Are petrol stations open on Christmas Day? 2025 Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons UK forecourt opening times
Which stations are open, which are closed, and how to make sure you can refuel before your festive journey 🎄
- Fuel is still available on Christmas Day 2025, but options are more limited than usual
- Motorway service stations are the most reliable places to buy petrol on December 25
- Many Shell, BP and Esso pumps remain open, though shops and toilets may close
- Supermarket petrol stations such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s are generally closed
- Drivers are advised to plan ahead or fill up before travelling on Christmas Day
If you’re planning to travel on Christmas Day 2025, one practical question often comes up: will petrol stations be open?
While many shops shut entirely on 25 December, fuel availability doesn’t disappear altogether, though it does become more limited, and knowing where to go can save you unnecessary stress.
Motorway service stations
If you need fuel on Christmas Day, motorway service stations are your most reliable choice.
Major operators such as Moto, Welcome Break, Roadchef and Extra typically keep their petrol pumps running 24 hours a day, all year round, including on Christmas Day.
Even if cafés, shops or toilets inside the service area operate reduced hours or close temporarily, fuel pumps are almost always available. For long journeys or unexpected detours, motorway services remain the safest bet for refuelling.
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Petrol stations
Many large brand stations run petrol pumps year-round, but services are limited. This year, most pumps operated by brands like Shell, BP and Esso will be available to use, though their shops and other in-store services like toilets may be limited.
These operate independently of supermarket hours and often allow pay-at-pump 24/7, but it always helps to check your local station’s schedule first.
Stations tied to supermarkets usually follow the Christmas Day closures of their stores, and are generally not open on December 25.
This year, that includes the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, whose forecourts will close alongside their main stores. Normal hours typically resume on Boxing Day, though again, it’s always best to check your local store and station directly.
Some smaller non-brand or independent petrol stations may close if they are part of a shop that shuts for Christmas Day, but this varies by operator.
For drivers planning longer journeys, the advice is simple: don’t leave refuelling to chance.
Filling up in advance or planning a stop at a motorway service station can help avoid unnecessary stress. Checking your local petrol station’s Christmas opening hours online or via mapping apps before setting off can also save time.
While Christmas Day fuel options are more limited than usual, drivers are unlikely to be left completely stranded, provided they plan ahead and know where to look.