Trip Planner
Getting to the Miami Grand Prix
Sunday December 6 2026
What to expect in this guide
• Which airport do you fly into?
• Are there direct flights?
• How do you get from the airport to your hotel?
• Do you need a visa or ESTA?
• Best booking resources for F1 trips
• Frequently asked questions
• Money-saving tip
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Getting there by air
Most international flights into Miami land at Miami International Airport (MIA), around 8 miles northwest of downtown Miami. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is around 15 miles from the circuit and roughly 20 minutes from Miami Gardens by car.
Miami Airport is well connected, with direct flights from across Europe, North America, and Latin America. Most major international airlines serve Miami Airport, alongside the US national carriers.
Fort Lauderdale Airport is a useful alternative. Flights into Fort Lauderdale Airport are often cheaper, particularly from US domestic destinations. The drive from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Gardens is around 20 minutes.
If your city doesn’t have a direct flight to Miami Airport or Fort Lauderdale Airport, the most common connections are through other major US hubs or via European hubs.
Choosing your connection airport
If you’re connecting through the United States, allow time to clear US immigration at your first point of entry. Smaller US hubs such as Minneapolis, Detroit, and Charlotte often have shorter immigration lines than the major hubs at New York, Chicago, or Atlanta.
A missed connection can lead to extra costs, including a new flight ticket or overnight accommodation, so it’s worth thinking about which hub gives you the best chance of a smooth transit.
From the airport to your hotel
The drive from Miami Airport to downtown Miami takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From Fort Lauderdale Airport, downtown Miami takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
• Taxi. Available from the official taxi rank at both airports.
• Uber and Lyft. Operate widely. Follow the rideshare pickup signs at the airport.
• Pre-booked transfer. Worth considering if you’d rather skip the queue or want a fixed price agreed in advance.
Visa and entry requirements
Many visitors can enter the United States visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program, but they’ll need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) ahead of travel. Other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which takes longer to arrange.
Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes, but the system can take up to 72 hours. Apply as soon as you book your trip.
Requirements vary by nationality and personal circumstances. Check the official guidance from US Customs and Border Protection before booking.
Best booking resources for F1 trips
Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages »
Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch.
I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip.
Tickets
Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies 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 loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options.
Excursions
Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It’s especially handy if you’re heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip.
FAQ's
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main option, around 8 miles northwest of downtown Miami. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a good alternative, around 15 miles from the circuit and roughly 20 minutes by car.
Yes. Flights into Fort Lauderdale Airport are often cheaper, particularly from US domestic destinations, and the drive to Miami Gardens is around 20 minutes.
Around 15 to 20 minutes from Miami Airport. Around 30 to 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Many visitors can enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA. Other nationalities need a visitor visa. Check the official guidance from US Customs and Border Protection.
Arriving a day or two before the race weekend gives you time to settle in and adjust to the time zone, particularly if you're travelling from Europe.
Money-saving tip
Compare direct and indirect flights
Direct flights to Miami are convenient, but indirect routings via another US hub or via a European hub can sometimes be cheaper. If you’re looking at indirect flights, particularly from outside the US, it’s also worth comparing Fort Lauderdale Airport with Miami Airport. Fort Lauderdale Airport often has lower fares from US domestic destinations and is around 20 minutes by road from Miami Gardens.
Introducing the Miami Grand Prix
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