Advice for F1 fans on traveling to Austin, Texas, and how to get to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for the 2025 United States Grand Prix
- The 2025 United States Grand Prix runs from October 17-19
- Hotel rooms & coach transfers can be added to F1 Experiences Ticket Packages (now on sale for the 2025 USGP)
- Tickets are not yet on sale for 2025 COTA shuttles
- This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
Austin has one international airport, Bergstrom (airport code AUS). It’s a relatively small airport though, and many flights go through the two larger hubs in Texas, Houston (IAH) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). Texas is home to Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest low-cost carrier, so there are plenty of domestic flights to the city on Grand Prix weekend.
Downtown Austin and the University of Texas campus area are very walkable and well serviced by the Capital Metro Austin public transit system. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is located 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Austin. The best way to get to the track is by car (your own, a hire car or taxi) or the COTA shuttle. When making plans, be aware that Austin traffic is notorious most times of the year, but especially during major events such as F1. Getting to the track from downtown can take up to two hours! Plan accordingly and don’t forget to purchase parking passes for the track if you do take your own vehicle.
Flights to Austin
- The cheapest long haul flights land in Houston (IAH) or Dallas (DFW), depending on the airline. Check connections to these cities if you are looking for good deals on flying to Austin
- The only current direct European connections to Austin Bergstrom are with British Airways from London and Lufthansa from Frankfurt
- There are no direct flights to Austin from Asia, South America or Africa. Most flights route via major hubs such as LA, Atlanta, New York, Chicago or Houston.
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Domestic Flights & Driving to Austin
All of the major US airlines service Austin, though many connect first in a bigger Texas city. Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United and Alaska Airlines will all get you to Austin. Example fares: New York–Austin (non-stop with Southwest in 4 hours from $300 USD), LA–Austin (1 stop with Delta in about 5 hours from $250-300 USD), Toronto – Austin (non-stop with Air Canada in 3 hours 20 min for about $600 USD.
Another option for getting to Austin is by car. The U.S. has a large interstate highway system, and you can drive to the city from Houston in 2.5 hours, Dallas in 3 hours, or San Antonio in 1 hour. Why not hire a car and explore the region? Buses and trains are also available for budget-conscious fans. Click here for a detail interstate highway map.
F1 Experiences Hotel Bookings & Circuit Transfers
Did you know that you can book your hotel and circuit transfers for the United States Grand Prix with F1 Experiences? Circuit transfers are available for F1 Experiences guests who have booked their hotel together with an Official Ticket Package. F1 Experiences secures room allocations at some of the most sought-after hotels in Austin on race weekend, and return bus transfers from your hotel to COTA can be added to your booking. View USGP 2024 ticket packages & hotels
How to Get to Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
COTA’s location on the sourtheastern outskirts of Austin, close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, has never been particularly easy to access, though the organizers have improved transportation for recent editions of the race.
COTA Shuttles
Shuttle bus tickets are now on sale for the 2024 United States Grand Prix. The shuttle service has been significantly improved in recent years with additional buses available, and is recommended for getting to the track from downtown, northeast and southwest Austin. Nevertheless, there can be significant queues to get on buses at peak times, and buses can also get stuck in traffic whilst arriving/departing the circuit. In 2024, shuttles are offered from downtown and from northeast Austin, see details and pricing below (Please note that shuttles from the Barton Creek Square Mall in south east Austin are no longer offered.)
- Downtown (Waterloo Park/Moody Amphitheater): 3-day weekend passes = $139, 1-day passes = $48 with advance purchase. The pick up/drop off location for Downtown shuttles is on Red River Street, adjacent to Waterloo Park/Moody Amphitheater. Parking is available for $20 per day at the garages between Trinity and San Jacinto. At the circuit, downtown shuttles drop off just outside the Grand Plaza gates on COTA Boulevard.
