What to expect in this guide
• How does your transport choice affect where you should stay?
• What’s the most convenient way to get to the circuit?
• Which hotels are worth considering near each station?
• Are there alternatives to staying in central Barcelona?
• Best booking resources for F1 trips
• Frequently asked questions
• Money-saving tip
Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 minutes
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is in Montmeló, about 20 miles northeast of the city. Most fans stay in central Barcelona and travel out to the circuit each day. How you get there should shape where you book.
If you have the budget for it, this is one race where I’d seriously consider booking onto a tour package with circuit transfer included. The convenience is worth a lot on race weekend, and it removes a layer of planning.
If you’re booking your own travel, the main options are train, shuttle bus, taxi, or private transfer.
If you choose the train, stay close to one of the main-line stations. Otherwise, you’ll need to take a metro to reach the main-line station first, which adds to your travel time on race days.
The train drops you at Montmeló station, which is around 45 minutes’ walk from the circuit, with some uphill sections. A shuttle from Montmeló station to the circuit usually runs for a small fee. If you have mobility issues, the train may not be the best option. Shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers all drop closer to the circuit itself.
Hotels near l’Estació del Nord (for the shuttle bus)
L’Estació del Nord is the bus station in central Barcelona where the official shuttle bus to the circuit departs. Staying near here is a good option if you’re using the shuttle. (See the Getting Around guide for shuttle details.)
• Sercotel Caspe »
• ILUNION Auditori »
• Hotel Rec Barcelona »
Hotels near Barcelona Sants
Barcelona Sants is the largest train station in the city and one of the main-line stations the R2 line departs from for Montmeló.
• AC Hotel Sants »
• Moxy Barcelona Hotel »
• Nobu Hotel Barcelona »
Hotels near Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most central stations and is on the R2 line for Montmeló. It’s also one of the best parts of the city to base yourself for sightseeing.
• Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona »
• Renaissance Barcelona Hotel »
• NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon »
• Majestic Hotel Spa Barcelona »
• Hotel Claris »
• Hotel El Avenida Palace »
• Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection »
• Gran Hotel Havan Silken »
• Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864 »
• Hotel Casa Luz »
• H10 Metropolitan »
• The Corner Hotel »
Hotels near El Clot-Aragó
El Clot-Aragó is on the R2 line for Montmeló and is close to the Sagrada Família.
• Catalonia Albeniz »
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel Barcelona Sagrada Familia »
Hotels worth considering for highway access
If you’re driving to the circuit, or using a private transfer, look for a hotel with good road access. These hotels are in or near central Barcelona with reasonable highway access.
• W Hotel Barcelona »
• Hotel Arts Barcelona »
• Grand Hotel Central »
• H10 Montcada »
• Barceló Raval »
• Attica 21 Barcelona Mar »
• Barcelona Princess »
Costa Brava
Some fans base themselves in towns and villages along the Costa Brava, which is more relaxed than central Barcelona and closer to the coast. If you’re considering this, check transport options to and from the circuit before you book.
Find accommodation on the Costa Brava »
Camping at the circuit
Campsites are available at the circuit, and some offer pre-pitched tents so you don’t need to bring your own gear.
Best booking resources for F1 trips
Planning the trip is the fun part for some and a chore for others.
If you would rather not handle all the details yourself, we can do that for you.
Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages »
Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take everything you’ve learned here and book your own trip. These are good places to start. They’re reliable, easy to use, and usually the best value.
Tickets
Grand Prix Tickets is the agency I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up.
Hotels
ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from many smaller sites you might not know about, which makes it good for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options.
Excursions
Viator is full of walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It’s especially handy if you’re heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a good place to find extras to add to your trip.
FAQ's
Most F1 fans stay in central Barcelona. It gives the best choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife, with daily access to the circuit by train, shuttle bus, taxi or private transfer.
A tour package is worth considering if you want race tickets, hotel and circuit transfers arranged for you. It removes much of the planning from Grand Prix weekend.
Taxis and private transfers often charge a minimum day rate because road closures and traffic controls around the circuit can trap drivers at the venue or prevent easy return pick-ups.
Yes. If you plan to take the train, stay near Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or El Clot-Aragó. Otherwise, you may need to take the Metro first, which adds time each day.
Yes. You can stay outside Barcelona, including on the Costa Brava or near the circuit, but check race-weekend transport before booking. Circuit camping may also be available.
Money-saving tip
Book early, take the train or shuttle bus, and book a hotel within walking distance of the station
Combining all three is the best way to keep costs down for race weekend. Booking early gives you the best hotel rates. The train and shuttle bus are the cheapest ways to reach the circuit. And staying within walking distance of the station saves you from paying for an extra metro journey on race days.
Introducing the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
In this guide you’ll learn about the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Getting to the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
In this guide you’ll learn about how to get to Barcelona for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Choosing a grandstand at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
In this guide we’ll help you choose the right grandstand for your Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix experience.
Getting around at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
In this guide you’ll learn about the different options for getting around during the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.


