Changes

== Greater London has ==This region is a ring-road, part of the [[M25 (GB)|M25East of England]]and accessible through the motorways M1/A1 and M11. You'll have to use it if you go from anywhere north These regions are part of the Bristol-Oxford-[[London line to Dover resp. the continent, or the other way round. It's recommended to find a lift past London as it's somewhat hard to go find somebody going off the M25 into your direction from any of the service stations on the M25 - there only is three, one in the South, one in the East ]] commuter belt and one include in part or totally the North-East. following counties:

'''Bedfordshire:''' [[Luton]] (London Luton Airport) '''Cambridgeshire:''' [[Cambridge]], [[Peterborough]] '''Essex:''' [[South MimmsColchester]] services is , [[Southend-on-Sea]] '''Hertfordshire:''' [[Stevanage]], [[Bishop's Stortford]] / [[London Stansted]] (Airport)  == Hitchhiking in Potters Bar in the north of == Londonhas a motorway ring-road, on the M25 and right off the [[M1 M25 (GB)|M1M25]]. For some reason, although it '''s a big services, Get dropped off on or near the M25 and use the public transport to get wherever you can get stuck for hours hereneed. One option, as ever''' If you are coming from the west and your driver is heading south on the M25, is to ask people where they're headed..but there are so many directions possible that it could take a long time to even find someone headed your waybe dropped off at the first junction on the M25: Heathrow Terminal 5. Standing Get off at the exit roundabout at the end of the services is unlikely motorway spur and walk to workthe terminal building. The Piccadilly Line Underground starts here. If they are heading north, see the description for whatever reasongetting to Uxbridge Underground station below. Several reports of hours of waiting <br/ >If you are coming from the southeast on the M20, ask to be dropped off at the A20/M20/M25 roundabout. From here mean that you probably need can take the B2173 road 2km to Swanley train station. Alternatively, if they are heading further north, get dropped off at the M25/A12 junction and walk ≈3km west to try something elseHarold Wood station. <br/ >If you're going coming from the north and your driver is heading towards the westM4/M3 direction, you can stand at try to persuade them to do a slight detour off the ridiculous entrance M25 to junction 1 of the west slip road onto the M25M40 (roundabout with A40). Although insaneFrom there, you should be able it's a ≈2km walk to Uxbridge Underground station. Otherwise, get off at the last services (Toddington) before the M25 and look for a fast ride outlift going inside the ring road. Have a big sign and someone should be able to at least take you further down <br/ > '''Hitch into London from the last services on your motorway before the M25 (the driver will usually know which one this is).''' Then try to find a better junction, or directly ride that bring you close enough to where you're goingyour destination.Check "public transport" for navigating the system efficiently and cheaply.be it to  See the transiting around the west or down M25 section below if you just want to Suffolkbypass London. Any information on going east?

<map lat=== West towards [[Reading]], [[Swindon]], ([[South West England|The South-West]]), [[Bristol]], [[South West England|Devon]], [[South West England|Cornwall]] [[South Wales]] {{Mgb|4}} === When hitching West out of London and onto the M4, to try to avoid accepting a ride to anywhere before Reading Central. A few of the earlier junctions are hitchhiking nightmare spots - junction 8,9 for Maidenhead and 10 for Reading East are two of the worst junctions for hitchhiking in this area of the country because of the M4 then turning into another motorway for a few miles, thus taking you well off your route. Reading Services is great though, and well worth encouraging your driver to take you the extra few miles to.  '''Option 1'''51: M4 Motorway Junction 1 (Chiswick Roundabout) A.491738177580345Take the District Line Underground to ' lng='Gunnersbury'' (zone 3) or train to ''Kew Bridge''. (Alternatively, the Overground at ''South Acton'' doesn't have barriers, but is a kilometer further away.) Both stations are on the Chiswick High Road (A315 -0one west and one east of the roundabout) along which you walk 500m to Junction 1 of the M4 where you will see the Esso petrol station that is on the corner of the slip road onto the motorway heading west.28118133544921875There is a bus lay-by nearby with a sign saying M4 west. B. Take bus H91 from ' zoom='16Hammersmith Bus station'' view=in the direction of Hounslow West and get off at '0' float=Chiswick Roundabout/Gunnersbury'right' />, and you are already at the bus lay-by hitching point. Cost of public transport: £2.80 (off peak) from Zone 1. (Bus fare £1.50)

* '''Where to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (London)]]'''''), [[Reading]], [[Swindon]], ('''''Heading for [[South West (England)|The South-WestCornwall]]'''''), it is much easier hitching the M4 and changing to the M5 in [[Bristol]], [[South West (England)|Devon]], than trying to hitch the M3 through [[South West (England)|CornwallDorset]],* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to Zone 3 - approximately 5 UKP from Zone 1. There are also a number of buses that run by this roundabout. The H91 runs to the hitching spot itself. I'll try and get more details next time. * '''Last verified''': April 2010

* '''DirectionsTake District Line Underground to ''':Get the Underground to Gunnersby tube stationWest Kensington''(District Linezone 2)'' or . Turn right out of the main line station at Kew Bridge, there are traffic lights 10m away. Both stations are on the Chiswick High Road (A315 Turn right and there is a lay- one west and one east of the roundabout) along which by where you walk 500m to Junction 1 can stand. The advantage of this spot is that all the M4. You want traffic must stop here frequently for the Esso petrol station that lights and much of it is on the corner going to either of the slip road onto the motorway heading westmotorways. There is a lay-by nearby with a sign saying M4 west(It's also cheaper to get to).

