Key Takeaways

Billboard prices vary widely from around £200 to over £5 000 depending on location, date, format and whether the board is paper or digital; costs are quoted for two‑week slots.
For roadside billboards, a paper 6‑sheet costs about £250–£325, a 48‑sheet £400–£520 and a 96‑sheet £800–£1 040; digital versions cost about £420–£546 for a 6‑sheet, £1 000–£1 300 for a 48‑sheet and £4 500–£5 850 for a 96‑sheet.
Rail billboards range from £50–£65 for a paper 4‑sheet to £350–£455 for a paper 6‑sheet and £900–£1 170 for a digital 6‑sheet; prices are influenced by whether the format is digital or paper, the media owner and the placement’s location and timing.

Billboard advertising remains one of the most effective ways to capture attention and create impactful brand recognition. However, understanding the costs associated with billboard advertising can be complex.

Billboard advertising pricing can vary widely (from £200 to upwards of £5,000) depending on factors such as location, date, format, and media owner.

In this guide, we'll explore the cost ranges for various billboard environments and explain the associated costs for each.

Understanding Billboard Advertising Costs

When discussing billboard costs, it’s crucial to note that these are based on 2-week slots.

Digital costs are calculated for a 1/6 rotation or one 10-second ad every minute. Some formats also have minimum orders and lead times vary from 4-weeks to a few days in the case of digital billboards.

Additionally, there are over 20 media owners in the UK, and their pricing varies significantly.

For instance, regional media owners in the North West often charge a fraction of the cost compared to premium media owners in London due to differences in audience impacts.

Let's delve into specific environments and their benefits.

Billboard Advertising Costs — A Roadside bus stop 6-Sheet costs between £250 - £325 for 2-Weeks.

Roadside Billboard Costs

What Are They?

Roadside billboards are positioned along busy roads, motorways, and urban streets. These high-visibility placements are perfect for reaching drivers, commuters, and pedestrians.

Why Are They Beneficial?

Mass Exposure: Roadside billboards often have the highest audience impacts, ensuring your brand is seen by thousands.
Geographical Targeting: They allow brands to target specific areas or regions.
Long Exposure Time: Drivers and passengers passing by repeatedly are likely to retain your message.

Costs:

Paper 6 Sheet: £250 - £325
Paper 48 Sheet: £400 - £520
Paper 96 Sheet: £800 - £1,040
Digital 6 Sheet: £420 - £546
Digital 48 Sheet: £1,000 - £1,300
Digital 96 Sheet: £4,500 - £5,850

Find out more here: Roadside Billboards

A paper 6-Sheet rail billboard costs between £350-455.

Rail Billboards

What Are They?

Rail billboards are placed in and around train stations, targeting commuters traveling by rail.

Why Are They Beneficial?

Dwell Time: Commuters waiting for trains have more time to engage with your message.
Professional Audience: Rail ads often reach working professionals with disposable income.
Repeat Visibility: Daily commuters pass these ads multiple times per week.

Costs:

Paper 4 Sheet: £50 - £65
Paper 6 Sheet: £350 - £455
Digital 6 Sheet: £900 - £1,170

Find out more here: Rail Advertising

What influences the prices?

Digital vs. Paper:
- Digital billboards are more expensive due to higher visibility and interactivity.
- They are typically located in high-traffic city centres or premium environments.
- Find out more about traditional vs digital billboards here.
Media Owners:
- Premium media owners, especially those operating in London, charge significantly more than regional providers.
- Find out more about billboard advertising in London here.
Location and Timing:
- Costs rise during peak seasons and in areas with higher footfall or traffic.
- Read more: Where is the best place to advertise?