Enhanced Train Services for Cheltenham Festival Attendees

Over 45 trains and 20,000 seats will be available daily during the Cheltenham Festival, with extra carriages and a special queuing system in place for racegoers.

The Cheltenham Festival, a highlight in the horse racing calendar, is set to see enhanced train services this year, with more than 45 trains and 20,000 seats available daily to accommodate the influx of visitors. The festival, which started on Tuesday, March 12, and culminates with the prestigious Gold Cup Day on Friday, March 15, attracts thousands of racing enthusiasts to the area each year.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is gearing up for the event by adding extra train services and augmenting existing trains with additional carriages to facilitate travel to and from the festival. Racegoers are encouraged to make use of these expanded services, designed to efficiently handle the large crowds expected during the festival days.

However, attendees are advised that a queuing system will be implemented at Cheltenham Spa station for the return journey to ensure orderly and safe boarding onto trains. To streamline the process and reduce wait times at the station, passengers are recommended to purchase their connecting onward travel tickets for the Stagecoach Racecourse shuttle bus in advance. These tickets can be acquired at departure stations or while onboard the train.

Ben Scott, Cheltenham Spa Station Manager, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming back racegoers, emphasizing the convenience of train travel for festival attendees. Scott also advised passengers to plan ahead, especially for the return journey, by purchasing bus tickets in advance and allowing extra time to navigate the queuing system. He stressed the importance of checking the last train times, particularly for those traveling from distant locations.

To accommodate the expected surge in passengers, eight trains will be arriving at Cheltenham from London Paddington/Swindon by 12:31 PM, with eight trains scheduled to depart from Cheltenham to London Paddington between 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Additional earlier services will also be available for those wishing to avoid the post-event rush.

Furthermore, services between Worcester and Bristol via Cheltenham will see an increase in carriages, ensuring ample capacity for all travelers heading to the festival. This comprehensive transportation plan is part of GWR's commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all Cheltenham Festival attendees.