For those coming
from the continent we recommend the shortest crossing by ferry;
Calais to Dover. You will get the best prices for both short and
long stay returns, the most salings and a chance to stretch your
legs and have something to eat (no restaurants on Le Shuttle).
Eurotunnel
Reservations
Phone: +44 0345 30 30 30
The main route
from France is Dover - Calais, 1hour 15 mins (Hovercraft/Seacat
30 mins)
From Dover to London use M20 then A20 (2 hours-2 hours 30 mins)
The South Coast's main ferry port is Portsmouth with routes to France
(Caen, 6 hours; Le Havre, 6 hours; Cherbourg, 5 hours; St Malo,
9 hours) and to Spain (Bilbao 33-34 hours).
From Portsmouth to London use A3 (2 hours-2 hours 30 mins)
When you get
here remember that first things we drive on the left! This can be
confusing for our American and European cousins who seem to get
by driving on the "wrong" side of the road. If this doesn't
put you off, London traffic and non-existent parking might. However
if you are still game having a car can get you around the places
public transport can't reach. It is also the ideal way to see places
beyond London eg. Stonehenge, Stratford, Oxford, etc.
Petrol (or gas!)
is currently around 90 pence per litre (approx 2.5 - 2.90 pounds
per UK gallon). You can buy unleaded petrol or diesel (yes, tractor
fuel!). All but a few garages are self service.
Click
here for London Street Map
Click
here for information about Transport for London Street Management
Useful
Numbers:
Traffic Information
Phone: +44 (0)836 401289
For regularly
updated London traffic information
Telephone
Information Services Ltd.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7489 1946
Fax: +44 (0)201 7613 5000.
TIS provide
weather and traffic information for all parts of the UK. By calling
the above general enquiries number you can obtain the appropriate
telephone numbers which provide weather and traffic information
for any part of the UK that you intend to visit.
The Royal
Automobile Association
Phone: +44 (0)345 333222
The RAC produce
route planning maps designed for any journey you plan to make in
the UK and Europe; these can be ordered by telephone.
