Yas Marina Circuit: Tours and Guided Visits

A thrill-seeker and petrol-head paradise, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is the coveted home of the city's annual Formula One race. Every year, in late November, the rubber burns and the adrenaline runs high as the world's most talented racers compete, lap after lap.

But Yas Marina Circuit isn't just a world-class racing venue reserved for the elite. It also provides opportunities for fun and excitement year-round, through the Kart Zone go-karting track, the behind-the-scenes Yas Marina Circuit tours, and the driving, drifting and drag experiences

On one of the Yas Marina Circuit tours in Abu Dhabi, you can feel what it's like to be a professional driver, whether behind the wheel or in Pit Lane of the Paddock.

Here's all you need to know about Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most thrilling sightseeing tours in Abu Dhabi.

What are the best Yas Marina Circuit tours in Abu Dhabi?

As a multifaceted motorsports and entertainment destination, the Yas Marina Circuit has something on the cards for everyone. You can take a heart-pumping hot lap around the track, drift around corners on a go-kart, or visit the usually off-limits sections of the Formula 1 track. Let's take a look at the most popular Yas Marina Circuit tours.

Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit Kartzone

Perfect for the whole family, the Kartzone experience is 800 meters of twisting track, which you'll zoom around in single-person carts that can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. Karting sessions usually last around 10-15 minutes.

For younger travelers, the venue also has Bambino and Junior carts, which go slower.

Yas Marina Circuit guided tour

Suited to motorsport fans who would rather learn than race, a guided tour will give you access to areas of the track that are usually off-limits. You'll learn about the history and engineering behind the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as well as check out locations like Pit Lane, the 500-seat Media Center, the Paddock and the drivers' preparation rooms.

Led by a local expert, you'll also visit the North Grandstand, the Shams Tower, the famous Yas Marina and the Yas Drag Racing Strip where, if you're lucky, a race might be taking place.

Yas Marina Circuit driving experience

A chance to get behind the wheel yourself, the Yas Marina Circuit driving experience gives you up to 20 minutes of on-track action. Before you hit the track, you'll receive a briefing from an experienced instructor who will show you how to get the most out of your time on the circuit, and give you the chance to choose your car.

Whether you opt for 20 minutes in the Aston Martin GT4 on the main track, 15 minutes in a Ferrari 458 GT, or 5 runs on the Yas Drag Race track in a Chevy Camaro SS (or even a Polaris or an old-school Caterham 7), a high-speed, adrenaline pumping experience awaits.

You only to have held your license for a minimum of 1 year prior.

What will you experience?

When you sign up for a guided tour at Yas Marina Circuit, you'll usually focus your time around one of three areas: the go-karting track (Kartzone), the race track (with a formal driving experience) or the behind-the-scenes tour.

The Kartzone is where you can experience some of the thrills of go-kart racing in an environment that’s great for kids and adults alike, with different karts to choose from. Besides the 800-meter kart track, the facility also has the Yas Kartzone Box Park, where you can chill out and watch the karts zoom past.

On the behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at some of the most iconic spots at Yas Marina Circuit, including the North Grandstand, the Shams Tower, the famous Yas Marina and the Paddock, where you can learn all about the thrilling racing events that take place there.

The main course is the 5.2 kilometer track, and it’s every bit as incredible as you’d expect from a Formula 1 circuit. With 16 turns and multiple straightaways, a drive (or a drift) around the bitumen is a rare chance to see what life as a professional racer is like. Here, you can also opt for a session on the Drag Race track, a 4.1-kilometer-long sprintway where the fastest recorded speed has been just shy of 500 kilometers per hour.

How much do Yas Marina Circuit tours in Abu Dhabi cost?

The price of your Yas Marina Circuit experience will depend on which activity you choose and the number of people in your group. For Kartzone, prices start at around US$30 per adult and US$20 for kids.

Behind-the-scenes tours range between US$35 and US$45 per person, while the on-track driving experiences are the most expensive of the bunch. These start at around US$55 per person but can climb upwards of US$300 if you opt for special cars like the Formula Yas 3000.

What is included?

Depending on which package you go with, the Yas Marina Circuit experience may include a variety of perks. Kartzone visitors will have all of the safety equipment, as well as the kart, fuel and a safety briefing included.

Behind-the-scenes tours include a local guide who's an expert in racing and knows all about the Abu Dhabi F1, as well as access to places like the Paddock area, the Media Center and the garages.

Finally, on-track experiences include a safety briefing, the actual rental of the car, an instructor and some laps around the circuit or up the Drag Race track.

All of the tour packages include entrance to the Yas Marina Circuit, but hotel pickup and drop-off is generally not covered.

Where does it start?

All of the Yas Marina Circuit experiences will meet somewhere around the Circuit itself. Guided tours — as well as Driving Experiences — usually meet at the Yas Marina Circuit West Gate before making their way around the area. Meanwhile, karting experiences tend to start near the Yas Kartzone, just off the main straight beside Yas Central.

Be sure to check in advance where your experience will begin and arrive at least 15-30 minutes beforehand.

How long does it last?

Any driving experiences, such as hot laps, drifting, or go-karting tend to be relatively short. You'll get anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes on the track, not taking the time for the safe briefing into account. Therefore, expect the entire experience to last around 30-60 minutes.

Tours, on the other hand, generally last around two hours, giving you more time to have an in-depth look at the circuit — including access to certain areas that few people get to go to.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Go-karting experiences around the Yas Marina Circuit are not wheelchair friendly, as you need to be able to climb into the kart. However, most of the guided tours and driving experiences can be wheelchair accessible, depending on the visitor's level of mobility. It's best to call the tour operator in advance to make sure that they can accommodate you.

The Yas Marina Circuit is also equipped with designated disabled parking and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for those who require them.

When is the best time for a Yas Marina Circuit tour in Abu Dhabi?

The best time for a tour would be the cooler months between November and March, excluding the time of the Formula 1 itself. It will be much easier and more pleasant to explore the track during this period, as you'll certainly work up a sweat while karting or driving.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Abu Dhabi?

• Abu Dhabi city tours
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi dhow dinner cruises
• Qasr Al Hosn tours in Abu Dhabi

Travel tips

• The UAE has a conservative dress code. While the Yas Marina Circuit is a modern facility, it's still good to dress modestly. Also, wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
• Abu Dhabi can get very hot. Carry a bottle of water with you, especially if you're touring during the day.
• Especially during peak seasons or if you want to join a specific event, booking your tour in advance ensures you secure a spot.
• The circuit looks spectacular during sunset with its unique lighting. If possible, try to catch this view.