- Northeast Austin (Travis County Expo Center): 3-day weekend passes (early bird price) = $79, 1-day passes = $30 with advance purchase. Located near the intersections of HWY 290/US 183 and the 130 Tollway, the Travis County Expo Center shuttle hub is a free parking lot with service in primarily air-conditioned school buses. Please enter and exit this facility at “Gate 1” located off Decker Lane. Note that Travis County Expo Center shuttles drop-off and pick-up at the McAngus Road Depot which is a 10-15-minute walk to the Grand Plaza gates or a short tram ride away. Check the drop off map here
Drive to COTA
Despite the prevalence of public transportation Austin offers compared to other Texas cities, it is still very much a town built for cars, and the best way to get around is to drive. The Circuit of the Americas is located off the SH130 toll road, which you can access from downtown by taking I-35 south to highway 71 east. There’s around eight main parking areas next to the track and a ‘park and ride’ service is available for distant lots. Please note that traffic can get very congested around the circuit, particularly on race day. Any vehicle without a valid parking pass will be unable to access COTA Blvd during the course of the United States Grand Prix weekend.
- Parking passes for the 2024 USGP are now available to purchase from COTA. 3-Day Passes are priced from $275-375 USD. Park & Ride parking passes are also available, priced at $40 USD on Friday and $160 for a 2-day weekend pass (Saturday & Sunday)
- Circuit maps are available on the COTA website.
Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft)
Taxis and ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are worth considering, though it’s a good idea to arrange your return trip from the circuit in advance to avoid delays. In 2024, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) will operate from the McAngus lot. Free shuttle trams are available to/from the McAngus lot to the Grand Plaza entrance of the circuit. Please note that on race weekend, rideshare vehicles are not permitted on COTA Blvd. Check the circuit map.
Austin Airport to City
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located 12 miles (19 km) east of downtown Austin, in the approximate direction of the Circuit of the Americas. You actually pass the airport on your way from downtown Austin to COTA. In addition, many of the larger hotels in Austin offer their own shuttle service between the airport and the hotel. Here’s some more information:
- Airport Bus: Capital Metro, the city’s public transportation authority, offers a MetroAirport bus that runs regularly from the city to the airport. To check its route and schedule, visit the Capital Metro Airportpage. A ticket costs $1.75 USD and can be bought with exact change on board or using the Capital Metro app.
- Airport Shuttles: The highly-rated SuperShuttle service offers shared vans, non-stop vans and even private sedan and SUV services, depending on your budget. Reserve your trip on their website and a shuttle will be waiting to take you to your hotel or apartment when you land. Prices from $12 each way.
- Airport Taxis/Ride Sharing: A taxi, Uber or Lyft from the airport to downtown should cost around $30-50, depending on the time of day and your exact destination. Useful numbers: Yellow cab +1 512-452-9999 / Austin Cab Company +1 512-478-2222
Austin Public Transport
In addition to the dozens of bus lines servicing most of the city, Capital Metro also operates one city train line called MetroRail. MetroRail runs Monday through Friday between Leander and downtown Austin, and from Lakeline to downtown on Saturday. See the Capital Metro website for routes and schedules.
Taxis & Ride Sharing
There are plenty of taxis in Austin. Downtown, your best bet is to get one from a hotel taxi stand (or call, for example Yellow Cab, tel: 512-452-999, who also have a handy fare calculator.) Getting to COTA from downtown in a taxi should set you back around $50. Ride sharing sites Uber and Lyft also operate in Austin, and are a good option for both getting around town and for getting to and from COTA (more info above).
Bicycle sharing
If you’re staying downtown, most attractions the city has to offer are within walking distance, but you can save time and see more by renting a B-cycle bike. Austin B-cycle has dozens of stations all around the city where you can pick up or drop off a bike, and rides under 30 minutes are free after you pay the initial service fee of $8 per day or $11 per month.
Where else does the shuttle bus from the convention centre or downtown stop? I’m staying in the arboretum area and wonder what shuttle would be closest for me to get. Tjanks5
Hi Carrie, details for this year haven’t been announced. However, last year three shuttle services were offered (no stops along the way).
1) Downtown: Convention Center (4th and Trinity)
2) Toney Burger Center (3200 Jones Rd.)
3) Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker Lane)
Options 2 and 3 were only for Saturday and Sunday. It looks like option 3 is best for your location. More details should be available closer to the race weekend.
Hello… I took the Travis Co. Expo location shuttle last year (2016). This year I’m again staying near the Arboretum, but I haven’t found any shuttle info on that location for 2017.
will it be available, if someone has info or a link please share.
