Exploring The Nurburgring: A Guide From Cologne

The fastest way to get from Cologne to Nurburgring is by car. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 100 kilometres. If you don't have a car, you can take a train from Cologne to Koblenz, then another train to Remagen, change at Remagen for a train to Honningen, and finally take a bus from Honningen to Adenau. This route takes around four hours.

Travel by train

Travelling by train from Cologne to the Nürburgring racetrack is possible but will take some time and require a few changes.

Firstly, take the train from Koeln Sued to Andernach. Then, from Andernach Bahnhof, take the train to Monreal BfRb38. This journey should take around 2 hours and 45 minutes and cost between $85 and $120.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Cologne to Koblenz Bahnhof, then take another train to Remagen, where you will change for Honningen. From Honningen, take a bus to Adenau. This route is slower and you may find it more convenient to hire a car, but it is possible to reach the racetrack by public transport.

Another option is to take a train from Cologne to Sinzig, then a bus to Niederzissen, followed by another bus to Kempenich. From there, take an "On-Call Taxi Bus" to Adenau and then a cab to the racetrack. This route will take a lot of planning and patience, and will eat up the better part of a day.

If you are staying at the Lindner Hotel, Dorint Hotel, or Eifeldorf, you won't need to take a cab from Adenau as these hotels are located close to the racetrack.

Travel by car

The fastest and cheapest way to get from Cologne to Nurburgring is by car. The drive is approximately 97km and will take around 1 hour 4 minutes. The trip will cost around €14-€22.

You can rent a car in Cologne, and some companies offer English GPS systems to help with navigation. If you are nervous about driving in a new city, you could take a train to Koblenz, which is a smaller city, and rent a car there.

There are several sights to see along the route, including castles in the Moselle River Valley and the Rhine Valley. You can also visit the castle hotel of Burg Rheinfels in St Goar.

If you want a more luxurious experience, you can book a private car transfer from Cologne to Nurburgring. This option offers door-to-door service, luggage assistance, and a clean and comfortable car. It also allows for optional sightseeing along the way, such as visiting the Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces, Schloss Drachenburg, and the Government Bunker.

Travel by bus

While it is possible to get to the Nurburgring from Cologne by bus, it is not a straightforward journey. One source states that there are no frequent bus services to the Nurburgring from Cologne. Another source states that the journey from Koln Central Station to the Nurburgring by public transport takes around 4-5 hours.

To get to the Nurburgring by bus, you can take a bus from Cologne to Sinzig, then another bus from Sinzig to Niederzissen, and then a final bus from Niederzissen to Kempenich. From Kempenich, you will need to take an "On-Call Taxi Bus" to Adenau, and then a further taxi to the Nurburgring. This journey will likely take a full day and require careful planning.

An alternative option is to take a bus or train to Bad Neuenahr, and then take a taxi to the Nurburgring from there. This option may save you some money on transport costs, but it is still likely to be more expensive than renting a car.

Overall, travelling to the Nurburgring from Cologne by bus is possible, but it is a time-consuming and complex journey. It may be more convenient and cost-effective to consider other transport options, such as renting a car or joining a ride-share scheme.

Travel by taxi

The journey from Cologne to the Nürburgring race track is around 97-125km, depending on the route taken. The track is located in a rural area with limited public transport options, so travelling by taxi is a good alternative to driving yourself or taking public transport.

Taxi Companies

Several companies offer taxi services from Cologne to the Nürburgring, including:

• MyTransfers
• Kiwitaxi
• Daytrip

Booking

You can book a taxi online or by phone. When booking, you will need to provide the pickup date and time, and the address or location of the pickup and drop-off points. You can also choose the vehicle type and class, with options including micro, economy, premium, and minibus.

Advantages of Taking a Taxi

Taking a taxi from Cologne to the Nürburgring offers several advantages over driving or taking public transport:

• No need to worry about navigating rural roads or getting lost.
• The driver will meet you at the agreed location and help with your luggage.
• You can relax and enjoy the scenery during the journey.
• The trip can be booked in advance, ensuring peace of mind and a guaranteed ride.
• Some companies offer English-speaking drivers, making communication easier.
• The cost of the trip is known in advance, with no hidden charges or surprises.

Disadvantages of Taking a Taxi

There are also a few potential disadvantages to consider when taking a taxi:

• The cost may be higher than driving yourself, especially for longer journeys.
• There may be limited availability for vehicles with specific requirements, such as child seats or extra luggage space.
• The trip may take longer than driving yourself due to the potential for multiple pickups and drop-offs.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to the Nürburgring, it is essential to keep in mind that the race track is located in a rural area with limited public transport options. While taking a taxi can be a convenient option, it may also be more expensive and require advance booking. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your budget and travel preferences when deciding on the best way to get to the Nürburgring from Cologne.

Travel by shuttle bus

Shuttle buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Cologne to the Nürburgring, especially for those who want to reduce travel costs. This route is served by various shuttle bus companies, including Kiwitaxi, which offer comfortable and convenient rides with a maximum waiting time of 60 minutes.

When booking a shuttle bus, you can expect to be picked up from your hotel or a designated spot within the city centre. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you will be dropped off either at your destination or a nearby location, from which you can easily reach your final stop.

While shuttle buses are a great option, it's important to be aware of a few potential drawbacks. Firstly, during rush hour, the buses can become quite full, and you may need to keep your luggage on your lap or stand for the duration of the trip. Secondly, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, as shuttle bus tickets may not always be available on-site due to high demand.

For those seeking a more personalised experience, booking a private car transfer is also an option. This will provide you with a comfortable journey directly to your desired location without the potential drawbacks of a shuttle bus.

Frequently asked questions