Helicopter to the Cheltenham Festival
The 2027 Festival runs from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March. Helicopters land at designated sites near the racecourse, about 40 minutes from Battersea.
- 2027 dates
- 16 to 19 March
- From Battersea
- About 40 min
- Jets
- Gloucestershire, 6 miles
- From London
- From £2,500 one way
Getting to Prestbury Park
Yes. Helicopters land at designated helipads near the racecourse, about 40 minutes from London's Battersea heliport. Jets use Gloucestershire Airport, about six miles away.
Festival week fills every road into Cheltenham. A helicopter from London or the Midlands avoids the queues at both ends of the day.
Gloucestershire Airport, six miles from the course, is the closest airport for jets and turboprops. Kemble, Brize Norton and Oxford are further out.
Festival-week availability is limited, so book early. Cheltenham-based Heliflight flies from Gloucestershire Airport itself.
Sources:Eventmasters: 2027 sporting calendarGlobalCharter: helicopter to the Cheltenham Festival
Airports near Cheltenham
| Airport | Distance to the racecourse |
|---|---|
| Gloucestershire Airport (EGBJ) | About 6 miles |
| Kemble (EGBP) | About 18 miles |
| Brize Norton (EGVN) | About 24 miles |
| Oxford (EGTK) | About 32 miles |
Sources:GlobalCharter: helicopter to the Cheltenham Festival
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Where London helicopter trips start
Most London event flights leave from the London Heliport at Battersea, or from a business airport such as Farnborough, Biggin Hill or Oxford if you are flying in by jet first. Twin-engine helicopters such as the Leonardo AW109 are the usual choice for race days, because they seat five or six and fly the London routes that single-engine types cannot.
Helicopter charter in the UK runs at about £1,200 to £3,500 per flight hour for the whole aircraft, before positioning and landing fees. Event days carry waiting time and landing slots, so ask for an all-in price.
Helicopters for the Festival
Popular types for groups of three to six.
Helicopter operators near Cheltenham
CAA-certified operators in the area.
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistWhen is the 2027 Cheltenham Festival?+
Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March 2027.
How long is the helicopter from London?+
About 40 minutes from Battersea.
Which airport is closest for a private jet?+
Gloucestershire Airport, about six miles away.
What does a helicopter to Cheltenham cost?+
Published prices start at about £2,500 one way from London.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 15 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
Arrive for the first race.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.