Watching the F1 in Sepang this weekend? KLIA urges visitors to ditch cars, use public transport

In a statement today, KLIA said parking at KLIA Terminal 1 and the KLIA Long Term Car Park is extremely limited and is expected to reach full capacity early each day. It added that free shuttle bus services to SIC will be available for F1 visitors from KLIA Terminal 2, KLIA Long Term Car Park and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 12:56 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is advising visitors attending the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit (SIC), from October 2 to 4, to use public transportation, as a significant increase in traffic and vehicle movements is expected throughout the race weekend.

In a statement today, KLIA said parking at KLIA Terminal 1 and the KLIA Long Term Car Park is extremely limited and is expected to reach full capacity early each day.

“More than 200,000 spectators are expected at SIC over the three-day event, with daily crowds anticipated to exceed 100,000. Race-goers are strongly advised not to drive to KLIA with the intention of parking there to travel to SIC, and to plan alternative arrangements.

“Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and use Express Rail Link (ERL) services, including KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, as well as e-hailing services to arrive at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2,” it said.

The airport said free shuttle bus services to SIC will be available for F1 visitors from KLIA Terminal 2, KLIA Long Term Car Park and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA.

KLIA also reminded passengers travelling by air during the F1 weekend to allow additional travel time when making their journey to the airport, as heavy traffic is expected on major roads leading to KLIA.

According to KLIA, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be implementing traffic diversions from 8am to 11pm daily during the three-day event, and road users are urged to use alternative routes where directed.

“Passengers are encouraged to check the latest traffic and travel advisories from KLIA, PDRM and SIC before commencing their journey,” it said.

KLIA said it will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to facilitate traffic flow and prioritise the smooth movement of passengers during the race weekend.

In July, F1 confirmed Malaysia as host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from October 2 to 4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement keeps the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race had been cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian GP at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar. — Bernama