We are arriving in Heathrow at 6:30am and we are trying to decide on whether to take the train to the closest city near Stonehenge and renting a car there, or, renting a car directly out of Heathrow. How bad will the traffic be at 8 in the morning on a Thursday? We are used to Miami traffic. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33589 posts
I have no idea about Miami traffic. You will be using the M4 Extension to the M4 to the M25 to either the A3 or M3. Traffic will be heavy. Possibly only heavy outbound on the M4 Extension and the M4, as you will be opposite the main flow. The M25 is likely to be rammed. You will be in peak rush hour traffic. Have a look at the live traffic cameras from the BBC . Remember that in order to see traffic in London at 8am you will need to be watching at 3am Miami time.
Posted by
OP
Naples, Florida, Us
3 posts
Thanks for the quick reply. Do you recommend taking the train to a town close to Stonehenge and then renting the car from there?
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
We tried it from Salisbury but had difficulty getting an automatic. maybe if you reserve ahead. probably easier to get an automatic from heathrow What else do you plan to do with the car- just the one day? If it were for a couple of days, i would rent at heathrow and do a relaxed drive.
Posted by
Galt, Calif., UK
214 posts
If you exit the airport via the ring road that passes by Terminal 5 that the car rental agencys are also on, it will cut off a bit of the motorway commute as you will enter the M-25 much closer to the M-3.
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
At that hour, I suggest you avoid the M25 and take the M4 West to the A346 South to Marlborough. Stop for breakfast in the charming old High Street there, then go on to Stonehenge. That route is 20 miles or so longer, but won't take much more time. And if you feel up to it, the stone circles of Avebury, which many people consider preferable to see, are not far from Marlborough.