Formula 1 returns to Sepang from 2 to 4 October 2026, and the race weekend is expected to make itself felt well beyond the circuit.
With larger crowds heading towards Sepang, travellers flying through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) should allow a little more time for the journey. Both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have issued travel advice ahead of the weekend, with heavier traffic expected around the airport and surrounding roads.
Malaysia Airlines has advised passengers travelling through KLIA from 2 to 4 October to plan for additional travel time, while AirAsia has issued similar advice for travellers using KLIA Terminal 2.
Both airlines recommend arriving at the airport earlier than usual:
| Flight | Recommended Arrival |
|---|---|
| International | At least 3 hours before departure |
| Domestic | At least 2 hours before departure |
Check your flight status before setting off and keep an eye on traffic or road updates, particularly if you are travelling by car. Malaysia Airlines has also encouraged passengers to consider KLIA Ekspres during the race weekend.
With roads likely to be busier than usual, it’s worth planning how you’ll travel between KLIA and Kuala Lumpur in advance, especially if you’re choosing between rail, bus, e-hailing or a private transfer.
For racegoers, free shuttles offer another way into Sepang. Rapid KL buses will run to Sepang International Circuit throughout the 3-day race weekend.
Pick-up points include:
Services are scheduled from 7am to midnight, with buses running roughly every 10 to 15 minutes.
Travelling from Kuala Lumpur? The Sepang Race Train Pass connects KL Sentral with KLIA Terminal 2 throughout the race weekend. From there, follow the signs to the transport hub and continue to the circuit on the free shuttle.
Race schedules and flight times do not always line up neatly, and a spare few hours can be enough to see a different side of Kuala Lumpur.
An afternoon could take you from the city’s older neighbourhoods to Batu Caves on a guided heritage experience, while an evening is easily filled following the city’s night food trail.
For travellers moving between several stops, having a private car and local driver can also make the gaps between flights, race sessions and city plans easier to manage.
