Lousada International Circuit
Location
Lousada, Portugal
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Track Info
Lousada International Circuit - Lousada, Portugal
Compact mixed-surface circuit in northern Portugal - known for rallycross, large crowds and a natural stadium atmosphere
When was the track built?
Lousada International Circuit was originally built in 1984. Local motorcycle and car events helped motorsport grow in the area, eventually leading to the formation of the Clube Automóvel de Lousada in 1987.
The circuit hosted rounds of the FIA European Rallycross Championship between 1991 and 2008. During this period, Lousada became one of Portugal's best-known motorsport venues.
How has the circuit changed?
Lousada underwent extensive reconstruction before international rallycross returned in 2025. The work created a modern mixed-surface layout with new safety barriers, improved spectator facilities and a distinctive banked gravel corner.
The rebuilt circuit hosted the opening round of the 2025 World Rallycross Championship, attracting more than 10,000 spectators. It later became part of the FIA European Rallycross calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Short but demanding: A lap is completed quickly, so drivers have little time to recover after a mistake.
- Steep downhill section: Cars descend towards a loose-surface corner where braking stability and accurate positioning are essential.
- Banked gravel bend: The raised outer edge helps cars carry speed, but dust and loose stones can reduce visibility.
- Fast asphalt finish: Cars return to tarmac near the Joker Lap before accelerating along the start-finish straight.
How does rallycross work?
- Short races: Several cars start together and compete over only a few laps, creating immediate action.
- Mixed surfaces: Drivers must adjust their braking and steering whenever they move between asphalt and gravel.
- Joker Lap: Every driver must use a longer alternative route once during each race. Choosing the right moment is an important strategy decision.
- Close competition: Cars often race side by side and may make light contact, although unfair or dangerous driving can be penalised.
Major events and traditions
- World and European Rallycross: International events bring powerful RX1 cars and smaller production-based categories to Lousada.
- Portuguese Rallycross Championship: National competitors race here in several car and kartcross divisions.
- Rally de Portugal: The venue has also been adapted into a compact super special stage for the World Rally Championship.
- Six Hours of Rallycross: A traditional endurance event challenges teams to share cars and complete far more laps than in a normal rallycross race.
Why go?
Lousada sits inside a natural amphitheatre, allowing spectators on the surrounding terraces to see almost the entire circuit. This makes the racing easy to understand, even for someone attending rallycross for the first time.
The track is also close to the town rather than being isolated in the countryside. Major meetings combine racing with fan areas, demonstrations and a lively local atmosphere.
Where's the best place to watch?
- High spectator terraces: Best for seeing the complete circuit and following Joker Lap strategy.
- Start and first corner: Good for rapid launches, several cars running side by side and early position changes.
- Banked gravel corner: The most dramatic location for slides, dust and drivers using different lines.
- Joker Lap junction: Best for watching cars separate and rejoin as their race strategies develop.
- Main straight: Good for the starting procedure, close finishes and views of the team buildings.
Lousada is approximately 40 km northeast of Porto. Large international meetings may use temporary traffic routes, remote parking and special spectator entrances, so check the organiser's current event information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Lousada International Circuit (Portugal)
Lousada International Circuit is in northern Portugal, around 40 km east of Porto. Driving is the easiest option, but visitors without a car can reach Lousada by coach or travel by train to nearby Caíde and complete the journey by taxi or local transport.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest way to reach Lousada, particularly if you are staying in Porto or elsewhere in northern Portugal.
- From Porto: follow the motorway network east towards Lousada, with the A42 providing the main approach.
- From Guimarães or Braga: the A11 provides convenient access towards the Lousada area.
- From Vila Real: approach from the east using the A4 before continuing towards Lousada.
- Navigation: search for “Circuito Internacional de Lousada” or “Eurocircuito de Lousada”.
For major events, follow temporary traffic signs near Lousada rather than relying entirely on your navigation app.
Train & bus
Lousada does not have a railway station beside the circuit, but there are useful public transport options for visitors without a car.
- Caíde Station: the main rail gateway within Lousada municipality, served by trains towards Porto and Marco de Canaveses.
- From Caíde: use a taxi or local connection for the final journey to the circuit.
- Lousada Bus Terminal: regional and long-distance coaches serve the town centre.
- From Porto Airport: direct coach services to Lousada are available on selected departures.
Check your return journey before travelling, particularly after an evening race when local transport may be more limited.
Flying in
Porto Airport (OPO) is the most convenient airport for international visitors and is roughly 45–50 km from Lousada.
- Rental car: the easiest option if you are attending several days of racing.
- Direct coach: some services connect Porto Airport with Lousada Bus Terminal in around an hour.
- Via Porto: travel into Porto and continue towards Lousada by coach or by train towards Caíde.
If several people are travelling together, hiring a car can be simpler than arranging separate transfers each day.
Parking & event shuttles
Parking arrangements change depending on the event. Smaller race meetings may use areas around the circuit, while major international events can introduce temporary parking and shuttle systems.
