Getting To Monza For The Formula 1 Race

Getting To Monza For The Formula 1 Race

Dave and I went to the Monza Formula 1 race in 2016. Through our own trial and error and getting there and back I decided to write a blog post to help other travellers. Hopefully these tips on how to get to Monza will be helpful.

Flights

I would suggest you book as soon as possible and fly the most direct route. Bookings can be done 330 days in advance. Make sure when you book that you have enough time to recover from your travels, especially if flying west to east. We flew Air France from Cape Town to Milan via Paris. We arrived in Italy on the Saturday before the race which was plenty enough time for us to get settled.

Accommodation

Don’t worry too much about staying in Monza. There are plenty of options available to you. I would suggest staying within an hours’ train journey of Monza. We stayed at Antica Officina in Mandello del Lario, the home of Moto Guzzi, on Lake Como.

Transport

Getting around Italy is really easy. You do not have to hire a car and I would not recommend driving to the race as parking is at a premium. However, if you cannot walk far, rather hire a car than rely on taxis as they are very expensive on the day of the race. Keep in mind that you will have to get to Monza early to secure a parking close to the park. On the day of the race I suggest you get a train from where you are staying directly to the main station in Monza. There is a dedicated service from Milan only for the race weekend. Refer to Tren Ord for more information, especially if you are not staying in Milan. Book and pay for your tickets at the station. Do not look to go to any of the smaller stations as the trains might not actually go there on a Sunday. When you get to the station at Monza, purchase a bus ticket for the Black Bus that will take you straight to the park. This is by far the easiest way to get there. Don’t be in a mad rush to get the bus back. Avoid the queues by having a drink somewhere after the race. The crowding to get back is ridiculous and the buses run non stop till everyone waiting has been transported back to the station. There is a small pub close to where the bus stops so you can sit outside and watch the queues!

Monza Formula 1 Race

Book your seats as soon as they open for sale. For 2017 the sale of tickets is already open. And, early bird discounts will get you up to €60 off the cost of the ticket. Trust me, this is worthwhile and the seats will not get cheaper. We chose to sit on Stand 8A for the view of the Parabolica. Seats are sold on a first come, first served basis and you cannot choose your allocation. Don’t sit in the general viewing area if you can afford a stand. The website offers a great description of each stand so make your choice based on the information they give you. Be prepared to walk! The circuit is situated inside the Monza national park and no matter how you get there, it is a fair walk. We walked over 10km on the day of the race! Dress for the weather in natural fibres and be sure to wear sunblock and take extra with you. Wear comfortable shoes (for all that walking). Take at least 1.5l of water with you per person. If you have access to a freezer, freeze a few bottles, especially if the weather is going to be hotter than 25 degrees Celsius. Pack a ready made picnic lunch to eat at the circuit. Pack snacks for the journey as well as for nibbling on during the race. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged but don’t take too many photos. Being at the race and watching it live is far more valuable. Take cushions to sit on as the seats are metal and not at all comfortable. Pack tissues for use in the portable toilets. These don’t flush but have a moving part that water sprays on to (if the water is flowing). Take wet wipes with you for when you go to the toilet! You will need to wipe down plenty of surfaces (I had to even wipe the floor!). It can be gross so be warned.

Tips and Tricks

If you are a motorsport enthusiast going to a race is one of the most amazing things. Nothing can beat the experience of seeing a race live. The noise is just something else, and in Italy there are the Tifosi. Be prepared for small medical emergencies with bandages. There are medical tents all around the track for anything more serious. Keep yourself hydrated with water. Be as comfortable as you can be. It is a long day and you will need a shower afterwards as it is extremely dusty at Monza. Walk with the crowds and not against the people otherwise you will get shoved from pillar to post. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere. Do not be in a rush! Watch the race with your eyes, not through the lens of your camera. It happens so fast you really do not want to miss anything.

Have more questions?

Feel free to ask them. I will email everyone back with a reply that needs assistance!

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime January 25:

• 2016 – Knish
• 2015 – Pop Goes The Weasel
• 2012 – Green Curry Paste
• 2011 – Lamb Shank Curry | Peppadew Pasta

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