London CCZ Checker

How to Pay the London Congestion Charge

Updated 1 March 2025

There are several ways to pay the London Congestion Charge. The key rule: you must pay by midnight on the day you drive within the zone (with some exceptions).

Auto Pay is the easiest and cheapest way to pay the congestion charge. You register your vehicle and a payment card with TfL, and the charge is automatically taken the day after you travel.

Benefits of Auto Pay:

  • 15% discount — you pay £10.50/day instead of £15.00
  • Monthly cap of £700 (approximately 67 days)
  • No daily action required
  • Covers all your registered vehicles

To register: visit tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/paying-the-congestion-charge

Method 2: Pay online

Go to tfl.gov.uk and pay for the specific date you drove in the zone. You will need your vehicle registration number.

Deadline: Midnight on the day of travel (Sunday/day before bank holiday: midnight the next day).

Method 3: TfL app

Download the official TfL app. You can pay for today’s travel or upcoming planned trips.

Method 4: By phone

Call TfL on 0343 222 2222. Payment by debit or credit card. The phone line is open 24 hours.

Method 5: Retail payment

Some PayPoint retailers and petrol stations accept congestion charge payments. Look for the TfL logo.

What is the payment deadline?

  • Monday to Saturday: Midnight on the day of travel
  • Sunday: Midnight the following Monday
  • Day before a bank holiday: Midnight the day after the bank holiday

What happens if you miss the deadline?

If you drive in the zone and do not pay by the deadline, TfL will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180.

  • Pay within 14 days: reduced to £90
  • Pay within 28 days: full £180
  • Not paid within 28 days: charge increases to £270
  • Unpaid PCN: debt collection, clamping, or court proceedings

Can I pay in advance?

Yes. You can pay up to 90 days in advance for a planned trip. This is useful if you know you will be driving in the zone on a specific date.

Checking if you have an outstanding charge

Log in to your TfL account or call 0343 222 2222 to check whether you have any outstanding charges or PCNs associated with your vehicle.