The Austrian Grand Prix races through the hills of Speilberg, Austria, and it’s always a thrilling experience yet again. As the engines roar at the iconic Red Bull Ring, F1 enthusiasts from around the globe gather to witness the adrenaline-fueled action. While reaching the track in its rural setting may pose some logistical challenges, worry not! Austria's efficient transport network and the vibrant cities of Graz and Vienna offer the perfect bases for your trip, allowing you to explore the region and fully engage in the exhilarating race atmosphere.
Graz, nestled in the heart of Styria, has been traditionally recommended as an ideal base for the Austrian Grand Prix. Its proximity to Spielberg makes it convenient for accessing the circuit and immersing yourself in the excitement of the event. However, because Graz is further from where many visitors start their Austrian adventures - Vienna - it may not be top of your list.
Join us in this comprehensive guide as we provide you with valuable insights on reaching your destination in Austria and the suitable accommodation choices available so you can ensure a seamless experience at the Red Bull Ring.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, known for its rich history and stunning architecture, is an excellent choice for your home base. It may be further from the track than other options we’ll cover (125mi or 200km), but the city provides the advantage of being a major international hub, with direct flights from numerous destinations around the globe, along with a plethora of major hotels and amenities. It’s highly convenient for international travelers.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the major airport servicing Vienna. This airport boasts a comprehensive selection of domestic and international flights, catering to various travel distances, including short, medium, and long-haul destinations. Traveling from Vienna airport to the city is a seamless and effortless experience. One of the major advantages is that all car, bus, and train services are just a stone's throw away from the arrivals area, ensuring a quick and hassle-free journey. The journey to the city center is only 20km (12mi).
Trains are a highly convenient way to get downtown from the airport. There are two alternatives available: 1) the City Airport Train (CAT) or, 2) the public Schnellbahn S7.
Tickets for the CAT are priced at 12€, and the ride takes 16 minutes. Tickets for the public S7 cost a mere 3.90€, with an average travel time of 25 minutes.
You can find the bus stop conveniently situated at the exits of the airport terminals. A one-way ticket is priced at €8, while children aged 6-14 are charged €4 for their tickets. The bus takes approximately 20 mins.
Hiring a Vienna airport taxi will cost around 35€ and it will only take only 20 minutes to reach the downtown area of Vienna. Ridesharing services such as Uber are also an option.
Vienna airport offers a wide range of car rental services, including all the well-known brands. If you haven't arranged a car rental in advance, you have the option to compare prices and make a reservation directly at the airport.
While you’re likely to fly into Vienna, you may not be staying there. The city of Graz, approximately 190km (118mi) away by car, is an excellent choice for the race weekend as it’s nearer to the circuit and convenient to reach. Plus there's an assortment of attractions and food options to keep you plenty busy.
You can catch a train at Vienna Central Station to Graz, which takes approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes, covering a distance of 144km (90mi). Ticket prices for a one-way trip between these two cities start at €20.
Buses typically take around 2 hours and 17 minutes to reach Graz and usually make stops closer to the city center compared to the train station. The average ticket from Vienna to Graz costs around €9 if you buy it on the day.
If you want to take matters into your own hands (and fully experience the beauty of Austria) then renting a car is an excellent choice. Driving provides the quickest way to reach Graz from Vienna, allowing you to enjoy an incredibly scenic road trip. The driving distance between Graz and Vienna is 192km (119mi) and takes 1 hour 45 mins.
There are convenient flights available between Vienna and Graz, and they are incredibly short (just 35 minutes). Austrian Airlines offers two to three direct flights daily, departing from Vienna to Graz in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
If you prefer staying closer to the Red Bull Ring, then Spielberg, the town adjacent to the track, is your destination. It's more rural and is a prime choice for those looking to camp (more on that later).
Knittelfeld is the closest train station to Spielberg, providing convenient access from various major cities in Austria including Vienna and Graz.
Trains from Vienna to Knittelfeld cover a distance of approximately 160km (100mi), taking on average 2 hours 27 min. The price of train tickets is approximately €30, though you can get them for just under €10.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the convenient hourly train service to Knittelfeld from Graz, which typically takes around 80 minutes with an interchange at Bruck, ensuring a seamless and efficient transportation all at a ticket price range of €17 - €23.
The driving distance between Vienna and Spielberg is approximately 194km (120mi). If you opt to travel by car, the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes, with an estimated cost ranging from €32 to €50. On the other hand, taking the bus is an alternative option, with fares ranging from €20 to €30 and the travel time averaging around 3 hours and 9 minutes.
The driving distance from Graz to Spielberg is approximately 74km (46mi), which can be covered in about 50 minutes by car. The estimated cost for a taxi ride ranges from €13 to €19. Alternatively, taking a bus is another option, with fares ranging from €20 to €26 and a similar travel time. However, if you prefer a private transfer, the cost for a taxi ride is typically higher, ranging from €165 to €200.
Whether you decide to stay in Vienna, Graz, or near the circuit, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options available. From budget hostels to boutique hotels, luxury accommodations, and even Airbnb rentals, there are choices to fit every budget and preference. Additionally, if you're traveling in a larger group or looking for a more adventurous experience, camping can be a fun and enjoyable option to consider.
In Vienna, you can find a range of hotels to suit different budgets. Two-star hotels start range from €50-150 per night, three-star hotels begin at €100-200 per night, and for a higher level of comfort and amenities, four-star hotels are generally more than €150 per night.
Graz offers a range of hotel options to suit different budgets. The most economical two-star choices range from €50-150 per night, 3-star hotels from €100-200, and those that are 4-star and above are available from €150 per night for a more luxurious stay. Hotels such as the Lend Hotel owned by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko average €134 per night.
If you're looking for alternative accommodation options that provide enhanced privacy compared to hotels, consider exploring apartments in Vienna and Graz or chalets in the Spielberg countryside. Just be sure to book early to maximize your options and minimize the price.
In Vienna, apartments are available starting at approximately €50 per night, while in Graz, you can find apartments at around €30 per night.
There are many campsites next to the Red Bull Ring. GPTents, located just 20 minutes from the Red Bull Ring, offers convenient camping options for race enthusiasts. Choose from a standard pitch for €300 (up to 5 people), a larger pitch for €400 (up to 5 people), or a spacious camp for up to 10 people at €1,000 (€100 per).
With fantastic amenities, including options for cooked meals and chargers, and its close proximity to the circuit, GPTents provides a comfortable and accessible experience.
If you’re attending the Austrian 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, F1Destinations, for help with tickets and all things travel. They write excellent, in-depth guides on all aspects of each race.