Thanks a lot,
Hi Mario, we are pretty sure this will be available again this year, but you will need to wait until a bit closer to the event for details. As soon as we have information, we will update this page. Thanks!
Hi, thank you very much for all the info on shuttles.
In your opinion, is it better to take the shuttle than drive and park?
Also, how often do shuttles depart?
Thanks!
Also, I have not found any tickets available online. Is it easy to find a space on these shuttles?
Thanks
Hi Alejandro, shuttle information for 2017 has been published on the COTA website, including links to buy.
Hi, I have seats on Turn 18 for Friday practice. I’ll be coming from San Marcos. What’s my best driving/parking combination? Cost is a big factor…
I’ll be in town for a conference so will only be able to make it race day, but what a great bit of luck. The conference is at the J.W Marriott Downtown. If I’m looking at taking the shuttle, how early do you recommend I try and get there to avoid traffic/access problems?
Hi Dean, it depends if you want to catch the support races on Sunday morning or not. Gates open at 9am, and plenty of people will be getting there early (especially those in General Admission, without a grandstand seat). Ironically, you may be better off going a bit later after the initial crowds have died down.
Hey Dean , is this forum still alive ?
2022 – F1 coming in from Seattle .
Staying at Aiden / Best western off of IS-35 in Austin .
Here , Friday – Sunday . All access ….
Arriving a little late on Friday 11am .
Any advise to get to and from the track on all days COTA or not ?
Please advise .
And thank you !
I would def do the shuttle. They’ve made some changes so ir should be even faster/smoother this year. I am going from NE Austin because even though that drop off is further traffic usually better to head that way vs downtown.
Hi Andrew. I will be travelling in from San Marcos and want to know what are the best options for the four of us. Official parking at COTA for only Sunday is unavailable, and I’d rather not purchase a 3-day pass to only make use of it on Sunday.
1) Is there any transportation into COTA that isn’t by car, or shuttles that don’t originate from downtown Austin?
2) These park-n-rides mentioned – where are they, what are their names?
3) Unofficial parking lots nearby – what exactly does this mean?
4) Any public transportation available to take to COTA from an area southwest of the track?
5) Are taxi’s at all reliable for an event like this? I assume it would be dicey getting one back to wherever we had parked.
Thanks so much.
Hi JC, I don’t know the answers to all your questions, but I will answer those I can (maybe someone else will help with the others!).
1) There are shuttles that don’t originate in downtown. See my earlier comment above on July 17 this year.
2) Park & Ride info is in Trackside section of our guide.
5) Taxis should be fine. Ride-sharing is also an option again (Uber and Lyft were banned in Austin, but not anymore I believe)
Thanks for the info on my question. In regards to Uber/Lyft, I believe they are still banned in Austin but there is a plan to remove the ban. Don’t know when (if) that is happening. If you get there and find it is not available, Austin has another ride share service called “Fasten” that is basically the same thing.
Hi Dean, here’s some up to date discussion; looks like ride sharing is back on in Austin! Also looks like shuttle is a much better option than park and ride due to local traffic, especially at peak times.
Unofficial parking lots: these are privately owned fields in the ‘vicinity ‘. You must walk to the track, and in many cases the roads have no shoulder to walk on, which can be quite dangerous. I use the shuttle every year, and have also used Uber/Lyft/taxis with no problems (other than the unavoidable lines post-race).
Thanks for your input Julie, good to know. Shuttles definitely the best way to get to and from the circuit, but I hate how COTA removes the info until 1 month before the race. Keeps everyone in the dark about whether the service will be offered this year or not – even though it’s clearly a yearly thing
Any idea how long it will take after the race to get to the airport. I see it’s 9 miles away but know traffic will be heavy. Just trying to see if I’ll make my 6:30 flight?
It’s not too far from COTA to the airport as you know, but I would really consider changing your flight. The traffic after the race is really bad and it could take anywhere from 1-2 hours to get to the airport. You’ll be stressed the whole day rather than enjoying the race! I wouldn’t fly out before 8pm at the earliest.
I cannot find a link to prepurchase shuttle tickets at the COTA website. Anyone else had more luck?
