2026 is proving to be a good year for the US F1 race fans! With most races starting relatively soon, everyone gets a chance to attend. Always wanted to book a flight to Europe, but the right opportunity never came? You get a chance now, as the races are also held in Singapore, Austria, Australia, and many more countries. But what if you want to stick closer to home?
In this case, you have to choose between Las Vegas, Austin, and Miami. If you don’t live in Nevada, Texas, or Florida, all the planning hinges on costs and budgeting. But how do you know what to spend your hard-earned money on?
Costs and trip planning are exactly what we’ll discuss in this article. We’ll compare the 3 races based on our own criteria and even explain how to budget for your trip.
How We Judge If the US F1 Race Is Worth It
Let’s start by determining the criteria we use to base our analysis. They include three main factors:
- Ticket value. To put it simply, this criterion examines what you get for the price: ticket tiers, flexible or single-day options, and overall viewing experience.
- Total trip cost. This is the cost of getting to the location and staying there. It includes accommodation costs, flight and transportation expenses, food, on-site costs, etc.
- Overall experience. This criterion is mostly about atmosphere. It’s about crowd energy, unique local elements, and entertainment beyond the F1 race.
Deep Dive: Comparing The Experiences
With the criteria outlined, it’s time to compare the three F1 races to make an informed decision. This breakdown will help you consider local aspects that are unique to each place and separately assess what you can do in each city beyond race attendance.
Miami GP Premium Weekend
The Miami F1 Race sells itself as a premium experience. This is readily apparent when buying tickets or looking at cost-related factors.
Ticket Value
If you want to get a simple general admission ticket, you’ll need to pay $300 for a 3-day Campus pass. It allows entry onto venue grounds, access to fan zones, and provides multiple vantage points without a reserved seat. Being part of the crowd or buying a Grandstand ticket will cost $75 on some days. 3-day prices can reach $1,259 or more. VIP packages remain firmly in the 4-figure range, starting at $1,600.
Grandstand tickets tend to provide the most value for their price, as you get a good vantage point, don’t need to arrive early and find a viewing spot, and don’t overpay for additional services (meetups, related events, etc.). But if you want to save money, you can still have a good experience with a GA, since discounts have been offered in previous years.
Total Trip Cost
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the state you are traveling from. On average, you can spend $250–$300 per ticket, though prices spike during the event. Parking around Hard Rock Stadium costs $70–$500, depending on the options selected.
Accommodations are another serious expense category. 3-star hotels cost around $450 per night, while hostels charge $150 per night. Luxury hotels charge $2,400 to $3,800 per night.
Local dining or restaurant experiences tend to be pricy, especially in downtown and South Beach. According to past attendees, you should expect to spend $250 on food and drink at the event location.
Overall Experience
Hosted at the Miami International Autodrome around Hard Rock Stadium, the event feels like a curated festival, as it did the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The campus has multiple themed zones, large sponsor activations, and a strong celebrity presence.
There’s no better city for a vacation than Miami! Tourists often combine race weekends with South Beach visits, exploring art in Wynwood, dining in Brickell, or just generally relaxing around Miami Beach. The nightlife adds more flavor to the trip, as partying near Downtown or Biscayne Bay can make for an unforgettable experience. Oh, and if footy is your thing, you can catch Lionel Messi at an Inter Milan game!
If we step back and evaluate, Miami offers an excellent experience if you are looking for a luxurious, unique atmosphere. If you’re coming over, taking a break from racing and spending time on the beach sipping cocktails is a must.
A Fan Classic: The COTA Race
Austin is the classic place for fans to experience the F1 race. It is often considered the best viewing experience in the US, so fans should buckle up for excellence!
Ticket Value
Recent 3-day General Admission prices start at around $380–$429, with grandstand seats ranging from $700 to $1,500. Single-day tickets are typically available on Friday and Saturday at lower entry points. VIP package pricing is close to Miami’s range.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) returns, and delivers very strong on-track visibility. If you get GA tickets, you will spend some time securing a good spot, but chances are, you’ll be able to experience the race comfortably, especially in the Turn 1 hill area, where the elevation provides a view that’s clear as day.
Total Trip Cost
Let’s consider a hypothetical. If you live in New York and book in advance, flying could cost between $110 and $450, depending on your carrier. But that’s for direct flights. You can also fly into San Antonio and drive to Austin, which may cost $100–$150 less.
Accommodation prices vary significantly, but you can find high- and mid-range options at reasonable prices. Larger hotels offer plenty of downtown options, including boutique hotels and serviced apartments. Four-star hotels can offer flexibility if you’re on a tight budget, with cheaper options starting at $55 per night.
Renting a car at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can cost between $37 and $60 for a compact car. A parking spot at the track can set you back by around $150–$200. Food prices at COTA are on the expensive side.
Overall Experience
When at the circuit, you’re guaranteed to experience an atmosphere like no other! The crowd energy is strong, especially on race day, creating the right conditions for perfect spectator moments.