* '''Last verified'''Cost of public transport: 20th February 2011: I frequently hitch £2.40 (off peak) from this spot, works well, and rarely wait more than half an hour. Wait just before the bus stop as this is where people generally stopZone 1.

Heading for '''CornwallOption 3''', it is much easier hitching the M4 and changing to the M5 in [[Bristol]] than trying to hitch the M3 through [[South West (England)|Dorset]].An alternative spot for the M4 nearer to the centre and a good one for the M3: Exit at West Kensington tube (zone 2 district line). Turn right out of the Motorway service station, there are traffic lights 10m away. Turh right and there is a layby where you can stand. The advantage of this spot is that all the traffic must stop here frequently for the lights and much of it is going to either of the motorways. (It's also cheaper to get to). I never normally wait more than 30 mins. here.Heston

=== Direction: South-East England Take Piccadilly Line Underground westbound and get off at ''Hounslow West'' (Kentzone 5) ======= M20 Motorway ====. Turn right from the station exit and walk 800m west along Bath Road to just past Henleys roundabout where there is a BP petrol station. Right at the exit of the petrol station is a footpath heading north. Walk ≈650m and where it splits, turn right 20 metres until you reach Armytage Rd. Turn left onto this road and continue north for another ≈200m, cross over Cranford Lane and then continue north again for another ≈350m along Phoenix Way until it bends to the left. Just past the bend, you will see a short path on the right through the bushes/trees onto Heston service station.<map lat=It'51s not an overly busy services but enough traffic to justify getting out here and cutting out all the local traffic in the centre.43983124736507' lng='0Use a sign as there is a lot of local traffic and also traffic heading onto the M25 both south and north.0528717041015625' zoom='15' view='0' float='right' />

* '''Where to''': ('''''[[South East (England)|South East]]'''''), [[Maidstone]], [[Canterbury]], [[Dover]], [[The Channel Tunnel]], [[France]] (''[[Western Europe]]'')* '''Cost of public transport''': One train ticket ''from zone 1''(approximately £3.50 10 (off-peak) * '''Last verified''': October 2010 (petrol station is open again, after it was closed in the summer)from Zone 1

'''Alternatively:''' To get to Mottingham railway station=== Southeast towards [[South East England|The South East]], take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich[[Maidstone]], and from there[[Folkestone]] ([[Channel Tunnel]]), the 161 bus [[Dover]] (Ferries to Mottingham. Europe) {{Mgb|20}} ===

The petrol station which used to be at this junction is now closed; apparently it will reopen in mid-August 2010. There is still just enough space to stop, but obviously it won't be as good as before. Might be worth making a sign for, say, Maidstone Services and then getting on from there if you are heading to Dover. (I haven't tried this)'Option 1''': Mottingham

If you arrive in Take the train from ''Charing Cross Station'' (Zone 1) to ''Mottingham you just need Station'' (Zone 4). It passes through ''Waterloo East'' (Zone 1), ''London Bridge'' (Zone 1), ''New Cross'' (Zone 2) and ''Lewisham'' (Zone 2) stations on its way to go on ''Dartford'' or ''Gillingham''. Alternatively, take the other side of Jubilee line to North Greenwich, and from there, the tracks, go 161 bus to Mottingham. When you come out of the train station and you go to your right just , walk 100m south along Court Road to the intersection with Sidcup Road (A20). At the traffic lights turn left, where you will see a main roadShell petrol station. <br/ >

The Cost of public transport: train to Mottingham (zone 4) departs from Charing Cross Station (downtown zone 1) through Waterloo East (zone 1), London Bridge (zone 1), New Cross (zone 2) and Lewisham (zone 2) stations on its way to Dartford and Gillingham. Mottingham Station (as well as the previous station of Lee in zone 3) now has Oyster Card 'check-out' so you can use this if you have onewas £5.

The best ride to accept from Mottingham is one that brings you directly into the South-East along the M20 and past the M20-/M25 junction, most likely to the [[Maidstone Services]]. Many drivers have said that many hitch-hikers happen to stand and hitch at the M20/M25 junction, but the police might be more likely to pick you up.

There is also a BP petrol Station Services Cost of public transport: £2.80 (Swanley Servicesoff-peak) before the M25 junction but the cars still goes in every direction from there and catching a ride might reveal difficult; although it would not be advised to go until there, someone might want want to do so if he feels he needs to change landscape ''zone 1. (gathering more information needed)'Mottingham train station doesn't have barriers... Drivers have also said that some people do hitch-hike at the M20)<br/M25 Interchange Roundabouts, though this sound more likely to be illegal, more information would be welcome.>

Waterloo East station has no gatesNOTE: The most classic method departing London in the direction of continental Europe begins in Mottingham. Be sure Most traffic is local, thus it is best to get on ask people whether they are going onto the right train (there are two routes to Dartford, one goes through Mottingham (via Hither Green)M25 ring road. If yes, they will passby the other one doesn't)BP @ Swanley as described in option 2. If you hopped The next major service station after Swanley is after the M25 called Maidstone Services on the wrong train, M20 Junction 8; be sure to get off find a ride that exits at junction 8 as the main exit for the town of Maidstone is junction 7. This is the last major service station located before DartfordDover and it is recommended to find a ride directly onto the train or ferry from here. "I have hitched across the channel many times from Maidstone, with waits ranging from 30 seconds to as it has gates and really rude cops just waiting for youlong as 6 hours."

