The Royal International Air Tattoo has announced it will be launching a new Park and Ride service for next year’s show. The free service, which is capable of taking up to 7,000 cars off the rural road network surrounding RAF Fairford, will be provided at South Cerney airfield, adjacent to Duke of Gloucester Barracks. Visitors will be taken to the show by a fleet of 100 buses. Visitors opting to use it will be able to gain direct access to the showground as both ticket and bag checks will be conducted at the new facility rather than at the airfield.
Less easy to assess is how well the busses will cope with the many trollies and other paraphernalia that tends to accompany airshow visitors and what the boarding queues will be like on the return journey, as a large proportion of the crowd try to leave soon after flying displays end.
The Green Route to the showground, previously used by people coming from the West, is being re-purposed as a dedicated route for this new service which is designed to help ease congestion in the area. The Green Route car park will become a new official campsite. Only campers will be able to park there.
People who previously used the Green Route will be redirected to the Blue and Red Routes. So although the shuttle service will take some cars off the local roads, this Green Route diversion is likely to increase the numbers on the alternative Blue and Red Routes. It will be interesting to see the net effect.
Speaking about the new service, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager said:
“The introduction of this new Park and Ride service is a fantastic development for the Royal International Air Tattoo.
“By utilising the dedicated route previously known as the Green Route, we’re able to significantly reduce congestion and provide a much quicker, more streamlined journey into the showground. This not only improves the experience for our visitors, but also brings real benefits to our local communities by easing pressure on rural roads.
“We’re proud to be making this positive change and look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s show.”
In recent years, crowds at the show have continued to swell, with 2024 reporting an attendance of 168,000 people, whilst earlier this summer (2025) over 175,000 people went to RAF Fairford for the Tattoo.
Gavin added;
“Ticket sales for RIAT 2026 are moving at a record-breaking pace, reflecting the incredible demand to be part of next year’s show. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming a record crowd to RAF Fairford for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”
This new service is being funded by the introduction of a daily fee if you park at RAF Fairford. The fee is £15 per day to park in the public car parks. Parking is free if you stay at the official RIAT campsite and with some of the hospitality packages. See the RIAT web site for more details.
