From a three-day break in Budapest to a getaway in Spa, we're rounding up the most affordable destinations worth considering if you want to combine Formula 1 and exploration in 2027.
In recent years, Formula 1 has gained an even bigger following in Greece, with more and more fans seeking the chance to experience up close the speed and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of a Grand Prix. In 2027, the championship will once again travel across five continents and 24 destinations, offering plenty of different options for a trip packed with adrenaline and speed. But how much does it cost to attend a Grand Prix?
Year after year, tickets are getting pricier, and for the cities that host the races, those days have become high season. Although attending a Grand Prix can easily become an expensive affair, there are destinations that let you significantly rein in the overall budget. Based on indicative airfares from Athens and three-day General Admission tickets, the European races seem to offer the most affordable options for Greeks. Of course, prices vary depending on when you book, while opting for a three-day ticket without a reserved seat or cover keeps costs at their lowest.
The budget-friendly options
The most affordable options for anyone planning the trip from Athens are the closest European cities, which come with lower ticket prices as well as accommodation choices.
Budapest, Hungary
If there’s one race that stands out each year on the calendar for those who want to get to know Formula 1 without a big budget, it’s the Hungarian one. The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place in summer, which makes it ideal to combine with your summer break. Over July 30 – August 1, 2027, spectators will once again gather at the Hungaroring, about 20 kilometers northeast of Budapest. Indicatively, the lowest three-day tickets start from 207 euros.
Budapest is well connected by air with Athens, with fares starting from 122 for that period, and there are accommodation options for every budget. Plus, the city is an ideal summer city break destination, and you can pair the action with strolls along the Danube.
Spielberg, Austria
The Austrian Grand Prix takes place at the Red Bull Ring, in Spielberg, set within the spectacular scenery of the Austrian Alps. It’s a circuit that impresses with the natural landscape surrounding it and is another great choice for a summer escape into nature. The dates are July 9–11, 2027 and the most affordable three-day tickets are roughly in Budapest’s price range, starting from 200 euros.
Flights from Athens to Vienna are usually quite affordable compared to other European capitals, starting from about 105 euros for that period. However, the drawback is that the Grand Prix isn’t held in Vienna, and from the Austrian capital you’ll need additional travel to Spielberg, which pushes up the final cost. Beyond Vienna, you can explore the region’s lush nature and picturesque villages like Knittelfeld.
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
For those who want to pair Formula 1 with one of the championship’s most historic circuits, Spa-Francorchamps is a choice well worth adding to the list. The Belgian Grand Prix is held at the historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, close to the town of Spa, in the impressive forest of the Ardennes. Spa is a great opportunity for an escape that blends nature walks and wellness, as the town is renowned for its thermal springs (and has lent its name to the spas we all know).
Anyone there on July 23–25, 2027, will have the chance to witness up close one of the world’s most famous, fast, and demanding circuits, known especially for the legendary uphill corner Eau Rouge - Raidillon. Ticket prices start from 245 euros for the three days. The circuit is about 1.5 hours from Brussels, and there are shuttle buses from Spa station. Airfares start from 175 euros for that period.
Istanbul, Turkey
Formula 1’s return to Istanbul is one of the most significant changes to the 2027 schedule, as well as the years ahead. The Turkish Grand Prix will take place at Istanbul Park, with Turkey rejoining the calendar after several years away over the October 1–3, 2027 weekend. For a traveler from Greece, this option has one very important advantage, and that’s proximity.
Airfares from Athens are lower than to other Formula 1 destinations, while race tickets haven’t been announced yet and you need to join the waitlist. However, they tend to be at more reasonable levels if you book early. There’s also the option to go overland by bus or car and cut costs, especially if you live in Northern Greece.
Portimão, Portugal
Formula 1’s return to Portugal is also one of the highlights of next year’s calendar. The Grand Prix will be held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, June 18–20, for the first time since 2021. General Admission tickets for the three days were lower-priced than other circuits, but they haven’t been announced yet this year.
Flights from Athens to Lisbon for that period start from 220 euros. The circuit is about 300 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, so you’ll need to factor in travel to the Algarve region. This option is best for getting to know the destination, as the Algarve is a hidden gem of Portugal with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and striking sights.
The historic options
Over time, Greek Formula 1 fans have shown great interest in the calendar’s most historic choices, which are pricier than other European circuits but more affordable overall than those outside Europe.
Silverstone, Great Britain
Legendary Silverstone is another option worth considering if you want to experience Formula 1 up close at a slightly higher cost compared with other European destinations. Silverstone hosted the first World Championship race in 1950 and today remains one of the most famous weekends on the calendar. The British Grand Prix of 2027 takes place the first weekend of July, with General Admission tickets starting from about 577 for three days, while access from Greece can be via London. For those dates, the cost starts from 210 euros.
From there, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of getting to Silverstone, with connections available from nearby towns such as Northampton and Milton Keynes. Overall, Silverstone can be an interesting choice for those who want to combine a trip to London and the English countryside with one of the most historic Grands Prix on the calendar.
Monza, Italy
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the first choices a Greek Formula 1 enthusiast would think of, mainly thanks to the excellent air connection between Athens and Milan. It’s among the most popular and sold-out options, as Monza is Ferrari’s home. Every first weekend of September, Italian fans create a unique atmosphere, draping the stands with red flags and singing, and there are countless celebratory events.
Autodromo Nazionale Monza is known as the ‘temple of speed,’ as it’s one of the most historic, fastest, and most iconic circuits in motorsport. Due to the popularity of the Italian Grand Prix, ticket prices are very high, sometimes starting close to 600 euros for the three days and climbing steeply. You can combine the trip with a visit to Milan, as well as to the picturesque town of Monza.
Monaco, Monte Carlo
The Monaco Grand Prix can hardly be called an overall budget option, but for a Greek who loves Formula 1 it deserves a spot on the list, mainly thanks to the relatively easy access. The famous Circuit de Monaco offers one of the championship’s most singular experiences, while the flight from Athens to Nice, the nearest major airport, can be found at a better price if you book early.
From there, Monaco is about 30 kilometers away and is easily connected by train. However, the cost of Grand Prix tickets and especially accommodation pushes the overall budget up significantly. Tickets for the May 21–23, 2027 weekend start from 380 euros, but they sold out immediately, so the next options are quite expensive. For that reason, Monaco suits those who want to invest in an emblematic Formula 1 experience rather than a truly budget trip.
