How to Get on the M3 Motorway

The M3 is a motorway stretching from the southwest of London almost 60 miles down to Southampton, passing Staines, Bracknell, Basingstoke and Winchester along the way. The first bit of the M3 opened in 1971 with extensions added over the years until the final section near Winchester was completed in 1995.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Road map

1. From London: The M3 starts near Sunbury on Thames to the southwest of London. The A316 from London joins the M3 at Junction 1 in Sunbury, where it also meets the A308.

2. From the M25: The M25 is the orbital motorway for London. To join the M3, take the M25 to Junction 12. This is Junction 2 on the M3.

3. From Basingstoke: The A30 from Basingstoke joins the M3 at Junction 7.

4. From Winchester: The B330 from Winchester towards Twyford Down joins the M3 at Junctions 9 and 10. The B3335 and the A3090 also join the M3 (at Junction 11).

5. From Southampton: The M27 and the A33 from Southampton join the M3 at the last junction (Junction 14).

Tips & Warnings

• Stop for petrol and food at Fleet Services (between Junctions 4a and 5) or Winchester Services (between Junctions 8 and 9).
• Don't confuse the M3 with the M3 motorways in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Hungary.
• Watch out for steep gradients and possible traffic congestion on the slip roads joining the M3 at Junction 10.

Resources

• This British Road Directory provides a mountain of information on the M3.
• Visit the AA for a Route Planner and maps for your journey.
• The Highways Agency has live travel information.