Hi Sean, details not yet announced for 2017. Check the COTA website a bit closer to race weekend for details.
Does anyone know how far the McAngus lot is to the Grand Plaza? COTA have announced the shuttle times and prices but the difference in pricing between them is very high so if I can walk on the dedicated path from McAngus, I’ll be taking the cheap option! But would want to know how far I have to walk first! Have emailed the circuit to ask but if anyone on here can help me quicker, I’ll know which tickets to order! Thanks!
Hi Diane, I believe it’s about a 15 minute walk. I’d be taking the risk to save a few dollars!
Do you know if any of the shuttle services run from Holiday Inn Austin Airport I am not sure of where they cover
Anybody staying at Towneplace suites-austin-north-tech-ridge by any chance and want to share a taxi/uber to the racetrack?
We are in Houston for business on Monday and plan to drive to Austin for Sunday’s F1 race. Track parkings are full, and driving downtown first to catch a shuttle seems inefficient.
I read that there’s a shuttle from the expo center for 15$, and parking there is free. How big is the risk of us going there and find a full lot?
What method of transportstion could we best use?
Any advice?
Hi Jacob, I’m not sure if the Expo Center parking lot will fill up or not. Another option is to park somewhere else and take an Uber to the track.
We got the track tickets, and we’ll gladly take your advice for the Uber.
Thanks!
We were in Austin 6 years ago and found that taking a cab was much faster then driving as there was a specific road they could take is that still the case this year
It’s our first trip to COTA and our parking says we are in Lot L. Looking at maps on website, I see no indication on best route to take to get to Lot L. I am coming from Seguin TX Sunday morning for the race. Any advice on best routes ??
There’s a map with directions on coming in to Lot L here.
Hi! I’ve been trying to find out how often the bus picks people up from the Austin convention center? The website only says the bus runs from am to midnight, but nothing about the intervals.
I reach Austin in 12 hours, so any help will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
I am planning to be seated at the Turn 1 general Admission area. Whats the best way to get there? I don’t mind spending the $50 for the shuttle to get to the front area. Once there how do i get to the different parts of the circuit?
Hi Ajay, check the detailed map here. Easiest way is to just walk from one part of the circuit to another, there are plenty of signs.
But isn’t walking from the Grand Plaza to Turn 1 a good couple of miles? Wouldnt there be Shuttles available inside the circuit to get from point A to B?
Can I just drop my son off at Lot L?
We went to JT last night and waited till 12:30am to get the bus back to Lot Q.
I would like to avoid that chaos tonight.
Thanks
Hi, will we make our flight out after the GP has finished at 6:44pm from Austin Airport?
Your flight is from Austin Airport at 18:44? No, you won’t make it. The race won’t finish until just before 16:00 and then it can be difficult with traffic to leave the circuit quickly. I recommend rebooking your flight to leave no earlier than 21:00
First time at COTA will be for the MOTOGP … I have been reading about problems with mud and parking. Are any of the lots cement or asphalt? Which is a better lot T or N?
Is there is limit on vehicle size in the parking lots? We are driving our 24ft Rv down and want to park on sight each day if allowed? The Rv sites are all booked but we found an Rv park nearby. Also, what time do we need to be out of the lots each night?
How long is the walk from the Downtown drop off at McAgnus to front gate? Is there an Arboretum Shuttle?
Are there any shuttle buses from south of Austin to COTA? E.g. Kyle, Mtn City, Buda, etc. . . or only from downtown Austin to COTA?
Hi, please advise when details of shuttle services will be available and also ticket prices for the 2019 US Grand Prix?
Hi Liz, tickets don’t normally go on sale until March or April. Details of shuttles won’t be published until 1-2 months before the race.
Any bus shuttle info yet???
No. I guess it will be around 1 month before the race, like last year
I am coming up from San Antonio, TX.
*Where do we park our cars to get on shuttle in Palm Park Pick up to COT?
as searching on google only showed like 5 slots available in that area.
I’d go for the parking near Austin Convention Center, more info here: https://www.austinconventioncenter.com/directions-and-parking/
Thanks for all the details Andrew! Do you think it’s best to catch a flight post race at 20:05 from Houston or 21:30 from Dallas?
