Road Trip - Advice

[HaizeyDays]

On Friday afternoon I have to Drive from Winchester to Stansted Airport to meet a flight at 8.3o pm. I can leave Winchester any time from 3.o pm, and don't mind a wait at the other end.

I am expecting the traffic to be horrendous around London, and so want to avoid the M25 at all costs.

Two questions: firstly, am I justified, do you think, in wanting to avoid the M25? And second, can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be better. I don't mind going a bit out of the way.

I'm fairly new to the South of England (confirmed northerner), so I would appreciate some advice on which roads to avoid.

KHT

[TWR]

I'm sure I read the OP wanted to AVOID THE M25 at all costs.

[Hopkirk]

A34 to the M4 at Chieveley. M4 to the M25, but ready to divert at Maidenhead if necessary. That would be the A404 (M) to High Wycombe, then M40 to the M25. Round to the M11.
It is not practicable to avoid the M25.

[fiction-factory]

Yes, the OP did say that but may think again if they know that under this route all costs could means 120 extra miles/ 2 extra hours.

[Islay]

Avoiding the m25 by driving almost to Birmingham is nuts!!!

[Baldric]

Just for info

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M42_motorway

[jamesnan]

Definitely arrive early and wait with a coffee at the service station on M11 next to Stansted turnoff. You can then drive to mid-stay car park, where there is a One hour free parking system in place, (2 hours is £1) and the coach to and from the terminus is free. This is what we do when we drop off and pick up at Stansted. It is very expensive otherwise. Safe journey.