May Bank Holiday Monday 2026: Here's what you need to know about supermarket hours & travel chaos

The early May Bank Holiday is here, bringing a much-needed long weekend for millions. But while many plan to unwind, others are preparing for packed roads and altered shopping hours. From supermarkets to travel updates, here’s what you need to know before stepping out.

May Bank Holiday Monday 2026

The early May bank holiday on May 4 is shaping up to be a busy one across the UK, with supermarkets adjusting their hours and millions preparing to hit the road. While the long weekend offers a break for many, it also comes with a need to plan ahead—especially when it comes to shopping and travel.


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What are supermarket hours on Bank Holiday Monday?

Major supermarket chains including Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Lidl have confirmed that while stores will remain open, many will operate reduced hours, as per a report by Echo.

Tesco
Large stores: 8am–6pm (some until 8pm)
Smaller stores: mostly normal hours

Aldi
Most stores closing earlier at 8pm instead of 10pm

Lidl
Hours vary, but many stores close around 8pm

Sainsbury's
Most stores: 8am–8pm
Local stores: open longer

Morrisons
Open 7–8am, close mostly at 8pm (some until 10pm)

Asda
Large stores: 8am–10pm
Asda Express: likely 24 hours

Waitrose
Most stores: around 8am–8pm (varies by location)

Co-op
Mostly normal hours, with slight variations possible

Iceland
Mostly open as usual, some reduced hours

Marks & Spencer
Open around 8:30am, close 6pm (Foodhalls slightly later)

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Why is travel expected to surge this weekend?

While shoppers adjust to new store timings, drivers are bracing for one of the busiest bank holiday weekends in years. The RAC estimates around 19 million leisure trips will be made by car, making it the busiest early May getaway in a decade.

Saturday is predicted to be the peak day, with over four million journeys expected. Congestion is likely to build between 10am and midday, particularly on key routes like the M5 between Bristol and Taunton. Friday is also expected to be “hectic,” with 3.7 million drivers sharing the roads with regular commuters, as quoted in a report by The Independent.

Despite rising fuel costs, travel plans remain strong. Filling a typical family car now costs significantly more than last year, yet many drivers are still choosing to make the most of the long weekend.

“Even though fuel prices are uncomfortably high, it clearly takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a bank holiday weekend,” RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said.
“The fact it’s set to be the busiest early May bank holiday in 10 years shows just how much we depend on our cars to get us wherever we want to go.”

He advised drivers to check tyre pressure, oil, coolant and screen wash levels before setting off.

Rail passengers are also being urged to plan carefully. While most of the network will remain open, several major stations—including Liverpool Lime Street and London’s Charing Cross—will face closures or disruptions due to engineering work.

As Anit Chandarana of Network Rail explained: “There is no right way to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services.” He added, “I’d advise everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel.”

With altered supermarket hours and heavy travel expected, the message is clear, this bank holiday weekend may offer a break, but it will require a bit of planning to make the most of it, as quoted in a report by The Independent.

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FAQs

Will supermarkets be open on May 4?
Yes, most stores will open but with reduced hours.

When is traffic expected to peak?
Saturday morning is likely to be the busiest time.