Formula 1 in Baku 2025: how to see the fastest race of the season and discover Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijan stage of Formula 1 in Baku is a rare blend of oriental atmosphere, futuristic architecture and extreme speeds on the famous Baku City Circuit. The street circuit winds among historic quarters, passes between the fortress walls of Icherisheher and the Caspian Sea, and its record-long straight makes the Azerbaijan Grand Prix one of the fastest races on the calendar.
If you are planning a trip to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025, below is a detailed article with information about tickets for Formula 1 in Baku, the best grandstands, logistics tips and a mini-guide to the places worth seeing before and after the race.
Key dates and facts: what, where, when
Before buying tickets for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, it is important to understand the weekend schedule and the features of the track.
Grand Prix dates: September 19–21, 2025 (Fri–Sun). These are the confirmed calendar dates of the F1 season.
Weekend format: 3 practice sessions + qualifying + race (no sprint). The time schedule is typical for street circuits:
- Fri: FP1 12:30–13:30, FP2 16:00–17:00
- Sat: FP3 12:30–13:30, Qualifying 16:00–17:00
- Sun: Drivers’ Parade 13:00–13:30, Race Start 15:00 (51 laps) — all times local (AZT).
Track characteristics: length ~6.003 km, 51 laps, one of the longest straights (~2.2 km) and the fourth longest circuit on the calendar. Cars accelerate over 350 km/h, making the Baku race one of the most spectacular.
Thanks to the urban configuration of the Baku City Circuit, spectators are as close as possible to the cars and can watch overtakes in narrow corners as well as top speeds on the long straight along the seafront. That is why many consider Formula 1 in Azerbaijan a must-visit at least once.
Tickets and best seats: which grandstand to choose
Where to buy
Tickets for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 are best purchased through official channels — the Baku City Circuit website or Formula1.com. With official partners (F1 Tickets and authorized resellers), it is convenient to compare grandstand maps and seat availability.
👉 Direct links: bakucitycircuit.com, Formula1 Ticketshop, F1 Baku Tickets.
Where to sit (brief grandstand guide):
Absheron (A–E): the main grandstand opposite the pit lane: start/finish, garages, podium. The only partially covered (some sectors). Perfect if you want “everything at once”: start, pit stop tactics, and the awards ceremony. Central sectors A–C are recommended for the podium view and sector E closer to T1 for late braking and overtaking.
Icheri Sheher: the “postcard picture”: corners by the Old City walls. The track is narrow here, drivers make mistakes more often, and spectators are literally next to the barriers. No surprise these seats sell out faster than others.
AzNeft: 90-degree corner (T16), heavy braking, great shots and real chances of overtakes. Good balance of price and action.
Bulvar / Sahil / Khazar: grandstands along the main straight: spectators feel maximum speed and see pit entries, but for the awards ceremony Absheron is better.
Filarmoniya: located inside the circuit at the T16 apex. It is worth sitting higher so that the fencing does not block the view.
Thus, the best seats at the Baku City Circuit are Absheron (universal option) and Icheri Sheher (Old City atmosphere).
How to get there and move around: visas, airport, metro
Visa (ASAN Visa) and visa-free regime for Uzbeks
For most tourists an electronic visa (ASAN Visa) is required, processed online in about 3 working days (urgent option in ~3 hours). Cost: $20 state fee + $9 service fee. Single entry, stay up to 30 days. Application is only through the official portal evisa.gov.az.
Important: for citizens of Uzbekistan, there is a visa-free regime with Azerbaijan. This means you can go to Formula 1 in Baku 2025 without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days.
From the airport to the city
The easiest way from the airport to the center of Baku is by H1 Airport Express (BakiBus). The trip costs about 1.3 AZN, payment via BakıKart, which can be purchased and topped up directly at the terminal.
Public transport
The Baku metro is the fastest option, especially when streets are closed during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix days. A single trip costs about 0.50 AZN. You need a BakıKart (2 AZN), which can be topped up at machines.
Hotel selection: where to stay during the Formula 1 Baku Grand Prix
An equally important question is accommodation. During the race days demand rises sharply, so hotels near the Formula 1 track in Baku should be booked at least 2–3 months in advance.
Here is a selection of the most convenient options: from luxury near the circuit to affordable hotels in the center:
Hilton Baku*
Address: 1B Azadliq Avenue, Baku 1000
Price: from 350–400 USD/night during the race
Why choose: directly on the Seaside Boulevard, opposite the Baku City Circuit and the Caspian Sea. The hotel has a rooftop panoramic restaurant, pool, fitness and spa. Ideal for those who want to be at the center of events.
Cons: high price during Formula 1 days, booking required at least 2–3 months in advance.
