United States Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Circuit of The Americas, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visas: Most travelers do not require a visa to enter the USA. Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days, but must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before traveling. Travellers who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program may need to obtain a visa. Learn more here.
- Currency: United States dollar ($USD). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find. You are also expected to tip service staff around 15-20% in most instances.
- Language: English. Spanish is also widely spoken in Texas due to the large immigrant population from Mexico.
- Time Zone: UTC -5 hours
- In an Emergency: Dial 911 for police, fire & ambulance.
- Power Sockets: Type A and B. Pack an adapter/voltage converter if you are travelling from Europe, Australia or elsewhere.
- Weather: October in Austin is generally warm, with cooler temperatures in the evenings. Weather can vary during this time of year, and rain or thunderstorms are possible, so we recommend packing lightweight layers and wet-weather gear.
- Law & Order: It is important to note, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 21 and you may be required to show an I.D. before you are served.
- Health: Don’t forget to buy comprehensive travel insurance before you depart for the USA, as emergency medical treatment can be very expensive.
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to Texas
Austin has one international airport, Austin–Bergstrom (AUS), which is located around 8 km (5 miles) southeast of the city’s downtown core in the direction of Circuit of The Americas. Austin-Bergstrom serves mainly domestic routes, but also has international arrivals from Europe, Canada and Mexico. For a better selection of long-haul flights, international visitors can also consider flying into one of the larger Texas hubs; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH) or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
Where to stay
To get the most out of your weekend away from the track, we recommend staying downtown. There’s a good selection of accommodation in the centre of Austin, from hostel beds and Airbnb apartments to five-star hotels, though high demand drives up room prices on Grand Prix™ weekend.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in Austin. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Circuit of The Americas
For the most current information on ways to get to the circuit, please see the COTA website, here.
Ride Sharing & Taxis
Uber and Lyft are available in Austin. During the United States Grand Prix™, rideshare vehicles will operate from designated drop-off and pick-up areas at COTA. Rideshare vehicles will not be permitted on COTA Boulevard during race weekend, so guests should follow event signage and allow additional time for transfers to and from the circuit.
COTA Shuttles
COTA offers shuttle services from designated locations in Austin, including Downtown and Northeast Austin. Shuttle services provide round-trip transportation to and from the circuit, with dedicated access designed to help reduce journey times during race weekend. Shuttle locations and schedules are subject to change, so check the COTA website for the latest information before traveling.
Hire a Car
For specific directions to COTA, the organizers recommend downloading the Waze app. Traffic can be extremely heavy during race weekend, and journeys between downtown Austin and COTA can take significantly longer than usual. Allow plenty of additional travel time and plan your route in advance.
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 Austin
Sample some Live Music
Did you know that Austin is the self-proclaimed 'Live Music Capital of the World'? Venues with live music can be found all over the city, but especially on 6th Street/Red River and just across the river in South Congress. Whatever genre floats your boat – blues, country, soul, rock, metal, punk, indie – you are likely to find something to your taste, especially on weekend nights. Learn more: The Best Places in Austin to See Live Music.
Eat at a Food Truck
Tacos, curry or a burger? Food trucks are big business in Austin and the best place to sample them is in one of the city’s many “food truck parks.” Some food truck parks even also offer live music and market stalls, so you can get the full Texas experience!
Check out the University of Texas
Located just north of downtown Austin, The University of Texas at Austin is home to a variety of museums, cultural attractions and iconic landmarks. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art, one of the leading university art museums in the country, or explore the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, which documents the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The iconic UT Tower is one of the university's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the campus. Sports fans can also visit Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, home of the Texas Longhorns football team, or Moody Center, a major entertainment and sports venue that hosts the university's basketball teams along with concerts and other events.
Get back to nature at Zilker Park
With around 300 days of sunshine a year, outdoor activities of all kinds are popular in Austin and Zilker Metropolitan Park is a great place to sample some of them. Just south of downtown and offering excellent views of Austin’s skyline, the park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces. Highlights include Barton Springs, where you can go swimming almost all year round, and the Lady Bird Lake, which has canoes and kayaks available for rent, as well as a hiking and cycling trail.
