2026 Hungarian Grand Prix Travel Guide

Your travel guide to the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix on July 24-26. How to buy tickets for the Hungaroring , where to stay & what to do in Budapest.

2026 Hungary F1 Tickets / F1 Experiences / Budapest Hotels / Hungary F1 Facebook group

It’s all change at one of Europe’s cheapest and best-attended races, with the main pit building and most grandstands at the Hungaroring having been rebuilt for the 40th consecutive edition of the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2025. A mainstay on the calendar since 1986, the event was the first race to be held behind the Iron Curtain. With affordable prices, warm weather and the added opportunity to discover Budapest, it’s no wonder that the Hungarian Grand Prix remains a popular stop on the European F1 calendar.

Click the links below to read the different sections of our guide and scroll down to start planning your trip!

2026 Hungarian Grand Prix Tickets

It was all change in 2025 with the construction of a brand new Main (Hungaroring) grandstand at the circuit and new names for most seating areas at the circuit. Ticket prices are higher, but plenty of affordable seats are still sold with excellent, panoramic views of the action.

Where To Stay

Trackside camping at the Hungaroring remains a popular budget choice for the race (and with less stress getting to and from the circuit), but most fans still prefer to stay in hotels, hostels and apartments in central areas of Budapest.

How to Get Around

Most trackside parking is free at the Hungaroring, but the small local roads can get very congested at peak times. Other ways to get to the circuit include the train + shuttle bus, bus services from Heroes Square and official taxis or ride sharing.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Trackside at the Hungaroring

Food & drink is no longer that affordable at the Hungaroring, though at least the organizers offer free water refill stations to combat the inevitable heat. Learn more about opening times, prohibited items, the on-track schedule and fan zone activities in Hungary.

TRACKSIDE GUIDE

Hungarian Grand Prix Facebook Group

Have your questions answered and make new race-going friends! Join our friendly community of 4,000+ F1 fans for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

Budget Planner

The Hungarian Grand Prix is no longer the bargain it was, but tickets are still relatively affordable. We estimate that the average fan will spend around €850 on a trip to the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, including 3-day grandstand ticket, three night stay in a Budapest hotel & daily spending money,

PLAN YOUR BUDGET

Race Facts & History

The first and only race to be held behind the Iron Curtain when it debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 1986, the Hungaroring is a historic track that’s delivered championships, records and plenty of exciting racing over the last forty years.

What to See & Do in Budapest

Enjoy a summertime break in one of Europe’s most picturesque and affordable cities! Go swimming in the thermal baths, take a cruise on the Danube or explore Budapest’s famed architectural and cultural delights. We’ve also got you covered for the city’s best restaurants and nightlife.

HUNGARY’S TOP ATTRACTIONS

Start Planning Your Trip to Hungary

Timezone: GMT + 1 hour (Central European Time, or CET)
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Language: Hungarian, but English & German are widely spoken
Power Sockets: Hungary uses European standard 2-pronged electricity sockets
Driving: Hungarians drive on the right side of the road. There is zero tolerance for drink driving in Hungary
Tap Water: Safe to drink
More Info: Visit Hungary Official Website

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Hungary?

Hungary is a member of the Schengen zone, comprised of 29 European countries with no internal border controls. Citizens of the European Union, plus Australia, the USA, Canada and other major Western countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Within the Schengen area, you are free to cross borders without having to show your passport. Make sure you have at least three months validity on your passport beyond your planned visit.

Budapest Weather

It’s hot and dry in Budapest when the race is held in late July. Expect temperatures around 30°C (86°F) or above and plenty of sun. Budapest gets as much summer sun as many resorts on the Mediterranean sea, and the race weekend has only been rain affected a handful of times in over 30 years. Pack lots of light, comfortable clothing and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses. Only the Hungaroring (Main) grandstand at the circuit is covered.

Safety

Budapest is a safe destination, but like any big city popular with tourists, you’ll need to keep your wits about you as crime and scams do exist, particularly when a big event such as the Grand Prix is on. Pickpockets operate on public transport and around popular tourist attractions, so keep your belongings secure. Always book your taxi by phone and don’t hail one on the street. Scammers sometimes target tourists, particularly in the old town area, so be careful about making new friends, particularly if you have been drinking alcohol.

Language

The official language of Hungary is Hungarian (sometimes referred to as ‘Magyar’), which is often cited as one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. A lot of Hungarians speak at least some English (German is also widely spoken), particularly younger people and those in the services industry. Having a translation app on your smartphone is recommended, and it never hurts to learn a few pleasantries; the locals will appreciate you making the effort!

Money

The Hungarian currency is called the Forint (HUF), which remains pretty cheap when compared to most major currencies. ATMs are easy to find in Budapest and credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. Tipping is expected in Hungary, but only if you are happy with the service. It is possible to pay at the track and in Budapest with Euro, but this is generally not recommended due to poor exchange rates. It’s better to exchange your foreign currency for HUF or just pay by card.

