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== Hitchhiking around London ==
Also, on the M25, it may be possible, if hitting London is unavoidable but it needs to be passed, to head around the ring on the junctions. The only problem is that a few of the junctions are really bad in the south..try not to get stuck in this trap and if stuck make a sign with M25 and east or west.
* [http://www.hitchbase.com/ergebnisse.php?LANG=eng&abfrage%5Bstartort%5D=444 Hitchbase] has some information about hitchhiking out of London
=== Direction: West England, South-West England, South Wales ===
==== M4 Motorway ====
<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. Take the District Line Underground to ''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 - one 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. There is a bus lay-by nearby with a sign saying M4 west. B.491738177580345Take bus H91 from ''Hammersmith Bus station'' in the direction of Hounslow West and get off at ''Chiswick Roundabout/Gunnersbury' lng=', and you are already at the bus lay-0by hitching point. Cost of public transport: £2.80 (off peak) from Zone 1. (Bus fare £1.2811813354492187550) '''Option 2'' zoom='16: A4 leading to M4 (or M3) Heading for [[South West England|Cornwall]], 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]]. Take District Line Underground to ' view='0West Kensington' float='(zone 2). Turn rightout of the station, there are traffic lights 10m away. Turn right and there is a lay-by 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).
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (London)]]'''''), [[Reading]], [[Swindon]], ('''''[[South West England|The South-West]]'''''), [[Bristol]], [[South West England|Devon]], [[South West England|Cornwall]],* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to Zone 3 - approximately 5 UKP £2.40 (off peak) 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
* '''DirectionsOption 3''':Get the Underground to Gunnersby tube Motorway service station''(District Line)'' or the main line station at Kew Bridge. (Alternatively, the Overground Stop South Acton doesn't have barriers, but is a kilometer further away.) Both stations are on the Chiswick High Road (A315 - one west and one east of the roundabout) along which you walk 500m to Junction 1 of the M4. You want the Esso petrol station that is on the corner of the slip road onto the motorway heading west. There is a lay-by nearby with a sign saying M4 west. Heston
* Take Piccadilly Line Underground westbound and get off at ''Hounslow West'Last verified''': 20th February 2011: I frequentlly hitch (zone 5). Turn right from this spot, works well, the station exit and rarely wait more than half an hourwalk 800m west along Bath Road to just past Henleys roundabout where there is a BP petrol station. Wait just before Right at the exit of the bus stop as this petrol station is a footpath heading north. Walk ≈650m and where people generally stopit splits, turn right 20 metres until you reach Armytage Rd. / Verified in July 2013Turn left onto this road and continue north for another ≈200m, got lucky cross over Cranford Lane and then continue north again for another ≈350m along Phoenix Way until it bends to the second car left. Just past the bend, you will see a short path on that Esso petrol the right through the bushes/trees onto Heston service station took me until Bristol.It's not an overly busy services but enough traffic to justify getting out here and cutting out all the local traffic in the centre. Use a sign as there is a lot of local traffic and also traffic heading onto the M25 both south and north.
Heading for '''Cornwall''', 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 M3Cost of public transport: Exit at West Kensington tube (zone 2 district line). Turn right out of the 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£3. 10 (It's also cheaper to get tooff peak). I never normally wait more than 30 mins. here.from Zone 1
=== Direction: South-East England (Kent) ===
==== M20 Motorway ====
<map lat='51.43983124736507' lng='0.0528717041015625' zoom='15' view='0' float='right' />
* '''Where to''': ('''''=== Southeast towards [[South East England|The South East]]'''''), [[Maidstone]], [[CanterburyFolkestone]], [[Dover]], ([[Channel Tunnel|The Channel Tunnel]]), [[FranceDover]] (''[[Western Ferries to Europe]]''){{Mgb|20}} ===
** '''Option 1: Mottingham'''** '''Cost of public transport''': One train ticket ''from zone 1'' (approximately £3.50 off-peak) or take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich, and from there, the 161 bus to Mottingham. (Mottenham train station doesn't have barriers...)** '''Last verified''': July 2014** '''Directions:''' The train to Mottingham Station (Zone 4) departs from ''Charing Cross Station'' (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'' or ''Gillingham.
This is very close Take the train from ''Charing Cross Station'' (Zone 1) to ''Mottingham 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 ''Dartford'' or ''Gillingham''. Alternatively, take the entrance Jubilee line to North Greenwich, and from there, the M20 161 bus to DoverMottingham. When you come out of the train station, head for walk 100m south along Court Road to the intersection with Sidcup Road (corner of 'Sidcup Road' and 'Court Road', around 800 yardsA20). At the traffic lights turn left, where you will see a Shell petrol station. This leads towards Dover. This is the A20, which eventually becomes the M20.<br/ >
The best ride Cost of public transport: train 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 said that many hitch-hikers happen to stand and hitch at the junction, but the police might be more likely to pick you upwas £5.
