How to get to Auschwitz from Kraków - a guide
Spis treści
Visiting the Auschwitz camp museum is the main reason for a Kraków trip for many people. While the city itself has a lot more to offer, it often serves as a starting point for the trip to one of the most haunting historical sites in the world. The former Nazi concentration camp is visited by tourists from all over the world, getting as many as 2 millions visitors a year. The infamy of the place is well deserved, and so it is no surprise many come to see it themselves. Be it school trips or solitary travellers, many come to the Kraków area to set on this educational sightseeing tour. What surprises some is that the camp remains are not that close to the city - in fact, to see them, one has to reach another town, Oświęcim. Does that mean that getting to Auschwitz from Kraków is a difficult endeavour? Not at all, with all the possible ways of travelling. So how to get there?
How far is Auschwitz from Kraków?
The historical site of Auschwitz lies in the same voivodeship as Kraków, in the Małopolska region. The memorial that the camp is today is located on the outskirts of the town Oświęcim, which German name is Auschwitz. It is around 65 kilometres of distance, with many ways of travelling. That makes it an easy trip, and a real must-see when visiting the area. Other popular sightseeing destinations are Wieliczka salt mine or Zakopane.
Getting to Auschwitz from Kraków - options
Organised tour
The most comfortable way of travelling to the camp museum is as part of an organised tour. Depending on the offer, it may include picking one up from the hotel or airport, and then driving directly to the Auschwitz museum. All the fees (for example, the motorway toll) and tickets are covered, and there’s no need to worry about any sort of technical or logistical issues - the organised trip is the most convenient option by far.
By train
For all the travellers who prefer the budget version, there is an Oświęcim bound train. Many choose it for the cost-effectiveness - one way adult ticket is just 12,50 zlotys (around 3 euros). The ride is a pleasant way to travel, allowing viewing of picturesque landscapes of rural Poland. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to the destination. Unfortunately, the train station in Oświęcim is quite far from the camp museum. It is possible to go by foot for around 30 minutes, take a bus or a taxi. While the train trip may seem like a nice experience, it’s more bothersome and requires more planning. For some, a stroll from the train station is a welcomed change of pace - for others, it’s an annoyance.
By bus
Another way of getting to Auschwitz from Kraków is taking a bus. The price is close to that of the train tickets. The important difference is that buses usually stop by the camp museum, not only in the centre of Oświęcim - it means there is no need to catch another transport there. It’s more convenient that way, and is a popular choice for travellers.
By car
Some prefer to reach Oświęcim by car - be it their own or a rented one. How to get from Kraków to Auschwitz this way? The motorway is a quick and easy option, but it requires a toll. It’s 24 zlotys (around 7 euros), and it can be paid at the entrance gate with zlotys, euros, or dollars. After getting to the town, there is free parking available.
When to visit Auschwitz?
The camp museum is open all year long, with a couple of exceptions: January 1st, December 25th, and the first day of Easter. For everyone who is not choosing an organised tour, it is vital to remember that the entry hours differ from month to month. To avoid arriving at a closed gate, check these:
- January: 8am - 3pm
- February: 8am - 4pm
- March: 8am - 5pm
- April-May: 8am - 6pm
- June-August: 8am - 7pm
- September: 8am - 6pm
- November: 8am - 3pm
- December: 8am - 2pm
But when is the best time to visit? The weather is an important aspect to consider, as is the time of the year. The months of June, July, and August may seem like a fine choice due to the warm, sunny weather, but as it marks the summer holiday, it tends to be busy. Autumn or even winter may be a time to come, if one wants to avoid the crowds. There are many ways of getting to Auschwitz from Kraków. Depending on the budget and available time, it is easy to pick. Organised private tours by MyKrakowDriver are a way to travel stress-free, without worrying about any logistical issues. We recommend checking our offer not only for the Auschwitz trip, but also others in the region.