The online London 2012 spectator journey planner and travel pages marks the first time such a comprehensive travel tool has been specifically created for an Olympic and Paralympic Games with travel tickets already on sale in advance of next summer, officials claim.

The online tool was created in partnership between the ODA, London 2012, the Department for Transport (DfT) and official Games technology partner ATOS with Hugh Sumner, the ODA Director of Transport, encouraging spectators to visit it.

"The nation's transport networks will be extremely busy on routes leading to Games venues next summer and we have worked closely with travel providers to ensure people will be able to get to their events while maintaining background services," said Sumner.

"The next step is for spectators to start planning their journeys and booking their travel now they know what event tickets they have got.

"The creation of the spectator journey planner will mean people are given all the options before making their choice."

It is hoped the website will help Games ticket holders plot their routes to venues from anywhere in Great Britain by rail, coach, bus, river or tube, with all spectators receiving a free one-day Games Travelcard with their event tickets for competitions in or around London.

After selecting their chosen travel modes and routes, spectators are then linked directly to the relevant travel provider to purchase their travel tickets.

The website will also detail routes for cycling and walking, and from early next year will allow users to plan their journeys by car to Games park-and-ride and Blue Badge parking sites.

Those with accessibility requirements will be able to plan the most suitable routes through the website, such as stations with lifts or ramps.

Multiple Paralympian champion and Transport for London Board member Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (pictured) said: "I fully welcome the addition of a journey planner specifically for the Games as it will help spectators plan well ahead of their events and takes into account a range of different transport modes available.

"The fact that the website also gives information about which stations are wheelchair-friendly means that everyone will be able to take advantage of the website."

The spectator journey planner will be similar to existing online journey planners but with added benefits for Games spectators.

It will provide predicted journey times to and from Games venues from anywhere in Britain, predicted walking and cycling time to and from recommended stations to Games venues, links to travel booking sites to enable Games ticket holders to purchase travel tickets up to a year in advance of travel and recommended routes to make journeys as simple as possible.

"The last thing any spectator wants is a sprint finish to get to the venue in time," added Transport Minister Norman Baker.

"This tool will give people the best route and a realistic idea of how long it will take.

"I'd urge people to use it to ensure their hard won Olympic ticket doesn't go to waste."

The website is available by clicking here.

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