NOTE'''Option 2''': I tried this Mottingham hitching spot in July 2010 and had NO luck all day, would not recommend it, BUT the best spot for hitching out of london is a Service BP petrol station that is directly on the motorway to Maidstone services, Dover etc. Take the bus to Foots Cray Tesco (I know it leaves from New Cross amongst other places). At the Tesco take a right out from the front and head towards Swanley, you will pass a BMW garage and eventually get to a Services with a McDonalds. You will need to get through the fence Bypass (there should be a holeA20), but this will be the best way to get out of London currently.

==== M2 Motorway ====* '''Where The easiest way to get here is to take a train toSidcup, then take the 233 city bus towards Swanley and get off at Old Maidstone Road. The service station will be about two minutes''': ('''''[[South East (England)|South East]]'''''), [[Rochester]], [[Canterbury]]walk down and across the road. There is a gate in the fence, [[Dover]]* though it may be closed in which case you'''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': ll have to jump the fence.

* Another way to get here is to take a train from ''London Victoria'Directions'to '':Get the Underground to London Bridge Station Swanley''. Some trains will go directly there, otherwise change at Bromley South. (There is also a direct train from St. Pancras to Swanley, but it cost £8.80 (Northern Line - Jubilee Linepeak)in Nov 2015, so might as well just get a megabus if you'' and get re going to pay that much). From the station, cross the tracks with the commuter train pedestrian bridge to a station called Mottingham 'Everest Place, turn right on St. Mary's Rd to the roundabout at London Road. From here, turn left (direction Dartfordnorth)along London Road/ Maidstone Road for 2.6kms. Here you'll find the service station behind a fence on the left. It'(''Note that you can hitch along s a longer walk than to the [[M20 Texaco mentioned below but managed to get a lift there in 15 minutes at 22:00 asking people (GBSeptember 2013)|. It seemed most traffic was M20]] and changing /M25, but might of been the time of night. This is perfect for getting to the [[M2 (GB)|M2]] in [[Maidstone]]'').<br/ >

==== A21 Motorway ====* This service station has a BP petrol station and a McDonald'''Where to''': ('''''[[South East (England)|The South East]]'''''), [[Hastings]], [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': s. 

* ''Cost of public transport: One train ticket 'Directions'from zone 1'':{{infoneeded| Help providing (approximately £3.50 off-peak) or take the information with the one available train from Elephant & Castle in central south-east (no barriers) towards Seven Oaks for the M20}}a free ride.

=== Direction'''Option 3''': North-WestTexaco petrol station, Scotland, North Wales ======= M40 Motorway ====Swanley

* '''Where Same directions as for Option 2 above, but this time, walk into town from the station, and head to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (the London)]]'''''), [[Oxford]], [[High Wycombe]]Road going south towards M20. On the way there is a Texaco petrol station that seems quite busy. Further down there is a big parking space, (with a greasy spoon van if you'''''[[West Midlands (England)|re hungry or in need of a cup of coffee. The West Midlands]]road takes you straight down to the motorway. Make sure that you get a ride going to Maidstone Service Station, because it's after the town so someone going to the town of Maidstone won'''')t pass the service station. If you do get a ride just to the town of Maidstone, [[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]]there is a good lay-by for hitchhiking on the roundabout that leads to the on ramp to the M20, [[Redditch]]* but you'''Cost of public transport''': One ticket ll have to thumb a ride because there is nowhere to ask people. It works with a sign saying "M20 4 miles" to get to zone 6 (Hillingdon) or zone 3 (Hanger Lane)the service station.* '''Last verified''': 28th October 2010 (Hillingdon), 26 January 2008 (Hanger Lane), 24 May 2009 (M40 J1)

* '''Directions'''Cost of Public Transport:[[M40 (GB)|M40]] is different from other motorways originating from London, as it starts quite close to M25 as a continuation of the dual-carriageway A40.xxx

A40 has a number of entrances with heavy traffic, and the following 3 places have been successfully hitched from'''Option 4''':Motorway service station Clackett Lane (M25)

** A. Take the train from ''London Bridge'' to 'M40 junction 1'Oxted''. Walk southeast along Station Road to Westerham Road (A25). Turn left (east) and walk 3.5km till the junction with Clackett Lane. Turn left here and walk 1.6km along Clackett Lane to the entrance to the service station (heading East) just after you pass over the M25 motorway bridge.

