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2026 24 Hours of Le Mans

June 13, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – June 14, 2026 @ 4:00 pm

Circuit de le Sarthe, home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active endurance motorsport race, a legendary challenge that tests human and machine limits over a full day and night. Held annually in France, it stands as the pinnacle of sports car racing. The 2026 edition promises a unique and electrifying atmosphere, serving as Round 4 of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

This new golden era is largely thanks to the Hypercar class (LMH and LMDh), which has brought iconic manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, BMW, and Toyota back to the top tier. This resurgence has led to incredibly close competition and unpredictable racing at La Sarthe.

When is the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June 2026.

Following a long-standing tradition, the race typically begins at 16:00 (4:00 PM) local time on the Saturday and concludes exactly 24 hours later, on the Sunday afternoon. The entire event usually spans a full week of activities, including scrutineering, practice sessions, qualifying, and support races leading up to the main 24-hour endurance challenge.

Where is the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been held annually at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, since its inception in 1923. The circuit is a unique blend of permanent racetrack and public roads, transformed into a high-speed arena for this legendary event.

Address: Place Luigi Chinetti, 72019 Le Mans, France

How do I get to the to the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The Circuit de la Sarthe is located approximately 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) south of the town of Le Mans, a well-connected city in western France. Planning your travel in advance is essential, as the event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.

1. By Air:

  • Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF): Located approximately an hour’s drive from Le Mans, Tours is the closest international airport. It offers direct flights to several European cities, including London Stansted, Dublin, Porto, and Marrakech.
  • Paris Airports (CDG & ORY): Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are major international hubs offering a much wider selection of global destinations. They are approximately 2.5 hours away from Le Mans by car or train.
  • Flight Search: You can search and book flights through platforms like Skyscanner.

2. By Train:

  • Gare du Mans (Le Mans Railway Station): This is the primary railway station in Le Mans and a key hub for France’s high-speed TGV services.
    • Direct TGV Connections: Le Mans has direct TGV links to major cities including Paris Montparnasse (approx. 54 mins), Charles de Gaulle Airport (approx. 1 hr 40 mins), Orly Airport (approx. 1 hr 30 mins via shuttle to Massy TGV), Lille (approx. 2 hrs 30 mins), Nantes (approx. 1 hr 15 mins), and Rennes (approx. 1 hr 15 mins).
    • Train Booking: You can search and book train tickets via Trainline.

3. By Car & Parking:

  • Road Access: Le Mans is highly accessible by road, with excellent motorway connections from across France and neighbouring countries.
    • From Paris: 205 km (approx. 2 hrs via A11)
    • From Nantes: 183 km (approx. 1 hr 40 mins via A11)
    • From Rennes: 161 km (approx. 1 hr 35 mins via A81, E50)
    • From Major Ferry Ports: Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, and Saint-Malo are all within a 3-hour drive, while Calais is approximately a 5-hour drive.
  • Parking: Six complimentary official car parks are typically available: Actisud, M1, Bleu, Fresne, Raineries (includes free shuttle to the circuit), and Héronnière. Given the massive crowds, early arrival for parking is highly recommended.
  • Further Information: Consult the official 24 Hours of Le Mans website for detailed parking maps and shuttle information closer to the event.

4. Public Transport within Le Mans (Local Buses & Tram):

  • Local Buses: Lines 3, 7, 12, and 17 from Le Mans city center all run to within a 15-minute walk of various circuit entrances.
  • Tram: The east entrance of the circuit (Garage Vert) is conveniently close to a tram stop, with regular services operating from Le Mans city center between approximately 5:30 AM and 1:00 AM. This is often the most efficient way to get to the circuit from the city.

Important Planning Notes:

  • Book Early: Flights, trains, and accommodation will be in extremely high demand and prices will increase significantly closer to the event. Book as far in advance as possible.
  • Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion on roads leading to the circuit, particularly on race day (Saturday). Plan for extra travel time.
  • Circuit Access: Familiarise yourself with the circuit layout and entrance points relevant to your ticket type and parking area.

How do I get tickets to the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Securing tickets for the 24 Hours of Le Mans offers a variety of experiences, from general admission to grandstand seats and hospitality packages. Prices for Grandstand tickets typically start from around €55, but vary greatly depending on the location and inclusions.

  • Official Website: The best and most reliable source for ticket information and purchases is the official 24 Hours of Le Mans website. Sign up for their newsletters to receive alerts on ticket release dates, as popular categories sell out quickly.
  • General Enclosure (Entry Ticket): This provides access to the circuit grounds, allowing you to walk around, find viewing spots, and experience the atmosphere. It’s the most basic and popular ticket.
  • Grandstand Tickets: These offer reserved seating with better views of specific sections of the track, often near the start/finish line, pit lane, or key corners. They are usually purchased in addition to a General Enclosure ticket.
  • Paddock Access / Pit Walk: Special passes may be available for closer access to the teams and cars in the paddock area, or for pre-race pit lane walks.
  • Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, official hospitality packages offer exclusive viewing areas, catering, and other amenities.

Where to Stay During the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Accommodation around Le Mans, especially close to the Circuit de la Sarthe, becomes extremely limited and expensive during the race week. Early booking is absolutely critical.

  • Camping (On-site): This is a very popular and traditional option for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, offering an immersive experience. Official campsites are located around the circuit, varying in amenities and atmosphere. Booking these early is essential, as they often sell out first.
  • Hotels in Le Mans: The town of Le Mans offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to more upscale options. These will be highly sought after. Book as soon as your travel plans are firm.
  • Hotels in Surrounding Towns: Consider staying in towns within a reasonable driving or train distance from Le Mans, such as Tours, Angers, or even Paris, if direct accommodation in Le Mans is unavailable or too expensive. Be sure to factor in travel time to the circuit each day.
  • Gîtes / Vacation Rentals: Private houses or apartments (gîtes) in the Sarthe region can be found on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, offering an alternative for groups or families.
  • Booking Platforms: Utilise well-known and reputable booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor, or search directly for hotels in Le Mans and the Pays de la Loire region.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans

To ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, here are essential official resources for your trip:

Official Social Media:

Circuit de la Sarthe

Le Mans, France

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