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Road Routes to
London Heathrow Airport
Caution! From January 2004 for 2 years there are major road works on the M25 between the A3 and M4 intersections. This work will cause massive problems all around the M25 AND on the ‘local roads’ in the area. Expect major delays at all times of day.
Getting to the airport using public transport
- This is a tricky 1. There is a bus lane part of the way eastwards on the M4 (towards London) but when the going gets tough, the bus lane stops! Bus routes wind their way towards Heathrow from all directions but with the problems of major road works in the area things will be a bit difficult. You may well find that the Underground system is a better option, even to the extent of taking public transport into London (provided you don’t need to go past Heathrow, that is) then taking the train out. If you are in London then it is far better to take the Underground to the airport. If you need to get to London to make onward journeys then take the Underground into the city and re-group.
- To assist you getting around the country using public transport check out http://www.traveline.org.uk .
- A bit of a confusing site but worth sticking with to sort out your routes using public transport.
- It is obviously feeding permutations of the route into a database so it might take a few moments to return with your options - patience is a virtue in this case and can make your trip a lot easier.
- My 'experiments' with pretend routes gave good results.
- The trick that worked for me is to go straight for the map on the front page and click the area you wish to reach - I selected SW because my pretend destination was Plymouth
- Once the next screen appears select the 'Journey Planner' button on the top row.
- Type in your 'From' and 'To' requirements and then click 'Find Journey'
- The system will return a number of alternatives - select the 1's that suit your needs most accurately. Then click 'Find Journey' button again
- This will display the options available to you - click the 'Details' button for the details.
- This screen has options for the required timetables for your selected journey.
- This is a free service but I'm sure the creators would love to know that you found it useful, if you have time. <G>.
- This is a good site, but might be a little confusing in the first instance - We hope the little guide above helps you.
General points for driving to Heathrow Airport
- Rule 1 - Leave plenty of time!!!
- Rule 2 - If your car radio has a 'traffic information' facility - use it!
- Rule 3 - Take a good long look at your map(s) to gain some idea of locations and local place names in case you need to try dodge the traffic problems. It is better to say "Ahhh! Staines, that's in the right direction!" than "Where the h*** are we? You are supposed to be reading the b***** map!"
- Rule 4 - Stay Cool! If you have obeyed rules 1 through 3 then you will arrive at the airport in good time.
Just to add to your excitement a major road widening scheme starts between the A3 and M4 intersections on the M25, in January 2004 and is scheduled to last 2 years!! If your journey takes you this way EXPECT MAJOR DELAYS! - consider leaving yesterday! Bear in mind that during this period the ‘regular’ users of this section of motorway will be clogging up all the possible alternatives.
Make like the Boy Scouts - Be Prepared!
As with a great many locations, there are always loads of 'back-doubles' to help you through the local traffic problems, however if you know the 'back-doubles' then you probably won't need this guide. This section will identify the 'main' routes in + a few variations if you hit problems.
The biggest areas for concern are the M4 and M25. There is seldom a problem free day on these two frantically busy major routes.
As a simple rule-of-thumb the bulk of the traffic goes clockwise during the morning 'rush-hour' (6:00 am until 10:00 am) in the south and vice-versa on the northern section of the M25. This is reversed during the evening ‘rush hour’ (4:00 pm until 7:30 pm). During this time expect problems!
Getting into London Heathrow Airport from various directions
Yet another 'rule-of-thumb' - If the motorways are working properly then they are the easiest route in or out!
Terminals 1,2 & 3 should be approached Junction 4 on the M4 - Terminal 4 is best approached from Junction 14 on the M25 or J3 on the M4.
There it is! Job done! We can all go home.
Well, not quite - check the detail pages for more information.
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