F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Budapest – Hungaroring

Last Updated on 26 July 2026 by ZoliBP

If you’re a Formula 1 fan and happen to be in Budapest at the end of July, don’t miss the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring from 24–26 July 2026. The main race takes place on Sunday, 26 July at 3:00 PM, with practice and qualifying over the two previous days.

The Hungaroring is a tight, twisty circuit in Mogyoród, about 20 km northeast of Budapest, where the race has been held every year since 1986. The track sits in a natural valley surrounded by hillsides, so you can follow much of the race from almost any vantage point — and there are giant screens around the circuit too.

Drivers often say the Hungaroring is one of the hardest tracks to overtake on — it’s narrow and technical, with just one real straight, so qualifying position and strategy matter enormously. After Monaco, it has the slowest average speed on the calendar, which makes for tense, tactical racing where anything can happen. The race is also held in the hottest part of the Hungarian summer, so concentrating for two hours in the heat is a real challenge for the drivers — and for spectators.

With a valid race ticket you can usually take a Public Pit Walk on Friday too — a great chance to get close to the teams. First-time visitor? The guide below covers tickets, the best viewing spots, what to bring, how to get there, and where to stay.

Tickets for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix

Tickets are sold by grandstand and by day, so there’s a wide range to suit different budgets. As a rough guide for 2026, weekend prices run from around €160 for standing (general admission), through €200–€415 for most grandstands, up to €400–€735 for premium stands near the start/finish and pit lane, with a VIP F1 Fan Lounge around €1,850. Single-day tickets are cheaper — roughly €85 for Friday and €155–€185 for Saturday.

Junior tickets (for children and teenagers) are heavily discounted across all categories — typically €25–€60 — which makes the Grand Prix surprisingly family-friendly. Wheelchair spaces and companion tickets are also available in several stands.

The grandstands (Hungaroring, Grid, Pit Exit, Podium, T1, Grand Prix, Apex, Fan and Chicane stands) each face a giant screen so you can follow the whole race, not just the section in front of you. The “3 Corner” tickets are a popular option that let you move between three different grandstands over the weekend for a range of views.

Best Places to Watch the Race

General Admission (Standing)

The most affordable option, giving access to designated standing areas around the track without a reserved seat. The valley setting means the standing hills actually offer some surprisingly good views. From around €145–€160 for the weekend, with junior tickets from about €25.

Grandstand Seats

Reserved seating in a specific stand, priced by location:

• Value stands (Fan, Apex, Chicane): good views of the corners and infield, from roughly €200 for the weekend.
• Mid stands (Grand Prix, Grid): closer to the action, around €270–€415 for the weekend.
• Premium stands (Hungaroring, Pit Exit, Podium, T1): the best views of the start, finish and pit lane, roughly €400–€735 for the weekend.
• VIP (F1 Fan Lounge): the most exclusive experience with hospitality, around €1,850.

For the best atmosphere, the stands around the start/finish straight and Turn 1 (Hungaroring, T1, Grid) see the most action, while the Chicane and Fan stands offer great overtaking views at a lower price. Whichever you pick, there’s a giant TV screen opposite so you never lose track of the race.

Track Map

See current prices and live availability on the official ticket portal.

What to Bring With You

Late July in Hungary is hot — often 30°C or more — so come prepared:

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat — there’s limited shade in most standing areas.
• Ear protection — the cars are loud; earplugs or ear defenders are essential for children.
• An umbrella or light rain jacket — summer thunderstorms are not unusual.
• Water and snacks — food and drink on-site is pricey.

How to Get to the Hungaroring

By Suburban Railway (HÉV H8 line)

Take the HÉV suburban railway from Örs vezér tere (end of metro line M2) and get off at Szilasliget — about a 30-minute ride. From Szilasliget there’s a proper pavement to the circuit; the Hungaroring stop itself only has a dusty dirt path, so Szilasliget is the better choice. Buy your HÉV ticket at the Örs vezér tere ticket office. Check the H8 timetable here.

By Free Shuttle Bus

The organiser usually runs free shuttle buses for ticket holders from the Pest end of Árpád híd (Volánbusz coach station, by the M3 metro stop) to the centre of Mogyoród (Templom tér), from where the track is about a 40-minute walk. Buses run frequently on the mornings before sessions and after they finish — check the exact race-week schedule closer to the date, as times are confirmed each year.

By Car

Mogyoród is about 20 minutes from Budapest on the M3 motorway, and the Hungaroring is well signposted. You’ll need a motorway vignette before driving on the M3 — a 10-day vignette costs around 6,400 HUF (roughly €16), available at petrol stations. Expect heavy traffic before and after the race. GPS for the main gate: N 47° 35′ 0.5″ · E 19° 14′ 33.45″.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

If you’d rather not drive or sit in traffic, a taxi from central Budapest to the Hungaroring costs roughly 13,000–18,000 HUF (€35–€50) depending on whether you start from the Buda or Pest side. Bolt (the ride-hailing app) is the easiest and usually cheapest option — book in advance on race day, as demand is very high. Traditional taxi firms include 6×6 Taxi (+36 1 666 6666), Főtaxi and City Taxi.

What to Do in the Evening

Once the day’s track action is over, the evening is the perfect time to see Budapest from the water. A Danube cruise is an ideal way to wind down after the heat and noise of the circuit — the city’s landmarks light up beautifully after dark, and there’s something for every mood:

Accommodation for the Grand Prix

Grand Prix weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Budapest, so book your accommodation as early as possible — hotels near the centre and along the M3 (towards Mogyoród) fill up fast and prices climb as race week approaches. Late July is peak tourist season anyway, with many visitors in the city beyond the race.

Prefer to browse our own recommendations? See our guides to the best Budapest hotels, 5-star luxury hotels and spa & wellness hotels — ideal for relaxing away from the track. If hotels are booked up, consider an apartment: see our pages on apartment rental, cheap apartments and luxury apartments.

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