Do Royal Mail Deliver on Sundays? Updated 2025 Info

Table of Contents

Introduction

Have you ever waited for an important package and wondered, “Do Royal Mail deliver on Sundays?” In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, weekend deliveries are more than just a convenience—they’re often a necessity. Whether you’re shopping online, running a small business, or simply sending a gift, understanding when and how Royal Mail operates on Sundays can make a real difference.

This in-depth guide answers every key question about Sunday delivery by Royal Mail. We’ll explore:

Which services qualify for Sunday delivery (Tracked 24, Tracked 48, Special Delivery Guaranteed)
How Amazon orders fit in
Sunday deliveries on bank holidays
Third-party delivery options for Sundays
Tips to track parcels effectively and avoid delays

With clear explanations, handy tables, and the latest updates, this article helps you make informed delivery decisions. Whether you’re a casual sender or a frequent shopper, read on to discover how Royal Mail delivers on Sundays—and what that means for your next parcel.

Do Royal Mail Deliver on Sundays in the UK?

Royal Mail does deliver on Sundays—but only for specific services. These include:

Royal Mail Tracked 24® (limited to parcels)
Royal Mail Tracked 48® (with Saturday collections)
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® (by arrangement)

On Sundays, normal packages and regular first- and second-class mail are not delivered.

What Royal Mail Services Include Sunday Delivery?

Royal Mail currently offers limited Sunday deliveries through specific services designed for speed and reliability. These include:

Royal Mail Tracked 24® – Offers next-day delivery, including Sunday in select locations.
Royal Mail Tracked 48® – If shipped on Saturday and processed at qualified hubs, Sunday delivery can be included.
Special Delivery Guaranteed® – Can be arranged for Sunday by using services like Click & Drop.

These services are primarily for parcels, not standard letters. Sunday delivery availability is dependent on regional logistics and service demand.

Does Tracked 24 Work on Sundays?

Yes. In certain urban and suburban locations, tracked 24 packages can be delivered on Sundays.. There’s no extra cost for Sunday delivery.

Key points:

Sunday delivery is free with Tracked 24 where available—no added charge.
It is limited to parcels only (not available for letters or large letters).
Delivery coverage is strongest in urban and suburban areas with high parcel volumes.
You’ll receive real-time updates via email or SMS as the parcel moves through the network.
Parcels are scanned and tracked at multiple stages, including when out for delivery.
Delivery windows may be later in the day on Sundays, depending on location.

What About Tracked 48 on Sundays?

Tracked 48 is primarily a 2-day service, but some parcels may arrive on Sunday if dispatched late Friday or Saturday.

Sunday delivery is possible if the parcel was collected on Saturday and moved through the right processing centre.
Works best for online sellers dispatching over the weekend, especially through Click & Drop.
Not guaranteed—depends on your local Royal Mail hub’s capacity.
Tracked 48 includes full tracking, proof of delivery, and delivery confirmation.
Rural areas are less likely to receive Tracked 48 deliveries on Sundays.
Sunday delivery performance may improve during peak periods like Christmas.

Is Special Delivery Guaranteed Available on Sundays?

Yes—but only by special arrangement. This service is ideal for high-value or urgent items. Use Royal Mail’s Click & Drop platform to arrange.

Benefits:

Available for letters and parcels
Fully tracked with signature on delivery
Guaranteed time slots

Do Royal Mail Deliver Amazon Parcels on Sundays?

Yes—Amazon occasionally uses Royal Mail for Sunday deliveries, but they’re one of several couriers Amazon partners with.

Royal Mail often delivers Amazon parcels using Tracked 24.
Sunday delivery may be available for orders placed by early Saturday afternoon.
Check Amazon order tracking for updates, regardless of the courier.
If Royal Mail is used, you’ll still receive Royal Mail tracking emails or SMS alerts.
Sunday delivery is more probable for Amazon Prime members.

Not all locations qualify; delivery is subject to postcode and stock availability.

Do Royal Mail Deliver on Bank Holidays?

Royal Mail does not deliver on bank holidays, even when the holiday falls on a Sunday.