B. Take a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line the train from ''Victoria'' to Uxbridge station (Zone 6)''Bromley South''. Exit Then take bus 246 south in the station onto High Street direction of Westerham Green and turn rightget off at ''Pilgrims Way''. Walk west along Pilgrims Way and then Pilgrims Lane for ≈1.4km until you reach Harefield Road - turn Clackett Lane. Turn left there, (south) and then right at walk for ≈1km until you reach the next big roundabout. From there follow signs entrance to M40 - you will eventually get to junction 1 slip road, and you can hitch-hike from therethe service station heading East (before crossing over the motorway bridge).

Confirm with Cost of Public Transport: You can reach London Bridge by overground from a station without barriers and skip the driver that he is going straight on M40, and does not turn onto M25 (London Orbital)fare. Also beware that Junction 2 is not very easy to hitch-hike on (see [[M40 (GB)|M40]] article)

** '''Hanger Lane''' Underground station Option 5: (Central LineExperimental) : Sun in the Sands roundabout, West Ruislip branch, zone 3)direct onto the A2 to Dover. Jass passed here the other day and saw what seems to be an ideal spot with a lot of space for vehicles to pull over on the slip road onto the motorway.Take the overline to Blackheath from London Bridge. Follow Montpellier Road past the large Blackheart meadows/ park then up Shooters Hill Road till you get to the roundabout.

As you exit into the main hall of the tube station=== Southeast towards [[South East England|The South East]], have a look at the local area map and find an exit by the Westbound A40 slip road. Once you are out of the underground[[Hastings]], keep walking along the slip road, and then A40. There are two good places to hitch from:[[Royal Tunbridge Wells]] A21 ===

** '''Hillingdon''' Underground station (Piccadilly/Metropolitan Lines=== Northwest towards [[Oxford]], zone 6).[[High Wycombe]], [[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]], [[North Wales]] {{Mgb|40}} ===

As you exit the tube station and go to the end of walkway, turn right and walk until you reach big traffic light-controlled crossroads of 'Long Lane' and 'Western Avenue' [[M40 (NOT the A40 Western AvenueGB). Cross the road|M40]] is different from other motorways originating from London, then turn right and continue as it starts quite close to M25 as a continuation of the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slipdual-road to carriageway A40. Stand on the grass next to of the hatched area - the hatched area is a good and legal place for a vehicle to stop. The area is also well-lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at night.

It is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or something, as a lot of traffic leaves [['''Option 1''': M40 (GB)|M40]] at junction 1a to continue on [[M25 (GB)|M25]].Junction 1

There is also an Oxford Tube coach stop in Western Avenue/Freezeland Way nearbyTake a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line to ''Uxbridge'' (Zone 6). Exit the station onto High Street and turn right. If Walk until you happen reach Harefield Road - turn left there, and then right at the next big roundabout. From there follow signs to M40 - you will eventually get really stuck to junction 1 slip road, and you can hitch-hike from there (which I think you wonthere't - I waited only about 12 minutes for a ride on an evening during s also a post-Christmas seasonnice spot at the traffic lights) and only . You might need to get to Oxford, this might cross parts of the road where vehicle will already be an alternative.flying at motorway speeds - stay safe!!!

Update: I took this advice to travel from London to Oxford in October 2010, and it worked very well: I didn't reach the roadside til 9pm, so Confirm with the world beyond driver that he is going straight onto the streetlights was utterly darkM40, but still got a ride within half an hourand does not turn onto M25 (London Orbital). A good spot Also beware that Junction 2 is not very easy to travel Northbound from Londonhitch-hike on (see M40 article).

=== Direction: North ======= M1 Motorway ====* '''Where toOption 2''': ('''''[[The North A40 Junction (England)|The North (London)]]'''''), [[Luton]], [[Milton Keynes]], ('''''[[East Midlands (England)|The East Midlands]]'''''Hangar Lane), [[Northampton]], [[Leicester]], [[Derby]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Leeds]]

* Take the Central Line tube (West Ruislip branch) to '''Directions'Hangar Lane''(zone 3). As you exit into the main hall of the tube station, have a look at the local area map and find the exit for the westbound A40 slip road. Keep walking along the slip road, and then A40. There are two good places to hitch from:

** '''Option 1''' - [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=15386599078168394493,51.613806,-0.276014%3B7303632460877835457,51.616789,-0.260584&saddr=A5100%2FStation+A bus stop just past the junction with Lynwood Rd+%4051.613806,+It has a long lay-0.276014&daddr=A5100%2FHale+Ln+%4051.616789by,+-0.260584+which is a good place to:51hitch from as long as there's nothing parked there.629873,-0.264659&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=15&via=1&sll=51.62617Legally,it's a "non-0.269852&sspn=0.017104,0.047035&ie=UTF8&ll=51.622306,stopping except buses" lay-0.273972&spn=0.017105,0.047035&z=15 London Gateway Services]** '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 5by.

It 2. The other place is possible to walk from Edgware tube ''(Northern Line)'' to London Gateway Services half a mile further on the M1, a little lay-by with no restrictions. There are a few different ways Its good spot and has an advantage of being open to walk, but the simplest is: Turn right out of entire A40 (the station onto 'Station Road'. Follow Lynwood Rd bus stop has a separation between the incoming slip road along, it turns into 'Hale Lane', keep going, then turn left onto 'Selvage Lane' and keep goingthe main carriageway, so you will then go over a bridge over the M1 and come to a big roundabout 'Apex Corner'. Go down into the subway under the roundaboutcan only be picked up by traffic emerging from North Circular Road, and come out on the A1 ('Barnet Wayor Lynwood Road), just by the petrol station. Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue', and keep walking until you come to a road on your left with a big sign telling you not to go down there. Walk down it and you come to '''London Gateway Services'''.