I’d say both flights are too early. You won’t enjoy the end of the race if you are stressing about missing your flight
2019 update. Shuttle buses from near convention center took over an hr to get to COTA due to traffic. Leaving from COTA back to downtown took almost 2hrs on a school bus. Getting on bus in both cases was fast- after the race it was 20min to board with wristband, but shuttles had no special egress to get out. It was stop & go (with a driver who liked to accelerate to full speed and slam on the brakes). Would have thought they would have better plans after 8yrs. We spent more time on the buses than the race actually was! Plan accordingly.
Thank you so much for all your information, would you know how to go about buying a parking pass? I purchased a “hero” pack experience from F1 and would need access Thur-Sun.
Thank you so much
Hi Marcos, you will need to wait until tickets go on sale from the circuit. Sorry, I can’t remember exactly how much official parking at the circuit costs, but also be aware that there are plenty of unofficial lots near the circuit. More information in Trackside
We are staying at the Best Western Buda-Austin – – will this be close to any shuttles or should we just get a car and buy a parking pass?
I don’t think this hotel will be close to a shuttle. Best to take taxi/ride sharing, or do as you suggest and hire a car and buy a parking pass.
Is there a “time” that the events start, and that the gates open on the Friday, Oct 22nd event? Taking my son for the first time, and to watch Twenty One Pilots, and would like to plan ahead.
Hi Greg, more information about the schedule and opening times can be found in the Trackside section of our guide: https://f1destinations.com/trackside-us-grand-prix/
The full on-track schedule won’t be available until around 1 month before the race, but the track action normally starts around 9am and finishes around 6pm.
Will Uber Chopper be running this year? If so, do you happen to know where they pick-up near the downtown area?
Do you know how often the shuttle departs? and until what time? Thanks!
No information has been provided so far, but this is what was said previously: Shuttles run on a continuous loop each day, starting at 8am on Friday and Saturday, and 7am on Sunday
Do the shuttle sell out? We are trying to decide if we buy shuttle passes for all three days, or if we should use a ride share. Can we decide when we get into town or are we risking not having tickets for a shuttle?
I think there’s a very good chance that the shuttle tickets will sell out quickly. I’d be buying them now if I was you
Can we have someone drop us off?
I’m trying to use Drop & Walk Shuttle, the bus starts at 8, right? Since it is a round trip, what time can I leave from circuit? Is there a limited time of shuttle?
I purchased Lot Q parking but cannot tell if they run a shuttle from the lot to the track? If they do run a shuttle, does the parking pass include this or purchased separately?
I believe they do Patrick. It’s free, you just have to scan your ticket. Here’s a map, not from 2021 but I think the internal shuttle service runs the same way each year. MAP LINK
I have front gate shuttle passes from Barton Creek Mall to and from COTA. Where will the busses be at the mall?
I’m considering renting bikes for me and my son to ride to the track instead of dealing with traffic. Has anyone heard of doing this? Would there be a place to lock up the bike? We are healthy and adventurous and I hate traffic. Thanks!
Yes this is possible; bicycle parking is available near the main entrance gates for the circuit. Found this information on another website, not 100% sure of accuracy: “Free bicycle parking is provided on-site during motorsport events. COTA can be accessed by bike route 72: Burleson Road to Elroy Road to the drop off area on McAngus. Cyclists can park and secure their bikes in Lot C or the pedestrian bridge over COTA Blvd. Please see this map for a detailed route.” Here’s the map link.
Where can you buy the shuttle passes for 2022? If it’s even available yet. I also heard from a few people that some shuttles didn’t show in 2021? Did they ever state why?
Hi Brian, it’s stated in the post that tickets for the shuttle are not yet available, and probably won’t be available until 1-2 months before the race
Which of these options is better to get out and home? All 3 days traffic was bad and Sunday was absolutely HORRIBLE! Cost is not an issue for me, but I paid $150 for Lot T in 2021 and that was horrendous! I would just like to get back to my hotel in a reasonable amount of time. Friday and Saturday was about an hour and Sunday was FOUR HOURS! Never again!
