Every June, the Royal Ascot horse racing festival transforms Berkshire into a centre of glamour, tradition, and excitement. With its origins dating back to 1711 under Queen Anne, Royal Ascot has become synonymous with British elegance, high fashion, and world-class racing. The event not only attracts royals and celebrities but also tens of thousands of racegoers from across the globe.
One of the most iconic ways to arrive at Royal Ascot is by helicopter. While trains and cars often suffer heavy congestion, helicopters offer a swift, stylish, and memorable entry to this prestigious occasion. The phrase royal ascot helicopters has now become closely associated with luxury transfers, convenience, and an unbeatable race day experience.
Why Choose Helicopter Travel to Royal Ascot?
Avoiding Traffic Chaos
The roads leading to Ascot are notoriously congested during the five race days. Travellers from London can often spend hours in queues. Helicopters cut journey times dramatically, with flights from Battersea Heliport to Ascot typically taking just 10–15 minutes.
Making a Stylish Entrance
Helicopter arrival is not only practical—it is also part of the theatre of Royal Ascot. Stepping off a luxury aircraft onto the private heliport near the racecourse ensures guests arrive refreshed, immaculate, and ready to enjoy the day’s festivities.
Enhanced VIP Experience
Providers often include champagne receptions, plush lounges, and transfers directly from the heliport to the grandstands or Royal Enclosure. The journey becomes an event in itself rather than a mere transfer.
Key Helicopter Providers for Royal Ascot
1. Atlas Helicopters
Atlas is renowned for bespoke luxury transfers. They offer flights from across the UK, including London, the Cotswolds, and even Paris. Aircraft feature leather interiors, noise-cancelling headsets, and experienced pilots. Their packages also include concierge-style services to ensure a seamless journey.
2. Fresh Air Helicopters
Fresh Air operates both private charters and shared shuttles. Their hub at Bicester Park makes them a popular choice for guests arriving from Oxfordshire and the Midlands.
3. Get Heli
A modern digital platform, Get Heli simplifies the booking process. For Royal Ascot, they provide per-seat shuttle flights, with prices in 2025 listed around £875 one-way from London Heliport.
4. Battersea Helicopter (Charter-A Ltd)
Operating directly out of London Battersea Heliport, Charter-A offers various helicopter models, from the compact EC120 to larger Sikorsky S-76 or EC155, seating up to 15 passengers. Their proximity to central London makes them a frequent choice for corporate groups and celebrities.
5. Air Charter Service
Specialists in tailored flights, Air Charter Service organises helicopters with VIP ground transfers. Their focus is on exclusivity and personalised travel arrangements.
6. Heli Air
Heli Air runs services from a variety of UK airfields including Wycombe, Denham, Thruxton, and Gloucester. Pricing ranges between £600–£1,400 + VAT depending on distance and aircraft size, making them a flexible option for groups of all sizes.
7. DBB Aviation
For 2026, DBB Aviation has advertised expected flight times of 15 minutes from Battersea and up to 70 minutes from Manchester. Their services are aimed at both business and leisure racegoers.
8. FLYT
FLYT combines air travel with exclusive hospitality packages. Their charters can include dining at panoramic restaurants, Royal Enclosure access, and return flights from Battersea starting at £3,500.
Flight Times and Practicalities
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From London Battersea Heliport: 10–15 minutes
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From Birmingham: Around 40 minutes
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From Manchester: Around 70 minutes
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From Cotswolds/Oxford: Approximately 20 minutes
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From Paris: 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on weather and routing
On arrival, helicopters land at a dedicated Ascot heliport near Car Park 1, where passengers disembark into a private reception area. Transfers to the racecourse gates are typically arranged by providers, often in luxury vehicles.
The Scale of Helicopter Arrivals
During Royal Ascot, the skies above Berkshire are filled with luxury aircraft. Reports suggest that more than 400 helicopter movements occur across the five days, making Ascot one of the busiest temporary heliports in Europe during this period.
Providers such as Flexjet, the official private aviation supplier for the event, also create premium lounges featuring champagne bars, vanity stations, and even themed gardens, ensuring that the helicopter experience extends beyond transportation.
The Cost of Royal Ascot Helicopters
The price of flying by helicopter varies greatly depending on distance, aircraft, and whether the service is private or shared.
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Shared Shuttle (London Battersea to Ascot): Around £875 one-way per seat
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Private Charter (Battersea to Ascot): £3,000–£3,500 return (for 4–6 passengers)
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Regional Flights (Birmingham or Manchester): £5,000–£8,000 return depending on aircraft
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Luxury Hospitality Packages: £7,500+ with dining and enclosure access
While costly, many see it as excellent value for the time saved, the exclusivity, and the elevated experience of arriving in true style.
The Race Day Experience
Arriving by helicopter adds another layer of glamour to Royal Ascot. Guests often describe it as exhilarating—taking off above London’s skyline, cruising across the countryside, and descending to the festival grounds in less than 20 minutes.
At the heliport, the atmosphere is festive. Lounges serve champagne and canapés, while impeccably dressed racegoers mingle before transferring to the racecourse. Some passengers even choose to linger at the heliport longer than necessary, enjoying the hospitality before heading into the racing action.
Booking a Helicopter to Royal Ascot
Booking is straightforward through operators’ websites or platforms like Get Heli. It is advisable to book well in advance—especially for Ladies’ Day, which is the most popular of the five days.
When booking, consider:
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Departure Point – Proximity to Battersea, regional airports, or private helipads.
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Group Size – Whether you need a small 4-seater or a 15-passenger aircraft.
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Budget – Shared seats versus private charters.
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Extras – Some packages include limousine transfers, enclosure tickets, or gourmet dining.
Safety and Regulations
All operators are subject to the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s stringent safety standards. Pilots are highly trained and weather conditions are carefully monitored. In the event of unsuitable weather, providers usually offer luxury ground transfers as an alternative.
Conclusion
Royal Ascot is one of Britain’s most iconic sporting and social events, and arriving by helicopter has become an integral part of its culture. With hundreds of helicopters taking to the skies, the phrase royal ascot helicopters now symbolises not just a mode of transport but a statement of style, exclusivity, and celebration.
For those who want to skip the traffic, arrive in immaculate condition, and enjoy a champagne-filled journey above the English countryside, a helicopter is the ultimate way to experience Royal Ascot.