'''Last verified''': Cost of the train The best ride to Mottingham was £5. Me and and my girlfriend hitchhiked accept from Mottingham spot is one that brings you directly into the South-East along the M20 and a lorry picked us up in 15 minutes and took us to past the start of M20. There we waited about 20 minutes in a motorway entrance/M25 junction, and got a drive by another lorry all most likely to the way [[Maidstone Services]]. Many drivers have said that many hitch-hikers happen to Folkestone service station. There a car picked us up after 5 minutes stand and took us with them on hitch at the ferry and all M20/M25 junction, but the way police might be more likely to [[Brugge]] in [[Belgium]]pick you up.
** '''Option 2: Swanley''' ** '''Cost of public transport''': One train ticket ''from zone 1'' £2.80 (approximately £3.50 off-peak) or take the train from Elephant & Castle in central south-east zone 1. (no Mottingham train station doesn't have barriers) towards Seven Oaks for a free ride.** '''Last verified''': September 2013** '''Directions:''' You can get onto M20 from Swanley. Get a train to Kent from London Victoria (Ashford International, Gillingham, Seven Oakes, etc.). Some trains will go directly there, otherwise change at Bromley South. <br/ >
'''Swanley By passNOTE:''' From the station head away from town on The most classic method departing London Road, onto Maidstone Road, where you'll find a hole in the fence on the leftdirection of continental Europe begins in Mottingham. There Most traffic is a BP garage with a McDonaldslocal, thus it's a longer walk than is best to ask people whether they are going onto the Texaco mentioned below but managed M25 ring road. If yes, they will passby the BP @ Swanley as described in option 2. The next major service station after Swanley is after the M25 called Maidstone Services on the M20 Junction 8; be sure to get find a lift there in 15 minutes ride that exits at 10pm asking people (September 2013). It seemed most traffic was M20/M25, but might of been junction 8 as the main exit for the time town of nightMaidstone is junction 7. This is perfect for getting the last major service station located before Dover 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 long as 6 hours."
<map lat=The easiest way to get here is to take a train to Sidcup, then take the 233 city bus towards Swanley and get off at Old Maidstone Road. The service station will be about two minutes'51walk down and across the road.3902018510923There is a gate in the fence, though it may be closed in which case you' lng='0ll have to jump the fence.188269615173336' zoom='15' view='0' float='right' />
==== M2 Motorway ====* '''Where Another way to get here is totake a train from ''London Victoria': ('to ''Swanley''[[. Some trains will go directly there, otherwise change at Bromley South East England|South East]]''''. (There is also a direct train from St. Pancras to Swanley, but it cost £8.80 (peak) in Nov 2015, so might as well just get a megabus if you're going to pay that much). From the station, [[Rochester]]cross the tracks with the pedestrian bridge to Everest Place, [[Canterbury]]turn right on St. Mary's Rd to the roundabout at London Road. From here, [[Dover]]* turn left (north) along London Road/ Maidstone Road for 2.6kms. Here you'll find the service station behind a fence on the left. It''Cost s a longer walk than to the Texaco mentioned below but managed to get a lift there in 15 minutes at 22:00 asking people (September 2013). It seemed most traffic was M20/M25, but might of been the time of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': night. This is perfect for getting to Maidstone.<br/ >
* '''Directions''':Get the Underground to London Bridge Station ''(Northern Line - Jubilee Line)'' and get the commuter train to This service station has a BP petrol station called Mottingham ''(direction Dartford)''(''Note that you can hitch along the [[M20 (GB)|M20]] and changing to the [[M2 (GB)|M2]] in [[Maidstone]]'a McDonald')s.
==== A21 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[South East England|The South East]]'''''), [[Hastings]], [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * One train ticket ''from zone 1'Last verified''': (approximately £3.50 off-peak) or take the train from Elephant & Castle in central south-east (no barriers) towards Seven Oaks for a free ride.
* '''DirectionsOption 3''':{{infoneeded| Help providing the information with the one available for the M20}}Texaco petrol station, Swanley
=== Direction: NorthSame directions as for Option 2 above, but this time, walk into town from the station, and head to the London 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're hungry or in need of a cup of coffee. The 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, there is a good lay-West, Scotlandby for hitchhiking on the roundabout that leads to the on ramp to the M20, North Wales ======= M40 Motorway ====but you'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 the service station.
* '''Where to''': ('''''[[West (England)|The West (London)]]'''''), [[Oxford]], [[High Wycombe]], ('''''[[West Midlands|The West Midlands]]'''''), [[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]], [[Redditch]]* '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 6 (Hillingdon) or zone 3 (Hanger Lane).* '''Last verified'''Public Transport: 28th October 2010 (Hillingdon), 26 January 2008 (Hanger Lane), 24 May 2009 (M40 J1)xxx
* '''DirectionsOption 4''':[[M40 Motorway service station Clackett Lane (GBM25)|M40]] is different from other motorways originating A. Take the train from ''London, as it starts quite close Bridge'' to ''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 as a continuation of the dual-carriageway A40motorway bridge.
A40 has a number B. Take the train from ''Victoria'' to ''Bromley South''. Then take bus 246 south in the direction of entrances with heavy traffic, 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 (before crossing over the following 3 places have been successfully hitched from:motorway bridge).
