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Driving to RAL

From the A34 (northbound) 333

Take the A4185 (A417) exit, signposted for Rutherford Laboratory and Wantage. Turn left onto the A4185 and turn left at the roundabout approximately half a mile from the exit. Go straight across the mini roundabouts and RAL can be found on the left hand side after another half a mile.

From the A34 (southbound)

Take the A4130 (A417) exit signposted Milton, Chilton, Didcot and Wantage. At the roundabout take the fourth exit signposted A4130 Wantage, Steventon, Drayton, Harwell. Follow this road for one and a half miles and continue straight on at the Rowstock roundabout onto the A4185. After about two miles turn right at the next roundabout. Go straight across the mini roundabouts and RAL can be found on the left hand side after another half a mile.

From Heathrow Airport

Take the M4 motorway towards Slough, Reading and the West. Continue as far as junction 13 and then head North for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 (northbound) directions given above.

From Gatwick Airport

Take the M23 to London and Guildford. At junction 7/8 join the M25 to Heathrow and Watford. At junction 15, take the M4 towards Slough, Reading and the West, and continue to junction 13. Head North for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 (northbound) directions given above.

Flying

The STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is about one hour's drive from Heathrow Airport and two hours or so from Gatwick Airport. Your host may be able to arrange transport from Heathrow. For flight details, contact the appropriate airport enquiry services.

Heathrow

A frequent coach service, Reading-Heathrow Railair, takes passengers to Reading Station to connect with trains to Didcot Parkway. The service picks up from all four terminals and the journey time to Reading is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Click here to link to the Heathrow Airport website

Gatwick

A direct train service operates between Gatwick Airport and Reading Station to connect with services to Didcot Parkway. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Click here to link to the Gatwick Airport website.
Further details on airport connection services (for Gatwick and Heathrow) are available from National Rail Enquires on  +44 (0)8457 48 49 50.

Taking the train

The STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is six miles south-west of Didcot Parkway station, less than 60 minutes journey from London Paddington. Didcot also provides connections to Birmingham, the West of England and South Wales.

• Rail timetable information - www.nationalrail.co.uk
• National Rail Enquiries - +44 (0)8457 48 49 50
• Taxis are available from the station: www.traintaxi.co.uk

Taking the bus

A regular bus service also runs to RAL:

• Stagecoach's 32/A/B bus service runs between Oxford, Didcot Parkway, STFC (ask for IBC Bus Station) and Wantage. Mondays to Fridays (except Bank Holidays).
• Stage coach bus timetable information:www.stagecoachbus.com
• Newbury Buses 6 and 9 services run between Newbury, STFC (ask for IBC Bus Station) and Didcot Parkway. Monday to Saturday (except Bank Holidays).
• Reading buses timetable information:www.reading-buses.co.uk