Easiest Way In Car From Liverpool - Folkstone

[dieseldick]

should i go round bottom of london ring road or over past north london and round by dartford bridge ? i drive a diesel dS3 citreon 45 mph to gallon i think i will get. just trying to work out is it cheaper to take my car or get a national express ?

thanks

[Zacs-Master]

According to Google Maps there is only 2 minutes difference between your preferred 'car' routes, each taking just over 5 hours. It obviously depends what time of day you go / or what time you hit the M25. The journey is slightly less than 300 miles so would use approx 6.7 gallons of fuel, so at current prices this would be approx £40.
The coach will take between 10 and 11 hours (depending on the time of day you book) and costs £45.

[MichaelZZ]

Just as an addendum to Zac's reply, are you travelling on from Folkestone or returning to Liverpool immediately? I'm thinking about ancillary costs like parking or ferry costs as well as the convenience of having your car with you while you are there.

[factor-fiction]

Also bear in mind that diesel is only part of the cost. An extra 300 miles on the clock probably reduces the value of the car by around £10 and the wear and tear on tyres, oil and the car generally will be a similar amount.

[dieseldick]

yes some good advice, thankyou

[Maydup]

Whatever the difference in cost, life has to be too short to spend 11 of your precious hours on a National Express coach unless you had no other option. Take the car and go M25 via Heathrow unless you hear of delays on your radio, in which case switch to the Dartford Bridge.

I would also strongly recommend treating yourself to run road the M6 toll rather than using the free option too. Its such a pleasure in comparison when on a long journey.

However I realise you asked for the cheapest option rather than my time or congestion preferences, but I throw these in anyway from someone who has made the journey in summer and in winter. Have a safe and successful journey whatever you decide.

[SeaJayPea]

Just try and time it that you hit the M25 outside 08:00 - 10:00 and 16:00 - 18:00. Whichever route you take, you'll have grief in those hours.

[mushroom25]

as others have stated, go heathrow-gatwick way because the m25 roadworks between enfield and the M11 are a nightmare, plus coming back you'll queue forever to pay the dartford tunnel toll.

[mushroom25]

don't rule out the train - if you don't mind it taking you an hour longer (3hr20mn as opposed to 2hr10mn by Virgin) you can get from lime street to euston for as little as £11 each way.