How bad is Dartford tunnel crossing?

[Fossie]

I'm now having to drive kids to Upminster from Croydon next Friday about 4.30pm. How long might that take? Google maps think 48 minutes but what might the Dartford crossing add to that or is it not that bad? Is there any alternate route that would avoid the crossing? I'm a slightly nervous driver so I'm not looking forward to this. Any advice gratefully received.

The Dartford crossing is really easy to drive. It's clear and straightforward. But how long it may take is anyone's guess. :(
I've been straight through in rush hour, and sat in a queue for an hour at a midweek lunchtime.

Very easy to drive through but be aware that you will need to pay in advance. You will need to go online and create an account.

I can't see it taking 48 minutes, I would probably add an extra 30 minutes to that

I didn't know you had to pay in advance. When did this come in?

I think you are being extremely optimistic about it taking only 48 minutes at 4.30 on a Friday afternoon. Can you leave earlier?

The alternative route is to the opposite way around the M25!

If you are concerned about the tunnel, check the traffic before leaving, and adjust your journey if there is heavy traffic. Perhaps stick to an outside lane, rather than one of the inner ones.

The traffics much better than it used to be. I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes and that's been peak times.

You don't have to pay in advance. You can pay (I think) up to midnight the day after travel.

Friday will be busy but should be OK unless there's an accident in which case all bets are off!

It depends on a few things.

If everything is good and free flowing then you shouldn't have many issues.
However, if it is windy, the bridge may well shut, you then will queue to use the tunnels.
If there is an accident again there will be delays and another possible closure.
At 4.30pm on a Friday afternoon...I would add some time to your estimation.

Could take 48 mins could take 4 hours that's the unfortunate this of the dartfors crossing

You're timing couldn't be worse. Sorry OP. It's utter ball ache on a Friday afternoon

Each time we have had to go across the Dartford crossing it has been a nightmare. Last time we were stuck for about an hour and a half and that was at 9.30 at night after a very long day at a family funeral. The fact that you now pay in advance seems to have had little impact. I hate the M25.

Can ne a nightmare! Good luck OP, I hate the crossing. Just don't forget to pay the fee!

You donb't have to pay in advance, it'll register your reg and you'll need to pay within 48 hours if first time.

Many thanks all. A friend took my children in the end and it took two and a half hours. I was lucky there.