Cheltenham Park & Ride to RIAT

Cheltenham Park & Ride to RIAT

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The Cheltenham Park & Ride offers another way of reaching RIAT without driving directly into the busy roads around RAF Fairford.

It can be particularly useful for visitors travelling from Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcestershire, Birmingham, the Midlands or other locations north of the showground.

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You drive to Cheltenham Racecourse, park your vehicle and then continue your journey to RIAT by organised bus.

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This guide explains how the service works, the journey times and the important points you should consider before booking.

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Who Is Cheltenham Park & Ride Best For?

Cheltenham Park & Ride is best suited to:

• Visitors staying in Cheltenham

• Visitors staying around Gloucester

• Anyone travelling from the Midlands

• Visitors approaching from Worcestershire or areas north of Fairford

• Anyone who wants to avoid driving around RAF Fairford

• Visitors who are comfortable with a longer bus journey

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It can be a sensible option if Cheltenham is already on your route or you are staying in the area during the RIAT weekend.

Important Information Before Booking

Tickets for Cheltenham Park & Ride are limited and must be purchased in advance. (Air Tattoo)

You should not arrive at Cheltenham Racecourse expecting to purchase a ticket or join the service without having selected the correct travel option.

Selecting Cheltenham Park & Ride also means you will not be entitled to bring your car into the normal RIAT showground car parks. (Air Tattoo)

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Your travel choice is linked to your admission ticket, so check everything carefully before completing your booking.

Where Does Cheltenham Park & Ride Leave From?

The service departs from the bus pickup area at:

Cheltenham Racecourse

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Free parking is available on site, and a member of Stagecoach staff is expected to be available to help visitors. (Air Tattoo)

Follow the event signs when arriving at the racecourse and allow extra time to enter the car park, find a space and walk to the departure point.

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How Cheltenham Park & Ride Works

The process should work as follows:

1. Drive to Cheltenham Racecourse.

2. Follow signs for the RIAT Park & Ride parking area.

3. Park your vehicle.

4. Make your way to the bus collection point.

5. Have your admission and Park & Ride ticket ready.

6. Join the queue for the next available service.

7. Travel to RAF Fairford.

8. Leave the bus at the Yellow Customer Entry Point.

9. Return to the same location for your journey back to Cheltenham.

10. Join the next available return bus.

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The buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff will direct visitors onto the next available bus. (Air Tattoo)

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the bus you intend to catch. (Air Tattoo)

I would personally allow more than 15 minutes, especially during the busiest morning periods. You will still need time to enter the racecourse, park and walk to the pickup point.

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How Long Does the Journey Take?

The expected journey time between Cheltenham Racecourse and RAF Fairford is approximately one hour and 30 minutes each way. (Air Tattoo)

This means you could spend around three hours travelling by bus across the whole day, before including the time required for parking, waiting and boarding.

This option may still save you from driving through the busiest roads close to Fairford, but the longer journey needs to be included in your plans.

It may be a comfortable option for some visitors, but families with young children or anyone who struggles with longer journeys should consider whether it is the right choice.

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Cheltenham Park & Ride Departure Times

Cheltenham to RIAT

Friday

• First departure at 7:30am

• Second departure at 8:30am

Saturday and Sunday

• First departure at 6:45am

• Buses then operate hourly

• Final published morning departure at 9:45am

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RIAT to Cheltenham

Friday

• First return at 5:00pm

• Second return at 6:00pm

Saturday and Sunday

• First return at 4:30pm

• Buses then operate hourly

• Final published return at 7:30pm

These are the currently published timings and may be changed before the show. Always check the official RIAT website before travelling. (Air Tattoo)

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Where Does the Bus Drop You Off?

The Cheltenham Park & Ride service drops visitors at the Yellow Customer Entry Point.

This will also be the collection point for your return journey to Cheltenham. (Air Tattoo)

When you arrive in the morning, take note of the return bus area and any signs showing where the Cheltenham queue will form.

Do not assume that every bus leaving the area will return to Cheltenham. Check the signs and speak to a member of staff if you are unsure.

Friday Travel

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Friday currently has a much more limited service than Saturday and Sunday.

There are only two published buses from Cheltenham to RIAT and two published return journeys. (Air Tattoo)

This means you will need to plan your day carefully. Missing one of the buses could create a major delay or leave you without a suitable return service.

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Arrive at Cheltenham Racecourse early and avoid planning to reach the bus stop at the last possible minute.

