2026 United States Grand Prix Travel Guide
Attend the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 23-25. How to buy tickets, where to stay & how to get to Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
COTA Tickets / F1 Experiences / Austin Hotels / COTA Facebook group
Formula 1 has finally found a stable stateside home at Circuit of The Americas. 2026 marks the 14th running of the United States Grand Prix at the venue, with the Texas circuit having hosted the event since 2012. The circuit configuration has been a hit with drivers since joining the calendar over a decade ago, while the A-list entertainment line-up keeps fans satisfied.
Formula 1’s popularity soared between the 2019 and 2021 races, thanks in part to Netflix series Drive To Survive. Weekend attendances at the United States Grand Prix have grown to over 400,000 as a result.
Since COTA joined the calendar, Formula 1 has added a further two races in the United States. The Miami Grand Prix joined the F1 calendar in 2022 and was joined by the highly-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, which took place for the first time in 2023.
Click the links below to read the different sections of our guide and scroll down to start planning your trip!
2026 United States Grand Prix Tickets
Your guide to buying F1 tickets for the 2026 United States Grand Prix. Advice on the best places to watch the racing at Circuit of The Americas.
Where To Stay in Austin
Austin has plenty of accommodation at all price ranges on United States Grand Prix weekend. We recommend staying downtown for the best experience.
How to Get Around
COTA’s location on the outskirts of Austin, close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, has never been particularly easy to access, though the organizers have improved transportation for recent editions of the race.
Trackside at COTA
COTA rates highly for the quality of its trackside experience. Find information about entering the circuit, the F1 schedule, support categories and trackside activities in our complete trackside guide for the 2026 United States Grand Prix.
United States Grand Prix Facebook Group
Join our Facebook group for fans attending the 2026 United States Grand Prix. Have your questions answered by our friendly community of race-going F1 fans.
Budget Planner
How much does it cost to attend the 2026 United States Grand Prix? Learn more about the the price of F1 tickets, accommodation & spending money with our budget planner.
Race Facts & History
The United States Grand Prix’s history dates back to the early 1900s. The event has been held at numerous venues, with COTA finally bringing stability to F1’s presence in America.
What to See & Do in Austin
When you’re away from the track, make sure you take in all the city has to offer. Take in gigs, eat famous Tex-Mex or BBQ, or go shopping on South Congress.
Start Planning Your Trip to the United States
Tourist Visa
Australians, Canadians, and most Europeans do not need a visa to visit the United States, as they are part of the visa waiver program. Check the full list of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries on the U.S. State Department website. You will need to have a passport that is machine-readable, contains an integrated chip, and is valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Don’t forget that all travellers must complete an ESTA application before arrival, which is valid for 2 years.
Weather
Summer temperatures in Texas can reach 40°C+ (100°F+). Fortunately, the race takes place in the second half of October, which is one of the best months to visit Texas. Temperatures around 25°C (77°F) or higher are likely during the day, dropping only slightly at night to about 20°C (68°F ). It’s worth noting that a massive storm hit Austin on race weekend in 2015, and there was similarly bad weather before the 2018 race weekend, so pack your wet weather gear just in case.
Safety
In general, Austin is a relatively safe city compared to other cities its size in the U.S., but be aware that gun violence does occur. The areas around downtown and South Congress Street are generally safe at night, but it’s best not to wander around alone in some parts of east Austin. Always take a taxi home if you are out late and have had a few drinks.
United States Grand Prix FAQ
United States Grand Prix News
F1 Academy Confirms 2026 Calendar
COTA Extends U.S. GP Contract to 2034
Garth Brooks and Kygo to Headline 2025 United States Grand Prix
United States Grand Prix Features
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Every United States Circuit which has Hosted Formula 1
United States Grand Prix Travel Reports
Kaitlin’s COTA Travel Diary – 2023 United States Grand Prix
2015 US Grand Prix – Driving Against the Hurricane
Charlie’s Travel Report – 2015 United States Grand Prix
About Austin
Home to more than 330 million people, the United States has a rich diversity of cultures and landscapes. Texas, the second largest state, blends a proud independent spirit with rapid economic growth, and its capital city, Austin, has become one of the country’s most vibrant and dynamic urban centres. With a metropolitan population of around 2.5 million, Austin is known for its live music, technology industry and welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
Austinites are known for their friendliness. The city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” reflects its independent and artistic character. Over recent decades, Austin has attracted people from across the United States and around the world, creating a multicultural community that values innovation and diversity.
Austin has established itself as a major sporting destination, with Circuit of The Americas (COTA) being a central part of that. The track has been host of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix since 2012. The purpose-built circuit is one of the most popular stops on the calendar, with one of the highest weekend attendances seen all year. Sport aside, Austin also hosts major music festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits, and a wide range of other cultural events that highlight its unique energy and global appeal.
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