The Hungarian Grand Prix zooms back to the Hungaroring track this weekend, bringing the world’s greatest drivers and an adrenaline-filled event. If you already have a ticket, find useful information on how to get to Hungaroring and what to do off-track. If you would rather watch the laps at a bar or join F1-related events, also read on!
Always held in the height of summer, Hungarian Grand Prix is a fans’ favourite. Tickets for Sunday are already sold out on the official site, but you can still get your hands on passes for Friday and Saturday. However, it is not only the on-site spectators who can enjoy the highly charged atmosphere and the jazzed-up vibes: at the Formula 1 weekend, the whole city will be buzzing, with themed events and parties taking place across the city.
Hungaroring – the Hungarian racetrack
Hungaroring, the venue for the Hungarian Grand Prix, is located 20 km outside Budapest in Mogyoród. It is built in the middle of a broad valley, which allows top-notch visibility for spectators (approximately 80% of the course is visible from every seat). The circuit is 4.4km in length with 14 turns. The twisting track is tricky and dusty, a real trial of strength for the drivers in the heat.
How to get there
- By public transport: Ticket holders are entitled to free bus transfers to Gate 3 of the Hungaroring at Mogyoród from Kerepes HÉV station, accessible on the H8 line from Örs vezér tere (check the timetable here). Those with travel passes will need to buy an extension supplement from the city limits at Ilonatelep to Kerepes.
- By taxi: To reach the track from Budapest, the taxi company recommended by Hungaroring is Bolt Taxi. The taxi service operates through the Bolt application, which you can download from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- By car: Traffic jams are notoriously bad on the roads that surround Mogyoród during the race weekend, and parking at Hungaroring’s free spaces (by gates 2 & 8) is a particularly daunting prospect. Directions to Mogyoród from central Budapest are fairly straightforward, taking motorway M3 and leaving via Gate 19. Make sure you have a motorway pass and fill up the tank in case of traffic jams.
- By helicopter: Combine deluxe sightseeing with a quick and comfortable ride from Budapest Prestige Heliport (located on the Pest riverfront in District XIII) directly to the track at prices from €480 per person one-way. Check this page for details (under 'Approach' and 'Helicopter')!
What to do after a day at Hungaroring
If the day at the racetrack left you exhausted, unwind at thermal baths, neck a pint sitting on one of the best terraces in town, or have a chilled dinner at one of these exceptional Hungarian restaurants. If the race or practice only made you more energised, go for a proper swim, look around from Budapest's highest building (last entry at 9 pm), drink an eye-candy cocktail (or two), or explore Budapest's party scene.
Where to watch F1 live broadcasts
Those who can’t make it to the races are welcome to watch them at a local hangout. The Grand Prix is broadcast live at numerous spots around Budapest, including Jack Doyle's Budapest, Hard Rock Hotel Budapest, SHO Beach, or Miamor at Római-part. Book a table in advance!
Where to find F1-themed events in town
Formula 1 jazzes up the city, even if the races are not set in the capital. You can join themed events regardless of an official ticket to Hungaroring. Go to the rooftop bar SOLID for a glass of Ferrari champagne or a package for two (including a Ferrari Maximum Brut champagne and four small plates). Book a table at Flava Kitchen & More, where champagne lovers will be treated to an exclusive selection of Moet&Chandon and Ruinart Champagne. Enjoy an afterparty at DiVino Gozsdu, where you can sip on quality wine while dancing to a live DJ set. Or hit Terminal's race party, where '90s and 2000s music will keep you dancing. MADAM will also welcome you with neon lights if you are after a party in downtown Budapest.
