I was using AA route planner to plan a route from Swanage to Gatwick Airport. The route it recommends has us going on M3, and then M25 to M23. Basically taking us around London. I was looking at the map and was wondering if it would be better to go through Portsmouth and then turn north at Worthing instead of going on the outskirts of London? We will be doing this on a Friday morning in June to get to the airport around 10:00/10:30. I know that this is a pretty specific question, but if any one that knows this area has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I'll leave this to any local experts. Happy driving!
Posted by
2 posts
Hi Sarah
I've done this several times. Traffic conditions can be crowded at peak hours, especially in the mornings.
Swanage to Poole this should be signposted on local roads
Then take the A31 and M27/M3 towards Winchester.
At Winchester take the A272 for Petersfield Midhurst and Billingshurst.
Then take the A264 for Horsham and LGW starts appearing on the road signs.
This is a beautiful drive through rural Hampshire and Sussex taking about 3 hours.
Given your early departure and the fact that you need to be at LGW at least 3 hours before for a transatlantic flight, I recommend driving over the previous afternoon and staying somewhere near Gatwick overnight.
Best of luck
Ian
Posted by
OP
Corcoran, MN
14 posts
Thanks Ian. I knew there was a better route and I just needed to ask the experts! Thanks again! Sarah
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
The best alternative to the above that isn't the entire motorway route if you need it is to continue on the M27/A27 passed Chichester, turn off on the A29 then onto the A272 as above. The problem with that route is congestion round Chichester.
Going to Worthing is not a good idea as it effectively does two sides of a triangle, and the A27 from Arundel eastwards tends to be slow.