F1 Austin 2026: Your Complete Airport & Event Transportation Guide
The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix returns to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) October 23-25, 2026. With over 400,000 fans expected across three days of racing, concerts, and entertainment, getting to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the track is one of the biggest logistical challenges of race weekend.
Carter Transportation — Austin’s official SuperShuttle and ExecuCar affiliate — has been serving F1 weekend travelers since the first US Grand Prix at COTA in 2012. Here’s everything you need to know about F1 transportation in Austin.
Getting From Austin Airport to Your Hotel
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located just 12 miles from COTA and about 8 miles from downtown Austin. During F1 weekend, hotel demand is at its peak throughout the metro area, so many visitors stay in Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, or San Marcos where rates are more reasonable.
No matter where you’re staying, Carter Transportation provides door-to-door airport service across 20+ cities in the Greater Austin area. Our options include:
- Shared-Ride Shuttle — The most economical option. Share a van with fellow race fans heading in the same direction.
- Private Black Car — Executive sedan for VIP arrivals. Your driver meets you at baggage claim with a name sign.
- SUV Service — Room for families, groups, and all that F1 merchandise. Seats up to 6 with generous luggage space.
- Group & Event Vans — Perfect for corporate groups, hospitality packages, and fan clubs traveling together. Seats up to 10.
Getting to Circuit of the Americas
COTA is located on the southeastern outskirts of Austin at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. During race weekend, access is restricted — you cannot simply drive up without a parking pass, and traffic on COTA Blvd can be intense.
Your options for getting to the track include:
- COTA Shuttle Service — Official shuttles run from designated pickup points in downtown and northeast Austin. Passes are available through the COTA website.
- Carter Transportation Charter — Our hourly charter service provides a dedicated vehicle and driver for race day. Get dropped off and picked up on your schedule with no waiting for shuttles. Perfect for Paddock Club and hospitality ticket holders.
- Rideshare — Uber and Lyft operate from the McAngus lot, but expect significant waits and surge pricing, especially after the race.
F1 Weekend Transportation Tips
- Book airport transfers weeks in advance. F1 weekend is one of Austin’s busiest. Availability is limited, especially for Friday arrivals and Sunday departures.
- Consider an hourly charter for race day. A dedicated driver means no fighting for rideshares after the checkered flag. We pick you up exactly when you’re ready to leave.
- Stay hydrated and plan for the weather. Late October in Austin can still be warm with limited shade at COTA. Plan your transportation so you’re not walking long distances.
- Airport departures Sunday evening. If flying out Sunday after the race, allow at least 3 hours between the end of the GP and your flight. COTA-to-AUS traffic can be brutal.
- Downtown hotels are priciest. Our service covers Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Buda, and other areas where you may find better hotel rates.
Corporate & Hospitality Packages
Many companies use F1 weekend for client entertainment and team building. Our corporate transportation service coordinates multi-vehicle logistics for corporate hospitality groups, including airport transfers, hotel-to-COTA shuttles, and dinner transportation. Centralized billing and dedicated account management make expense reporting simple.
Book Your F1 Austin 2026 Transportation
Don’t wait until race week to book your ride. Reserve your F1 airport transportation now at cartertransportationaustin.com, through the SuperShuttle app, or by calling (512) 258-3826. Guaranteed pricing, real-time flight tracking, and drivers who know every route in Austin — including the fastest ways to COTA.
Carter Transportation has served every Formula 1 US Grand Prix at COTA since the inaugural race in 2012. Women-owned, locally operated, and available 24/7.