Driving to Olympia exhibition centre? Easy?

Hollyberry

We drove to a show at Olympia last year, and found the route in west from Birmingham really easily, although it's probably better with a driver and a navigator (we've not reached the giddy heights of satnav yet!) than with a littlun to entertain.

On the day we went there was plenty of parking available right next to the show, and I think it cost about £20 for the day. We knew we'd be picking up a load of freebies, so needed the car.

If I end up going to London by train, I always try for buses rather than the tube, as I also find it less stressful.

time2deal

That area is my 'hood. I pass buy it on one form of transport or another every day!

It's not hard to drive, but there are lots of one way streets in that area. If you tell me broadly which direction you will come from I can give any additional advice, although google maps will probably be enough

time2deal

No need for a bus by the way. Olympia station (Kensington Olympia) is both a tube and an train station. And the hall is right next to the station.

maman

I'd certainly consider parking outside and then using public transport, far more relaxing,. Or what about making a mini-break of it and staying over for a night and doing a few sights with DS? I live in a big city in the south east and I never take the car to London, far more freedom without it.

time2deal

If you drive, then there is free street parking nearby. See this map: http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Images/88600_122_T_Watermark_Layout1_tcm21-165620.pdf. The exhibition centre is in Zone B on this map. You can't park right in front, but go up Sinclair Rd (you have to dodge around to go north due to one ways) and there is normally parking if you look around long enough.

It's free on weekends. But have a close look at the parking map - as if you go too close to Westfield the parking charges start again, but it is all signposted. I live in the area, and while it looks full of cars, there is always a space somewhere. You may end up 5 minutes walk away, but stay and enjoy the pubs! The Bird is Hand does a wonderful pizza, and the Havelock tavern won best pub food last year I think. It's a lovely area - although I am probably biased!

susancs

Yopu could look at parking at somewhere like Watford Junction train station car park (near M1) and getting the train direct in to Olympia (about 25 minute journey). £4.80 off peak for 24 hours parking. £2.70 each way for a single off peak Watford Junction to Kensington Olympia train journey with Oyster. Personally I think it is a pretty easy journey drive to Olympia from there, so depending on the time of day (ie. not rush hour) I would drive it, but then am used to driving in London.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/tickets/faresandtickets/farefinder/current/default.aspx