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: at the Formula 1 weekend, the whole city will be buzzing, with themed events and parties taking place across town.
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. More details on public transport here.
- By taxi: The official taxi partner of the Hungaroring for the 2024 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix is Főtaxi. The taxi service operates through an application that you can download from the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also order a ride by phone (+36 1 222 2222).
- 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: To surely avoid any traffic jam, you can also hop on an exclusive helicopter with Fly-Coop. This way, you'll ride will be comfortable and quick and will also include a deluxe sightseeing. The company operate helicopter shuttles to Hungaroring from Budaörs Airfield and from Ferihegy Airport.
What to do after a day at Hungaroring
If the day at the racetrack left you exhausted, unwind at Budapest's 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, admire the city from the best lookout points, drink an eye-candy cocktail (or two), explore Budapest's party scene, or stay an extra day and discover the city.
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 Zsiráf Pest, Pullman Budapest, Pointer Pub, Hoff House, and Városháza Pop-up Park.
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. Get in the mood with a BBQ party at Baltazár Budapest or an Opening Show & Party at the Budapest Marriott Hotel, join a Qualifying Afterparty at Anton Bar & Deli, watch the race and live the experience with a racing simulator, clink your champagne glasses at a 120-metre-high rooftop bar, or enjoy an afterparty at DiVino Gozsdu, where you can sip on quality wine while dancing to a live DJ set.
(Cover photo: Rudy Carezzevoli - Getty Images - Hungarian Grand Prix 2023 )