** '''M40 junction 1'''Cost of Public Transport: You can reach London Bridge by overground from a station without barriers and skip the fare.
Take a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line to Uxbridge station Option 5: (Zone 6Experimental). Exit : Sun in the station Sands roundabout, direct onto High Street and turn rightthe A2 to Dover. Walk until you reach Harefield Road - turn left there, Jass passed here the other day and then right at saw what seems to be an ideal spot with a lot of space for vehicles to pull over on the slip road onto the next big roundaboutmotorway. From there follow signs Take the overline to M40 - Blackheath from London Bridge. Follow Montpellier Road past the large Blackheart meadows/ park then up Shooters Hill Road till you will eventually get to junction 1 slip road, and you can hitch-hike from therethe roundabout.
Confirm with the driver that he is going straight on M40=== Southeast towards [[South East England|The South East]], and does not turn onto M25 (London Orbital). Also beware that Junction 2 is not very easy to hitch-hike on (see [[M40 (GB)|M40Hastings]], [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]] article)A21 ===
** '''Hanger Lane''' Underground station (Central Line, West Ruislip branch, zone 3)Add info pls
As you exit into the main hall of the tube station, 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, keep walking along the slip road, and then A40. There are two good places to hitch from:
One of them is a bus stop just past the junction with Lynwood Rd. It has a long lay-by=== Northwest towards [[Oxford]], which is a good place to hitch from as long as there's nothing parked there. Legally[[High Wycombe]], it's a "non-stopping except buses" lay-by.[[Warwick]], [[Birmingham]], [[North Wales]] {{Mgb|40}} ===
The other place is half a mile further on - a little lay-by with no restrictions. I ([[User:LnxM40 (GB)|LnxM40]]) have not personally hitched is different from other motorways originating from thereLondon, but as it looks like starts quite close to M25 as a good spot and has an advantage continuation of being open to the entire dual-carriageway A40 (the Lynwood Rd bus stop has a separation between the incoming slip road and the main carriageway, so you can only be picked up by traffic emerging from North Circular Road, or Lynwood Road).
** '''HillingdonOption 1''' Underground station (Piccadilly/Metropolitan Lines, zone 6).: M40 Junction 1
As you exit Take a Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line to ''Uxbridge'' (Zone 6). Exit the tube station onto High Street and go to the end of walkway, turn right and walk . Walk until you reach big traffic lightHarefield Road -controlled crossroads of 'Long Lane' turn left there, and 'Western Avenue' (NOT then right at the A40 Western Avenue)next big roundabout. Cross the From there follow signs to M40 - you will eventually get to junction 1 slip road, then turn right and continue to you can hitch-hike from there (there's also a nice spot at the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slip-road to A40traffic lights). Stand on the grass next You might need to cross parts of the hatched area - the hatched area is a good and legal place for a road where vehicle to stop. The area is also wellwill already be flying at motorway speeds -lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at night.stay safe!!!
It Confirm with the driver that he is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or somethinggoing straight onto the M40, as a lot of traffic leaves [[M40 and does not turn onto M25 (GBLondon Orbital)|M40]] at junction 1a . Also beware that Junction 2 is not very easy to continue hitch-hike on [[M25 (GBsee M40 article)|M25]].
There is also an Oxford Tube coach stop in Western Avenue/Freezeland Way nearby. If you happen to get really stuck '''Option 2''': A40 Junction (which I think you won't - I waited only about 12 minutes for a ride on an evening during a post-Christmas seasonHangar Lane) and only need to get to Oxford, this might be an alternative.
Update: I took this advice Take the Central Line tube (West Ruislip branch) to travel from London to Oxford in October 2010''Hangar Lane'' (zone 3). As you exit into the main hall of the tube station, have a look at the local area map and it worked very well: I didn't reach find the roadside til 9pm, so exit for the world beyond westbound A40 slip road. Keep walking along the streetlights was utterly darkslip road, but still got a ride within half an hourand then A40. A There are two good spot places to travel Northbound hitch from London.:
=== Direction: North ======= M1 Motorway ====* '''Where 1. A bus stop just past the junction with Lynwood Rd. It has a long lay-by, which is a good place tohitch from as long as there''': ('''''[[The North (England)|The North (London)]]''''')s nothing parked there. Legally, [[Luton]], [[Milton Keynes]], ('''''[[East Midlands|The East Midlands]]''''it'), [[Northampton]], [[Leicester]], [[Derby]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Leeds]]s a "non-stopping except buses" lay-by.
* '''Directions''':2. The other place is half a mile further on, a little lay-by with no restrictions. Its good spot and has an advantage of being open to the entire A40 (the Lynwood Rd bus stop has a separation between the incoming slip road and the main carriageway, so you can only be picked up by traffic emerging from North Circular Road, or Lynwood Road).
