Traffic Experiences on M3 and M27 down to Southampton

[eustache]

I am planning our journey to the IOW festival this year 2018. We have not been before. I am concerned about possible traffic problems and missing my slot on either the RIB boat or ferry. Can anyone tell me if there are likely to be traffic delays on the mainland. We are coming from Buckinghamshire via the M3 and M27, and have no idea how much of a factor to build in for traffic.

Thanks for any experiences in previous years.

[Ejestivals]

I never experienced any problems with traffic due to the ferry. I've been on the ferry to the island for festivals a few times, and on the way out there I always found the system to work very well. At least once we were late, and we were simply put onto the next boat. Don't expect the same on the way back though. Had to wait about 12 hours once for a re-booked ferry.

[Smeble]

Depends on what time of the day you are getting the ferry, the M3 and M27 can be a pain at certain times of the day, morning and evening rush hours can be particularly bad southbound. The earlier ferries in the morning are the cheapest so my advice is get one of those and travel before rush hour. 

[Mattymooz]

M3 is always busy around Winchester during the day, but especially around rush hour

[eustache]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My concerns are based on a 2 hour jam on the M27 on the way to the new forest, but in retrospect it was on a Saturday morning.

[Havors]

Whats the traffic like getting off the island on the monday?? Just wondering what time to leave to make sure we dont miss ferry back. 

[Ejestivals]

They set up queueing systems on the local streets. It always seems very well organised to me though. If you're early they park you up and allow the next ferry's cars to get through.