How much does a tarmac driveway cost in the UK?
A tarmac driveway costs £40 to £65 in the UK, typically around £50 per m². Prices reviewed June 2026.
Tarmac is one of the cheapest ways to surface a driveway, priced by the square metre. The size of your drive and the state of the base underneath are what move the price most.
Price your tarmac driveway
Adjust for your job and area to get a range. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Tarmac driveway cost breakdown
What a tarmac driveway typically costs, by the unit:
| What | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Per m², supplied and fitted | £40 to £65 per m² |
| + Needs a new sub-base | add £25 to £45 per m² |
| Typical 50 m² | £2,000 to £3,250 |
What's included in the price?
A typical tarmac driveway price includes:
- Excavation and preparation of the base
- Sub-base and edging where needed
- Tarmac supplied, laid and rolled
- Removal of spoil and waste
What changes the price?
The things that move a tarmac driveway price most:
Total area in square metres
Whether the existing base can be reused or a new sub-base is needed
A single layer or a two-layer (binder plus wearing course) build-up
Edgings, drainage and any kerbing
Does where you live change the cost?
Fairly consistent nationally, with London and the South East a little higher on labour. The base condition matters more than location.
Common questions
A typical 50 square metre drive costs roughly £2,000 to £3,250 if it can be laid over a sound base, and more if a new sub-base is needed.
Yes. Tarmac is usually the cheapest hard surface per square metre, while block paving costs more because of the materials and the labour to lay each block.
A non-permeable tarmac surface over five square metres that drains to the road may need planning permission. Adding drainage or a permeable build-up usually avoids it.
These are independent guide prices based on typical UK jobs in 2026. Your actual cost depends on your property, spec, access and where you live. Always get at least three written quotes before committing.