01/09/2025

Track Taxi vs. Driving:
How to Experience the Nürburgring

Track Taxi vs. Driving Experience at the Nordschleife: which should you choose?
Whether you’re a first-time visitor weighing safety against excitement, an experienced enthusiast questioning the merits of driving yourself versus professional guidance, or a tourist planning your Green Hell adventure, this guide provides the insights needed to make an informed choice between these equally exciting experiences.

One track, 2 ways to ride it

The legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife presents every visitor with a challenging choice: trust professional expertise or claim the wheel yourself. Each choice reveals different rewards, yet choosing between a Track Taxi vs. Driving Experience at the Green Hell requires understanding both options to discover which truly resonates.

Whether you’re drawn to the intensity of masterfully guided laps or the authentic thrill of personal driving, the circuit’s 20.832 kilometres await your decision.

What is the Nürburgring Nordschleife?

Built through the Eifel landscape in the 1920s, the Nordschleife earned its ‘Green Hell’ moniker from three-time Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart. This uncompromising circuit stretches across 73 corners and 300 metres of elevation change, creating complexities that have defined automotive excellence for nearly a century.

Unlike modern circuits with extensive run-off areas, the Nordschleife’s barriers line much of the track edge. Blind crests and technical sequences demand complete attention, forming an unforgiving environment that allows no concession.

What Is a Track Taxi Ride?

Professional drivers pilot specially prepared vehicles through the complete Nordschleife circuit during intense 8-10 minute journeys. From the co-pilot seat, passengers witness racing lines unfold with precision while expert commentary unveils the stories behind legendary corners.

This approach transforms the racetrack from a daunting challenge into a captivating encounter, freeing you to absorb every moment without the burden of navigation or control.

Vehicle, driver, and safety features

The Genesis G70 Track Taxi combines serious performance with luxury refinement. Its 3.3-litre V6 engine delivers 365 horsepower (power output may vary depending on market and model configuration), providing the foundation for speeds of up to 240 km/h on the circuit’s longer straights. Nonetheless, KW coilover suspension, enhanced brake cooling, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres handle Nordschleife’s demands without compromising passenger comfort.

Cost and booking overview

Genesis Track Taxi operates with straightforward pricing: €120 for single passengers, €160 for two, and €180 for three. The programme runs from March through November on weekends and public holidays, with advance booking recommended to secure your preferred date at this sought-after destination.

What Is a Driving Experience at the Nordschleife?

Renting or bringing your own car

Tourist driving sessions welcome any street-legal vehicle during designated hours, treating the legendary circuit as what it technically remains: a public road where current traffic regulations apply. This unique status creates an authentic driving environment unlike standard track experiences elsewhere.

Choose from rental options spanning hot hatches to high-performance sports cars, with professional instruction available for unfamiliar vehicles. Alternatively, bringing your own vehicle forges the most personal connection with the track’s character.

Safety requirements and briefings

Entry requirements remain refreshingly simple: a valid driving licence and standard EU safety equipment (warning triangles, high-visibility jackets, and first aid kits). UK visitors need headlight converters and proper documentation, and no racing qualifications are necessary. The Nordschleife welcomes drivers of all experience levels.

Costs and risks involved

Tourist driving costs €30 per lap on weekdays, €35 on weekends (as of August 2025, subject to change by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG), with multiple laps possible throughout operating hours. However, the real costs often hide beneath the surface. Most car insurance policies exclude track activities entirely, leaving drivers personally liable for any incidents.

This liability extends beyond vehicle damage to include barrier repairs, recovery costs, and track closure fees. While specialist track insurance is available to mitigate these risks, many visitors find the peace of mind and professional expertise of track taxi services a more attractive alternative.

Track Taxi vs. Driving: Side-by-Side Comparison

Safety and control

Track Taxi passengers benefit from professional drivers who know every corner like the back of their hand, while tourist driving requires judgment and skill. The passenger experience offers access to optimal racing lines and maximum performance, whereas self-driving involves balancing personal limits with potential risks. It is always good advice to know your boundaries and not overstep them by driving recklessly. Think about your own safety and that of other drivers sharing the track.

Each approach delivers different rewards: guided expertise versus personal achievement, calculated performance versus individual discovery.

Price and accessibility

Track taxi services offer elegant simplicity with transparent pricing and no unexpected variables. Tourist driving presents appealing entry costs, though the complete picture includes insurance considerations and potential incident expenses.

The approaches differ fundamentally in complexity: Track Taxi requires only advance booking and anticipation, while tourist driving involves careful planning for equipment, documentation, and personal risk assessment.

Thrill and adrenaline

Track Taxi delivers maximum intensity without compromise, as professional drivers extract full performance while passengers absorb every sensation. Tourist driving provides personal achievement satisfaction, though often requires conservative approaches that can limit the ultimate experience.

Skill required and risk level

Track Taxi welcomes participants with basic age and health requirements, while tourist driving benefits from solid automotive skills, circuit awareness, and comfort with taking responsibility for your own and other drivers' safety. Professional guidance provides immediate access to the circuit’s character, whereas self-driving offers the rewarding challenge of developing personal mastery over time.

Which Option Should You Choose?

For beginners or first-time visitors

The Genesis Track Taxi offers an elegant introduction to Nordschleife intensity, where professional drivers unveil the circuit’s secrets while passengers witness racing lines that would otherwise remain beyond reach. This curated approach cultivates deep appreciation before embarking on personal driving journeys, allowing first-time visitors to absorb the circuit’s character without overwhelming responsibility and establishing the foundation for future adventures.

For experienced drivers and thrill seekers

Tourist drives reward those seeking personal conquest and an intimate connection with their vehicle and the 'Green Hell,' where experienced drivers can appreciate the satisfaction of mastering legendary corners through their own skill and determination. Yet even seasoned enthusiasts often discover value in Track Taxi experiences, using professional insights to understand optimal lines before committing their vehicles to this unforgiving circuit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS About Nürburgring Experiences

Can I switch between both options?

Absolutely. Many visitors combine Track Taxi education with subsequent tourist driving, using professional insights to enhance their personal driving experience.

Do I need a special licence to drive?

Tourist drives welcome anyone with a standard driving licence, while Track Taxi opens the experience to all passengers regardless of driving qualifications.

What happens in bad weather?

Both experiences continue in rain, though fog or ice will close the circuit. For many, the weather adds another dimension to the Nordschleife’s character.

Ready to experience the 'Green Hell’s' legendary intensity?

The Genesis Track Taxi transforms the Nordschleife into pure sensory excellence. Book your Genesis Track Taxi ride and experience how Genesis redefines performance on one of the world's most demanding circuits.