- Check the event map: spectator parking areas can change from one meeting to another.
- Major events: parking may be provided around Lousada rather than immediately beside the circuit.
- Shuttle buses: large events have previously operated free buses between town parking areas and the circuit.
- Arrive early: Lousada attracts large crowds for rallycross and the Rally de Portugal.
During particularly busy meetings, parking in town and using the official shuttle can be easier than trying to drive close to the entrance.
Understanding the circuit
Lousada is primarily a rallycross venue, with a compact mixed-surface track designed so spectators can see a large amount of the action from one position.
- Rallycross: racing combines asphalt with loose gravel sections.
- Major renovation: the circuit was completely redesigned and rebuilt for its international return in 2025.
- Rally de Portugal: the venue is also regularly transformed for the WRC Lousada Super Special.
- Different layouts: spectator access can differ between rallycross and WRC events.
Always use the spectator map for your specific event rather than assuming the normal rallycross entrances will be open.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: international events can attract very large crowds and traffic builds quickly.
- Check parking before leaving: major events may direct you to a temporary car park elsewhere in town.
- Wear comfortable shoes: expect slopes, grass and uneven spectator areas.
- Prepare for the sun: northern Portugal can become hot during summer events and shade may be limited.
- Bring hearing protection: especially for children and spectators close to the circuit.
- Save the address: Av. Jaime José Nunes de Moura, 211, 4620-123 Lousada, Portugal.
For a first visit, driving directly to Lousada is the easiest option. Without a car, use a coach to Lousada or take the train to Caíde and arrange the final transfer in advance.
Parking, shuttle buses, public transport and spectator entrances can change between events. Check the official Clube Automóvel de Lousada and event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Lousada International Circuit (Lousada, Portugal)
Lousada International Circuit is one of Portugal's historic rallycross venues, set in a natural amphitheatre in the green hills east of Porto. The mixed-surface racing is fast and easy to follow from the spectator banks - while Romanesque landmarks, woodland walks, riverside towns and the historic cities of Guimarães and Porto are all within reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque: A modern visitor centre in Lousada explaining the medieval churches, bridges and towers found across the region. It is a useful starting point if Portuguese history is completely new to you.
- Parque Urbano Dr. Mário Fonseca: A central green space for an easy walk or quieter break before heading to the circuit.
- Amarante: This attractive town on the River Tâmega has riverside walks, cafés and historic streets that work well for families and casual sightseeing.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque: One of the easiest indoor options locally, with exhibits introducing the architecture and history of northern Portugal.
- Guimarães: Explore the medieval historic centre and castle in a city closely connected with the beginnings of Portugal. The historic centre is UNESCO listed.
- Amarante museums: The riverside Convent of São Gonçalo area includes the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, a useful cultural stop when the weather turns wet.
Eat & drink around Lousada
- Lousada town centre: The simplest choice for cafés, bakeries, grilled meat, pizza and traditional Portuguese restaurants before or after racing.
- Try local roast goat: Cabrito assado with oven-baked rice is one of the dishes traditionally promoted in Lousada.
- Vinho Verde: Lousada lies within northern Portugal's Vinho Verde country, so the region's light, fresh wines are common on local menus.
- Amarante: Save room for regional sweets such as papos de anjo, brisas do Tâmega and toucinho do céu.
Get outdoors between race days
- Mata de Vilar: More than 14 hectares of native woodland with walking trails and an interpretation centre, close to the medieval Torre de Vilar.
- Torre de Vilar: A medieval stone tower on the Route of the Romanesque that is easy to combine with a woodland walk.
- River Tâmega: Head toward Amarante for riverside paths and a relaxed afternoon beside the water.
Northern Portugal can be hot and sunny in summer but rain is possible throughout the year, so bring water and a light waterproof layer.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Guimarães: Walk through the UNESCO-listed historic centre, visit Guimarães Castle and explore the squares and narrow streets around the old city.
- Amarante: An easy half-day trip for the São Gonçalo bridge and church, riverside cafés and local pastries.
- Porto: Allow a full day for the historic centre, Ribeira waterfront, Douro River and the city's famous tiled buildings.
- Route of the Romanesque: Turn the surrounding countryside into a road trip linking medieval churches, monasteries, bridges and towers across the Sousa and Tâmega valleys.
Good to know during race weekends
- Rallycross is easy to understand: Several cars race together in short heats on both asphalt and gravel, followed by semi-finals and finals.
- Watch the Joker Lap: Drivers must take an alternative section of track during each race, making timing and strategy important.
- Expect dust and noise: Loose-surface racing can be dusty in dry weather, so older shoes and hearing protection are sensible - especially for children.
- Major weekends get busy: Lousada's natural amphitheatre attracts large crowds, so book accommodation and plan parking early.
- 2026 includes night racing: The September Euro RX finale will be the championship's first event to feature racing under floodlights.
Race schedules, spectator access, parking, attraction opening hours and event arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.