Nottingham to Dover, which route to get the fastest to Dover

[erikv]

Hi,

I am planning to drive from Nottingham to the ferry in Dover on Tuesday 28th September in the afternoon (leaving around 14.00) to get the 20.00 (i.e. in Dover at 19.00) boat to Dunkirk. This is pretty much the schedule I have to stick to, so would like to know what the fastest route is. Via M1, M25 and M20 or A1, A1M, M11, M25, M20 or any other routes? I have read in many forums that there will be delays due to either roadworks, just idiots who can't drive, unfortunate accidents, etc. I guess i will be hitting the M25 around the time that afternoon rush hour will start if I am sticking to maximum allowed speed (would love to know the areas where I could make up some time ;-)). Any info to make this trip the fastest would be helpful. Cheers, Erik

[Andrew Coates]

I would go across to the A1, A1(M), A14, M11, M25, dartford and then take the A2, M2 and A2 again. This is a more direct route to dover if you are heading on a ferry.

[erikv]

Thanks Andrew. Much appreciated!
Any idea what amount of time is needed (under normal circumstances, i.e no accidents etc) for the M25 bit between coming off the M11 and going on to the A2, when I will be hitting that at around 16.30? Any places along the route that you can make up some time without nasty flashes ?

[Andrew Coates]

There are roadworks on the M25 between 28 and 29 so if you can get through them without too much hassle then you can expect a queue for the toll booths but nothing major. Once you're on the A2 it should be a clear run to Dover. As for the cameras, watch out for them on the A14 (70mph)and the M25 roadworks (50mph) but other than that you should be fine.

Edited by Andrew Coates on Saturday 11th September 17:28

[erikv]

Great! Thanks a lot for the info. Cheers, Erik

[F355spider]

M1, A14, M11. You are looking at two and a half hours in good traffic.

[erikv]

Cheers!

[Lexx]

I drive this route every fortnight (I actually work on one of the ferries you'll be sailing on)

I always use A1(m), A14, M11, M25, M20.
Reason I use M20 and not M2/A2 is that it is 3 lanes for the majority of the way, expept last 10 miles. And it is very rarely busy.

From Dartford Crossing to Dover Eastern Docks is 65 miles, depending on your speed obviously depends how long it takes. 45 mins for me is the usual.
And dont forget to have £1.50 in change for the Dartford Crossing!

[erikv]

Thanks for the info Lexx. Much appreciated! Cheers.