Front Gate Shuttle ($40 return per day): Ride in a climate-controlled motorcoach direct to the Grand Plaza entrance at COTA. Two pick up locations are available: Downtown (San Jacinto Blvd / East 14th St.) & Barton Creek Mall
Drop & Walk Shuttle ($20 return per day): Ride a schoolbus to the Angus Lot at COTA, which is about 10-12 minutes’ walk from the Grand Plaza. Two pick up locations are available: Bastrop Memorial Stadium and Guadalupe/51st St.
Curious as to where you were staying that it was 4 hours to get to the hotel on Sunday
Will the shuttle pick up / drop off location be the same as last year’s Guadalupe/51st St.? Is parking available at this location?
The 2022 shuttle information won’t be released until much closer to the race. I don’t know if the pick up locations will be the same or different, sorry
Is Bastrop Memorial Stadium the best option to get a Shuttle if I am driving from Houston?
Are parking passes already sold out for 2022?
It would seem so right now. Our shop is sold out, and also COTA. Perhaps more will be released. Don’t forget there are plenty of unofficial lots near COTA as well, where you can pay on the day
Hi! 3 topics to ask about: 1) Camping: Any input on what you can bring in when camping? Cooler with ice and food? Propane grill? Most concerned about food-drink related rules.
2) Can you bring in a camelback thru security with water/gatorade in it?
3) Any good F1 swag stores setup outside the track rea, like along hwy 290?
Thank you in advance!
I am flying in at 9 AM on Saturday and Leaving at 8:40PM on Sunday, how do you recommend I go to and from the airport. Any idea on shuttles from and to the airport(directly to COTA), will ubers be insanely expensive? I reckon that absolute worst case scenario is either hitchhiking or walking(about 3 hours lol)
I would normally not recommend booking a flight this early on a Sunday night, but you *should* be fine. Yes, it will be difficult to leave the track after the race, lots of people and hard to get a car. I would personally try and organize a pick up with a specific tabi/Uber driver who will be waiting for you in a specific lot after the race and who can take you straight to the airport.
Where will first notifications of shuttle tickets be posted would you know? I’m guessing there’s a few offering shuttle transfers ?
Hi Niall, previously the shuttle service hasn’t been announced (tickets on sale) until around 4-6 weeks before the race. This is an official shuttle service organized by the circuit.
Thanks Andrew
My flight is at 9:10pm on Sunday night after the race. Will I be good on time or do I need to consider Ubering to the airport instead of driving? Also, how do I go about setting up a specific driver if I go that route?
You should be fine, provided no delays to the race! Sorry, I don’t know the answer to your second question.
I got a 3 day parking pass at Chris Taylor Racing Services which is supposedly across the street from the track. Driving there from my hotel near the airport. Any advice?
Sounds like a great place to park, lucky you. Sorry I don’t have any specific advice – just check in advance that your parking pass will definitely allow you to drive on the local roads as there are more restrictions in place this year.
This website is so useful for purchasing tickets and preparing for F1 weekends – thanks!
Question about luggage storage. I can’t seem to find any luggage storage at COTA or at AUS airport — i was hoping to stash my carry-on at COTA/AUS so that after the race I could walk the track in peace and then head directly to the airport.
Any suggestions on stashing luggage somewhere nearby? my hotel is in North Austin so not convenient unfortunately. Thanks!
I don’t think there are luggage storage facilities at the track, but I think there should be at the airport. I suggest asking when you land in Austin
Looking at shuttle info on their website, it looks like the lots the expo shuttle picks up from in free? So in theory you could buy a shuttle pass and then the lot could be full? Curious what you are supposed to do then. I am wanting to drive down and back (from Dallas) for Friday only but the parking information is all very vague.
Yes, expo parking is free – but you are right, the lot could be full. Sorry I don’t have any advice other than to get there early
I think Friday should be pretty chill. I’ve seen a lot of people getting rid of their Friday tickets for $40-$50 so shouldn’t be too crazy to park at the expo.
Hi everyone…
I’ll go this year from Chile.. My flight arrives at 11:00 am in Friday. Please, help me with this: the best way to go to COTA from the airport??
You want to go direct from the airport to COTA? I think an Uber or Lyft would be best. But I don’t think they have luggage storage at the track, and remember you won’t be able to get in with a larger suitcase. It may be better to go to your accommmodation first, or leave your bag/suitcase at the airport when you arrive, and collect it after you leave the track on Friday night.
