Finding your next trip…
3:00 PM UTC-5
Make Austin your base for the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This three-day plan pairs a Friday city introduction with Saturday qualifying and Sunday racing at Circuit of The Americas. The race weekend runs October 23–25; the published race start is 3:00 PM local time. Choose the two-day view for Saturday and Sunday.
Day 1 · Friday, October 23
After arrival
After checking in, stretch your legs along a manageable section of the Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail. Keep the route flexible around your arrival time and the weather; this is a city introduction, not a full-lake hike.
Afternoon · or choose Friday practice
Explore the shops on South Congress before dinner. If you prefer a full weekend at the circuit, swap this city afternoon for Friday practice with the appropriate ticket; check the official timetable first.
Evening
Home Slice Pizza is one option listed by Visit Austin. Check its current hours and choose a nearby alternative if queues are long. Keep the evening relaxed before two circuit days.
Day 2 · Saturday, October 24
Morning
Leave room for the journey, entry and finding your viewing area. If driving, buy the required on-site parking pass and follow the approach route for your allocated lot. Choose transport before leaving your accommodation.
4:00 PM local · qualifying
Saturday qualifying is scheduled for 4:00–5:00 PM Austin time, with third practice at 12:30 PM. Use a ticket valid for Saturday and check the official timetable again before travel.
After the session
Follow the current circuit exit guidance and allow a flexible evening. Avoid a prepaid dinner immediately after qualifying: your return time depends on your chosen transport and how long you stay on-site.
Day 3 · Sunday, October 25
Before departure
Check the current COTA bag rules, download your tickets and leave enough time to reach your viewing area. Bring sun protection and comfortable footwear as planning essentials for an outdoor circuit day.
3:00 PM local · Grand Prix
The official Sunday timetable schedules the race from 3:00–5:00 PM Austin time. Settle into your ticketed viewing area before the start; check for timetable updates on the day.
After the race
Allow time to leave the venue before making onward plans. Our recommendation is to stay Sunday night and depart Monday if possible, rather than depend on an immediate post-race airport transfer.
Compare Downtown and South Congress accommodation for a convenient city base. Pick the actual property after deciding your circuit transport. For a moderate budget, compare the total stay cost, cancellation terms and transfers rather than the room rate alone. No room availability or hotel price is assumed here.
Plan the circuit journey separately from city sightseeing. On-site parking requires a pass bought in advance; use the COTA route for your specific lot. Check current event transport options before choosing accommodation. Journey and exit times are variable, so this plan deliberately avoids a fixed transfer duration.
COTA currently limits major-race bags to 12 × 12 × 20 inches and screens them at entry. Concert upgrade areas have separate rules. Check the official policy page shortly before departure, and make sure your ticket covers each day you intend to attend.
Schedules and local details can change. Use these sources to confirm the latest information before you book.
F1: official US Grand Prix timetable (opens in a new tab)COTA: official event and tickets (opens in a new tab)COTA: getting to the circuit (opens in a new tab)COTA: venue and bag policies (opens in a new tab)Visit Austin: South Congress (opens in a new tab)City of Austin: Lady Bird Lake (opens in a new tab)