Rugby fans travelling to Twickenham for the Six Nations Championship are being urged to plan ahead, with experts warning that match-day traffic around the stadium is likely to be extremely busy.

With crowds of up to 82,000 supporters attending fixtures across the tournament, congestion on key routes in and out of the area is expected to build several hours before kick-off.

Car hire firm SIXT has shared advice for supporters heading to Twickenham Stadium, highlighting the main pressure points and alternative routes drivers may wish to consider.

Where congestion is likely

Heavy traffic typically approaches Twickenham via the A316 from central London, as well as from the M3 and M25. Most vehicles exit at the Whitton Road roundabout.

However, regular road closures on Whitton Road, Rugby Road and London Road usually begin 90 minutes to two hours before kick-off and can remain in place for more than an hour after the final whistle.

Drivers who leave it late risk being caught in closure zones or lengthy queues on surrounding residential roads.

Alternative routes to consider

From central London, motorists are advised to use the A4 westbound and join the A316 later in the journey. Parking in Richmond and walking to the stadium may also help avoid the worst of the restrictions.

Those travelling from the south-west via the M3 are encouraged to remain on the A316 for longer and avoid exiting too early onto local roads, where congestion tends to build quickly.

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From the north or north-west via the M25, drivers can travel via Junction 12 onto the M3 and then the A316. Another option is diverting via the A4 and parking further out, before walking or using public transport.

Three top tips for match day

SIXT's experts say supporters can reduce stress on the day by:

• Arriving early – Closure zones often come into force up to two hours before kick-off, but arriving at least three hours early allows time to avoid disruption and enjoy the local cafés and pubs.
• Planning parking in advance – Pre-booking a space, or having a back-up option, can prevent last-minute panic.
• Knowing an alternative route – Having a second route in mind can save valuable time if traffic builds unexpectedly.