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Terminals 1,2 & 3 (T1, T2 & T3)
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.
Approaching M4 J4 from the east (London)
Take the slip road off in the near side lane, and down onto the 'Airport spur'. Follow Airport Spur instructions below.
Approaching M4 J4 from the west.
You really need to be thinking about getting into the nearside lane before you reach M4 J4b. Then once past J4b ease into the near side lane again (it's an extra lane). Please, please, please do not try to cut across at the last minute! I have seen so many 'near misses' and "coming-together's", as James Hunt used to call them, at this junction that I try to avoid it whenever possible. AND when I am there I sure as hell, don't want you cutting me up! Follow instructions M4 J4 below.
Approaching M4 J4 from the M25 (clockwise) (J15)
Once you are on the slip road off the M25 (J15) you really want to be in the off side lane as soon as possible (without upsetting fellow road users, of course!). The bend round to the right is a tad tight, so you might want to delay the move into the outside lane until after the bend. Why do you really want to be in the outside lane? This lane feeds into it's own lane on the M4. The nearside lane joins the anti-clockwise traffic and then they all need to filter into the lane they have built for you! A small point but every little helps. Once on the M4 stay in the nearside lane - the next slip road off is the one you want. Follow instructions M4 J4 below.
Approaching M4 J4 from the M25 (anti-clockwise) (J15)
As you approach M25 J15 from the north (anti-clockwise) you need to be in the near side lane. You also need to be aware of the traffic around you (as always) as once on the slip road you need to be thinking about moving over. This junction can be confusing as you are affected by the traffic turning right (heading west down the M4), traffic coming in from the right (M25 clockwise) and the M4 headed east (into London)! If you are nervous/confused then just stick with the nearside lane, it will take you round to the M4 where you just filter in (eventually) and stay in the nearside lane. The next exit is the one you want. If you are feeling confident and traffic permits, then, after the vehicles headed west have gone, ease out into the outside lane with the traffic from the M25 (clockwise). Now please be careful, I don't want you having problems with the driver that read the paragraph above. Follow instructions M4 J4 below.
M4 (J4) from the west
Once on the slip road off, stay in the off side lane for T3 or next lane in for T1 & T2. There are traffic lights at the bottom of the slip road. When you finally get onto the roundabout you are going to the right, under the M4. Once under the 'flyover' you need to go straight on and onto the 'slip road'. Do watch for idiots changing lanes around you, cutting straight across you and generally being a PITB. I shall refrain from saying that the worst offenders seem to be either taxi drivers or BMW drivers. Follow Airport Spur instructions below.
Caution! You need to be VERY aware, at ALL times, of idiot drivers that believe that they do not need to observe sensible lane discipline or even common courtesy. They WILL cut you up from ALL directions. Once safely on the Airport Spur road you need to consider the correct lane once more. Follow Airport Spur instructions below.
Airport Spur road from the M4
Stay well clear of the offside lane on this road - it is the bus route and it is monitored! The near side lane is best for A4 (or T4 if you came off at the wrong place!) - Next lane for T1 & T2 - 3rd lane T3 - Outside lane 'Bus Route'. Simple!
At the end of the Airport Spur are traffic lights. By this time you really need to be in the correct lane for your terminal. It makes life easier!
You are now at the 'Concorde' roundabout, which isn't actually a roundabout, quite. With the miniature Concord on your right you are just about to enter the, two-lane, tunnel. Nearside lane = T1, offside lane T3, T2 either BUT if you are dropping off then nearside is best, for collecting then offside is best.
I shall not mention the little tunnel entrance on the left of the main tunnel, for there, demons lie! Ok, so I exaggerate a little, but you would not thank me for suggesting you drive down it when you are keyed up and needing to get settled in the airport.
As you exit the tunnel you are faced with four lanes (including the exit from the little tunnel I didn't tell you about). More lane decisions! You will remember I started putting you in the 'best' lane way back on the M25, now, if you managed to stick with it right the way through you should be in the right place for the final manoeuvres.
See the Arrivals and Departure pages for the next set of details.
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