Singapore Grand Prix Guides

Singapore Grand Prix: what to expect

The Singapore Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held after dark under floodlights. It was the first night race in Formula 1. The track, called the Marina Bay Street Circuit, uses public roads around Marina Bay and the Civic District. Cars race past the city skyline and the waterfront.

The race usually takes place in September or early October. Race weekend runs from Friday to Sunday. Practice usually starts on Friday, qualifying is on Saturday and the main race is on Sunday night. Concerts and other entertainment run across all three days.

Choosing race tickets

Tickets go on sale many months ahead, and popular grandstands sell out. There are two main kinds:

• Grandstand tickets give you a reserved seat at one part of the track. They also let you walk around a set zone of the circuit park.
• Walkabout tickets have no reserved seat. You move around your zone and watch from viewing areas along the fences.

Each ticket gives access to certain zones. Your zone decides which stages and food areas you can reach. Single-day and three-day passes are usually offered. Hospitality packages with private lounges cost far more. Prices change every year, so compare options on the official race website before you buy.

Watching beyond the grandstands

Most good views of the track are inside the ticketed zones, so a ticket is the most reliable way to see the cars. Some hotel rooms and restaurants around Marina Bay look over parts of the circuit. If you want a room with a track view, ask the hotel directly when you book. Outside race weekend, the roads return to normal, and the Marina Bay Night Walk takes in the same skyline for free.

Where to stay for the Singapore Grand Prix

Staying close to the circuit lets you walk to the gates and skip the traffic. Hotels in Marina Bay and City Hall are closest, but they book up early and charge more on race weekend.

• Pan Pacific Singapore and Conrad Singapore Marina are in the Marina Bay area, near the circuit.
• The Fullerton Hotel Singapore sits by the mouth of the Singapore River, a short walk from the Civic District.
• Many hotels in City Hall & Clarke Quay are within walking distance of the circuit gates.
• For lower prices, stay in Orchard, Bugis or Chinatown and ride the MRT in. Trains are often quicker than taxis on race nights.

Getting around road closures

Roads around the circuit close in stages before race weekend, and some stay closed until after it. Buses are diverted, and taxis cannot reach some drop-off points. The MRT is the easiest way in and out, though it gets very busy after each session ends.

• Check the official road closure notices before you travel.
• Find the MRT station nearest your gate, as some station exits may close.
• Expect long queues at stations after the race, and plan a relaxed exit.
• Read How to Get to Marina Bay by MRT, Bus and Taxi for the main routes.

Race weekend tips

• Dress for the heat. It is warm and humid even at night. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Drink plenty of water. Bring a refillable bottle if the entry rules allow it.
• Protect your ears. The cars are very loud. Earplugs help, especially for children.
• Prepare for rain. Showers can arrive quickly. A light poncho is easier than an umbrella in a crowd.
• Check the bag rules. Security checks apply at every gate, and some items are not allowed.
• Eat before or after. Food stalls inside the circuit get busy. Lau Pa Sat and other places in Marina Bay & CBD are close by, though they may be crowded too.

FAQs about the Singapore Grand Prix

When is the Singapore Grand Prix?

It is usually held in September or early October. The exact dates appear on the official Formula 1 calendar each year.

How long does race weekend last?

Three days, from Friday to Sunday. Track sessions, concerts and other events run each evening.

Can I see the race without a ticket?

Views from outside the circuit are very limited. Some hotel rooms and restaurants nearby overlook parts of the track, but a ticket is the most reliable way to watch.

Where is the best place to stay for the Grand Prix?

Marina Bay and City Hall are closest to the circuit. Orchard and Bugis are often cheaper and linked by MRT. Book early wherever you stay.