How to get to the Hockenheimring for the 2019 German Grand Prix on July 26-28, including detailed info on trains and driving to the circuit.
Closest airports to the Hockenheimring
The Hockenheimring is around 85 km south of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of the largest and busiest in Europe. It’s the main hub for the German flag carrier Lufthansa and serves short-haul European routes (some operated by discount carriers) and long-haul flights to the USA and Asia. Alternatively, Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN), some 150km from the circuit, has plenty of cheap European flights with Ryanair. It’s also worth considering Stuttgart Airport (STR), 120km south of the Hockenheimring, which is a major hub for Laudamotion and Eurowings. Slightly further afield are Luxembourg Airport (LUX, 237km West), Zurich Airport (ZRH, 320km South) and Munich Airport (MUN, 346km South East).
Trains to the Hockenheimring
- If you are staying in one of the larger cities near the circuit, taking the train each day is the most convenient way to get to the track. This is Germany, so the trains are modern and run to a regular schedule. The closest train station is in the town of Hockenheim, approximately 3km from the circuit entrance. From the train station to the track, you can walk in 30 minutes or take one of the free shuttle buses (you may be asked to show your race ticket). Please note: the shuttle buses only operate on Friday to Sunday. If you are attending the Pit Lane Walk on Thursday, you’ll need to walk from the train station or take a local, paid bus.
- Direct trains from Mannheim to Hockenheim take around 20 minutes. For all other main cities in the region, you’ll need to change trains in Mannheim. Approximate travel times, including the change in Mannheim: from Heidelberg (50 mins), Frankfurt and Stuttgart (70 mins).
- Buy the Baden-Württemberg-Ticket, which gives you unlimited travel in the region for one day. Children aged 14 and under travel free with a paying adult, and there’s decent discounts for groups: single day tickets cost €24 for 1 person / €30 for 2 persons / €36 for 3 persons / €42 for 4 persons / €48 for 5 persons. Schedules and advance tickets are available on Bahn.com.
Driving to the Hockenheimring
- Driving access to the circuit is quite good, though traffic can be a problem at peak times on race day. There are several car parks near the circuit, most of which are free on race weekend. Guarded parking closest to the circuit is paid and must be booked in advance via the circuit by calling +49 6205 950 222: spaces cost €30 per day or €80 for the weekend. More information is here.
- Driving from the North
- A6 Mannheim/Frankfurt: Exit AS29 “Schwetzingen / Hockenheim”
- A61 Koblenz/Cologne: Exit AS64 “Hockenheim”, take the L722 to Hockenheim, from Hockenheim follow the signs.
- A5 Heidelberg/Frankfurt: Exit AS39 “Walldorf”, follow the signs via B39.
- Driving from the South
- A5 Karlsruhe/Basel: Exit AS39 “Walldorf”, follow the signs via the B39
- A6 Heilbronn/Stuttgart: At motorway intersection “Walldorf” onto the A5 towards Heidelberg/Frankfurt. Exit AS39 “Walldorf”, follow the signs via the B39.
Download full-size versions of the above maps: Map 1 / Map 2
Hi, I am staying in Frankfurt and will be using the day pass, my problem is after the race I need to get to Frankfurt Hahn aiport, do you know if there are private coaches operating this service, the last bus I can find leaves Mannheim at 5.00pm which is too early, thanks
Sorry Gerard, I’m not sure
Coming from Australia for my first German F1 race
So is Mannheim the best choice for accommodation / transport?
What other locations would you suggest for accommodation / transport options?
I think Mannheim is best as it has direct trains. Heidelberg is a prettier city, but you need to change trains in Mannheim so it takes a bit longer
Hi, we are coming from Austrlia for our first German F1 and are staying in Frankfurt. I read about a “Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket” but not too sure if that is valid for all day/night Sat and Sun? Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheap return train ticket from Frankfurt?
Many thanks Nell.
Hi Neil, I only know about the “Baden-Württemberg-Ticket” that is mentioned in the article. It may be as simple as visiting the ticket office when you arrive – even at the airport, as there is a train station there – and asking about the best options. I traveled from the Frankfurt airport to Hockenheim and back last year (just once) and had no problems. I think I paid around 25 EUR return, but I’m sure you can get it cheaper if you go for 2-3 days.
Going to F1 Hockenheimring from Frankfurt City center. Any Big Bus transportation for public available?
Better to take the train
I have no race tickets but I’m thinking about going to Hockenheim surroundings, do you think there will be any place I could “feel the F1 atmosphere” during the race? Do you think I worths?
I’m pretty sure you can actually get into the F1 Fanzone at the Hockenheimring without a race ticket. You need them for the grandstands, of course.
Just back from Hockenheim, we stayed in Mannheim & the train service is useless. One train an hour made up of 4 carriages on Saturday & Sunday mornings. We ended up taking a taxi both days for €50!