there is no toll road South of London. Keep towards the Heathrow/Gatwick direction from M1 or M40. Don't go through central Londin as traffic is horrific and you may get into Congestion Charge. Dartford Crossing is an online payment only not cash, but above route avoids it anyway.

They don't have tolls there any more (where you pay cash) just drive straight over the bridge.

@HalfCakeHalfBiscuit

Drive through central London to avoid the Dartford crossing

The Dartford Crossing is £2.50 for cars.

Congestion Charge if you stray into it through central London is £15.

And driving within London for a driver already apprehensive about the journey?

OP: for the sake of £2.50 which you can pay online in advance or the next day, take the Dartford Crossing if it is shown as the quickest route. It is a huge high and long bridge travelling clockwise round the M25 and heading South over the Thames, and a tunnel going the other way.

Yes it’s only online (that link above) - there is no one to pay on the bridge anymore. It’s very easy if you do prefer that way. Like the others said, you can go southbound around the m25 to avoid bridge- it is about the same. Don’t drive through central London - traffic is heavy and slow.

@Paddybare @Floralnomad

Paying online would be perfect as I can transfer money to a friend to pay over me for now
I'd rather not encounter a toll I have to pay on the spot, as i have a few pound change but would rather not have the stress of counting pennies as I am not used to carrying cash, so really only have notes

Do not go through central London, it’s £17 congestion charge. Plus if your car isn’t ULEZ compliant you could have another £30 on top of that.

Thank you everyone!! I have been on google maps stressing about this journey, and the toll has been my main stress as I didn't want to encounter a "pay on the spot" toll so you have all eased my mind
I'll take the Dartford crossing toll then

The only option is to pay online so that's one less obstacle! Have a safe journey and remember to take a break 🙂

You need to get a,spare card like a credit card or prepay

@HalfCakeHalfBiscuit

Drive through central London to avoid the Dartford crossing

Nooooo! You’ll drive through the congestion charge!!

@Embracelife what do you mean? My bank are sending a new card in the post but won't be here until Thursday.
However, I have to make this journey.tomorrow and will be back Thursday night

Do not drive through London!

I'm not sure exactly where you're coming from but I regularly drive from the west of Shropshire to Kent. Going Southbound on the M25 avoids the charge. It's only slightly longer plus tends to have less traffic than the northbound section. After Birmingham I prefer M40/ southbound M25 to M1 (which is always busy and has sections of 60mph limits which are irritating!) /.M25 northbound.

Good luck with your journey, whichever route you take. Make sure you plan on at least 1 stop en route, you'll need a break.

@FromageRay thank you :) my main stress is taken away with the toll bridge.
I have borrowed cash off my parents to keep me afloat... i know cash is a bit awkward during covid times but i have no other alternative

If you rely on one bank card only then you are in trouble if you lose it.
So a back up spare card like a credit card which you use when the other is lost.
Or get a pre paid card you can transfer money to online.

Seems risky to only ever have one card you can use