** '''Option 13''' - [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=15386599078168394493,51.613806,-0.276014%3B7303632460877835457,51.616789,-0.260584&saddr=A5100%2FStation+Rd+%4051.613806,+-0.276014&daddr=A5100%2FHale+Ln+%4051.616789,+-0.260584+to:51.629873,-0.264659&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=15&via=1&sll=51.62617,-0.269852&sspn=0.017104,0.047035&ie=UTF8&ll=51.622306,-0.273972&spn=0.017105,0.047035&z=15 London Gateway Services]** '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 5.** '''last verified''': August 2014 (very good although most people are only going as far as Northampton). June 2012 (good spot indeed, we asked around the service station and were picked up after 30 min towards Northampton). November 2011 ( very good spot, we found a lift in less then 5 minutes, also in the dark)It is possible to walk from Edgware tube ''A40 Junction (Northern LineHillingdon)'' to London Gateway Services on the M1. The walk is about 2.5km. There are a few different ways to walk, but the simplest is: 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, 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 roundabout, and come out on the A1 ('Barnet Way), just by the petrol station. Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue', this road runs parallel to the high way. Keep walking until you come to a road on your left with a big sign with three symbols, one of which would translate as 'no access to anyone except authorised vehicles' and clearly goes under the motorway. Walk down it and you come to '''London Gateway Services'''.
<map lat=Take the Piccadilly or Metropolitan Line tube to ''51.572129Hillingdon' lng='(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-0.230595controlled crossroads of ' zoom=Long Lane'16and ' view='0' width='400px' height='200px' float=Western Avenue'(NOT the A40 Western Avenue). Cross the road, then turn right' />** '''Option 2''' and continue to the roundabout, whose primary exit is the slip- [http://mapsroad to A40.googleStand on the grass next to of the hatched area - the hatched area is a good and legal place for a vehicle to stop.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51.572780,+The area is also well-0lit which makes it a perfect place to hitch at night.230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]** '''Cost It is advisable to have a sign saying "Oxford" or something, as a lot of public transport''': One ticket traffic leaves [[M40 (GB)|M40]] at junction 1a to zone 3continue on [[M25 (GB)|M25]].** 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'''Last verified''': 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/ >
[[File:Staples_corner_m1If your driver is going to Oxford or somewhere nearby then request to be dropped off at the 'Welcome Break' services just before Wheatley, junction 8A (just a km after junction 8). This is a busy services and easy to find lifts all over the country.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Hitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1]
* * Last verified on 18 Aug 2014 by Vidhi Raj - This is a very good option
Another option is to take the tube to Brent Cross === North towards [[Luton]], [[Milton Keynes]], ('''''(Northern Line)[[East Midlands|The East Midlands]]'''. From there you follow the 'North Circular Road' westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road), and you get to the bottom of the M1 (don't get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby[[Northampton]], although if this road is more convenient for your destination[[Leicester]], you can also hitch from here). After passing the shopping centre[[Derby]], you should see the M1. It is possible to hitch at the first entrance you see[[Nottingham]], which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (there is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular[[Sheffield]], 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 to the right) or on the hard shoulder on the on-ramp that slopes up right after those traffic lights.[[Leeds]] {{Mgb|1}} ===
However, it tends to go slightly quicker if you walk 2 minutes more around the roundabout ('''Staples Corner Option 1''West'' '''). You'll see a railway bridge, go under it and there is a bus stop beside a car repair place (the bus stop itself is near Adrian Avenue and is by the ''Western'' side of the railway bridge). It doesn't look like such a great place, but it works quite well if you have a sign (worked for [[User:Lnx|Lnx]] - a 5-minute wait in the dark!). Certainly it is better than the entrance to the M1 used by traffic going eastbound on the 'North Circular', which has a big camera pointing right at where you would stand.Motorway service station London Gateway
This place seems Take Northern Line tube to work really wellEdgware, and then walk 2. I get 5km: Turn right out of the bus to brent cross station onto 'Station Road'. Follow the road along, it turns into 'Hale Lane', keep going, then turn left onto 'Selvage Lane' and keep going, you will then its about go over a 10 min walk bridge over the M1 and come to this spota big roundabout 'Apex Corner'. Vidhi suggests that it is better not to stop at Go down into the subway under the redlight but instead go roundabout, and come out on the A1 ('Barnet Way), just by the petrol station. Turn left just behind the petrol station onto 'Ellesmere Avenue', this road runs parallel to the M1 ascending motorwayhigh way. Here Keep walking until you can easily stay come to a road on the your left side and with a big sign with three symbols, one of which would translate as car turn into this road there is enough pulling space for cars going up north. Seek 'no access to get down at anyone except authorised vehicles' and clearly goes under the next gas station which I must say is atleast 40 miles awaymotorway. However Walk down it is quite easy and you come to get rides in direction of Leeds and New Castleway[https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.6136474,-0.2756824/51.6331801,-0.267389/@51.6234134,-0.28321,14z/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].
One thing to avoid however is, getting down at the last Gas station before Leeds or New CastlewayCost of public transport: £3...These are small gas stations with less traffic so if you are Edinburgh bound ensure you get down at 2 gas stations before these cities arive preferably at a Gas station which has Mac Donalds. The others have Starbucks, Costa and Burger King10 (off peak) from zone 1.
