Circuit of the Americas (COTA)

It is located in Austin, Texas, approximately 20 minutes drive from from the city centre. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport  is just 10 miles north of the circuit.  

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Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a premier destination for Formula 1 & other motor-sport & entertainment in Austin Texas, United States. COTA has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music since 2012. The racetrack was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audience.

The 20 turn counterclockwise circuit benefits from the naturally undulating landscape its built on, & that includes 40.5 metre hill at Turn 1.

Tips on travelling for F1

• Formula 1 is not a cheap spectator sport but with careful planning, an F1 holiday does not have to break the bank
•  A typical minimum expenditure for going to a full F1 race weekend (Friday-Sunday) including tickets, hotel and spending money costs around £ 400 – £800 ($500 – 1000 USD) not factoring the cost of travel.
• General admission tickets for race day only, can start at £50 ($60 USD) at most races.
• After you have decided to go to a race, choosing which ticket to buy & from where is one of the key decisions.
• Some race organisers handle their own ticket sales via an official channel (e.g. the circuit website), while others outsource to ticket agencies.
• If you are on a budget & comfortable with independent overseas travel then plan it alone.
•  If you want a complete package with everything organised for you, & are prepared to pay for it then choose an organised tour.
• There are many F1 travel companies in major markets who specialize in organizing tours to F1 races.

I personally use F1 Experiences & they provide, race tickets, first class hotels & transfers to and from the circuit.

Getting there

• Majority of F! circuits are located in or close to major cities which makes booking flights easier.
• If time & logistics permit look at different modes of travel. e.g. rail, ferry, self drive or bus.
• Use budget airlines e.g. in Europe there is Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2, In Asia use Air Asia
• If wanting to save money when flying to a race especially in Europe, do not automatically use the nearest airport. There may be another airport close by offering cheaper flights.

Where to stay

• Camping is popular and most circuits have camping on or near circuits & its the cheapest form of accommodation.
• Most F1 destinations offer hostel accommodation for those travelling on a budget, popular for the young.
• Also look for a budget hotel & a typical price for a night on a race weekend will be around £80 – £120 ($100 – 150USD).
• Airbnb is another option to choose.
• But before you book anything check the availability of transport to the circuit.
• Then there are mid range & luxury hotels also choose your accommodation considering ease of transport to & from venue.
• Very important information; when using hotel booking sites try to book with free cancellation just in case plans change.