The Hungaroring is only about 20 kilometres from Budapest, yet on race weekend it feels much farther because of traffic management, crowd flow and limited access roads. Planning your journey in advance will shape your entire day at the circuit. This guide breaks down the most reliable ways to reach the track, including realistic timings and practical expectations.  

Understanding the Circuit Location Before You Travel 

The Hungaroring is located outside the town of Mogyoród, tucked in a natural bowl surrounded by hills. This geography creates brilliant viewing angles but also restricts how people enter and exit the venue. Only a few roads lead to the circuit, and once crowds start arriving, bottlenecks form quickly. 

For anyone staying in central Budapest, the journey begins with choosing between public transport, shuttle services, taxis, or pre-arranged private transfers. Each has strengths and weaknesses, depending on how early you want to arrive, your budget and your tolerance for queues.  

Getting to the Hungaroring by Public Transport 

Public transport is widely used on Formula 1 weekends, although it requires patience, planning and an early start. The standard route is Metro M2 to Örs vezér tere → Transfer to the HÉV suburban train (H8) → Get off at Kerepes(or Mogyoród) → Then take the free shuttle bus to the gate. 

During race weekend, these services run frequently, but they become crowded very quickly. Metro platforms fill up early, shuttle queues stretch across the square, and the walk from the drop-off area moves slowly because thousands of fans arrive within a short window. In the July heat, this trip can take longer than expected. 

This part of the journey is where first-timers are often caught off guard. The system works, yet it is not the fastest or most comfortable route on a Grand Prix weekend. This is also where organised transfers make a clear difference. Celtic Horizon Tours includes direct return coach travel for qualifying and race day, allowing travellers to avoid public transport queues and arrive at the circuit early enough to secure a good viewing point without stress.

Public transport remains a reliable option for independent travellers, but those who prefer predictable timing and comfort will appreciate the efficiency of pre-arranged transfers.  

Driving or Taking a Taxi to the Circuit 

Driving to the Hungaroring is possible, but not straightforward. Roads leading into Mogyoród are partially closed on race weekend, and parking zones fill up before midday. It offers free parking for all ticket holders in the general designated lots (P1, P2, P3). Pre-purchased passes are generally only required for VIP/Premium parking areas, and walking distances from car parks to gates vary dramatically. 

Taxis and ride-share services offer convenience, but surge pricing is common, and drop-off points are moved farther away as crowds increase. Returning to Budapest after the race is the harder part, since thousands of fans queue for rides at the same time. 

If you choose this route, plan to arrive before 9.30 am and expect a long wait when the chequered flag drops.  

Walking Routes and On Foot Expectations 

Regardless of how you travel, all visitors walk the final section. The Hungaroring sits in a natural amphitheatre, so the approach includes slopes, gravel paths and open fields. Wear breathable shoes, carry water and expect at least fifteen to twenty minutes of walking from shuttle areas or car parks. 

Once inside the circuit, distances between corners are longer than they seem on the map. This is especially important for general admission ticket holders who want to find a good hillside position. Arrive early and choose a spot before the crowds settle.  

Timing Your Journey: When Should You Leave Budapest 

The biggest transport mistake at the Hungarian Grand Prix is underestimating the time required. To keep the day relaxed and avoid missing sessions, these timings are realistic for most fans: 

• Leave Budapest between 7.30 am and 8.30 am for qualifying and race day. 

• Aim to reach the gates ninety minutes before track action begins. 

• Expect delays when returning, especially on Sunday when tens of thousands leave at once. 

Even with perfect planning, the final hour after the race is slow. Treat it as part of the experience rather than an inconvenience.  

Is There a Best Day for Easier Transport 

Yes, Friday is the easiest day for travel because crowds are lighter and sessions start later in the morning. Saturday becomes noticeably busier, and Sunday is the most congested by far. If you want to explore the circuit freely, walk the hills and take photos, Friday offers the best conditions.  

Should First-Time Travellers Choose a Guided Tour Package 

Many first-time visitors prefer to handle transport independently. Others would rather avoid queues, complicated transfers and unpredictable delays. A guided package removes that uncertainty. 

Celtic Horizon Tours manages flights, hotel, airport transfers and reliable coach transport to the circuit on both Saturday and Sunday. This means no metro crowds, no shuttle queues, and no navigating multiple connections during the hottest part of the day. You arrive on time, you return stress-free, and you spend more of your weekend enjoying Budapest rather than troubleshooting logistics.  

Finally, 

Reaching the Hungaroring is part of the Hungarian Grand Prix experience, but it is also one of the most challenging parts to navigate without preparation. Whether you travel by metro and shuttle, taxi or guided coach, leaving early and understanding the flow of the crowds will make your weekend far more enjoyable. 

If you want a smooth, predictable route with no transport stress, Celtic Horizon Tours offers the most convenient option. With travel, accommodation and transfers organised, you can focus entirely on the race, the atmosphere and everything that makes Budapest one of the world’s favourite Grand Prix destinations.