Traffic

[dasharp]

What are the best times to come and go to avoid the massive traffic jams I have heard about?

Thanks.

Don

[mpullen]

Depends on which direction you are coming from.

The biggest bottleneck is the intersection of FM1488 and FM1774 in Magnolia.

Thus, if you come up 1774 from Tomball, you are going to hit the traffic south of Magnolia.

If you come east on 1488 from the Austin side, same problem.

I think the traffic coming south on 1774 from the Conroe area is a bit lighter. Thus, if you are coming up I45 from Houston, don't take 249, 242, or 1488. Keep going to FM105 in Conroe and take 1774 at Plantersville.

[Fenster]

The earlier you come in the morning the less traffic there is.  In the evening either leave before the final show at the arena or stay after as long as possible.

Tip: keep some snacks and drinks in the car in case traffic is bad at night.  We've had to wait hours to leave before when there's an accident.

[PollyPoPo]

We have run into real "jams" only a couple times leaving Faire when there was an accident of some sort which basically closed the two-way road into which the Faire traffic flows. 

The Faire does have really great traffic control there, but when the main road closes, everything just stops.  Otherwise it is simply a matter of getting all those cars funneled through.

Once you are on the road heading back to Magnolia, it is stop and go all the way.  The key is to just be patient as long you're moving along.  (Oh, yes, and make sure everyone stops in the restroom before you get to the car.)

To avoid heavy traffic, you might have to arrive very, very early (2 hours or so before cannon comes to mind) and leave an hour before fireworks or sit in your car until everyone else has left the parking lot. 

[dasharp]

Coming from The Woodlands, is there a way around the FM 1488 / FM 1774 problem area?

Don

[Yrose]

Coming from The Woodlands, is there a way around the FM 1488 / FM 1774 problem area?

Don

The only way to avoid it is to go north on I45 to 105 to Plantersville. If you go in the morning before 10 am you usually good. Leaving you need to leave at least an hour to an hour and 1/2 before closing or go visit friends in the campground.

[Batonrogue]

I second Yroses suggestion.  When I come from Houston, that is the best way that I have found.  Over the years, the 105 to Plantersville has gotten me there with the least amount of traffic.  I also agree with the coming early comment.  We always have tried to be there by 8:30 or a bit earlier and rarely have a ton of traffic.  Anyone know how the traffic has been with the later closing?

[Zardoz]

Come early - leave early. I come up from Houston on 249, if you get though Magnolia by 8:30 or so you shouldn't have a traffic issue. and I try to leave by 3 or 4 at the latest.

[mpullen]

Then again, try camping. Come out Thursday (no traffic), setup camp and relax. Dismantle camp Sunday morning and park in rows 1-5 close to the Faire entrance. Head out before fireworks.

If you can, stay camping until Monday noon. Absolutely no traffic when leaving.

[dasharp]

Thanks for all the tips. I think I'll probably try to get through Magnolia early before the traffic picks up.

Don

[mrsmccunn]

Please consider staying for the Fire works as an option to avoid traffic. The park closes slowly and a bit more music is to be found near front gate as evening wears down. Having a snack for the car and a slow departure lets traffic wind down nicely.

I do so miss the Green Man, but do still enjoy fireworks. The 6 pm proclamations by cast at Globe are fun. Better sound and lighting in a better venue makes it a nice way to rest at end of day. From there you can procede with all cast to arena for fireworks.

[LibraryPrincess]

I go early and stay after the fireworks and listen to Tartanic play outside the gate. There's always the "after-hours paranormal tour."