Saturday and Sunday Travel

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Saturday and Sunday provide more departure options, although the buses only operate hourly.

If you miss a bus, you may need to wait for the next service. This could significantly delay your arrival at RIAT or your return to Cheltenham.

Decide which return bus you plan to use before entering the showground. Set an alarm on your phone and allow plenty of time to walk back to the Yellow Customer Entry Point.

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Advantages of Cheltenham Park & Ride

• Free parking is available at Cheltenham Racecourse.

• It is useful for visitors approaching from the Midlands and north.

• It can help you avoid the busiest roads immediately surrounding RAF Fairford.

• Stagecoach staff should be available to assist visitors.

• You do not need to find the normal RIAT showground car parks.

• It may be easier for visitors staying in Cheltenham or Gloucester.

• The racecourse provides a clear and established departure location.

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Things to Consider

• The journey takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes each way.

• Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

• Services are less frequent than the Swindon Shuttle.

• Friday currently has only two departures in each direction.

• Missing a bus could create a long delay.

• You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

• You will need to carry all of your equipment onto the bus.

• The return journey may feel long after a full day at the show.

• You cannot also park in the normal RIAT car parks.

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What Should You Bring?

Everything you need for the day must travel with you on the bus.

Try to avoid carrying more than you can comfortably manage. Large chairs, several bags and heavy camera equipment may become difficult when boarding a busy service.

Useful items include:

• Your RIAT admission and Park & Ride ticket

• Mobile phone

• Portable power bank

• Camera equipment

• Lightweight folding chair, where permitted

• Waterproof jacket

• Sun cream and hat

• Refillable water bottle

• Food and snacks

• Medication

• Ear defenders for children

• Car keys

• A note or photograph showing where you parked

• Any accessibility documents required for your booking

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Keep your ticket, phone, medication and car keys somewhere secure and easy to reach.

Remember Where You Parked

Cheltenham Racecourse may have a large number of vehicles using the Park & Ride service.

Take a photograph of your parking area, row number, entrance or nearby sign before walking away from the car.

You can also place a marker on your phone’s map, although this should not be your only method because mobile signal and battery life can sometimes become unreliable.

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After a full day at RIAT and a 90-minute return journey, the last thing you need is an unplanned tour of the racecourse car park.

Travelling with Children

Cheltenham Park & Ride can remove the stress of driving close to RAF Fairford, but the longer journey may be tiring for younger children.

Bring drinks, snacks and something small to keep them occupied during the bus journey.

Keep waterproof clothing, medication and ear defenders close to the top of your bag.

Remember that the return journey could take around one hour and 30 minutes, not including the time spent waiting for the bus.

Families may find it useful to choose an earlier return service rather than waiting for the final bus, provided this fits around the flying display and their plans for the day.

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Accessibility Advice

Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids or other accessibility equipment should check the official arrangements before booking.

Confirm whether the bus can accommodate your equipment and whether assistance needs to be arranged in advance.

You should also consider the length of the journey and the amount of walking required between the car park, bus pickup point and RIAT entrance.

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Do not assume that selecting the Park & Ride option automatically registers your accessibility requirements.

My Advice

Cheltenham Park & Ride is most useful when Cheltenham is already the natural starting point for your journey.

It may prevent you from driving a longer route around to another side of RAF Fairford, but the 90-minute journey needs to be considered carefully.

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Arrive earlier than the recommended 15 minutes. This gives you time to park, gather your equipment and find the correct bus without rushing.

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Plan your return before entering the showground. Friday visitors in particular should keep a close eye on the timetable because there are only two published return services.

Download or screenshot your ticket before travelling and keep your phone charged. Mobile signal around RIAT may become unreliable during busy periods.

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Quick Checklist

Before travelling, make sure you have:

• Selected the Cheltenham Park & Ride ticket option

• Checked the correct racecourse entrance

• Checked your planned morning bus

• Checked your planned return bus

• Allowed for the 90-minute journey

• Downloaded or screenshot your admission ticket

• Packed your equipment into manageable bags

• Planned where you will park

• Allowed extra time before departure

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Please Note

The Big Guide to RIAT is an independent visitor guide and is not responsible for delays, cancellations, timetable changes or amendments made to Park & Ride, bus or admission arrangements.

We regularly check the available information to help visitors plan their trip, but you should always confirm the latest details directly with the official RIAT website before booking or travelling.

These can sit underneath three main choice buttons on your Park & Ride landing page: South Cerney, Swindon Shuttle and Cheltenham Park & Ride.