==== A1 Motorway / A1(M) Motorway ====* '''Where toOption 2''': ('''''[[The North (England)|The North (London)]]''''')http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=51.572780, [[Stevanage]], ('''''[[East Midlands]]'''''), ('''''[[East of England|The East+-0.230950&ie=UTF8&z=12&iwloc=addr&om=1 Staples Corner]]'''''), [[Peterborough]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''':
* Take Northern Line tube to ''Brent Cross'Directions'(zone 3). From there you follow the 'North Circular Road':westwards for about 1km (along Tilling Road), and you get to the bottom of the M1 (don''(See information t get confused with the A1 which also passes nearby, although if this road is more convenient for M1your destination, Option 2 - Staples Corneryou can also hitch from here). Hold After passing the shopping centre, you should see the sign saying "A1 North"M1. There must be better places It is possible to get onto A1hitch at the first entrance you see, which is the traffic coming off the 'Westbound North Circular' (there is a bus stop just after the slip road joins the North Circular, thoughand 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 to the right) or on the hard shoulder on the on-ramp that slopes up right after those traffic lights..)''
This is untestedImportant : If you are getting a lift from here, but should work. Take ensure that the tube (Northern Line) driver is driving to High Barnet, here take the 84 bus to South Mimms services, at least the junction between the M25 and A1next service station (MToddington). One user tried this, and thinks the junction which is too big, and the traffic too fast, for approximately 50-60 miles from this to be a good spot. Another user spent 5 unsuccessful hours at South Mimms trying to get the A1(M) North, most people aren't likely to stop at the first service station on their way out of the city.
=== Direction: East Anglia, East Coast ======= M11 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[East of England|The East]]'''''), [[Cambridge]], [[Peterborough]], [[Norwich]], [[London Stansted]] * '''Cost of public transport''': One ticket to zone 4* '''Last verified''': March 2012xxx
* '''Directions''':The M11 begins near Redbridge, so this is an ideal place to go to. [[UserFile:SiinvincibleStaples_corner_m1.jpg|thumb|Simon]] and [[User:Whisperingofthestars400px|right|JasonHitching Spot at Staples Corner for M1]] managed to get a ride to Newmarket from the train to Redbridge, as someone noticed us making a sign.
Redbridge is on - This place seems to work really well. I get the Central (Red) underground line bus to brent cross and local buses (66) stop next then its about a 10 min walk to the stationthis spot. Once on the stationHowever, turn right and use the subways it tends to cross under the A406. Once on go slightly quicker if you walk 2 minutes more around the ramp on for A406 roundabout (extending Eastern Avenue'''Staples Corner ''West'' '''). You'll see a railway bridge, go under it and there is a great bus stop beside a car repair place for vehicles to pull over. The spot (the bus stop itself is near Adrian Avenue and is located just next to by the ''Western'' side of the railway bridge over ). It doesn't look like such a canal or river. The traffic will not be coming from A406great place, but it is really a good place to hitch a ride. It is strongly recommended that works quite well if you bring have a M11 sign with you. Personal experience was that even with this sign, a few cars will stop heading towards other destinations.
TIP: To get - This is a very good place, however one user recommends right next to the same part car repair center ( on the right of london, you can also take the Central line to Roding Valley. Here it )there are no barriers as you exit so if you managed to get into the underground system is entrance for free, you can get out for free. It's about a half an hour walk to the start of M1 Motorway which is slightly going upwards before meeting the M11highway. For getting into You may go up and make sure to stand atleast 100 meters away from the underground system, you can for example get in at Finsbury Park point where there are no barriers eithercars enter on this road from the redlight behind. There are also other stationsHave a sign that says M1.
=== Direction- In case you are going to Edinburgh: Southonce you are at any of the service stations on the motorway, you will find a lot of people going in that direction, South West - Hampshire i.e. going to Leeds and Dorset ======= M3 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': further. Somewhere north of Leeds, the M1 becomes the A1('''''[[South West England|The South West]]'''''M)highway; however, ensure that once you are on this highway going in the direction of Newcastle, [[Basingstoke]]and then Edinburgh, [[Salisbury]]you do not get out at the last petrol station before Newcastle. Get out at the 2nd, [[Southampton]]3rd or 4th last petrol station before Newcastle, [[Porstmouth]]but not the last one. The second last one has a huge McD and more long-distance traffic than the last one, [[South West England|Dorset]]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, [[Poole|Bournemouth]]* there is only one major/decent petrol station in a town called Alnwick (pronounced 'Annick''Cost ). Try finding someone who is going to Edinburgh directly from one of public transport''': One ticket/travelcard the earlier good McD stations. A better alternative route to Edinburgh is to zone 6 + one ticket from ''Hampton'take the M1, M6, A74(M), and A707; this way, you won' t have to ''Kempton Park'' railway stationbother about McD and Newcastle.* '''Last verified''': 27 March 2008
* '''Directions''':
M3 is not an easy motorway to get to=== North towards, although the following worked for [[User:LnxStevanage]], [[Peterborough]], [[East Midlands]], [[East of England|LnxThe East]]:, [[Newcastle]], [[North East England|The North East]] {{agb|1}} ===