<map lat='51.572129' lng='-0.230595' zoom='16' view='0' width='400px' height='200px' float='right' />** '''Option 2''' - [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51.572780,+-0.230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]** '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 3.** '''Last verified''': August 2010A40 Junction (Hillingdon)

Take the Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line tube to ''Hillingdon'' (zone 6). As you exit the tube station and go to the end of walkway, turn right and walk until you reach the big traffic light-controlled crossroads of 'Long Lane' and 'Western Avenue' (NOT the A40 Western Avenue). Cross the road, then turn right and continue to the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slip-road to A40. Stand on the grass next to of the hatched area - the hatched area is a good and legal place for a vehicle to stop. The area is also well-lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at night.It is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or something, as a lot of traffic leaves [[File:Staples_corner_m1.jpgM40 (GB)|thumb|400px|rightM40]] at junction 1a to continue on [[M25 (GB)|Hitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1M25]].There is also an Oxford Tube coach stop in Western Avenue/Freezeland Way nearby. If you happen to get really stuck (which I think you won't - I waited only about 12 minutes for a ride on an evening during a post-Christmas season) and only need to get to Oxford, this might be an alternative.<br/ >

Another option If your driver is going to take the tube Oxford or somewhere nearby then request to Brent Cross ''(Northern Line)''. From there you follow be dropped off at the 'North Circular RoadWelcome Break' westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road)services just before Wheatley, and you get to the bottom of the M1 junction 8A (don't get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby, although if this road is more convenient for your destination, you can also hitch from herejust a km after junction 8). After passing the shopping centre, you should see the M1. It is possible to hitch at the first entrance you see, which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (there This is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular, busy services and a small lay-by further on - both adjacent to the lane for M1). You can also hitch at the traffic lights (see spot on the map easy to find lifts all over the right) or on the hard shoulder on the on-ramp that slopes up right after those traffic lightscountry.

==== A1 Motorway / A1(M) Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''North towards [[The North (England)|The North (London)Luton]]'''''), [[StevanageMilton Keynes]], ('''''[[East Midlands (England)|The East Midlands]]'''''), ('''''[[East (England)|The EastNorthampton]], [[Leicester]], [[Derby]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]]'''''), [[PeterboroughLeeds]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': {{Mgb|1}} ===

* '''DirectionsOption 1''':''(See information for M1, Option 2 - Staples Corner. Hold the sign saying "A1 North". There must be better places to get onto A1, though...)''Motorway service station London Gateway

This is untested, but should work. Take the tube (Northern Line) tube to High BarnetEdgware, and then walk 2.5km: Turn right out of the station onto 'Station Road'. Follow the road along, it turns into 'Hale Lane', keep going, then turn left onto 'Selvage Lane' and keep going, here take you will then go over a bridge over the 84 bus M1 and come to South Mimms services, at a big roundabout 'Apex Corner'. Go down into the junction between subway under the M25 roundabout, and come out on the A1(M'Barnet Way), just by the petrol station. One user tried Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue', this, and thinks road runs parallel to the junction is too high way. Keep walking until you come to a road on your left with a bigsign with three symbols, one of which would translate as 'no access to anyone except authorised vehicles' and clearly goes under the traffic too fastmotorway. Walk down it and you come to [https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.6136474,-0.2756824/51.6331801,-0.267389/@51.6234134,-0.28321, for this to be a good spot14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m24!4m23!1m20!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2707532!2d51.6182613!3s0x487616bd30b5031d:0x8018c6fc46ad7c0a!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2601509!2d51.6168185!3s0x487616bf7b9c6b11:0x36592f73c8bb24ff!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2554027!2d51.6210173!3s0x487616ea6c84b413:0x4e9825452a0ab13a!3m4!1m2!1d-0.2661023!2d51.6315945!3s0x4876168dfd4886a1:0x9337096bd5773568!1m0!3e2?hl=en London Gateway Services].

=== Direction: East Anglia, East Coast ======= M11 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[East (England)|The East]]'''''), [[Cambridge]], [[Peterborough]], [[Norwich]], [[London Stansted]] * '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to £3.10 (off peak) from zone 4* '''Last verified''': March 20081.

* '''DirectionsOption 2''':The M11 begins near Redbridge, so this is an ideal place to go to. [[Userhttp:Siinvincible|Simon]] and [[User:Whisperingofthestars|Jason]] managed to get a ride to Newmarket from the train to Redbridge//maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51.572780, as someone noticed us making a sign+-0.230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]

=== Direction: South, South West - Hampshire and Dorset ======= M3 Motorway ====* '''Where Take Northern Line tube to''': ('''Brent Cross''[[South West (Englandzone 3)|The South West]]'''. From there you follow the 'North Circular Road'westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road), [[Basingstoke]]and you get to the bottom of the M1 (don't get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby, [[Salisbury]]although if this road is more convenient for your destination, [[Southampton]]you can also hitch from here). After passing the shopping centre, [[Porstmouth]]you should see the M1. It is possible to hitch at the first entrance you see, [[South West which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (England)|Dorset]]there is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular, [[Bournemouth]]* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket/travelcard and a small lay-by further on - both adjacent to zone 6 + one ticket from ''Hampton'' the lane for M1). You can also hitch at the traffic lights (see spot on the map to ''Kempton Park'' railway stationthe right) or on the hard shoulder on the on-ramp that slopes up right after those traffic lights.* '''Last verified''': 27 March 2008

* '''Directions'''Important :If you are getting a lift from here, ensure that the driver is driving to at least the next service station (Toddington), which is approximately 50-60 miles from this spot.

