Leeds to Milton Keynes - advice please

[jdrrco]

I have to drive to Milton Keynes tomorrow (Weds 14th) for a meeting at 11am.

Chloe (Comand) tells me to go down the M1 and that it will take 2hrs 48mins (that's without adding anything for rush-hour traffic).

I generally avoid the M1, as I find the A1 gets less snarled up and is a more pleasant drive, but obviously I don't want to add a huge extra time to my journey, especially at that time of the morning.

Does anyone know this journey and which route would you advise and how long do you reckon it will take to get there for 11am?

Many thanks in advance for all suggestions.

J

 

[imadoofus]

I used to drive from Coventry to the centre of Leeds regularly. That was 1hr 45mins every time, arriving at Walmart HQ at 9am (give or take). Coventry is 50 miles North of MK, so add another hour, and the 2:48 estimate isn't bad.

It might take a little longer to go North-South rather than South-North, but I don't think there would be much in it.

Bear in mind that both Leeds and Milton Keynes are on the M1, so it's definitely the most direct route.

PJ

 

[DieselE]

The only big roadworks on the M1 are at J10. On bad days, the holdups back up to J10 but as the southernmost MK junction is J13 this should not cause you any problems.

I only use the M1 south of its junction with the M6 but normally it is fairly free flowing.

 

[imadoofus]

It can be a bugger past Leicester, but that's just volume of traffic. After Leicester Forest services, it opens to four (or is it five?) lanes for a bit, and that's when traffic starts to snarl. Keep right.

PJ

 

[x332race]

Drove up to Leeds from Tring, Herts (just to south of Milton Keynes) along M1 yesturday. Took just under 3 hours both ways. Left at 6.00 am to go up and left at 12.30 to return. I reckon you should be able to do trip in under 2.5 hours each way but allow for heavy traffic around Sheffield

Noted heavytraffic both north and south of Sheffield around 0800 heading south whilst I was driving north....but may have been due to accident south of Sheffield.

No roadworks at all althogh speed reduction at leicester to 50mph for works on slip road.....everybody seemed to ignore this however!!

Watch out for unmarked police black volvo estate around Chesterfield area

 

[Flash]

I have always used the M1/M62 route to get to Leeds from around London and traffic has been ok - quickest time I ever done the journey is 3Hrs...

 

[sagalout]

I've done that route quite a few times (live in harrogate and wife has family in MK). Never had any real problems with traffic that high up the M1. Time sounds about right - I'd normally say allow a bit more for getting at least one roundabout wrong(!) but with sat nav it should be a doddle.

 

[pammy]

Would have to agree in that the M1 is the best most direct route. A1 is way out of the way

 

[saorbust]

I used to commute from London to Leeds three days a week. Coming from J28 of the M25 (Essex Side) to J42 of the M1, used to take from 3 hrs, to 6 hrs depending on the time of day.

The M1 is nightmare at the moment, but as someone has already said, south of J10 only. Once past that you are generally okay, and I'd say 3 hr's is about right / realistic.

I tried the A1 once, and even M11, A14, A1 and once the M40 - all to avoid the M1. Basically its a lot further, and as a general rule is no quicker.

 

[jdrrco]

Thanks for all your input. I'll trust your and Chloe's judgement - she's usually right.

 

[imadoofus]

I'll trust your and Chloe's judgement - she's usually right.

Yeah, but I'm not...

So now what you gonna do?

PJ

 

[BearFace]

I have to drive to Milton Keynes tomorrow (Weds 14th) for a meeting at 11am.

Chloe (Comand) tells me to go down the M1 and that it will take 2hrs 48mins (that's without adding anything for rush-hour traffic).

I generally avoid the M1, as I find the A1 gets less snarled up and is a more pleasant drive, but obviously I don't want to add a huge extra time to my journey, especially at that time of the morning.

Does anyone know this journey and which route would you advise and how long do you reckon it will take to get there for 11am?

Many thanks in advance for all suggestions.

J

I'm with most of the others here on this one. The M1 links Leeds and MK, so it's technically by the far the quickest route by car. That said, when I'm travelling to London and I don't need the full lighting gear, I take the train from Leeds, which takes 2 hours to get to Kings Cross.

I'd seriously look at your options for travelling by train, as you'll arrive refreshed and relaxed for your meeting. If you're anything like me, you'll need at least an hour to calm down after driving for 2+ hours...

 

[masqueraid]

If you do decide on M1 avoid coming off @ J14 Go for 13 instead as the roads between 14 and Central MK are ALL being dug up at some point at the moment. This morning there was an artic breakdown on one and gridlock for about 90 minutes.

 

[jdrrco]

Thanks all.

M1 and MK were a doddle. Getting onto the M62, however, took 1hr 25mins due to an accident. So glad I left early.

Left home (Ilkley Moor) at 7:29am, arrived MK (after one quick loo stop) at 11:01am.

Journey back much better and averaged 42.3mpg - not bad considering the horrendous start to the journey.

Feet up now but not remotely stiff or tired. Trains? No thanks, E-class Merc is still the only way to travel.