JW Marriott Absheron Baku*
Address: 674 Azadliq Square, Baku 1000
Price: from 400 USD/night
Why choose: premium service, track view, rooftop restaurants, spacious rooms. One of the best options for F1 Baku fans as part of the circuit runs right past the hotel.
Cons: very high price during race days.
Park Inn by Radisson Baku
Address: 1 Azadliq Avenue, Baku 1000
Price: from 200–250 USD/night
Why choose: good balance of price and location. A 10-minute walk to Old City Baku and the circuit. Rooms with Caspian view.
Cons: rooms sell out quickly for Azerbaijan Grand Prix dates.
Holiday Inn Baku
Address: Keykab Khanim Safaraliyeva Street 5, Baku 1010
Price: from 150–200 USD/night
Why choose: modern hotel with pool and Flame Towers view. Walking distance to Sahil metro station and city center. Convenient for those who want to combine F1 tickets Baku with sightseeing.
Sahil Hostel & Hotel
Address: 3A Zarifa Aliyeva Street, Baku
Price: from 30–50 USD/night
Why choose: budget but clean option. Located in the Sahil district, 10 minutes’ walk to the track and Fountain Square. Great choice for young travelers and students.
Cons: noisy due to central location.
Midtown Hotel Baku (28 May district)
Address: Khagani Rustamov Street, Baku
Price: from 100–120 USD/night
Why choose: convenient access to 28 May metro, 2 stops from the circuit. Cheaper district with plenty of cafes and shops. Good solution if you want to save but still stay close to the action.
Mini-guide: where to go in free time in Baku
When you have a break between sessions or after the weekend, it is worth allocating time for the main city sights. Below is a selection of what to see in Baku in just 1–2 days. These locations are often searched by tourists with queries like “where to go in Baku” and “things to do in Baku.”
Icherisheher (Old City Baku) — medieval walls and streets under UNESCO protection. Free entry.
Maiden Tower — observation deck, tickets ~10 AZN, hours 10:00–18:00, address: center of Old City.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs — 15th century architectural complex, ticket ~10 AZN, hours 10:00–18:00, address: Qasr St. 76.
Heydar Aliyev Center — the main symbol of modern Baku architecture. Hours: Tue–Fri 11:00–19:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–18:00, Mon closed. Tickets ~15 AZN. Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum — unusual building in the shape of a carpet, with the best weaving exhibits. Popular in lists of “what to visit in Baku.” Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–19:00, Mon closed. Tickets ~10–15 AZN. Address: 28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Ave.
Baku Eye (Ferris Wheel) — panorama of the Caspian and Seaside Boulevard. Great for photos and leisure. Hours: 10:00–22:00, tickets ~10 AZN. Address: Seaside Boulevard, National Park.
Highland Park — observation deck with views of Flame Towers and the bay. Free and open 24/7, address: Highland Park, next to the Martyrs’ Alley. One of the best evening spots in Baku.
Nizami Street and Fountain Square — the main pedestrian street and city center, open 24/7. Perfect for walks, cafes and shopping.
👉 If you have an extra day, you can go outside the city:
Gobustan (Gobustan tour from Baku) — petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. Tickets from 10 AZN, museum open until 17:00, about 1 hour drive.
Ateshgah (Fire Temple) — temple of fire, tickets 9 AZN (combo with Yanar Dag 15 AZN), hours 10:00–18:00, ~40–50 min from center.
Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) — burning hillside, tickets 9 AZN, hours 10:00–20:00, especially impressive in the evening, ~35 min from center.
Small life hacks for the weekend
Arrive early: security checks at the entrances during qualifying/race days may take time.
Baku is the “city of winds,” so on the straight and near the sea you will need a cap, sunscreen and a windbreaker.
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the city center is partially closed — use the metro (BakıKart costs 2 AZN, trip ~0.50 AZN).
4-day tickets include concerts and fan zones (Crystal Hall) — check your ticket conditions.
A trip to Formula 1 in Baku 2025 is a chance not only to see one of the most spectacular races of the season but also to discover the sights of Baku with all its contrasts: from the ancient streets of Icherisheher to the futuristic architecture of the Flame Towers. The Caspian city turns into one big fan zone, where the roar of engines blends with the taste of national cuisine and the atmosphere of oriental hospitality.
To make your trip perfect, book your Azerbaijan Grand Prix tickets in advance, choose the right grandstand at the Baku City Circuit, plan your accommodation in reliable hotels and leave time for a cultural program.
👉 You can book flights, tours and hotels right now on our website — and then your trip to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 will become not just a race but a bright event that unites sport, emotions and new impressions.