M3 is not an easy motorway to get to, although the following worked for [[User:Lnx|Lnx]]Cost of public transport:xxx

Take the train bound for ''Shepperton'' from ''London Waterloo'' and exit at '''Kempton Park''' station[[File:Staples_corner_m1. Exit the station (do not go on the footbridge), cross the racecourse car park and turn jpg|thumb|400px|right into Park Road, which goes into the slip road coming off A316. When you reach the A316 itself, walk on the pavement in the opposite direction to the traffic. You will immediately see a lay-by (chances are some lorries will be parked there). You can hitch from there. The position is not perfect, as the road is going downhill, and the traffic is traveling very fast (50-70mph).|Hitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1]]

- This place seems to work really well. I get the bus to brent cross and then its about a 10 min walk to this spot. However, it tends to go slightly quicker if you walk 2 minutes more around the roundabout ('''Kempton ParkStaples Corner ''West' station is just outside London Transport Zones (''Hampton''). You'll see a railway bridge, go under it and there is a bus stop beside a car repair place (the previous station on the Waterloo-Shepperton line, bus stop itself is in zone 6), but it has no ticket barriers near Adrian Avenue and is by the chances of meeting a ticket inspector between ''HamptonWestern'' and side of the railway bridge). It doesn''Kempton Park'' should be t look like such a great place, but it works quite remotewell if you have a sign.

* '''An Alternative- In case you are going to Edinburgh: once you are at any of the service stations on the motorway, you will find a lot of people going in that direction, i.e. going to Leeds and further. Somewhere north of Leeds, the M1 becomes the A1(M) highway; however, ensure that once you are on this highway going in the direction of Newcastle, and then Edinburgh, joining you do not get out at the last petrol station before Newcastle. Get out at the A316 2nd, 3rd or 4th last petrol station before it becomes Newcastle, but not the last one. The second last one has a huge McD and more long-distance traffic than the M3last one, which has a Burger King and Costa and is just a small petrol station with mostly local traffic from Newcastle coming for petrol. Ensure whoever is taking you drops you off only at a petrol station and not on a country road. After Newcastle, there is only one major/decent petrol station in a town called Alnwick (pronounced 'Annick'). Try finding someone who is going to Edinburgh directly from one of the earlier good McD stations. A better alternative route to Edinburgh is to take the M1, M6, A74(M), and A707; this way, you won't have to bother about McD and Newcastle.

==== A3/A24 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''North towards, [[South East (England)|The South EastStevanage]]'''''), [[WokingPeterborough]], [[PorstmouthEast Midlands]], [[GuildfordEast of England|The East]], [[Newcastle]], [[WorthingNorth East England|The North East]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': {{agb|1}} ===

==== M23 Motorway/A22 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''Northwest towards [[South East (England)|The South EastCambridge]]'''''), [[BrightonLondon Stansted]], [[EastbourneNorwich]]* '''Cost , [[East of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': England|The East]], East Coast {{Mgb|11}} ===

* Take the Central Line tube to ''Redbridge'Directions''':{{infoneeded|Information needed}}(zone 4). Once at the station, turn right and use the subways to cross under the A406. Once on the slip road for the A406 (extending Eastern Avenue), there is a great place for vehicles to pull over. The spot is located just next to the bridge over a canal or river. The traffic will not be coming from A406, but it really is a good place to hitch a ride. It is strongly recommended that you bring a M11 sign with you.

''For Cost of public transport: £2.80 (off-peak) from zone 1. Tip: To get to the M23same part of london, possibly Purley''''For you can also take the Central line to Roding Valley. Here there are no barriers as you exit so if you managed to get into the A22underground system for free, possibly Kenleyyou can get out for free. It'' One possible way that isn't too bad... take s about a train half an hour walk to Coulsden South from East Croyden (zone 6) Turn lest out the start of the station and walk up to the roundaboutM11. Nearly all For getting into the traffic goes to the M23 from underground system, you can for example get in at Finsbury Park where thereare no barriers either. There are also other stations.=== Direction: East (Essex) ======= A12/A13 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[East (England)|The East]]'''''), [[East (England)|Essex]], [[Chelmsford]], [[Colchester]], [[Ipswich]], [[Southend-on-Sea]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''':