Thanks for the advice!!
I’m taking shuttle from Waterloo park to COTA (on Sat & Sunday). Can’t find anywhere how long it will take?
Yep, I understand they run continuously, however if I wanna make qualifying (5 pm Sat) and the race (2 pm Sun), when should I show up at the pick-up locations?
Any estimate would be super helpful! Thanks!
I’m not 100% sure, but I’d account for about 1 hour to get there and longer on the way back with traffic. For sure the shuttles will be busier in the mornings (8-10am) as most people want to be there the whole day. But I think it will be quieter if you get there later. Up to you when you show up at the pick up locations.
which exit do i take for parking lot H?
I’m not sure. Best idea is to use the Waze app, which should provide current and accurate directions
Hello! Been reading this for the last few months and it’s so helpful, as we’re first time COTA attenders.
We will already be at the track (as we’re driving in from DFW) but my college son is flying in from Tulsa to land at 3:00 on Sat. Obviously trying to get him to the track the quickest way possible.
(he will have NO luggage so that’s not a concern)
Do you know if Uber is running all the way to COTA? Or could they drop him close to the entrance to get to our seats at turn 12? (i’ve read differing accounts on where Uber/rideshare can go)
And do you know if you can pre-arrange an uber/Lyft in advance?
THANK YOU!!
Hi Pam, I suggest you read the rideshare section of this very article you commented on. It’s clear about the drop off point for rideshare. After that you have a free shuttle to the track. As for pre-arranging in advance, I think you can do that directly in the app but I’m not an expert
Hey Pam,
As a driver for both Uber and Lyft there are “Scheduled Pickups” available in the Lyft app along with similar capabilities in the Uber app as well.
Steven
Thanks Steven!
got one more quick question: when do the concerts begin after qualis sat night? if they are from 5-6, does the concert start pretty quickly? or is there a couple hour delay?
thank you!
I haven’t seen confirmed times for 2022 yet for the headline concerts, but in previous years they were on from about 7:30pm to 10pm
Hi,
I’m staying at an Airbnb and ubering from the airport to my accommodation. The information on ubering to the event are minimal. I read that you can’t rideshare to the track, but instead there is a rideshare staging area at Del Valle High School. From the HS they offer a free shuttle. Does this sound accurate?
Thank you
It’s the same information in this very post, so I hope it’s accurate. I took this info from the COTA website a month or so ago
For 2023 free shuttle is picking up from high school. Is parking will be available at the high school? So I can drive my car there? If available – will it be free or not? Thank you!
That’s only for fans arriving via ridesharing services. No, there’s no free parking there. You either need to buy parking near the circuit, or ride the paid shuttle buses from one of the locations in Austin to the circuit.
Hi Andrew, really love that you take the time to answer all these fan questions!
The latest flight I can get is 6:25pm out of Austin. If the race starts at 2pm this Sunday, considering the post race crowds, what is the fastest possible way to get to AUS airport?
I’m open to leaving early, motorbike share, e-scooters, ANYthing to not miss this flight.
I cannot miss this flight as there no other options
I think you know this flight is really too early. You may have to leave before the race ends (especially if it’s delayed at all) to be sure of making your flight. I think the best idea would be to get the shuttle to the ride share lot at McAngus road, then get a taxi or Uber to the airport.
Hello,
Do you know when the shuttle tickets from the Downtown (Waterloo Park/Moody Amphitheater) location? I thought I heard at one point that they sell out.
Thank you,
Hello, they normally go on sale around 4-8 weeks before race weekend. I don’t think they sold out last year, but always better to buy as early as you can
Hi Andrew, thank you very much for your information.
I’d like to take the shuttle from Travis County Exposition Center to COTA.
If there is an emergency for me, I need to go back to the Travis County Exposition Center.
Could we take the shuttle return when the bus come?
I can’t find the detail information on the website
the COTA information as blow:
Shuttles to Circuit of The Americas will run continuously until 6:30pm Friday and Saturday. Return service will end 60 minutes after music ends on Friday and Saturday night. Shuttles will run continuously all day on Sunday.
Thank you