All you need for a convenient travel to the Belgian Grand Prix
It's time to gear up for an extraordinary F1 adventure at Spa-Francorchamps. Nestled in the picturesque Ardennes forest, the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is set to host yet another thrilling Formula 1 event. If you're a motorsport enthusiast or simply an avid traveler seeking an unforgettable experience, this article will guide you through the essential travel tips, ensuring you have a seamless journey to Spa. Prepare to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere and witness the best of Formula 1 racing at one of its most storied tracks.
Getting to Spa-Francorchamps race circuit
The Spa-Francorchamps race circuit is situated in southeastern Belgium within the Wallonia municipality, specifically in the province of Liege. It is conveniently located approximately 20 km (15 mi), east of the German border, 35 km (22 mi) north of the Dutch border, and about 30 km (18 mi) south of the Luxembourg border.
Going by car
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is surrounded by primarily small, single-lane countryside roads, except for two motorways. These roads were not designed to handle heavy race-day traffic, so if you're planning on driving to the circuit, anticipate significant delays and allocate extra time for your journey, particularly on Saturday and Sunday when traffic congestion is likely.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, situated about 153 km (95 mi) southeast of Brussels, is reachable by car in approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. The estimated transportation cost ranges from €24 to €36. If you're traveling to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps from Malmedy, the quickest option is to hire a taxi, which covers a distance of 8 km (5 mi) in 8 minutes and costs €18 to €23. On the other hand, traveling from Verviers to the circuit only takes 21 minutes. If you prefer taking a taxi for this 31 km (19 mi) distance, the fare would be around €67-€80.
Once you get close to the circuit, your specific route will depend on where you're parking. There are four official car parking areas: Green, Yellow, Red, and Blue. The car parks open at 6am every day of the Grand Prix weekend.
Going by train
The closest train station to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamp is Verviers, and it's easily accessible from major cities within Belgium and neighboring countries. Additionally, the station offers direct bus routes connecting to the circuit, making it a convenient transportation option for visitors.
Single ticket prices from Brussels start at €21 for a journey of approximately 111 km (69 mi), taking about 1 hour and 13 minutes. Around 40 daily trains connect the two cities, with departures occurring approximately every 36 minutes on average. You could also take a train to Liege, where many buses depart to the circuit.
Going by bus
You can find TEC buses 294 and 395 at Verviers-Central station, providing transportation to and from the circuit. The fare for the bus ride is around €2 - €3, and the journey takes approximately 56 minutes, covering a distance of 37 km. You can also check the TEC website for all the bus stops around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
There are also direct shuttle buses to Spa-Francorchamps on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from several major cities in Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Luxembourg. The City Shuttle is set to arrive at the circuit by 9 am and leave at 7 pm, with a daily round-trip cost of €49-€54 and €85 from Lille, France. They drop off in the blue parking area near the Ster entrance gate, and return tickets can be purchased in advance. Check the official Spa Grand Prix website for details.
Flying via helicopter
For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a helicopter charter. You can also add to the excitement by flying over races and enjoying introductory flights. Click here to book one.
Looking for more on the Belgian Grand Prix? Know Before You Go!
If you're attending the Belgian GP now or in the future, we highly recommend starting with our "Know Before You Go" discussion for all the insider tips and tricks you need to maximize your experience.
When you're finished, join the lively Grand Prix Travel community on FanAmp and Reddit to interact with fellow motorsports enthusiasts, ask questions, and gather valuable insights. There are even meetups at races around the world so you can spend time with new and old friends over food and drink.
And be sure to visit our trusted partner, F1 Destinations, for help with tickets and all things travel. They write excellent, in-depth guides on all aspects of each race.