Monza is one of the fastest circuits in the world. Getting to it is not.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza sits inside Monza Park, a walled estate of around 700 hectares just north of the town. Glorious setting. Terrible for traffic. Every fan arrives through a handful of gates, on foot, at roughly the same time. The 2027 Italian Grand Prix runs from 3 to 5 September, with a Sprint on the Saturday, so you’ll need a plan for every day. This is how to get there, and back, without losing half your weekend.
Flying in
Three airports serve Monza. Pick by where you’re flying from.
- Milan Linate (LIN): the closest airport and the best choice for European flights. Allow 35 to 45 minutes by taxi, or 60 to 90 minutes by public transport via the M4 metro and a train from Porta Garibaldi.
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): the main international hub. Allow 60 to 75 minutes by taxi, or 90 to 115 minutes by train using the Malpensa Express into Milan and a connection north.
- Bergamo (BGY): the base for most low-cost airlines. Allow 35 to 50 minutes by taxi. It’s up to two hours by public transport, so a taxi or pre-booked car is the better call here.
Taxi times are for normal traffic. On Grand Prix weekend, and especially Sunday, the roads around the park jam up. Build in extra time.
Flying from the UK
Milan is around two hours from London, not much more from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh. Flights for Grand Prix week fill fast and prices climb, so book early. Arrive Thursday for a calm first evening before Friday’s running. Fly home Monday, not straight after the podium.
By train from Milan
Most fans come by train from Milan, and Trenord runs extra services all weekend. The obvious route is Monza’s main station. It’s also the most crowded. From there it’s a shuttle bus or a long walk to the park, and the Sunday queues are famous for all the wrong reasons.
The station most people miss is Biassono-Lesmo Parco. It sits on the S7 line from Milan Porta Garibaldi towards Lecco, on the north side of the park, and is much quieter than Monza’s main station. Smart for anyone using the gates on that side of the circuit. It’s also the nearest station to The Pop-Up Hotel.
Driving and parking
Possible. Rarely relaxing. Car parks sell out, roads around the park close and getting out after the race can take hours. If you drive, pre-book parking, arrive early and pack some patience for Sunday evening.
Inside the park
First-timers always underestimate this bit. Once you’re through the park gates, it can be 10 to 45 minutes’ walk to your grandstand. The park is huge and the famous corners are spread right across it. Wear good shoes. Check your nearest gate before you set off.
Getting back after the race
Sunday is the big one. When the chequered flag falls, fans pour onto the track for the podium invasion beneath the main straight. It’s one of the great moments in sport. Don’t miss it.
Then everyone leaves at once. Trains fill up, the shuttle queues stretch back through the park and the roads out of town slow to a crawl. It can take hours to reach Milan on a Sunday evening. A few ways to make it easier:
- Stagger your exit. Stay for the podium, soak it up and let the first wave clear.
- Pre-book a driver. In Italy, NCC (noleggio con conducente) means a pre-booked chauffeur service with the price agreed in advance. It’s worth arranging well before race week.
- Use Uber Black. It operates in Monza, with upfront pricing, but book your return early as demand spikes after the race.
A race day that works
A well-planned Sunday looks like this:
- Morning: head in early, well before the support races, while the park is still calm.
- Late morning: find your spot, grab food before the queues build and watch the drivers’ parade.
- Afternoon: the Grand Prix itself, followed by the podium and the track invasion.
- Early evening: let the crowds clear, then make your way home with a journey you booked in advance.
Evenings in Milan
Race-week trains are built to move spectators to and from the circuit, not to support a late night in the city. After around 10pm to 10:30pm, services back from Milan become thin. If you’re planning dinner in Brera or drinks in Porta Nuova, sort out your journey home before you go.
The easy way
The easiest way to beat the Monza commute? Don’t have one. The Pop-Up Hotel sits a short walk from the circuit, with Biassono-Lesmo Parco station a short walk from reception. That means you walk to the track in the morning and can be in Milan for dinner in the evening, with no shuttle queues in between.
Quick answers
Which airport is closest to Monza circuit?
Milan Linate is the closest, around 35 to 45 minutes by taxi in normal traffic. Malpensa has the widest choice of international flights, and Bergamo is the hub for low-cost airlines.
Which train station is best for Monza circuit?
Monza’s main station is the busiest. Biassono-Lesmo Parco, on the S7 line from Milan Porta Garibaldi, is a quieter option on the north side of the park.
How long does it take to walk from the gates to the grandstands?
Anything from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on your gate and seat. Check the closest gate before you travel.
