Race Across the World Series 6: Route, Contestants, and How to Watch
The highly anticipated sixth series of BBC’s Race Across the World is set to premiere on Thursday, April 2, 2026, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.1 This season promises to be the “toughest journey yet,” challenging five teams as they race over 12,000km across Europe and Asia with limited funds and no modern technology.
The Challenge
Race Across the World pits teams of two against each other in a unique travel competition. Contestants are given a limited amount of cash – equivalent to the cost of flying the route – and must travel from a starting point to a final destination without using smartphones, internet access, or credit cards.2 The first team to reach the finish line wins a £20,000 prize.1
The Route
Series 6 will see teams embark on a demanding journey beginning in Palermo, Sicily, and concluding in the remote village of Hatgal on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia.1 The route spans eight countries: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.1
Meet the Teams
Five teams will be competing for the £20,000 prize. Among the contestants are Jo and Kush, childhood best friends from Liverpool, with Jo being a 19-year-old college student and Kush a 19-year-old gap-year student.1
How to Watch
Race Across the World Series 6 will air on BBC One and be available on BBC iPlayer. The first episode will be broadcast on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026.1 The series consists of nine episodes.1 Previous seasons are as well available on BBC iPlayer.1
Previous Winners
In 2025, Caroline and Tom were crowned the winners of Race Across the World, reaching the final checkpoint in Kanniyakumari and claiming the £20,000 prize.1
Conditions and Budget
Contestants will face a wide range of challenging conditions, from Mediterranean heat reaching 30°C to subarctic temperatures as low as -20°C.1 Each pair will have a daily budget of less than £26 per person.1
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