Driving times: Your...
 

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[Closed] Driving times: Your thoughts/opinions appreciated

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I have a ferry across the Channel to catch tomorrow (Easter Monday) at 2:00 p.m., and I live in Cardiff.

What time do you think I should leave. Last time I made the same trek, I left my street at about 7:30 and made it with plenty of time, but I forgot when I made this booking that it would be a holiday.

Are the M4 and the M25 going to be packed? Or will people already have made their journeys on the Friday?

Seriously, any thoughts? Would you be leaving at 6:00 in order to time it well? Or do you think 7:00 will be fine?

[I won't hold any of you accountable for my decision. It's more a matter of me considering all factors, and I figure the STW massif might think of some things that I won't. 😕 ]


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:06 pm
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I'd check out the Google maps directions tool and then add a little margin for error. Or drive down tonight and overnight somewhere near the port if you want to take the pressure off.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:11 pm
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Or drive down tonight and overnight somewhere near the port if you want to take the pressure off.

Unfortunately, this is definitely not an option. I can, however, leave very early if I need to...


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:12 pm
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By my reckoning, the M25 will be better than normal except around the big shopping centres. As long as you get past Bristol before 8.30 - 9, you should beat the majority of people coming up from Devon/Cornwall.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:14 pm
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A friend left Dover on Saturday at 8am and arrived in Cheltenham at 3pm, He said it was the worst traffic on that journey he'd seen for a long time. May not be as bad tomorrow as people with kids may have taken a week of work.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:16 pm
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I'd say the roads will be fairly quiet tomorrow morning, certainly quieter than if it was a working Monday...if you're leaving in the morning, you should be well on the Mwhatever it is to Folkstone before the post-weekend traffic starts clogging up the M4 eastbound.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:16 pm
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Smart phone then Waze/Google maps traffic. I'd leave 7.30 though as you know you that gets you there on time.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:36 pm
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7.30am it's only a 4hr drive in normal conditions,you should have plenty of time.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 4:48 pm
 ji
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You can set your desired arrival time and date on Google Maps to give you a decent estimate


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 6:55 pm
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Looking at the forecast I would stay there because the ports will be closed anyway! 🙁


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 7:50 pm
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Weather could be a big factor, wet windy and wild. Allow extra time as it may not be wise to do 70


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 8:01 pm
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Will be an interesting crossing..


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 8:21 pm
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OP if there is a massive queue of lorries remember to drive around them, no need to queue. They've been building a new check in much closer to motorway exit not sure if its open yet


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 8:42 pm
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Thanks for all the advice, folks. I'm off early, so will post later in the week with some random thoughts that are well past their sell-by date, I'm sure.


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 9:23 pm
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Which ferry port? I don't know if it was just because it was Good Friday but as we arrived in Dover at 3pm there was a stand still queue coming into Dover that was at least 10km long! 😯


 
Posted : 27/03/2016 9:42 pm
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Dover is VERY busy and the high winds will only make it worse... I doubt anyone will be sailing before lunchtime...


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 5:35 am
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The M48 Severn crossing and dartford crossings (M25) are closed due to the high wind. M4 Severn crossing is still open


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 6:09 am
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-35909871


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 6:11 am
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Just to let you all know: I got here in fewer than four hours, and the ferries have just started running again. Perfect timing! 8)


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 11:09 am
 Drac
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But now you've realised your booking was for 5 years ago?


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 11:12 am
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🙂 safe onward travels or "bon continuation"


 
Posted : 28/03/2016 11:12 am

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