More than 45 trains and 20,000 seats every day for this year’s Cheltenham Festival
More than 45 trains, providing thousands of train seats, will be available every day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Racing at the Cheltenham Festival started on Tuesday 12 March and ends with Gold Cup Day on Friday 15 March.
As well as extra train services, Great Western Railway (GWR) will also add carriages on to existing trains to help jockey people on board.
Those looking to travel by train on race days are, however, warned that a queuing system will be in place at the station for the return journey - keeping people under starter’s orders to safely board trains home.
In cantering to the world-famous festival site, it is also recommended that people purchase the connecting onward travel Stagecoach Racecourse shuttle bus ticket before arriving at Cheltenham Spa, either at their departure station or on board.
Cheltenham Spa Station Manager Ben Scott said:
“We can’t wait to welcome racegoers back again this year. It is fantastic that so many people choose to make a day of it and travel by train.
“Just remember, however, that as a result our trains will be really busy. To help ease congestion through the station, please do buy the connecting bus ticket before you arrive.
“For the return journey, a queuing system will be in place to help people safely board trains, so please give yourself a little extra time to get home and check the time of your last train home - certainly if coming from further afield.”
Eight trains will arrive at Cheltenham from London Paddington/Swindon by 1231, and eight trains will depart from Cheltenham returning to London Paddington between 1730 and 2230. Earlier services home are also available for those seeking to avoid the crowds.
Services between Worcester and Bristol via Cheltenham will have extra carriages to cater for those travelling.
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First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us