A visitor guide to Monza

The Monza circuit is a legend of the motorsport calendar. Flat-out straights see drivers rocket through woodlands north of Milan, flying into hair-raising turns that push both car and driver to the edge.

The Six Hours of Monza is a firm favourite with World Endurance Championship (WEC) fans. Taking place in early summer, the Championship heads to Italy’s Lombardy region to the self-professed ‘Temple of Speed’.

Get all the information you need ahead of your WEC weekend at the Six Hours of Monza below.

What is Monza?

The Monza circuit, or the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza to give it its full title, is among the oldest and most revered circuits in the world of motorsport. The track runs through the wooded grounds of a former royal residence on the outskirts of Milan.

The WEC party rolls into town every summer, with the event typically one of the later races in the calendar. Often referred to as ‘The Temple of Speed’, Monza is held as one of the fastest, most exhilarating races a driver can conquer.

Famous corners like the Curva Grande and Parabolica have cemented their status in the myths of motorsports. Some key stats about the circuit include:

• Name: Autodromo Nazionale di Monza
• WEC Race: Six Hours of Monza
• Opened: 3 September 1922
• Lap length: 5.793km (3.600 miles)
• Turns: 11

The World Endurance Championship, like all motorsport events held at Monza, utilise the more modern circuit layout. This newer layout, which features chicanes added in after several straights, reduces the overall lap speed but offers drivers and spectators much greater safety.

Indeed, the infamous banked corners of the old run have claimed many lives over the years. The track is still visible and visitable on guided tours, though racing no longer occurs here. Part of the old circuit is still used however, making up the start/finish straight of the current layout.

How to get to Monza

The city of Monza is a little over 20km from Milan, in Italy’s northern Lombardy region. The circuit itself lies in the woodlands of Parco di Monza, one of Europe’s largest enclosed public parks and a former royal residence. You can reach the circuit in a little under 20 minutes from central Monza.

There are many ways to get to the Monza circuit, whether from nearby towns and cities or major travel hubs and international destinations.

Airports near Monza

Milan is serviced by three airports. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is the largest and about an hour from the circuit by car.

Linate Airport (LIN), on the outskirts of Milan, is the closest to the Parco di Monza. You can reach the racetrack by car in around 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the nearby city of Bergamo also hosts its own airport, the Milan Bergamo Airport, which is around 50 minutes from the Autodromo Nazionale.

Train stations near Monza

As the regional capital, Monza is an attractive and popular city. The train station jostles for position on the Via Enrico Arosio, a street just outside the centre and near the main road between Milan and Monza. Here, you can hop aboard lines to nearby Milan and the wider northern Italian region.

You’ll need to drive to the circuit itself, with the train station around 20 minutes’ away by car. However, the station works as a good arrival point if you’re coming from nearby cities like Como, Verona and Novara.

By car

SP6 is the road used to access the circuit. The route leads north from central Monza to the Biassono suburb, along the full length of the royal gardens. You can reach the circuit entrance and campgrounds via this route. If you’re staying in Milan, you can reach the circuit by car in around 50 minutes, though expect longer, busier journeys come race weekend.

Where to stay at Monza

There are a range of accommodation options in and around Monza for the WEC race weekend. Camping at Monza will see you surrounded by legions of fellow endurance motorsport fans with a celebratory atmosphere. Alternatively, there are plenty of hotel and holiday rental options in the surrounding area.

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is packed with accommodation options. Meanwhile, Monza provides a more localised place to stay on the outskirts of the titular park.

Hotels near Monza

Hotels book up fast ahead of race weekend, so you should consider reserving a room far in advance. There are plenty of four- and five-star choices, with many featuring pools and on-site spas to relax in after a hectic day supporting your favourite team and drivers.

Prices do tend to go up during event weekends, so you should budget for anywhere between $250 - $600 p/n.

Holiday rentals near Monza

A holiday rental gives you a little more personal space than a hotel, or even camping. Renting out an apartment or villa means you’ve the perfect base for the WEC weekend – ideal if you’re with family or want somewhere exclusive for you and your racing friends.

There are plenty of options across Milan, Monza and the wider area, with some flats even overlooking the Parco di Monza grounds itself (though not the track, unfortunately!). Expect to pay big bucks on race weekend for these spaces though. If you’re happy a little further afield, you can secure your own holiday rental for between $200 - $500 p/n.

Camping near Monza

For the real racing experience, pitch up your tent in the Parco di Monza, surrounded by other WEC fans. You’re immersed in the race-themed revelry all weekend. Plus, you won’t be far from the track, making coming and going from events that much easier.

There are several managed campsites around the Monza track. Some feature running water, showers and bike rental. Costs can vary depending on your pitch, with single-person tents more affordable than motor homes and vans.

What to do at Monza

Want to make the best of your weekend in Monza? Read on for top tips on exploring this corner of northern Italy.

The Monza circuit

The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is a gladiatorial pit of motorsport. A thrilling speed run dedicated to the art of motorsport – and one of the oldest tracks still in existence – it has become something of a pilgrimage for many devoted racing fans.

Hop on a guided tour to experience this iconic course up close and personal, including the infamous banked corners, now disused due to safety concerns. Or you could rent a bicycle and follow the track at your own speed.

Come WEC race weekend, you can catch practice and qualifying sessions or get amongst the action with the fan-friendly grid walks during non-racing periods. Here, you’ll have a chance to see the pitlane, feel the tarmac under foot and perhaps even meet one or two of the drivers if you’re lucky to see them about.

The Monza area

Monza is the provincial capital of Italy’s northern Lombardy region. Lying to the northeast of Milan, there’s plenty to see and do away from the racetrack.

The city of Milan is one celebrated for its artistry and fashion. This is the home of Armani, Prada and Versace after all. Being attached to such iconic names, it’s no surprise that Milan has some of the best shopping in all of Europe. Away from the retail therapy, the magnificent Duomo is the city’s beloved cathedral – a stunning edifice over 600 years-old.

If you’ve hired a car, you can make it to Bergamo in around an hour. This delightful city lies at the base of the Alps. Here, you can explore the impressive Lombardy architecture, including the lofty Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the city’s own Cathedral.

Why should I visit Monza?

The Monza racetrack is a firm favourite in the WEC calendar and one of the fastest circuits of the season. This legendary Italian track is beloved by motorsport fans and the exhilarating atmosphere is a must for any racing fans.

Along with Le Mans, racing at Monza has taken on near-mythical status. So, now you’re armed with what to do at the circuit, we can’t wait to see you come race weekend.