Take the train bound for ''Shepperton'' from ''London Waterloo'' and exit at '''Kempton Moat Mount Park''' stationbus stop on A1. Exit the station (do not go on the footbridge)Buses 292, cross the racecourse car park and turn right into Park Road384, 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 606 tops there). You can hitch from After 5 km there. The position is not perfect, as the road is going downhill, and the traffic is traveling very fast (50-70mph).a Mimms Service petrol station / rest stop
'''Kempton Park''' station is just outside London Transport Zones (''Hampton'', the previous station on the Waterloo-Shepperton line, is in zone 6), but it has no ticket barriers and the chances Cost of meeting a ticket inspector between ''Hampton'' and ''Kempton Park'' should be quite remote.public transport: xxx
* '''An Alternative=== Northwest towards [[Cambridge]], joining the A316 before it becomes the M3'''[[London Stansted]], [[Norwich]], [[East of England|The East]], East Coast {{Mgb|11}} ===
Get a train on Take the same line as above, and get off at ''Central Line tube to 'Fulwell Rail'Redbridge''(zone 4). Walk South on Wellington RoadOnce at the station, and then turn right onto Park Roadand use the subways to cross under the A406. Follow this Once on the slip road as it joins the A312 for about 1.5 km in total. Just below the A316 bridge, which you will see ahead of you as you follow the A312A406 (extending Eastern Avenue), there is a roundaboutgreat place for vehicles to pull over. The first left turn on this roundabout spot is an on-ramp for located just next to the A316bridge over a canal or river. There The traffic will not be coming from A406, but it really is a bus stop and good place to hitch a pedestrian crossing here, and traffic ride. It is going uphill, and so is quite slow. One user waited here for about 30 minutes with strongly recommended that you bring a M11 sign saying "M3"with you.
==== A3/A24 Motorway ====* '''Where to'''Cost of public transport: £2.80 ('''''[[South East England|The South East]]'''''off-peak)from zone 1. Tip: To get to the same part of london, [[Woking]], [[Porstmouth]]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 underground system for free, [[Guildford]], [[Worthing]]* you can get out for free. It'''Cost s about a half an hour walk to the start of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': the M11. For getting into the underground system, you can for example get in at Finsbury Park where there are no barriers either. There are also other stations.
* '''Directions''':
{{infoneeded|Information needed}}
''Possible site along the A3 would be located between Putney Heath/Roehampton and New Malden/=== Southwest towards [[South West WimbledonEngland|The South West]], [[Basingstoke]], [[Salisbury]], [[Southampton]], [[Porstmouth]], [[South West England|Dorset]], New Malden offering the best opportunities''[[Poole|Bournemouth]] {{Mgb|3}} ===
==== M23 Motorway/A22 Motorway ====* Take the train from ''London Waterloo'Where to''': ('''''[[South East England|The South East]]'in the direction of Shepperton and exit at ''Kempton Park''station. Exit the station (do not go on the footbridge), [[Brighton]]cross the racecourse car park and turn 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, [[Pease Pottage]]as the road is going downhill, [[Eastbourne]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verified''': and the traffic is traveling very fast (50-70mph)
* Cost of public transport: One ticket/travelcard to zone 6 + one ticket from ''Hampton'Directions'to '': Take a train to Coulsdon South from East Croyden Kempton Park'' railway station. '''Kempton Park''' station is just outside London Transport Zones (''Hampton'', the previous station on the Waterloo-Shepperton line, is in zone 6) Turn left out , but it has no ticket barriers and the chances of the station meeting a ticket inspector between ''Hampton'' and walk 600m up to the roundabout. Nearly all the traffic goes to the M23 from there''Kempton Park'' should be quite remote.
=== Direction: East (Essex) ======= A12/A13 Motorway ====* '''Where to''': ('''''[[East of England|The East]]'''''), [[East of England|Essex]] , [[Chelmsford]], [[Colchester]], [[Ipswich]], [[Southend-on-Sea]]* '''Cost of public transport''': * '''Last verifiedOption 2''': A316 Junction with A312
* Take the train on the same line as above, and get off at ''Fulwell'Directions''': So to go towards Ipswich. Walk south on Wellington Road, take the tube to Bow and then turn right onto Park Road Station. Here you need to ask direction to Follow this road as it joins the A12A312 for about 1. Walk along Bow Road5 km in total. At Just below the end A316 bridge, which you will see ahead of you as you follow the road you will come to A312, there is a round about with traffic lights roundabout. The first left turn on this roundabout is an on it -ramp for the A316. There is a bus stop and also a McDonalds You can get lifts from pedestrian crossing here to Ipswich or Colchester along either the A12 or A11, and traffic is going uphill, and so is quite slow. I One user waited 20 here for about 30 minutes. It was OK. There is plenty of room for people to stop at there is with a bus stop right nearsign saying "M3".
== Airports ==Paid Cost of public 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 the western part of the M25, 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, 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 Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]* [[London Stansted]]* [[London Heathrow]]* [[Luton|London Luton]]: xxx
== Transiting in Greater London ==
Since nearly all the motorway networks lead towards London 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 connects with every possible motorway network in destination of the country. It is then better to be left at some very specific Motorway Services to manage to catch a ride further.
