M25 and times for tunnel (1 Viewer)

[Mags52]

We're planning our summer trip to France and intend to use the tunnel courtesy of Tesco. We're coming down from East Scotland and will go down the A1, M11 and then pick up M25. We'll probably overnight on the way down. Does anyone have any advice about the best time to book the crossing to avoid the huge queues on the M25? Last year we crawled the last 5 miles to the Dartford tolls and that was about 1.00 in the afternoon. We thought maybe late at night would be better.
Any thoughts?
Mags

 

[Snowbird]

Dartford is free after 2200 and anytime after 2030 should be OK for the M25,accidents excepted.

 

[chrisboyo]

We have used the Tesco Tunnel a number of times and usually travel on a Sunday
Found it much quieter

Happy Daze
Chrisboyo

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[keith]

We found New Years day was the best day. I have never seen the M25 so quiet & I lived in the SE for 30 years.

Sunday will be better but remember you pass 2 of the largest shopping centres in England, Blue Water & Lakeside so can be busy at weekends on both sides of the river.

Snowbird's idea for late night is good unless they decide to do roadworks.

All the charges are HERE

 

[Red Sonja]

I live less than a mile away from the tunnel (Kent side) The peak times are from 6.30 in the morning until about 12ish then from about 2pm - 7.30ish. However Mondays and Fridays are the worst days.

When you are approaching the bridge from the Essex side make sure you are not in the inside lane if its during shopping hours as you may get caught up in the traffic going to lakeside.

Traffic is nearly always OK after 9 o clock in the evening. Also as the Tunnel is free between 10pm and 6am might be a good idea to go within that time frame.

Sonja

 

[slobadoberbob]

You can by pass parts of the M25

I live 26 miles South and use the tunnel a lot by RV and car.

Others have mentioned free times... Also I try and use it late at night or very early in the morning like before 6 a.m

It is possible to run parallel to the M25 for the worse parts going towards the bridge... The junction that is A12 for Chelmsford.. If you drop down and ignore the A12 but go round the roundabout and head up in to Brentwood.. Can be a bit busy at times.. A couple miles up hill to the town centre.. If you use a Sat nav it will let you're route .. Once on the other side past the shops.. Double silly round abouts joined ..mini type you head off to the right.. It go across country .. Ok for the largest truck or camper crosses over the A127 ..roundabout above just keep going on and in the end comes down to Grays .. Then it is possible to pass the shopping centre at Lake side.. Does not normal course an issue or very little even in the rush hour...the slip is the last before the bridge.. Can save hours if there is a jam..... The exit of the bridge tolls to the tunnel is about one and half hour travel time via M25... M20 ...

Hope that helps ..track itwith a road map .. But it is fine for even the largest RV

Bob:thumb:

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