2023 Spanish Grand Prix – Getting Around Guide
Posted on 05 May, 2023
The best ways to get to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, plus general advice on getting around in Barcelona, where to stay during the race weekend and what to do during your visit for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix on 1-4 June.
Practical Information
- Visas: Spain is part of the Schengen zone, which provides visa-free travel in 26 European countries. Most Western travelers, including those from the USA, Canada and Australia, don’t need a visa to visit Spain.
- Currency: Spain uses the EURO. ATMs are easy to find and you can pay with plastic almost everywhere in Barcelona. Tipping is not necessary, though rounding up the bill to reward good service is always a good idea.
- Language: The official languages of Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish, though being a hugely popular city with tourists, you’ll have no problem getting by with English in most situations.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (UTC/GMT + 1 hour)
- In an Emergency: Dial 112
- Power Sockets: Spain uses the same Type F power sockets as the rest of mainland Europe. Bring an adapter if you are travelling from another part of the world.
- Weather: The Grand Prix falls during the European spring. Although it is starting to warm up in Barcelona (expect on average 8 hours of sunshine a day), the weather can also be changeable and rain is not uncommon. Daytime highs average around 22°C (72°F) and lows 14°C (57°F).
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to Spain
With hundreds of daily flights offered by both flag carriers and budget airlines, Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is the largest and most convenient airport to fly into for the Spanish Grand Prix. Also known as El Prat after the town where it is located, BCN is a hub for several European airlines (Air Europa, EasyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair) and also has regular long-haul flights to North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Where to stay in Barcelona
To get the most out of your weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, we recommend staying closer to the bars, restaurants, shopping and tourist sites in central Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Another option is to stay near the beach on the Costa Brava and drive to the circuit each day. F1® Experiences offers a 4-night stay at select hotels in Barcelona, with the possibility of adding daily coach transfers to and from the circuit.
How to get to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located next to the town of Montmeló, some 30km northeast of Barcelona’s city centre. The most popular way to get to the circuit is to take the train, but there’s also organised bus services on Grand Prix weekend. You can also drive yourself or take a taxi. Here’s some more information:
Public Transport
The closest station to the circuit is Montmeló, which is located on the Renfe R2 and R2 Nord lines. Take the train from Sants Estacio, Passeig de Gracia or El Clot in the direction of Granollers or Saint Celoni. The trip from central Barcelona should take around 40 minutes and tickets cost about €4 return. After arriving in Montmeló, you can walk to the circuit in around 30-45 minutes or take a local bus or taxi. Also, Sagalés operates regular bus services from Estació del Nord to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on race weekend. The trip takes around 45 minutes and costs €18 return each day. More information and bookings here.
Hiring a Car
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located close to several major highways and has plenty of (paid) parking, so driving yourself to the circuit is another option, especially if you are staying on the Costa Brava.
Ride Sharing
A taxi or Uber from the centre of Barcelona to the circuit should set you back around €40-60 each way. Traffic can be a factor on race day, but is not as bad as at many other circuits. The best place to get a taxi at the end of the day is near the Paddock Entrance at the top of the circuit, between Gates 1 and 7.
F1® Experiences Transfers
Booked your hotel with F1® Experiences? Daily coach transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your ticket package.
Getting Around in Barcelona
- Airport to the city: Trains run from the Aeropuerto station at BCN Terminal 2 to Sant, Passeig de Gracia and Clot stations in the city centre; the trip takes about 30 minutes and costs about €3 each way. It’s also possible to get a direct train from the airport to the circuit in just under an hour. Aerobus also runs a regular service from the airport to Plaza Catalunya for around €6 each way, while a taxi or Uber from the airport to central Barcelona will set you back €30-40.
- Metro: Barcelona’s Metro is extensive, cheap and efficient (download a map here). If you are planning to use it regularly during your visit, it pays to get Hola BCN travel card for unlimited rides over 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (from €15-35), but be aware that this will not get you to the circuit; a separate ticket for the regional train to Montmeló is required. Another option is to buy a T10 card, which gives you ten single trips for just €10.
- Taxis and ride-sharing: Official black and yellow Barcelona taxis are also a good option, though make sure the driver uses the meter. Uber also operates in Barcelona.
What to do in Barcelona
- Explore La Rambla, Gothic Quarter & Barceloneta Beach: One of the best ways to explore the heart of Barcelona is to take a walk down La Rambla, the city’s famous pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare that starts at Plaça de Catalunya and ends at the port. Take a left turn and you will end up in Barcelona’s oldest area, the Gothic Quarter, a maze of narrow streets opening onto beautiful squares where many of the city’s best bars and tapas restaurants can be found. Keep walking and you’ll end up at Port Vell, where some of the world’s most expensive super yachts are moored on Grand Prix weekend. La Barceloneta Beach is also nearby if you fancy a dip.
- Discover Gaudi’s legacy: Local architect Antoni Gaudi was responsible for some of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings, including his grand masterpiece, La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family). Construction began more than 130 years ago and isn’t expected to be completed until the centenary of Gaudi’s death in 2026! The Gaudi-designed Parc Güell (pictured above), comprising 40 acres of manicured gardens with panoramic views of the city, is also worth visiting. Finally, Casa Vicens is a fine example of Gaudi’s work in trendy Gràcia that’s also a museum (open daily 10:00-20:00, adult tickets 16, buy in advance to skip the queues.)
- Parc de Montjuïc: The location of the Spanish Grand Prix from 1969-1975 and home to many venues from the 1992 Olympics, Parc de Montjuïc is definitely worth a visit. Take the cable car to the historic military fortress at the top of the hill for incredible views over the city.
- Camp Nou: Take a tour of the largest football stadium in Europe, home to FC Barcelona. Tours include the player’s tunnel, benches, press conference room and commentary boxes. You can also check out the FC Barcelona museum.