== Airports ==Paid transport to and from airports can be expensive. Hitching can be a good alternative. Southwest towards [[South West England|The exits to the airports can also be good places to get lifts to other places. For exampleSouth West]], if you get stuck on the western part of the M25[[Basingstoke]], try to get to Heathrow, from there people are going all over the country. If you are coming from Brighton, and trying to get around London[[Salisbury]], you may get a ride quicker to where you want to go if you get dropped at Gatwick Airport than at Pease Pottage services.* [[London GatwickSouthampton]]* , [[London StanstedPorstmouth]]* , [[London HeathrowSouth West England|Dorset]]* , [[LutonPoole|London LutonBournemouth]]{{Mgb|3}} ===

Be careful: there are only 3 service stations Take the train from ''London Waterloo'' in the direction of Shepperton and exit at ''Kempton Park'' station. Exit the station (do not go on the M25footbridge), cross the racecourse car park and on turn right into Park Road, which goes into the whole western part there are none at allslip road coming off A316. If When you get dropped at a junction rather than at services you can get really stuckreach the A316 itself, as a large part of walk on the pavement in the opposite direction to the traffic is only going round the road . You will immediately see a short waylay-by (chances are some lorries will be parked there). If it You can hitch from there. The position is not possible to get a lift to one of the servicesperfect, consider waiting for a ride that takes you actually to as the road you want to be onis going downhill, rather than just stopping somewhere random on and the M25.traffic is traveling very fast (50-70mph)

Possibly the best place to get lifts on the M25. There is a bridge here to cross from one side to the other, which can be useful to know if, for example, you are trying to hitch from the M4 to Brighton but get a lift '''Option 2''': A316 Junction with someone who is going to Dover.A312

To get to Clacket Lane Service Station from London Take the train on the same line as above, and get a train to Bromley (you can use an Oyster card: http://wwwoff at ''Fulwell''.tflWalk south on Wellington Road, and then turn right onto Park Road.govFollow this road as it joins the A312 for about 1.uk/tickets/148365 km in total.aspx)Just below the A316 bridge, which you will see ahead of you as you follow the A312, then there is a roundabout. The first left turn on this roundabout is an on-ramp for the A316. There is a bus 246 (timetable stop and a pedestrian crossing here: http://www, and traffic is going uphill, and so is quite slow.londonbusroutes.net/times/246SumOne user waited here for about 30 minutes with a sign saying "M3".htm)

Ask the driver to tell you when you get to Pilgrims Lane, then walk down Pilgrims Lane and Pilgrims Way to Clacket Lane Services. You can see where you're going on a map hereCost of public transport: http://www.motorwayservices.info/clacket_lane_services_m25/googlemap Where it says "Clacket Wood" is the service station. There is also a street view of this area on google maps.xxx

=== Squatting ===London has such an abundance of [[squat]]s that you shouldnTake a train from ''Victoria''t ever have to pay for accommodation. Having said that, most squats are places where people live and go about their normal business''Clapham Junction'', so don't expect too much from them. Perhaps it would be good to find some friendly squatters by word of mouth or on [http://www.couchsurfing.com couchsurfing] or similar. Don't worry about the negative connotations associated with squats. They generally aren't crackhouses or scabies-infested punk hangouts. People of all types squat in London and their homes are usually very nice. They are especially helpful if youBridge''re planning station to stick around for a while, but can also be great if you're just passing through'East Croyden'' (zone 6). [[User:Zac Stewart|Zac]]<small>^{[[User talk:Zac Stewart|talk]]}</small> ended up with From here, take a squat train to sleep in on his first night, and in [[Mayfair]] of all places! There is a strong community of squatters especially in the north east of London where a new group has been set for resistance and solidarity. The North East London Squatters Network are having meetings every month as well as a mailing list etc... For more info, get in touch with the '''[http://www.hackneysocialcentre.blogspot.com/ Hackney Social Centre]'Coulsdon South'' .Turn left out of the station on Brighton Road and walk 600m to the roundabout. (unfortunately this has now been evicted)Nearly all the traffic goes to the M23 from here.

'''[httpCost of public transport://www.rampart.co£3.nr/ rampART]''' is a squatted social center in [[Whitechapel]], east London. This place isn't a residential squat, but they do have a "crash room" for visitors. They make it clear that it is not a tourist hostel so you needn't bother them unless you are interested in getting involved with their project for some time while you're there. To stay, you need to contact them well ahead of time. If nothing else, it's a great place to meet squatters and find a place to stay. They also have free internet!80 (As of last month rampART was evicted by the police and is no more.off-peak) Interestingly, the new place at Bowl Court Road that was squatted a few months ago has already been evicted (August 2008£2.70 off-peak from Clapham Junction).

For more info on social centers in London=== East towards [[East of England|The East]], [[East of England|Essex]], [[Chelmsford]], [[Colchester]], [[Ipswich]], check out [http://www.socialcentresnetwork.org.uk[Southend-on-Sea]] A/ Autonomous London].12 ===

== Eat ==Cheap Take Hammersmith & City Line or District Line to ''Bow Road'' (Zone 2). Walk east for ≈700m along the Bow Road to the roundabout junction with the A12. There are traffic lights here, and free food abounds in Londona McDonalds across the road. Hitch on the slip road heading north on the A12. You can get lifts from here to Ipswich or Colchester. I waited 20 minutes. It was OK. There is plenty of room for people to stop as there is a bus stop nearby.

