Trip Planner
Getting Around at the Austrian Grand Prix
Sunday December 6 2026
What to expect in this guide
• How do you get to the circuit each day?
• What’s the easiest option?
• What about driving and parking?
• Are there other ways to reach the circuit?
• Should you consider an organised tour?
Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 minutes
The Red Bull Ring is in the countryside, around an hour from Graz and just over two hours from Vienna. There’s no single dominant way to reach the circuit. Most fans either drive, take a shuttle bus, or combine train and shuttle.
Booking onto an organised tour
Before getting into the options for reaching the circuit yourself, it’s worth mentioning that an organised tour is a genuine alternative. The most common option is a Vienna-based tour with coach transfers to and from the Red Bull Ring each day. Given how remote the circuit is, this is worth considering, and it’s an option I’ve taken myself.
Some smaller operators are based closer to the circuit. The towns are quieter and there’s less to do in the evenings, but the daily transfer is shorter. If you’re using your accommodation as a base rather than as part of the trip, this is worth a look.
Driving
Driving gives you the most flexibility. Parking at the circuit is usually free of charge.
If you’re staying close to the circuit, you can also cycle in. Bike parking is available at the venue.
Shuttle bus
Dedicated shuttle bus services run to the Red Bull Ring from a number of towns and cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. The buses use designated routes to avoid the worst of the race-weekend traffic. Tickets are usually sold through the Red Bull Ring website.
Train and shuttle
If you’d rather use public transport, the route is to take a train to Knittelfeld, then a shuttle bus from Knittelfeld station to the circuit. Shuttles run regularly during race weekend.
Private taxi from Graz
A private taxi from Graz is another option. It’s not the cheapest way to reach the circuit, but the cost is per vehicle rather than per person. For a group of four, it can work out reasonably. You also get full flexibility to come and go each day.
Helicopter
Helicopter transfers are an option if you want to skip the road traffic entirely. They’re a premium choice and most relevant if you’re not staying within walking distance of the circuit or camping on site.
After the race
The Red Bull Ring is in a rural area, and the road network around the circuit is limited. Some traffic can build up around peak times, but the exit is generally straightforward.
A note on cost and convenience
The Austrian Grand Prix is one where the trade-off between cost and convenience matters more than at most races. The closer you stay to the circuit, the more you pay, often for less to do in the evenings. The further away you stay, the more time you spend travelling each day. Driving, shuttle buses, and the train-and-shuttle option each sit somewhere between the two. Decide which side of the trade-off matters more to you, and book accordingly.
FAQ's
By car, by shuttle bus, or by a combination of train and shuttle.
Yes. Parking is usually free of charge.
No. The closest train station is Knittelfeld. From there, a shuttle bus runs to the circuit.
Yes. Dedicated shuttles run from Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and other Austrian towns and cities. Tickets are usually sold through the Red Bull Ring website.
Yes, it's worth considering. Vienna-based tours include coach transfers to and from the circuit each day. Some smaller operators are based closer to the circuit, with shorter daily transfers.
It's a premium option. Most useful if you're not staying close to the circuit and want to avoid the road traffic.
Generally straightforward. The venue is rural, so some traffic can build up at peak times, but the exit isn't typically a problem.
Introducing the Austrian Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about the Red Bull Ring, the circuit's location in the Styria region, and how a race weekend works.
Where to stay for the Austrian Grand Prix
In this guide we'll help you choose the best place to stay during your trip to the Austrian Grand Prix.
Getting to the Austrian Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about how to get to Austria for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Choosing a grandstand at the Austrian Grand Prix
In this guide we'll help you choose the right grandstand for your Austrian Grand Prix experience.
Short lap. Big drama in the Styrian Alps
What to expect in this guide • Why the Austrian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list • Where is the circuit? • Travelling to Austria: what you need to know • How many days should you spend at the Austrian Grand Prix? • Austrian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance •…
