MERL Location

How to get to MERL

By Road
The MERL office and laboratories are situated on the north east side of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, approximately 35 miles north of central London. The easiest road access to MERL is via Exit 9 of the A1M (click here for local map and detailed directions).

Download local map & directions

By Air
All four London airports are within 90 minutes drive time from MERL. Rail links are recommended from Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Approximate drive times and taxi fares from these airports are:

London Airport	Drive Time	Taxi Fare
Luton	20 mins	£45
Stanstead	40 mins	£50
Heathrow	60 mins	£75
Gatwick	90 mins	£105

Taxis can be booked in advance through MERL, which may be cheaper than taking a taxi at the airport.

By Train
From London, First Capital Connect trains run from Kings Cross to Hitchin up to four times each hour. Journey time is appropriately 35 minutes. All trains stop at Finsbury Park which is on the London Underground Victoria, and Piccadilly lines. Go to www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk for train times and ticket information.

MERL is a 20 minute walk from Hitchin railway station (click here for local map). Alternatively a local taxi can be obtained at the station.

By Coach
Coaches provided by National Express travel direct to Hitchin train station from Luton Airport (c. 40 mins) and Heathrow Airport (c. 2 hours). The coaches leave approximately every 2 hours. Tickets may be purchased on board in GDP. For further information visit www.nationalexpress.com.

Coaches may also be taken from Stanstead and Gatwick Airports, but a change must be made and the journey time is in excess of 3 hours.