=== Free ===Hari Krishna offer free food from several locations in London at lunchtimeCost of public transport: outside SOAS by Russel Square at 1pm, for example£2. Expect to queue for 30 minutes, arrive early to guarantee a fill 40 (off- the food does run out. Otherwise...peak from Zone 1)

The '''Coffee Republic[[London Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]''' / '''[[London Stansted|London Stansted]]''' / '''[[London Heathrow|London Heathrow]]''' / '''[[Luton|London Luton]]'''  Paid transport to and from airports can be expensive. Hitching can be a good alternative. The exits to the airports can also be good places to get lifts to other places. For example, if you get stuck on Great Marlborough Street near the Oxford Circle and Carnaby Street is reported western part of the M25, try to get to put out garbage bags with totally normal food--boiled potatoesHeathrow, sandwichesfrom there people are going all over the country. If you are coming from Brighton, etc. every evening and trying to get around 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekendsLondon, you may get a ride quicker to where you want to go if you get dropped at Gatwick Airport than at Pease Pottage services.

Places like SainsburysSince nearly all the motorway networks lead towards London, Marks you probably might have to go through that urban area somehow to reach your destination. The M25 is the ring motorway that surrounds the city and Spencers, Tesco and so on have connects with every possible motorway network in all directions. It's recommended to find a marking system lift past London as it's somewhat hard to find somebody going off the M25 in your direction from any of the service stations on their packed food that says when the food should be thrown away M25. Be careful: there are only 3 service stations, and when it should the entire western section has none at all. It may also be eaten beforepossible to head around the M25 from junction to junction. The gap between this days However, the only problem is that a few of the junctions are often two days really bad in the south, and you can still have it more get really stuck as a large part of the traffic is only going round the ring a short distance. If if you do get stuck, try making a sign M25 east or less west. So consider waiting for a week more depending ride that actually takes you to the road you want to be on, rather than just stopping somewhere at random on what it isthe M25.

Good places South Mimms services are in Potters Bar in the northeast of London and are actually just off the M25 at the junction of the A1(M). For some reason, although it's a big services, you can get stuck here for hours. One option, as ever, is to ask people where they're headed... but there are so many directions possible that it could take a long time to find someone headed your way. Standing at the exit of the services is unlikely to work, for whatever reason. Several reports of hours of waiting here mean that you probably need to try in Hackney are Esomething else.AIf you're going towards the west, you can stand at the ridiculous entrance to the west slip road onto the M25.TAlthough insane, you should be able to get a fast ride out. PretHave a big sign and someone should be able to at least take you further down the M25 to a better junction, Icelandor directly to where you're going, supermarket metros be it to the west or locals and marketsdown to Sussex.

=== Cheap Clacket Lane Services ===If you're going to self cater, stick to '''Sainsbury's''' and '''Tesco''' rather than the convenient Off-Licenses for better prices. If you are a bit out of Central London, you might as well look for '''Lidl''', '''Morrisons''', '''Netto''' or '''Asda'''. Anyhow with a decent and wise grocery, you can get your grocery for nearly a week for about 10-15 pounds at any of the mentioned supermarket with decent, fresh and healthy food ''(to cook)''. Be aware though that these supermarkets are not in any sense "ethical". They are wiping out local shops, taking monopoly on feeding us, destroying the environment and throwing away food every day that could feed hundreds of people. It's better to eat out of their bins. <!-- Totally irrelevant information! -->

If you get tired Clackett Lane services are located in the south of peanut butter sandwiches or want London and are possibly the best place to fill up for get lifts on the weekend, try M25. There is a bridge here to cross from one of side to the many £5 all-you-can-eat '''Thai Buffets''' other, which are always always totally vegan! (some good all-you-can-eat start at £3be useful to know if,50). Go earlyfor example, they get more expensive in you are trying to hitch from the evening. While downtown, you can also M4 to Brighton but get a ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>6-inch sandwich of the day<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' at '''Subway''' for 2 poundslift with someone who is going to Dover.

The markets in Camden Town have cheap food around 5pm, especially Take the train from ''Victoria'' to ''Bromley South''. Then take bus 246 ([http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/246Sum.htm timetable here]) south in the Lock Market where, if direction of Westerham Green and get off at ''Pilgrims Way''. Walk west along Pilgrims Way and then Pilgrims Lane for ≈1.4km until you reach Clackett Lane. Turn left (south) and walk for ≈1km until you reach the entrance to the service station (heading east). Continue walking along Clackett Lane for another 400m over the motorway M25 bridge to reach the entrance for the services heading west. You can see where you're going on a few minutes past all map [http://www.motorwayservices.info/clacket_lane_services_m25/googlemap here]. Where it says "Clacket Wood" is the initial food courts, you can easily find dishes service station. There is also a street view of noodles for £2this area on google maps.

== Internet ==In Westminster, thereClacket Lane is an excellent place to hitch to Brighton (Westbound) or Dover (Eastbound) and also fairly good for most other directions as it's a public library which you can use for free Internet accessbusy station. You might need Best thing is to register yourself, though, stand outside the main doors into the station and ask everyone that progress comes out if they are going your way (and waiting for the next available computer"excuse me, are you by any chance going to Brighton?") can take quite some time.== Nomadwiki & Trashwiki ==

[[Category:EnglandE13]]