Nürburgring Public Driving Guide 2026

The Nürburgring public driving sessions are among the most famous motorsports experiences in the world.

Anyone can drive their own car on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife—but before you go, you should familiarize yourself with the most important rules, prices, and procedures.

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Nürburgring public driving sessions, from buying tickets to how to behave on the track.

🎟️ Buy a ticket: Online or in person?

The easiest and most flexible option is to purchase through your personal Green Hell Driving profile.

There you can:

• Top up your balance
• Manage your laps
• View all transactions in real time
• Drive directly to the barrier using a QR code and have it scanned

👉 Advantage: You have complete flexibility and save time on-site.

Alternatively, you can also buy tickets directly at the Nürburgring—though you won't get the benefits of the online system.

Tickets can be purchased either on-site at the InfoCenter or at the ticket booth located at the Nordschleife entrance, or at the ED gas station on Döttinger Höhe.

💳 Green Hell Credits & bonus system explained

When you shop online, you can take advantage of the Green Hell Credits (GHC) system:

• 1 Credit = €1
• Credit can be used flexibly for the Nordschleife and the GP circuit

Reload bonus:

• from €100 → +10 % Bonus
• from €200 → +15 % Bonus
• from €500 → +20 % Bonus

👉 Example: Top up €500 = €600 credit

This makes the system particularly appealing to anyone who regularly participates in the Nürburgring public driving sessions.

💰 2026 Prices: How much does a lap at the Nürburgring cost?

Nordschleife

• Monday – Thursday: €30 per lap
• Friday – Sunday & Holidays: €35 per lap

Grand-Prix-Track

• 15-minute stint: €35

Season pass Nürburgring

• 2026 Annual Pass: €3,000
• This means it pays for itself after the 85th ride on weekends or holidays, or after the 100th ride otherwise

👉 Ideal for frequent travelers and regular users of the route.

🚧 Entry & Procedure: How It Works at the Gate

After your purchase (online or in-store), the check-in process is very simple:

• Have your QR code or card ready
• Drive up to the barrier
• Scan your QR code or card
• The amount will be automatically deducted
• The barrier opens

👉 Important: Make sure you have enough credit on your account before entering.

⚠️ The most important rules for public driving sessions

Public driving sessions are not races; they are officially considered public roads with special rules.

Basic rules:

• The Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply
• Keep right – pass only on the left
• Timekeeping is prohibited
• Drifting is prohibited
• No stopping along the entire track

👉 The goal isn't to set a record time, but to have a safe driving experience.

🚨 What to do in case of emergencies & accidents

The Nordschleife is challenging—the right approach is crucial.

In case of danger:

• Adjust speed immediately
• Do not overtake
• Turn on the hazard lights
• Watch for signals (flags, light panels)

In case of an accident:

• Park your vehicle at the side of the track
• go behind the safety barrier
• warn other drivers
• Call the emergency number: +49 (0) 2691 302 9111

👉 Important: Never turn around or drive in reverse!

🏍️ Vehicle regulations & restrictions

Not every vehicle is allowed on the track.

Only the following vehicles are permitted:

• in accordance with the StVZO
• with sufficient power (at least approx. 130 km/h)
• noise level below 130 dB

The following are not permitted:

• Quads    
• Vans & Buses
• Off-road vehicles
• Vehicles with technical defects
• Vehicles with temporary license plates

Motorcycles:

For safety reasons, cars and motorcycles are no longer permitted to share the track during public driving sessions. As a result, traditional motorcycle public driving sessions on the Nordschleife no longer take place alongside cars. Instead, the Nürburgring offers motorcyclists special dates on the Grand Prix circuit as well as individual motorcycle track days on the Nordschleife, where only motorcycles are permitted. This is intended to significantly increase safety for all participants.

⚡ Safety first: The Nordschleife is not a playground

It’s not for nothing that the Nordschleife is called the “Green Hell”.

• more than 20 km
• blind corners
• fast changes of direction
• changing grip conditions

👉Even experienced drivers regularly underestimate the track.

So the rule is: Better safe than sorry. Don't take any risks.

🧠 Our tip: Experience it first, then drive it yourself

For beginners in particular, the first lap can be overwhelming. Many people underestimate:

• Speed 
• Track layout
• Traffic  

A great alternative is to ride along with a professional, such as with GetSpeed RaceTaxi. This gives you the opportunity to experience the Nordschleife alongside a professional race car driver and benefit from their years of experience. Many drivers offer helpful tips and tricks during or after the lap, which can be especially valuable for your first time driving the Nordschleife on your own.

In addition, you get to experience the track in specially prepared supercars such as a Porsche GT3 RS or a BMW M3 Competition — cars that many people would otherwise never get to drive under real Nordschleife conditions.

Especially for those who feel a bit nervous about driving their first lap on their own or who prefer not to take any unnecessary risks with their own vehicle, the GetSpeed RaceTaxi offers the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of the Nordschleife in a safe and professional manner.

👉 This is how you learn to understand the track – safely and at the highest level.

🏁 Conclusion: Perfectly prepared for the public driving sessions

The Nürburgring public driving sessions offer a unique experience — if you're well prepared.

With the right knowledge about:

• Ticket purchase
• Prices
• Rules
• Behavior on the track

nothing is standing in the way of your first or next Nordschleife experience.

‍