Gloucestershire County Council has unveiled a package of transport measures designed to reduce congestion and improve safety ahead of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, which takes place from 10 to 13 March 2026 and is expected to attract around a quarter of a million visitors to the county.
The council, working alongside partner organisations, says it is taking proactive steps to manage the significant increase in traffic associated with one of the UK’s most prestigious racing events. Central to the plans is an expanded park and ride service operating from Arle Court Transport Hub, delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and bus operator Stagecoach Group.
Located close to the A40, the Arle Court Transport Hub will provide a shuttle bus to the racecourse every 15 minutes throughout the festival. The first bus will depart at 9.15am, with services running until 2.30pm, while return journeys will operate between 4pm and 7.30pm. The car park will close at 10pm each evening.
The recently upgraded hub features a new multi-storey car park with 1,000 spaces, 100 electric vehicle charging points, expanded bus facilities, indoor and outdoor waiting areas, real-time information screens, a customer service desk and public toilets. Park and ride tickets are priced at £15 per car per day, covering up to five passengers.
Council officials are encouraging visitors to car-share where possible to help minimise congestion and are urging groups to nominate a designated driver to support safe travel during the festival period. A new photo opportunity at the transport hub will also be introduced to promote smoother journeys for racegoers.
Behind the scenes, highways teams from Gloucestershire County Council have been coordinating with local agencies to prepare the road network for the influx of visitors. All planned roadworks in the area — including minor repairs and larger schemes such as the A435 cycleway — will be postponed during race week. Any urgent works that cannot be delayed will be carefully managed with utility companies to reduce disruption.
Work is also nearing completion on repairs to the A40 at Hambrook (Spring) Bridge, with efforts ongoing to reopen the route ahead of the festival.
Festivalgoers are being advised to check the racecourse website for up-to-date travel information and to consider using the Arle Court Transport Hub to avoid delays.
Councillor Joe Harris, cabinet member for Highways, said the council was determined to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“We’re working behind the scenes to help the prestigious event run smoothly, together with Cheltenham Borough Council, The Jockey Club, Gloucestershire Constabulary, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service,” he said. “We’re making every effort to minimise congestion, keep people safe and provide a fantastic welcome to the county — we’re determined to be first past the post when it comes to delivering a great experience.”