2023 Hungarian Grand Prix – Getting Around Guide
Posted on 15 May, 2023
Everything you need to know about getting to Budapest, where to stay and what to do when you arrive for one of Europe’s most popular races, the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix on 20-23 July at the Hungaroring.
Practical Information
- Visas: Hungary is a member of the Schengen area, a black of 26 European countries that provides visa-free entry for up to 90 days for most Western visitors.
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF), though the Euro is also accepted at the circuit and in many places in Budapest. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language: Hungarian. English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants and at the circuit.
- Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (UTC +2)
- In an Emergency: Dial 112
- Power Sockets: Hungary uses Type F power sockets, as with the rest of continental Europe. Bring an adapter if you are travelling from the UK, USA, or Australia.
- Weather: The race falls during the height of the summer in Hungary, which is generally dry and hot. Temperatures average a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F). Thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to Hungary
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) has a good selection of flights within Europe and further afield with both budget and full-service carriers. Popular airlines include Wizz Air, Ryanair and EasyJet. If you are planning a longer Euro trip, you could also fly into Bratislava Airport (BTS), both of which are only around 2-3 hours' drive from Budapest via a direct motorway.
Where to stay for the Hungarian Grand Prix
Trackside camping is very popular at the Hungaroring - we recommend the permanent Zengö campsite behind the final turn, which is also quieter than the temporary campgrounds and better for families. If you prefer more creature comforts, then central Budapest has everything from hostels to apartments and five-star chain hotels. The best selection of accommodation, not to mention restaurants and nightlife, can be found on the flat Pest side of the city. F1® Experiences offers a 4-night stay at some of Budapest's best hotels with daily coach transfers to and from the Hungaroring available for hotel guests.
How to get to the Hungaroring
Hire A Car
Whilst the Hungaroring is situated close to the M3 motorway, the narrow, single-lane local roads around the circuit can get very congested as the weekend progresses. We recommend taking public transport on race day if possible. Trackside parking at the Hungaroring is free.
Public Transportation
From Örs vezér tere in the east of Budapest (last station at the end of the red M2 metro line), you can take a cheap train to the circuit all weekend. Take the suburban train in the direction of Gödöllő then alight at Kerepes HÉV station – from there you can take a free shuttle bus to Gate 3 at the Hungaroring. Don’t forget to buy a ticket for the train.
Ride Sharing
6x6 Taxi (+361 666 6666) is the only officially recognized taxi company for getting to the circuit. Official taxis are able to use a special VIP road to enter and leave the circuit, shortening travel times. Official taxis drop off and pick up at the Main Gate and Gate 6. The guide price for a one-way trip from the city centre to the circuit is approximately 40 EUR.
F1® Experiences
Booked your hotel in Budapest with F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the Hungaroring can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
How to get around in Budapest
- Airport to City: The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is with an official, yellow Főtaxi airport taxi (+361 222 2222). The fare should set you back around 25 EUR. miniBUD also offers an affordable door-to-door minibus service and public transport is also available; take the 100E or 200E bus, or a train from the airport to Nyugati railway station.
- Public Transport: Budapest has an excellent metro system. Trams, trolley buses and regular buses are also available. Single tickets are cheap, but it pays to buy a travel card if you are planning on doing some sightseeing in the city. The Budapest Travelcard offers unlimited travel on all public transport for 24 hours or 72 hours, while the Budapest Card (from 24 hours to 120 hours) offers the same travel benefits, plus discounted entry to popular tourist attractions. More information, including prices and maps, can be found here.
What to see & do in Budapest
From admiring the city’s impressive architecture to swimming in thermal baths and boat trips on the Danube, there’s no shortage of things to do in beautiful Budapest. To make the most out of your time, we recommend purchasing a Budapest Card (available for 24, 48 or 72 hours), which gives you unlimited rides on public transport, plus free entry to many museums and places of interest in the city. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hop on, hop off: If you’ve only got a day or two, one of the best ways to see the best of Budapest is on a hop on, hop off tourist bus. Big Bus Budapest has several routes covering the best sights, including Heroes’ Square, the vast Parliament building and the Opera House. Prices start at around €20 per day for adults.
- Thermal baths: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which date back to when the city was part of the Ottoman Empire. Széchenyi is the largest and best known (open 06:00-22:00 every day, admission costs from 5000 HUF/€15), though Gellért is also worth a look for a slightly more upmarket ambience. In addition to the thermal baths, you can also make use of saunas, steam rooms and a variety of health treatments and massages.
- Danube cruises: From daytime sightseeing to dinner cruises by night, plenty of boats ply their trade on Europe’s second-longest river, which flows majestically through the heart of Budapest. The largest concentration of boats can be found either side of the Danube near the famous Chain bridge.
- Buda Castle: Walk across the Chain bridge from Pest to Buda and you’ll come across a funicular railway that takes you up the hill to Buda Castle, which is home to the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. Even if you don’t visit any museums, the views of the city from the top still make the trip worthwhile.