Austin is a lively, colorful city with plenty of landmarks to visit. You can enjoy the waterfront at Lady Bird Lake, experience history by visiting the Texas State Capitol, or even find a scenic spot and picnic at Zilker Park. You can also see a 1.5 million bat colony take off from under the Congress Avenue Bridge as the animals nest there from March to October.
Because the viewing experience is so strong, you might be glued to your seat and barely leave the circuit. You can find a good viewing spot even with GA, and enjoy your time.
Las Vegas: Spectacle and Nightlife
The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit that runs past Caesars Palace and The Venetian Resort. Usually, the most expensive options, prices, and overall costs have changed significantly since the race debut.
Ticket Value
Ticket prices saw the biggest change yet. Recent official releases advertised single-day tickets at around $50 and General admission starting around $400 in later phases. Standard 3-day Grandstand tickets typically cost $800–$1,800, depending on zone and view. VIP packages, however, tend to be more expensive than in Austin and Miami, with a $10,000 ceiling.
The race takes place during the night, and you get to experience the neon beauty that is Vegas. However, there’s one major trade-off: the view might not be that great. Street closures, pedestrian routing, and security perimeters can complicate movement between properties and viewing areas. This heavily incentivizes getting guaranteed reserved seats.
Total Trip Cost
Plane tickets tend to be at Austin’s price level. You should expect to pay anywhere from $200 and $ 300 to get to Vegas. One big plus is that the airport is just 10–15 minutes from the Strip, and you won’t have to ride far if you stay there.
Las Vegas has one major advantage: massive hotel inventory. While Strip hotels will raise prices during the race weekend, you have plenty of options to consider. Mid-range hotels will typically set you back by $250–$600 per night, but you won’t stay too far from the circuit.
On top of all this, there’s another advantage Vegas has over other spots: low transportation costs. Provided you don’t stay on the outskirts, everything is within walking distance, from restaurants and casinos to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. And while proximity to activity hubs is great, expect to splurge on entertainment, as it’s very easy to get enticed by the City of Sin.
Overall Experience
When the lights go out, the Strip feels cinematic. Racing under the neon skyline creates a high-stakes atmosphere unlike many other traditional experiences. The crowd builds throughout the evening, and by race start, the combination of lights, sound, and city backdrop makes for a uniquely dramatic setting.
The city further amplifies this feeling. You’re steps away from Bellagio and its fountains, the LED exterior of the Sphere, and the famous resorts like Caesars Palace. World-class restaurants, rooftop lounges, and non-stop nightlife are all things that fuel your time in Vegas. And the fights! Catch a UFC bout in their home in Vegas.
The flipside, however, is that all extra activities might distract you from the race itself. As GA is not an option, you may go for a Grandstand ticket, which can get pricey if you come as a group. Crowds and general pedestrian congestion could get on your nerves. Usual costs like food and restaurant visits can also balloon out of proportion.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Even with all this information, it may be difficult to create a realistic budget. To start, think about what you’re gonna do on location and move from there.
Calculate the Costs
Based on everything mentioned above, a typical budget for the three races would look like this:
- Austin (General Admission): plan for roughly $1,500–$2,000 per person
- Miami (Grandstand): expect around $2,800–$3,500
- Las Vegas (Grandstand): typically $3,000–$4,000
Austin is the most budget-friendly option, while Vegas has the highest potential for enormous costs. Take these estimates as a reference, and decide on the location carefully.
Look at Funding Options
After considering your overall budget, look at income and savings. It’s especially prudent now, when inflation is on the rise. Many fans prepare financially for big upfront expenses and carefully consider loan options for travel. Although it’s not always advisable to take on a loan, it could solve all potential financial issues for you.
If you decide to borrow, prioritize transparency:
- Know the total repayment amount before borrowing
- Avoid stacking multiple loans for non-essential upgrades
- Treat financing as a way to manage timing — not as a license to overspend
Book In Phases
If borrowing isn’t an option, spread out your expenses. Book flights in advance to avoid volatile prices. Lock in refundable accommodation and consider trade-offs (far from the circuit, but a bus station nearby). Purchase tickets only when you confirm logistics and decide how you want to move around the location.
Consider Hidden Costs
Last but not least, consider hidden costs. Look at parking or rideshare prices, track small costs, and prepare a snack budget. An ideal solution is to create a financial cushion. It’s usually 10–15% of your overall budget.
Bottom Line
So, which U.S. F1 race is worth your money? It depends on what you value most. If you want the strongest racing experience at the most controlled price, Austin delivers excellent visibility and atmosphere without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a premium weekend that blends motorsport with beach vibes and nightlife, Miami makes sense — just budget carefully. And if you want full-scale spectacle, cinematic night racing, and nonstop entertainment, Las Vegas offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ultimately, all three races can be worth it if they align with your expectations and budget. Choose based on your priorities, plan responsibly, and make sure the memories last longer than the credit card bill.