No standard Royal Mail service (letters or parcels) operates on official UK bank holidays.
Some exceptions may occur during festive periods like Christmas or New Year, when special services are introduced.
On bank holidays, deliveries may still be made by private couriers and Amazon.
It’s advised to avoid scheduling time-sensitive deliveries around bank holiday weekends.

Why Isn’t Sunday Delivery Guaranteed?

Sunday deliveries are still considered a premium option. Local factors include:

Staff availability
Volume of parcels
Urban vs rural postcode

You should always check tracking or contact your local depot. Also consider the Royal Mail 2nd class delivery.

How to Arrange Sunday Delivery

Royal Mail offers limited Sunday delivery services aimed primarily at eCommerce sellers and urgent personal senders. Understanding the process helps ensure your items arrive on time—especially during peak shopping or gifting periods.

Business vs Personal Customers

Business Customers:

Royal Mail offers dedicated Sunday delivery services for volume shippers, often used by online retailers and fulfilment businesses.

Requirements:

Must send 1,000+ parcels annually
Need an active Royal Mail Business Account
Access to contract services such as Royal Mail Tracked 24®

Benefits:

Dedicated account manager
Bulk shipping integration
Priority processing for Tracked 24 and Special Delivery items

Note: Many retailers using this option also qualify for Sunday parcel collection services from Royal Mail or third-party couriers.

Personal Users:

If you’re an individual sending parcels—e.g., a gift, eBay sale, or return—you can still access Sunday delivery using Royal Mail’s Click & Drop service.

Steps to Book:

Visit the Click & Drop Website
Register for a Royal Mail account or sign in.
Choose Tracked 24 or Special Delivery Guaranteed
When prompted, choose “Sunday delivery” (if available in your region).
Print the label and prepare the package

Services Eligible for Sunday Delivery:

Royal Mail Tracked 24® (in selected areas)
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® (must be arranged in advance)

Cut-Off Times and Booking Methods

Booking Cut-Off Times:

Book online by Saturday afternoon, typically before 4:00 PM
Availability may depend on your location and the specific delivery service chosen

Drop-Off Options:

1. Royal Mail Delivery Office / Post Office:
  - Drop off on Saturday before final collection.
  - Check local opening hours, as they vary by branch.
2. Home Collection (Optional):
  - Schedule a Saturday pickup using the Click & Drop platform.
  - If not covered by a business account, a modest fee could be charged.

Comparison of Sunday Eligible Services

Service	Sunday Delivery	Cost	Letter vs Parcel	Notes
Tracked 24®	Yes	No extra cost	Parcel only	Limited to participating areas
Tracked 48®	Yes (if Sat)	No extra cost	Parcel only	Must be collected Saturday
Special Delivery Guaranteed	Yes (arranged)	Paid fee	Both	Available via Click & Drop

Tracking Tips to Confirm Sunday Delivery

Use Royal Mail’s tracking site or app
Track early on Sunday morning
SMS/email/photo confirmation sent
If no update by 11am, delivery likely Monday

Third-Party Sunday Delivery Options

If Royal Mail doesn’t meet your needs, consider:

Amazon Logistics:

7-day service
Time-slot updates

DPD Predict:

Sunday delivery in many areas
Accurate 1-hour window

Evri (Hermes):

Evri deliver Sunday options with participating retailers
Evri deliver in bank holidays

Conclusion

Do Royal Mail deliver on Sundays—but only via specific services. Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 offer the most accessible options for parcels. Special Delivery needs to be scheduled in advance, but it is dependable. For guaranteed Sunday arrival, always check tracking and consider third-party options like Amazon or DPD.

FAQs

Can I send a letter for Sunday delivery?

Only with Special Delivery, and only by arrangement.

Will Royal Mail deliver Tracked 24 parcel on Sunday near me?

Possibly. It depends on local depot and postcode.

How do I check if my postcode gets Sunday delivery?

Use Royal Mail’s official Sunday delivery exception list.

Do I pay more for Sunday delivery?

Only for Special Delivery. Tracked 24/48 cost the same.

What if my parcel doesn’t arrive Sunday?

Expect redelivery or a “missed you” card for Monday.