Be careful: there are only === Southwest towards [[Porstmouth]], [[Worthing]] A3/{{agb|3 service stations on the M25, and on the whole western part there are none at all. If you get dropped at a junction rather than at services you can get really stuck, as a large part of the traffic is only going round the road a short way. If it is not possible to get a lift to one of the services, consider waiting for a ride that takes you actually to the road you want to be on}}, rather than just stopping somewhere random on the M25.& A24 ===
=== Clacket Lane Services ===West Lodge bus stop on A3. Buses 85, 265 and 969 stops there. There is also Co-op Roehampton Vale petrol station
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 with someone who is going to Dover.Cost of public transport: xxx
To get to Clacket Lane Service Station from London get a train to Bromley (you can use an Oyster card: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14836.aspx), then bus 246 (timetable here: http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/246Sum.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 here: 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.=== South towards [[Brighton]] {{Mgb|23}} ===
Clacket Lane is an excellent place Take a train from ''Victoria'', ''Clapham Junction'', or ''London Bridge'' station to hitch to Brighton ''East Croyden'' (Westboundzone 6) or Dover (Eastbound) and also fairly good for most other directions as it. From here, take a train to ''Coulsdon South''s a busy . Turn left out of the station. Best thing is on Brighton Road and walk 600m to stand outside the main doors into roundabout. Nearly all the station and ask everyone that comes out if they are going your way ("excuse me, are you by any chance going traffic goes to Bighton?")the M23 from here.
To get from one side to the other walk down the country lane to the back Cost of the station until you get to the bridge and cross to the other side public transport: £3.80 (off-peak) (couple of km£2.70 off-peak from Clapham Junction)
== Public Transport ==
''See the specific article for [[nomad:Transport for London|Transport for London]] on nomadwiki.''
=== Wild [[Camping]] ===Its quite possible Take Hammersmith & City Line or District Line to sleep out in London in considerable privacy despite its gigantic population of 10 million. Go North East to Trent Park ''Bow Road'' (Picadilly Line North, second to last stop before Cockfosters - i.e. Oakwood StationZone 2). Find the directions Walk east for ≈700m along the university (Middlesex) campus and walk (or take Bow Road to the free bus) up roundabout junction with the hillA12. Beside it There are traffic lights here, and beyond a McDonalds across the lake are quite a few miles of woodland and and it is incredibly beautifulroad. [[User:Whisperingofthestars|Jason]] lived here for 7 months during his final year of university. Be careful with park wardens, they eventually discovered him during Hitch on the slip road heading north on the last few weeks of his studiesA12. Build camouflage You can get lifts from ferns if staying for long. People are unlikely here to be your greatest threatIpswich or Colchester.I waited 20 minutes.It was OK.dogs are. Dogs! A lot There is plenty of room for people walk them here but you can find amazing places if you search hard enough. And if you search really really hard, you'll find to stop as there is a tree with the dates of the past dweller's residence..bus stop nearby.;)
Also, outside this station Cost of public transport: £2.40 (Trent Parkoff-peak from Zone 1), there is a Greek Bakery. Behind it lie huge sacks of bread every night. Please go. Its crazy that this could possibly be wasted every night.
=== Squatting ===
London used to have an abundance of [[squat]]s, but it has recently become more difficult. While it is still legal to squat commercial property (warehouses, offices, shops), it is illegal to squat residential buildings (if you admit you are doing this to the cops, you might be sentenced to jail time.) For all information on squatting in the UK: the '''[http://www.squatter.org.uk/ Advisory Service for Squatters]''' is helpful for people that are planning to find a place to live and cannot really help you find a place to crash. It's located at the Freedom Bookstore in Whitechapel and is another great place to meet squatters as well as get online for free. The address is Angel Alley, 84b Whitechapel High Street, Whitechapel, London, England, E1 7QX. (Tel. 020-32160099)
That being said, there are still a good couple of squats all around London. Most squats are places where people live and go about their normal business, 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 you're planning to stick around for a while, but can also be great if you're just passing through. [[User:Zac Stewart|Zac]]<small><sup>[[User talk:Zac Stewart|talk]]</sup></small> ended up with a squat to sleep in on his first night, and in [[Mayfair]] of all places!
There are still some remnants of squatting communities in North London, North East London, and South London. If you want to meet some people, go to the practical squatting nights taking place every week (alternating): http://www.squatter.org.uk/for-new-squatters/practical-squatting-nights/
For more info on social centers in London, check out [http://www.socialcentresnetwork.org.uk/ Autonomous London]. Generally though, it has become harder to track squats down or just pop up, as there are fewer, and more and more evictions, which means less space. This should in no way discourage you, however!
== Eat ==Cheap and free food abounds in '''[[London. Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]''' / '''[[London Stansted|London Stansted]]''' / '''[[London Heathrow|London Heathrow]]''' / '''[[Luton|London Luton]]'''
=== Free ===Hari Krishna offer free food Paid transport to and from several locations in London at lunchtime: outside SOAS by Russel Square at 1pm, for exampleairports can be expensive. Hitching can be a good alternative. Expect The exits to the airports can also be good places to get lifts to queue for 30 minutesother places. For example, if you get stuck on the western part of the M25, arrive early try to get to guarantee a fill - Heathrow, from there people are going all over the food does run out. Otherwise.country.If you are coming from Brighton, and trying to get around London, you may get a ride quicker to where you want to go if you get dropped at Gatwick Airport than at Pease Pottage services.