Hungarian Grand Prix FAQ

The 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix will be held on July 24-26. It will be the last race before Formula 1’s four-week summer break.

Tickets & F1 Experiences packages are already on sale for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Demand is high, so we recommend securing your seats as soon as possible. Learn more in our Ticket Buying Guide.

General Admission at the Hungaroring is affordable, offers excellent panoramic views and is still big enough to give everyone their own space, though some of the best vantage points have been taken over by new grandstands. The cheapest Chicane 1 & 2 grandstands are excellent value if you want a guaranteed seat for the race. Some of the best (and most affordable!) grandstands at the Hungaroring are clustered the final corner, including Apex 1 and Grand Prix 1-2. The T1 Grandstand offers excellent views of the first corner, while the Hungaroring Grandstand offers views of the pits and start and is the only covered grandstand at the circuit. Learn more in our Ticket Buying Guide.

Camping remains a popular choice for fans attending the Hungarian Grand Prix. There’s several popular campsites right next to the track that always sell out before race weekend. If you prefer creature comforts and don’t mind a commute of 30-90 minutes each way, there’s a huge range of accommodation in Budapest. Apartment rentals are popular in the city, which also has a good supply of five-star international chain hotels. The flat Pest side of the city has more accommodation, dining and nightlife, and is also closer to the Hungaroring than the hillier Buda side of the city. Learn more in our Accommodation Guide.

Getting to and from the Hungaroring can be tricky, especially given the higher attendances in recent years. The easiest way to get to the circuit (but not the cheapest way) is to take an official Főtaxi. Trains are also available with a shuttle bus to get you to the circuit. Don’t be in a hurry to leave the circuit at the end of the day if you want to avoid large queues for taxis and shuttle buses. Consider relaxing for a bit longer in the fan zone, or walk 30 minutes to the closest train station. Learn more in our Getting Around Guide.

3-Day tickets for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix were on average the sixth-cheapest on the 2025 calendar. Despite higher prices, the Chicane 1 & 2 grandstands remain very affordable. Learn more in Budget Planner.

A public pit lane walk is normally held on Thursday afternoon at the Hungarian Grand Prix. For the past few years, access has been limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets cost €40 this year and went on sale around two months before race weekend. You can only purchase a ticket for Thursday’s pit lane walk if you already have a valid 3-day ticket for the race. If you are interested in attending the pit lane walk in Hungary, we recommend securing your tickets as soon as you can. This event regularly sells out very quickly. Learn more in Trackside.

Hungary was not chosen to host an F1 sprint race in 2026. Sprint races will be held in China, Miami, Canada, Britain, Netherlands & Singapore.

Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup are the confirmed support categories for the 2026 Hungarian GP. Learn more in Trackside.

Trackside concerts by international artists are not held at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Local artists and DJs perform on the stage in the fan zone.

Hungarian Grand Prix News

Abu Dhabi GP Wins Coveted F1 Promoter of the Year Award

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promoter Ethara has won the coveted Promoter of the Year Award at the annual Formula 1 Promoter Awards.

2026 Porsche Supercup Calendar Confirmed

The 2026 calendar for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has been announced, with eight rounds supporting European F1 race weekends.

300,000 in Attendance at 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix

300,000 fans attended the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix at a newly-revamped Hungaroring, a slight decrease on the 2024 figure.

Hungarian Grand Prix: T1, Pit Exit 1-2 Grandstands Review

Learn more about what it’s like to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix from the T1, Pit Exit 1 and Pit Exit 2 grandstands, which are located between the pit exit and Turn 1 at the Hungaroring.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Apex 1-2 Grandstands Review

Full review of the Apex 1 and Apex 2 grandstands at the Hungarian GP, which are situated on a natural hill overlooking the final turn at the Hungaroring.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Grid 1-3 Grandstands Review

Learn more about what it’s like to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix from the Grid 1-3 grandstands, which are situated on the pit straight at the Hungaroring.

Readers’ Experiences at the Hungaroring – 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix

Seven readers from around the world share their personal experience of attending the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring.

Meet the Couple Who Traveled to Every F1 Race in 2023

What’s it like to attend every single race in a Formula 1 season? We caught up with David and Michelle from New Zealand, who did just that last year.

Alice’s Travel Report – 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix

Alice West and her husband Ed celebrated their wedding anniversary with a trip to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

About Hungary

Hungary is a land-locked republic in central Europe with a population of 10 million and a history dating back over 1000 years. Once a part of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire, the country lost much of its territory when attaining independence after the First World War and was then subject to a Communist leadership between 1947-1989. Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Capital Budapest, home to in excess of 3m inhabitants, is one of Europe’s grandest and most beautiful cities. The city attracts over 4m tourists annually, making it the sixth most visited city in Europe.

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