Helicopter to Silverstone: your questions answered

How do booking and slots work?

How do I book a helicopter to Silverstone?

Send your date, starting point and number of passengers through the enquiry form or by phone. A charter specialist replies with helicopter options and one all-inclusive price, with no obligation. Once you confirm, the booking confirmation sets out the flight times, the aircraft type and the cancellation terms.

Why are slots limited?

On event days the circuit manages helicopter arrivals through its own heliport operation, and landings are by pre-booked slot. For the Grand Prix, only twin-engine helicopters are used, which narrows the aircraft available. Larger eight-seat helicopters tend to go first, so ask as early as you can.

How early should I ask?

Our sister sites advise booking Grand Prix flights months ahead. Outside race weekend the pace is gentler and lead times are shorter, but a quote request as soon as you have a date is always sensible. Read more on the Silverstone heliport and landing page.

Are slots confirmed in writing?

Yes. We agree the arrival and departure slots with the circuit and confirm the arrangements to you in writing before you pay. Landing fees, where the venue charges them, are passed on at cost.

If you have a question about a specific date, the quickest route is to enquire with the day, the numbers and the starting point.

How long does the flight take, and from where?

How long is the flight from London?

From London Heliport, Battersea, the straight-line distance is about 48 nautical miles (88 km) and the flight typically takes 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the helicopter, the routing and the wind. Arrive at the heliport about ten minutes before departure. The detail is on the Battersea route page.

Can I start somewhere other than London?

Yes. Helicopters fly to Silverstone from Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Redhill, Elstree, Manchester and many other UK sites, and from Europe. With permission a helicopter can also collect you from a hotel, golf club or private garden with enough clear space. See helicopter to Silverstone from the UK.

How big is the helicopter?

Passenger numbers depend on the type. Battersea Helicopter lists the AS355 Twin Squirrel for five, the Agusta 109 Grand for six and the Airbus H145 D3 for eight, subject to weights and availability. Tell us the party and luggage and we recommend the right aircraft.

Flight times are estimates until the route, aircraft and weather are known. Your quote gives the figure for your own journey, and we confirm the final schedule in the email we send at least 48 hours before the flight.

Which events can you fly to?

Is it only for the British Grand Prix?

No. Silverstone lists the FIA World Endurance Championship on 23 to 25 April 2027, the BRDC Classic on 23 to 25 July, the British Grand Prix MotoGP on 13 to 15 August and the British Touring Car Championship on 25 and 26 September 2027. It also runs track days and driving experiences and hosts business events. See events and track days by helicopter.

When is the 2027 British Grand Prix?

The circuit lists the Formula 1 British Grand Prix from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 July 2027, with practice on the Friday, qualifying on the Saturday and the race on the Sunday. It calls the F1 calendar provisional, so confirm dates before you commit. Our British Grand Prix by helicopter guide covers race weekend.

Can I fly in for a business event?

Yes. Silverstone has a large marketing and events centre, The Wing, used for conferences, exhibitions, product launches and corporate events. The circuit's conference offer lists 22 spaces, five large halls, a 100-seat auditorium and 40 pit garages for meetings or team building. See business events and The Wing.

Dates and events change from year to year, so always check Silverstone's own events page before you plan, and tell us the date you have in mind when you ask for a quote.

What about cost and weather?

How much does it cost?

Battersea Helicopter gives an indicative starting price of £14,950 + VAT for a return from Battersea. Charter is priced by the helicopter and the flying time, not per seat. The final figure depends on the date, the aircraft, passengers, return or waiting time and landing fees. The cost guide explains each factor.

What if the weather is poor?

Helicopters fly by visual reference, so cloud base, visibility and wind decide whether a flight can go. We check the forecast with you the day before and again on the morning. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.

Can I fly home after dark?

Rarely. A landing after dark needs a lit, licensed site at both ends, and most helipads are not. Returns are planned around daylight, the heliport hours at both ends and the circuit's departure slots. Battersea is normally open until 19:30 on weekdays and 18:00 at weekends, with extensions by prior arrangement.

One more point on cost: ask what is included, who pays landing fees and what happens if plans change. Those three questions explain most differences between quotes.

What happens on the day?

What do I need to know about luggage?

Luggage space is limited and varies with the helicopter and the number of passengers. A soft bag each is easy. Tell us in advance about hard cases, golf bags or bulky race-day kit.

Who meets me at the circuit?

A handling team greets you and escorts you to a vehicle for the transfer to your part of the circuit. The day runs step by step from the schedule email to the flight home.

Are you part of Silverstone or Formula 1?

No. This site is not affiliated with Silverstone Circuit or Formula 1. It is published by Charter-A Ltd, and flights are arranged through Battersea Helicopter from London Heliport and Charter-A Helicopter across the UK. We use the names Silverstone and British Grand Prix only to describe the places and events.

Still unsure about something? The pages for Battersea, the rest of the UK and the cost go into more detail, and you can always send an enquiry with your date and numbers.