Hungarian Grand Prix is a great event for those who want to connect F1 weekend with some tourism and sightseeing. The Hungaroring located just 20 kilometers from the cientre of Budapest gives the opportunity to stay in the capital city of Hungary, and commute to the venue on a daily basis, instead of staying in one of the campings around the track. If you’re that person, you’ll probably be wondering how to get from Budapest to Hungaroring. Enjoy this guide from the F1blast team!
How to Get to Hungaroring By Car
If you plan on commuting to the Hungaroring from Budapest by car, the best option for you is to head for the M3 highway towards Mogyoród. In regular conditions, this is a short drive, that should not exceed 30 minutes, but during the F1 weekend, the traffic will be significantly higher, and it can take 1 hour on Friday, and up to 90 minutes on Sunday. In the morning, the traffic is much smaller, so consider heading out earlier and watching some of the F3 and F2 action instead of being stuck in the traffic. If you plan on commuting from Budapest to Hungaroring by car, the parking spots are free, but all of them are in the plain areas – consider taking a heat shield, so your car doesn’t overheat.
On Sunday it may take even 90 minutes for you to leave the parking, due to high traffic, but Hungaroring is the biggest bottleneck, so once you’re past that point, the travel should be more pleasant. Many people come from Czechia, Slovakia and Poland by car, and they will head north instead of coming back to Budapest.
How To Get To Hungaroring by Public Transport
Being not that far from the centre of Budapest, Hungaroring gives you a great chance to commute to the racetrack by means of public transport. Although it’s a bit less comfortable than arriving by your own car, it’s certainly cheaper, more environmentally friendly approach, and helps avoid any unnecessary traffic jams. No matter where in Budapest is your hotel or airbnb, it’s best to head to the M2 metro line (red) which goes from Budapest-Déli train station across the whole city to Örs vezér tere, on the east side of Budapest. There, you change to the suburban train line H8 from Örs vezér tere towards Gödöllő.
Although the train does not provide the comforts of a TGV, nor the speeds of a Shinkansen, it is a reliable source of transportation to the Hungaroring. You’ll be riding for 10 stops until the Kerepes station, where you switch to a free shuttle bus to the racetrack, or stay on board for one more stop until the Szilasliget station, from which you can reach the track on foot in approximately 20 minutes. If you’re not certain how to get to Hungaroring, you can follow the mass. At this point, you’ll be joined by hundreds of other commuters with the same goal – reaching the racetrack. From my experience, it’s more convenient to switch from train to bus on your way to the circuit, as the fans gradually arrive at the venue, and take a walk on your way back after Saturday and Sunday sessions.
How To Get To Hungaroring By Bike
Being not too far from Budapest, Hungaroring gives the chance to arrive at the venue by bike, which is what Sebastian Vettel opted for in 2022. There are not too many cycling lanes outside of Budapest, so you’d have to stick to gravel trails which are really poorly marked and in not the best condition. Also, if the weather is hot, many of the trails will be covered in loose sand, and the cycling may be more challenging than usually. During rainy weekend, expect a lot of mud and deep puddles, so at this point consider going from Budapest to Hungaroring by different types of transport.
If the conditions are good, you can reach Hungaroring from the Hősök tere (Heores square) in approximately 1 hour, so probably faster than by train and car. Also, on your way back to the city, after F1, you won’t be stuck in traffic at all.
How To Get To Hungaroring By Air
If you’re wondering what’s the least common, but also possible way how to get to Hungaroring from Budapest, the answer is: by air. You can buy a transfer service from Budapest in a helicopter, which will cost you approximately €500. There pickup points are all over Budapest, starting from the Ferenc Liszt airport, through Buda riverside heliport and a couple more. But if you’re reading this, you’re checking out our guide on how to get to Hungaroring, you’re probably not going to choose this option. And good for you!
Tips For First Time F1 Attendees On Hungaroring
- Come to Budapest not only for F1 race weekend – it’s a great city, which provides a variety of attractions. From sightseeing, through popular ruin bars, great street food to numerous thermal baths. If you want to sightsee Budapest, 3 intensive days should be enough, but 4 days will give you more flexibility and room for relax
- The ticket machines on metro stations have “F1 bundles” which gives you 2 metro tickets and return ticket for the suburban H8 line from Örs vezér tere. But we recommend buying the Pest county pass, which covers all your F1 needs, as well as almost any other commute you may have to take during your stay (except the 100E and 200E airport buses).
- Almost all metro stations have their bakeries which offer pizza slices. Although not the healthiest snack, it’s a great power food on your way to the F1 race. The food on Hungaroring is not cheap, and usually a big slice of a pizza will cost you less than $2.
- Stay hydrated, wear a hat and use sun cream. There are almost no trees around the Hungaroring, exposing fans to sun almost at all times. Only the grandstand provides cover, and in July, the temperatures reach up to 38°C. There are numerous spots, where you can refill your bottle with cold water, so remember to stay hydrated and take cover from the sun when possible.
- Take binoculars – there are a couple of hills, including one at the start of the start/finish straight. With binoculars, you’ll be able to see what’s happening in the pit lane, even with the most basic General Admission ticket.
- Be respectful to other fans and have fun – Come on, this point is obvious. A fan of a rival team is not your enemy, and the best fun is when you open to other fans and make new connections.