The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026

For an unparalleled sensory experience visit one of the world's biggest airshows, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), held each year at RAF Fairford which is located 8 miles east of Cirencester in the glorious Cotswolds.

The Royal International Air Tattoo brings together a huge international mix of fast jets, transports, helicopters and heritage aircraft. It's a show built around both flying and static displays, with plenty of time to explore the showground between the flying slots.

On Friday there is a four hour-plus flying display, and on Saturday and Sunday, a seven-hour plus flying display. Hundreds of aircraft, representing around 30 nations, will be on display and taking part in the incredible flying displays.

Almost 170,000 visitors are expected this year. With such big numbers heading for the airfield, why not consider travelling to the event by train this year.

You can use the train to travel to and from the event

RAF Fairford, which stages the RIAT event, is situated in Gloucestershire in the heart of England. This year it’s never been easier to arrive by train, as RIAT offer a FREE shuttle bus transfer between Swindon station and RAF Fairford on event days.

Which railway station should I travel to?

You should go to Swindon station in Wiltshire. The station has step-free access to all platforms.

Swindon station is served by regular Great Western Railway trains to and from London Paddington, with the direct train journey taking 50 - 55 minutes. Those trains will also go to and from Reading, Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham Spa, Cardiff Central and many other destinations, offering direct train journeys.

You can use the National Rail journey planner to plan your travel from your local station to and from Swindon station. Please plan your day carefully to make sure that you don't miss your last train home.

Once at Swindon railway station, it is approximately a five-minute walk to Swindon Bus Interchange on Fleming Way, where you can catch the shuttle bus to RAF Fairford from Bus Stop N. The shuttle bus journey time is about 30 minutes.

What tickets do I need to buy?

You’ll need to buy train tickets to make the train journey and obtain a shuttle bus transfer ticket to get to and from the airfield (there isn’t a combined train and bus ticket).

The train ticket(s) will allow you to travel between your local railway station and Swindon station. More advice on train tickets can be found below.

Please be aware that RIAT is a ticketed event, and you will need to have a ticket to gain entry. If you turn up at RIAT over the weekend without a valid ticket, the organisers say that you will be turned away.

You should order a shuttle bus transfer pass from Swindon to and from RAF Fairford when you buy your RIAT ticket. Tickets for the shuttle bus are limited and can only be booked in advance. You will be ushered onto the next available bus on arrival. The shuttle bus transfer pass is free of charge.

Can I get an Advance train ticket to travel to my chosen station?

You can make your journey easier by buying your train tickets in advance. Most train tickets go on sale from approximately 12 weeks before the event, with some even earlier than that.

A full range of train tickets to and from Swindon station, including Advance tickets when available, can be purchased before your journey. Some train companies offer seat bookings too – check out our Advance tickets page for more information on the savings that can be made for your trip.

Can I use my Railcard to buy train tickets?

Yes. You can use your Railcard on train tickets, including Advance tickets, for even more savings on your journey. A Railcard saves up to 1/3 on rail fares across Britain and is just £35 for 1 year. Once you purchase your Railcard, you can download your card straight to your phone – it couldn’t be easier. With average annual savings of up to £172 it pays for itself in no time. Find the best Railcard for you at Railcard.co.uk.

Where can I find out more about this event, including accessibility?

Lots more information about RAF Fairford and the RIAT event taking place there, can be found on the Royal International Air Tattoo website.

That website also contains accessibility information.