Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious and historic horse racing events in the world, combining top-class sport with a unique social and cultural experience. Taking place annually in mid-June, it is the highlight of the British racing calendar, attracting over 300,000 visitors across five days. The event is steeped in tradition, featuring a daily Royal Procession led by the King and members of the Royal Family, while racegoers adhere to a strict dress code that reflects the grandeur of the occasion. It is an unmissable event for both racing enthusiasts and those looking to soak up the sophisticated atmosphere.
The racecourse itself, located in Ascot, Berkshire, has hosted world-class horse racing since 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne. Each day of Royal Ascot features elite thoroughbred racing, with the most prestigious event, the Gold Cup, taking place on Ladies' Day (Thursday).
With such an enormous influx of visitors, demand for parking and transport services is extremely high, and getting to the venue can be challenging. Heavy traffic, limited parking availability, and strict entry requirements make planning your journey essential. To ensure a stress-free experience, booking parking space via parking apps or considering park & ride options can help you avoid congestion and delays.
Essential info for driving to the Royal Ascot Racecourse
- Do I need to pre-book parking at Royal Ascot? Yes, parking at Ascot Racecourse must be pre-booked, as spaces are limited and sell out quickly. There are alternative options through JustPark — more details in the section below.
- What time should I arrive to avoid traffic? It is recommended to arrive early, ideally before 10:00 AM, as traffic congestion increases closer to race time, especially around midday when the Royal Procession begins.
- Are there electric vehicle charging points available? Yes, there are a limited number of EV charging points at Ascot Racecourse, but these may not always be available due to high demand. Make sure you come prepared with enough charge to last the day.
- Can I park overnight at Royal Ascot? No, overnight parking is not permitted. All vehicles must be removed after the event each day.
- Are there drop-off and pick-up points for taxis or private hire vehicles? Yes, there are designated drop-off and pick-up points for taxis and rideshare services near the racecourse.
- Is there disabled parking available? Yes, Ascot Racecourse offers disabled parking, but it must be pre-booked and requires a valid Blue Badge.
Driving and parking options
Key driving routes and postcode
The postcode for Ascot Racecourse is SL5 7JX.
- From London: Take the M4 westbound, exit at Junction 6 (Windsor) and follow the signs for Ascot.
- From the South: Use the M3, exit at Junction 3, and follow the A322 towards Bracknell and then onto Ascot.
- From the North: Take the M40 to Junction 4 (High Wycombe), follow the A404 towards the M4, and then join the M4 eastbound to Junction 6.
- From the West: Travel via the M4, exit at Junction 10 for the A329(M) towards Bracknell and follow the signs for Ascot.
Official parking
Ascot Racecourse offers various car parks, but spaces are limited and must be pre-booked. Official car parking spaces also start at £45 per car. The main parking areas include:
- Car Park 1 & 2: Closest to the Grandstand, offering premium parking options for attendees.
- Car Park 5: A general parking area available for pre-booking.
- Car Park 8 & Heath Enclosure: Typically used for attendees bringing their own picnics.
Prices for parking vary depending on proximity to the racecourse, with closer options costing more.
More affordable parking options nearby
There are also more affordable options that can be booked via parking apps like JustPark, where local residents or small businesses nearby the racegrounds rent out their parking spaces for a fraction of the cost to help event-goers find convenient options for parking. Plus, if you're willing to walk a short distance, you can get parking for as little as £2/hour.
South Ascot has lots of available parking spaces for under £4/hour, which is hard to find in that area closer to the event. We recommend pre-booking a few weeks ahead of time for guaranteed access.
You can also check the reviews of the parking space before you reserve, and if you're on a particularly busy road you can add insurance to your parking session for added peace of mind.
Park & ride facilities
To ease congestion and reduce the hassle of finding a space, park & ride services operate during Royal Ascot from various locations:
- Windsor Racecourse (from the east): Ideal for those coming from London, this service provides a short shuttle ride to Ascot Racecourse.
- Bracknell park & ride (from the west): Located near the M4 and M3, this option allows for easy parking and a direct shuttle service.
- Blackbushe Airport (from the south): Suitable for visitors travelling from the south, offering a convenient route to the racecourse.
Shuttle buses from these locations run frequently, ensuring minimal wait times for racegoers.
Public transport alternatives
If you wish to avoid driving altogether, Ascot Racecourse is well-connected via public transport:
- By train: Ascot Station is just a seven-minute walk from the racecourse. South Western Railway runs direct services from London Waterloo, taking approximately 52 minutes.
- By bus: Local bus services run from Bracknell, Windsor, and surrounding areas to Ascot. Coach travel through National Express has yet to be opened for the 2025 event.
- By taxi or rideshare: Pre-booking a taxi is recommended due to high demand. Designated drop-off and pick-up points are available near the venue.
Final tips for a smooth visit
- Arrive early: Traffic builds up quickly on race days, especially around midday when the Royal Procession begins.
- Pre-book parking or transport: Many parking areas sell out in advance, so securing your spot early is essential.
- Check road closures: Temporary traffic management is in place during Royal Ascot, affecting normal access routes.
- Dress for the occasion: Royal Ascot has a strict dress code, particularly in the Royal Enclosure, so be sure to adhere to guidelines.
By planning ahead and considering park & ride or public transport options, you can make your Royal Ascot experience enjoyable without the stress of parking and traffic congestion.
