Dutch Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Circuit Zandvoort, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visas: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, which facilitates border-free travel between 26 European countries. Most visitors can stay for 90 days without a visa; check your eligibility here.
- Currency: Euro. ATMs are easy to find and paying by card for most transactions is the norm. Tipping is not expected, but is also appreciated when you receive good service.
- Language: The official language is Dutch but English, German and French are also widely spoken.
- Time Zone: UTC +1 hour
- In an Emergency: Dial 112 to be connected with the proper emergency personnel.
- Power Sockets: The Netherlands uses standard European C and F plugs; bring an adapter if you're coming from the UK, USA, or Australia.
- Weather: For the Dutch Grand Prix™, temperatures should range from around 20°C (68°F) during the day to 12°C (54°F) at night. Whilst warmer weather is not out of the question, there is also a good chance of rain and cool winds from the North Sea. We recommend packing your rain jacket and several layers of clothing.
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to the Netherlands
Amsterdam's Schipol Airport is a busy airport serving direct flights to all corners of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia. Dutch flag carrier KLM has the best selection of flights, but the airport is also popular with discount airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair. Schipol is connected to Amsterdam Centraal by a regular train service, while taxis and ride sharing are available. For a better selection of discount flights, you may also fly into either Rotterdam The Hague Airport (60.0 km/37.3 mi south of Amsterdam) or Eindhoven Airport (120.0 km/74.6 mi south of Amsterdam).
If you don't want to fly, there are other ways to get to the Netherlands for the race weekend. The train network in Western Europe is very well developed. The Eurostar service from London to Amsterdam, via Brussels, takes around 6 hours. Other major cities within a short train ride of Amsterdam include Brussels, Paris and Cologne. UK fans can also take the ferry (with or without car) across to the Netherlands. The most convenient is the Newcastle to Amsterdam service with DFDS, though P&O also offers a service from Hull to Rotterdam and Stena Line sails from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.
Where to stay
Although Zandvoort is a popular seaside resort offering guest houses, hotels and campsites, demand often exceeds supply when F1® comes to town. For a better selection of places to stay, the Hague and Amsterdam are also worth considering. The Dutch capital has everything from cheap hostel beds to five-star chain hotels, though you will be competing with regular tourists in one of Europe's most visited cities. The medium-sized town of Haarlem, midway between Amsterdam and Zandvoort, also has a good selection of accommodation available.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in the Netherlands. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Circuit Zandvoort
Public Transportation
Zandvoort Station is around 15 minutes’ walk from the circuit gates and offers regular train services to Amsterdam, Haarlem and other nearby cities. The train is the best means of transport to get to and from the Dutch Grand Prix™, though congestion can still be expected at peak times. The trip from Amsterdam to Zandvoort takes approximately 30 minutes and has the option for special return tickets (Dutch Grand Prix™ Retour). Public bus services and organised coach transport are available for fans travelling to the Dutch Grand Prix™ from different parts of The Netherlands. We recommend buying all public transportation tickets in advance.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Not recommended. Due to the exclusion zone for vehicle traffic around Zandvoort on race weekend, taxis cannot get closer to the circuit than 1.5 hours walk. It is possible to get a taxi to one of the Park & Ride areas near the circuit - from there you can take a shuttle to the circuit gates.
Hire a Car
Under normal circumstances, Circuit Zandvoort is less than an hour’s drive from Amsterdam's centre. However, an exclusion zone is in place on race weekend around the town, with only a limited number of cars able to enter. Park & Ride areas are available at P+R Beverwijk, which is about 20.0 km (12.4 mi) from Circuit Zandvoort - parking is free, but return shuttle tickets from the parking to the circuit gates will require payment. In general, we recommend leaving your car at home and using public transport to get to the circuit.
F1® Experiences
Booked accommodation along with your Official Ticket Package from F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
What to see & do in the Netherlands
Party at the Beach Clubs in Zandvoort
Formula 1 nightlife at the Dutch Grand Prix™ is centered around the beach clubs and pavilions located along the foreshore between the centre of town and the circuit. Some of the most popular include Far Out, Club Nautique, and Bernie’s Beach Club. The latter is closest to the circuit and is sure to feature F1®-themed events on race weekend. Other nightlife options include the Holland Casino, which offers popular table games and 300 slot machines.
Visit Amsterdam's Districts
The red-light district also offers some of the city’s quirkiest shopping, especially at the Waterlooplein Market, where you’ll find 300 stalls selling everything from recycled fashion to vinyl records. After a day of exploring or race going, D'Vijff Vlieghen offers traditional Dutch cuisine in an atmospheric space spread across five historic canal houses, while de Silveren Spiegel specializes in multi-course tasting menus. Amsterdam’s Chinatown district is also home to many budget restaurants offering a range of South East Asian cuisine; Vietnamese, Thai and Indian restaurants sit alongside the many Chinese restaurants, the best of which include One Dim Sum and New King.
Explore the Museums in Amsterdam
Whilst many tourists are inevitably drawn to the ‘coffee shops’ of Amsterdam’s infamous red-light district, the city also offers a wealth of cultural attractions. Museums worth visiting include the Van Gogh Museum and the nearby Rijksmuseum, the latter holding an impressive collection of Rembrandt and Dutch Masters works. Amsterdam’s most beautiful green space, Vondelpark, is also worth a visit when the weather is good. In addition to walking and cycle paths, Vondelpark also boasts restaurants, a cinema and an open-air theatre. Another popular tourist attraction is the Heineken Experience Tour, where you will learn more about the history of the famous brewery that was founded in Amsterdam in 1864 and is now one of the world’s largest beer brands.
Experience the Charm of Haarlem
The mid-size city of Haarlem, between Zandvoort and Amsterdam, offers much of the charm of the Dutch capital without the hordes of tourists. Haarlem has a beautifully preserved old town with cobbled streets, impressive churches and museums housing everything from Renaissance masters (Frans Hal Museum) to quirky 18th century inventions (Teyler’s Museum). The so-called ‘Golden Streets’ of Haarlem, located around the central square (Grote Markt), offer some of the best shopping in all of Holland. Expect to find everything from small specialty shops to high-end concept stores, men’s and women’s fashion.
