Cheltenham is about 75 nautical miles (86 miles, 139 km) from the London Heliport in a straight line. A helicopter cruising at 110 to 140 knots covers that in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, before start-up and landing, so a day at Cheltenham races becomes easy to fit around London.
Distance and flying time
| Departure | Arrival | Distance as the crow flies | Time in the air |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heliport, Battersea | Cheltenham Racecourse | 75 nautical miles (86 miles, 139 km) | 30 to 40 minutes |
Times assume a helicopter cruising at 110 to 140 knots and a direct route; the actual track follows air traffic control routing, airspace and the wind on the day. Start-up and shut-down add a few minutes at each end.
Landing at or near the racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is at Prestbury Park. Landing there, or at a site nearby, is arranged in advance and depends on the racecourse’s permission and on conditions on the day, so it is worth asking early. Our pages on helicopter charter to Cheltenham races and on helicopter charter to Cheltenham explain how we arrange the arrival.
Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton and Cotswold Airport at Kemble are alternative landing points, with a short road transfer to the course.
The Festival and other race days
The Cheltenham Festival takes place over four days each March and is the busiest period of the jump racing season. Demand for aircraft and landing slots is high, so book as early as possible. Other meetings through the season are quieter, but the same planning applies.
A typical day
- Depart Battersea in the morning, arriving in time for the first race or lunch.
- Stay for the racing, with the helicopter waiting or returning for you.
- Fly back to Battersea after the last race, subject to daylight, weather and the heliport’s opening hours. March sunsets come early, so check the heliport hours and night flying rules.
Weather in March
Late winter weather can bring low cloud and strong winds. We check the forecast the day before and on the morning of the flight, and tell you if the picture changes. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. See how weather decides a flight.
Which helicopter to choose
The AS355 Twin Squirrel profile carries up to five passengers, the Agusta A109 Grand profile up to six and the Airbus H145 profile up to seven. For prices on other routes see helicopter hire prices.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the helicopter flight from London to Cheltenham?
About 30 to 40 minutes of flying time for the 75 nautical miles (139 km) from Battersea, depending on the aircraft, routing and wind.
Can a helicopter land at Cheltenham Racecourse?
Landing at or near the racecourse is arranged in advance and depends on the racecourse’s permission and the conditions on the day.
When is the Cheltenham Festival?
It is held over four days each March.
What if the weather is bad?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
Plan your flight
Heading to Cheltenham? Tell us the date and your return time and we will reply with a price for the day. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.