Getting to the Festival of Speed
Transport, parking and travel advice for the biggest event in Sussex
Getting to and from the Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the most important things to plan in advance. With over 200,000 visitors across the event weekend, the roads around the estate are under considerable pressure, and the local infrastructure was not designed for traffic on this scale. The key is to arrive early, be patient and follow the signposted routes.
By car, the Goodwood Estate is reached from the A27 Chichester bypass or the A285 from Petworth. The event organisers set up a comprehensive traffic management system with colour-coded routes directing traffic from different directions to designated car parks. Car parking is included in the ticket price, but the parks are in fields surrounding the estate and can involve a walk of fifteen to twenty minutes to the main entrance. The car parks open early in the morning, and those who arrive before 8am typically have the smoothest experience. By mid-morning on Saturday, queues on the approach roads can extend for several miles.
Chichester railway station, approximately three miles from the estate, is the nearest mainline station. Trains run from London Victoria, Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth. A shuttle bus service operates between the station and the Festival entrance throughout each day. This is a practical option for those travelling from London or along the south coast, and it avoids the car parking queues entirely. The journey from London Victoria takes approximately ninety minutes.
Coach services are arranged by several operators, particularly from London and the Home Counties. These drop passengers at designated points near the entrance and collect them at the end of the day. Group bookings by car clubs and enthusiast organisations are also common, with dedicated parking areas available for pre-booked groups.
Cycling to the event is possible and encouraged by the organisers, with dedicated cycle parking near the entrance. The relatively flat roads around Chichester make this a viable option for those staying locally. The South Downs provide scenic cycling routes for those who want to combine the event with a ride through the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation in the Chichester area books up months in advance for the Festival weekend. Hotels, bed and breakfasts and rental properties within a twenty-mile radius command premium rates during the event. The Goodwood estate itself offers camping and glamping packages for those who want to stay on site, and several campsites in the surrounding area cater specifically to Festival visitors. Booking accommodation as soon as tickets are purchased is strongly advised.
The event runs from approximately 7am to 6pm each day, with the hillclimb programme starting mid-morning. Leaving the site at the end of the day involves the same patience required on arrival, with traffic management controlling the exit flow. Many regular attendees plan to stay until the crowds thin, enjoying the atmosphere in the paddocks as the day winds down before making their way to the car parks.
Local roads in the villages of Lavant, Singleton and East Lavant experience significant additional traffic during the Festival, and residents are accustomed to the annual disruption. The economic benefit to the area is considerable, and the relationship between the estate and the local community is generally positive, though traffic management remains the most common source of friction.