What time is Race Across The World on tonight?

Race Across the World is on BBC One and iPlayer tonight at 9pm, as a brand new series begins.

Five fearless duos are setting off on the adventure of a lifetime, racing over 14,000 kilometres across Asia—earth’s largest and most diverse continent. Their journey spans three captivating countries: China, Nepal, and India. But there’s a twist—they’ll be travelling on the tightest budget in the show’s history, with just over £1,000 each to get them to the finish line.

From the northeastern reaches of China to Kanniyakumari, India’s southernmost tip where three seas meet, the teams must chart a course through some of the planet’s most populous and culturally rich nations. As they traverse India and China—each home to more than 1.4 billion people—they’ll face not only language barriers and cultural differences, but also crowds, chaos, and vast, ever-changing landscapes.

In China, the route winds through modern megacities, ancient villages, and dramatic karst mountains. Then it’s on to Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, boasting eight of the world’s ten tallest peaks. Finally, the teams will head south through India, experiencing 13 of its 28 states—each with its own unique identity, traditions, and terrain. Cut off from smartphones, internet, and bank cards, they’ll have nothing but the cash equivalent of a plane ticket to guide them.

The race kicks off at the iconic Great Wall of China near the village of Huanghuacheng, 80km from Beijing. Just reaching the capital—twice the size of London and with six major train stations—will be their first hurdle. Their next goal is the checkpoint at Huangling. Some may choose the inland adventure, while others opt for China’s high-speed coastal rail, passing through powerhouse cities like Shanghai.

Among the teams are 18-year-old Fin and 19-year-old Sioned, a couple from Carmarthen, Wales. Eager to see the world beyond their rural home, they’re quickly daunted by the scale of the challenge. But Sioned’s careful planning pays off, earning them an early advantage—though holding onto it in China’s sprawling cities is another matter.

Brothers Brian (62) and Melvyn (65) are reconnecting after years apart. With little in common and contrasting travel styles, they’re hoping to bridge the gap. Brian’s thirst for culture leads them to the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes—but their detours might cost them precious time.

Longtime friends Yin and Gaz (both 54) have weathered life’s storms side by side and once ran a Chinese takeaway together. When a rocky start tests their resilience, a detour to a marriage market in Shanghai prompts deep reflection on their enduring friendship.

Well-travelled sisters Elizabeth (33) and Letitia (26) have explored the world—but never together. Years apart and a significant age gap have distanced them. Now, they’re relying on their travel savvy and local connections to get ahead, staying in homestays and tapping into regional knowledge.

Then there’s Caroline (60) and her son Tom (21). Caroline’s out to prove she’s more than just “Mum,” while Tom, with ten months of travel experience, is ready to lead the way. But escaping the vast sprawl of Beijing is no small task for the mother-son duo.

As the teams push forward, they’ll be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. With only one team claiming the £20,000 prize, the race will demand grit, strategy, and heart. But for all of them, the journey promises unforgettable experiences and life-changing memories.

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