Trip Planner
Getting around at the Abu Dhabi 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?
• What about coach transfers from Dubai?
Estimated Reading Time: 3–4 minutes
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the better-connected races on the calendar for fans. Yas Marina Circuit is on Yas Island, with hotels, restaurants, and theme parks all within easy reach by short taxi rides or the free Yas Express shuttle. Most fans use a combination of taxis, rideshares, and the local shuttle services across race weekend.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available across Abu Dhabi and into Yas Island, and fares are relatively cheap. They are metered and can be flagged on the street, booked through your hotel, or ordered via a local app or phone service.
A practical tip when heading to the circuit: give your driver the name of a specific hotel or landmark close to your grandstand rather than just saying “Yas Marina Circuit” or “the Formula 1.” The circuit area is large, drivers may not all know the grandstand layout, and a vague destination can drop you a long walk from where you actually need to be.
For most grandstands, Yas Plaza Marina is a good destination to give the driver. It has a large pickup and drop-off area and is a short walk from the West, Marina, and South grandstands. There’s also a bar and outdoor seating, which makes it a convenient place to wait after the race or the evening concerts.
If you’re sitting in the North Grandstand, give your driver Ferrari World or DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences as the destination instead. Both are closer to that part of the circuit.
Rideshare
Uber and Careem both operate in Abu Dhabi. You can book a car on demand or schedule a pickup in advance through either app. Careem also has a fare estimator on its website. Worth knowing that prices rise sharply during peak times, particularly after the Grand Prix and after the concerts, and drivers may delay or cancel during the busiest periods.
Yas Express and Circuit Circular
The Yas Express is a free shuttle that connects the major hotels, attractions, and the circuit on Yas Island. If you’re staying on Yas Island or parking nearby at Yas Mall or Yas Waterworld, it’s a simple way to get around.
The Circuit Circular shuttle buses run inside the circuit perimeter, stopping at each grandstand. They’re useful if you’d rather not walk long distances between zones during the day.
Driving
If you’re driving to the circuit, parking at Yas Marina is limited and a parking permit must be pre-booked. Without one, you won’t be able to drive directly to the circuit entrance. The alternative is parking elsewhere on Yas Island and using the free Yas Express shuttle or walking.
Coach transfers and tour operators
Some tour operators offer inclusive packages with coach transfers between Dubai-based hotels and the circuit. They can work in some destinations, but they’re not the best fit for Abu Dhabi.
Most of these tours are based in Dubai, which means a daily commute of 60 to 90 minutes each way, often longer with multiple hotel pickups. Coaches typically run on fixed schedules with limited flexibility, and they often don’t run after the post-race concerts. With Yas Island hotels right next to the circuit and affordable taxis available across Abu Dhabi, making your own way to the circuit is usually easier and gives you more control over your day.
Introducing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about Yas Marina Circuit, the circuit's location on Yas Island, and how a race weekend works.
Getting to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about how to get to the UAE for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Where to stay for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In this guide we'll help you choose the best place to stay during your trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Choosing a grandstand at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In this guide we'll help you choose the right grandstand for your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience.
Evening concerts at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In this guide you'll learn about the post-race concerts that run alongside the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