In the UK, the term for eating food that would otherwise be thrown away, is called skipping. Lots of people do it, all from people that come from poor countries and see all the food that goes to waist, to people that are political in there way of living. Many people, especially in the squat scene live totally out of food from the bins...
Plenty of places throw out food at closing time. Always check the bags out front of '''Pret a Mangers''' and '''Benjy's''' at 5-7pm. If you feel up to it, you can even go inside when they are closing shop and explain that you're homeless and pick out all the food you want instead of getting it off the sidewalk. Feel no shame, you're helping to curb wastefulness! (That being said, Pret a Mangers doesn't give any food to random people, just to "charity".)== Transiting Greater London ==
The most luxurious place to skip is always Waitrose. Places like Sainsburys, Marks and Spencers (generally difficult to skip!), Tesco and so on have a marking system on their packed food that says when the food should be thrown away and when it should be eaten before. The gap between this days are often two days and you can still have it more or less a week more depending on what it is.Most bins are secured by fences, cameras, etc. Don't mind them too much, it is rare that they'll call the cops on you as long as you don't "destroy property".=== South Mimms Services ===
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.Have 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.
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 process 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 ==
Go to the Apple store (on Regent St. near Oxford Circus), ask any '''local''' around Piccadilly or Regent or Oxford street and they should be able to tell you the exact location.{{nomadwiki}}
[[trash:London]]
[[nomad:London]]
→Southeast towards The South East, Maidstone, Folkestone (Channel Tunnel), Dover (Ferries to Europe) {{Mgb|20}}: Added extra possible spo.
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{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
{{Infobox Location
|country = England
|pop = 8.623 million (2015)
|motorways = {{Mgb|1}} {{Mgb|11}} {{Mgb|2}} {{Mgb|20}} {{Mgb|23}} {{Mgb|25}} {{Mgb|3}} {{Mgb|4}}
|map = <map lat='51.500152' lng='-0.126236' zoom='11' view='3'/>
}}
'''London''' is the capital of [[England]] and the [[United Kingdom]].
It's worth knowing that London is HUGE (third biggest city in Europe).
== 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 are only 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 Sussexbypass London. Any information on going east?
== Hitchhiking out ==
Hitchhiking out of London is pretty tricky, but not impossible - the big problem is getting onto a motorway is a bit of a challenge, once you're on the motorway, stick to the petrol stations, hitching entrance ramp to entrance ramp is quite difficult, especially in the big cities.
'''London RoadOption 2''' Walk into town from the train station, taking London Road, out of town towards the M20. On the way there is a Texaco : BP petrol station that seems quite busy. Further down on Swanley Bypass (where I hitchhiked, August 2012A20) there is a big parking space, with a greasy spoon van if you're hungry or in need of a cup of coffee. The road takes you straight down to the motorway.
''The A24 is best reached directly in Leatherhead outside the M25, there is a on-ramp to the M25 as well'Option 1''': Lay-by on A316 near Kempton Park
== Sleep = East towards [[East of England|The East]], [[East of England|Essex]], [[Chelmsford]], [[Colchester]], [[Ipswich]], [[Southend-on-Sea]] A/12 ===There are several options when it comes to finding a place to sleep. If the worst prevails and you're without a place, you're still not too bad off. Central London is relatively safe and you probably wont be bothered sleeping outside.
== Airports ==
Since nearly all the motorway networks lead towards London, you probably might have to go through that urban area somehow to reach your destination. The '''Coffee Republic''' on Great Marlborough Street near M25 is the ring motorway that surrounds the Oxford Circle city and Carnaby Street is reported to put out garbage bags connects with totally normal food--boiled potatoes, sandwiches, etc. every evening around 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends.The sandwich company "Eat" throw away lots of stuff everyday possible motorway network in all over towndirections. Have It's recommended to find a look lift past London as it's somewhat hard to find somebody going off the M25 in there bins or outside your direction from any of the shops service stations on the streetM25.The bakery 'Paul' in Blackfriars Be careful: there are only 3 service stations, and Paddington throw out a lot of cakes, the entire western section has none at all extremely luxurious and scrumptious. From Blackfriars station walk up It may also be possible to head around the main roadM25 from junction to junction. However, and Paul's will be on your right after the only problem is that a few minutes.If you are into Sushi, try one of the many Wasabi places junctions are really bad in the city when they close at 9pm or 9.30. They always leave food outsidesouth, and there are always loads you can get really stuck as a large part of people picking it upthe traffic is only going round the ring a short distance. If if you do get stuck, but try making a sign M25 east or west. So consider waiting for a ride that actually takes you'll get some if to the road you're want to be on, rather than just stopping somewhere at random on timethe M25.
=== 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! -->
{{Template:Regions England}}
{{Excellent}}
{{IsIn|England}}
