How to Get to Auschwitz from Krakow: Transport, Tickets & Tips
Some places stay with you forever, whether you want them to or not. Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of those places, just because of the sheer horror of it all.
My dad and I have visited multiple times over the years, always making our own way from Krakow.
Each time we’ve returned, it’s been because someone close to us has said they’d like to go, and we’ve agreed to chaperone.
So when Callum joined us for his first visit, we knew exactly how to plan it. It went off without a hitch.
The only words I can use to describe what you’ll see there are harrowing and horrific, but if you have the chance to go, you absolutely should.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every safe and simple way to reach Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow.
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How To Get To Auschwitz From Krakow
Here’s the quickest, stress-free way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow:
- Book your ticket on the official Auschwitz website.
- Take the bus from Krakow MDA to “Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz”
- Bring photo ID and wear comfy shoes.
- Expect around half a day for your visit.
First, Book Your Auschwitz Tickets
We always recommend booking directly on the official Auschwitz website.
If you can’t get your preferred language, don’t worry—just book whatever’s available. There’s loads of signage in English and other languages, and honestly, our self-guided visits have been just as powerful.
We’ve never done a guided tour with transfers because tour companies can’t always guarantee your entry.
But if that’s the kind of trip you’re looking for, this tour with Royal Cracow has tens of thousands of reviews. Just make sure to contact the company ahead of time to double check that your tickets are included.
We wouldn’t book it last minute as there’s a real risk of being turned away if they haven’t secured your entry.
How To Get To Auschwitz From Krakow
There are a few solid ways to make the trip. Some cheaper, some more convenient, all doable without stress. We’ve always made our own way there, and honestly, it’s really straightforward once you know what to expect.
By Bus (Our Top Pick)
This is our go-to option. Buses leave from Krakow MDA station (look for Stop D9 or D10 on the lower floor, depending on time) and head to Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz. It takes around 90 minutes on an air-conditioned coach.
- You can pay the driver directly (cash or card), around 22 PLN.
- Or book ahead on FlixBus if you want a guaranteed seat
Just keep in mind, if you book a return bus it can limit how much time you spend inside. We usually spend about 4 hours between the two camps, including the free shuttle between them.
By Train
If you find the train more comfortable than the bus, this is a good option to consider. The journey from Krakow Główny to Oświęcim takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and tickets are usually very cheap.
You can buy the tickets online, or in Krakow Główny station.
Once you arrive, it’s about a 20-minute walk (less than a mile) to the museum. The route is straightforward, and you’ll likely see others heading the same way.
It’s not our usual choice, but it’s a great backup if buses are full or just not working with your timing.
By Uber or Bolt
If you’re travelling in a group or just want the easiest option possible, ordering a car through Bolt or Uber is definitely worth considering. We’ve used Bolt ourselves, and it’s always been quick, reliable, and reasonably priced.
The ride takes around 75–90 minutes depending on traffic, and prices usually fall between 200–300 PLN one way (roughly £40–60 or $60–80).
If you’re splitting the cost between a few people, it can work out surprisingly well. Bolt often runs discounts for new users too, like 20% off your first five rides.
The only downside is that pricing can jump around a lot, especially at busy times. You could always get a car there, then take the bus back if the return fare ends up being too high.
Private Transfers
If you’re after a more hands-off option, a private transfer with entry tickets included can be a good choice. Just know this usually falls under the guided tour category, so you’ll want to be extra sure that your entry ticket to Auschwitz is 100% included.
Royal Cracow offers one of the more popular options and clearly states that entry is included.
I’m mentioning it here purely because it’s such a common choice among visitors, but I’d still recommend making your own way there if you can. It’s usually cheaper, more flexible, and less stressful.
Our biggest tip? Keep an eye on your pick-up time. It’s common for these to shift earlier with little warning, so make sure to confirm the details in the days before your visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before you head off, here are a few things we think everyone should know:
- You’ll need official photo ID to get into the museum.
- Security is tight, similar to an airport but with way less hassle.
- Backpacks are allowed, but they’ll go through screening.
- Cards are accepted at the museum, and there’s an ATM right at the entrance if you need cash.
- Be respectful. Every time we’ve visited, we’ve seen someone acting inappropriately—posing for photos, speaking loudly, even laughing. Please don’t be that person.
- Plan for around 4 hours total. That includes both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau, plus the 10-minute free shuttle (yellow bus every 10 to 20 minutes) between the two.
- It can be an emotionally heavy experience. Take your time, step away if you need to, and don’t feel like you have to rush through it all.
Where to Stay in Krakow
If you’re visiting Auschwitz, it’s easiest to stay somewhere central in Krakow. Both the Krakow Główny train station and MDA bus station are just a short walk from the Old Town, so anywhere in that area works well.
If it’s your first time in the city, check out our Krakow travel tips to make the most of your time before and after your Auschwitz visit.
Here are three places we’d personally recommend, depending on your budget and travel style:
Hotel Stary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A quiet, beautifully designed hotel that’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere calm to come back to after a heavy day.
H12 Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern, central, and just far enough from the main square to feel restful.
Affordable and right in the heart of the Old Town, with everything you need for a short stay.
FAQs About Visiting Auschwitz From Krakow
Can you visit Auschwitz without a tour?
Yes, you can. You don’t need to join a tour, but you do need to book your ticket in advance on the official Auschwitz website.
Self-guided free entry passes are only available in the late afternoon (typically from 5 p.m.), and they’re currently booking up around 9 a.m. several days in advance.
To find them, click into the booking calendar, then use the “next day” button until you spot the option labelled “individual tour without an educator.”
Just note that these time slots then limit how long you can spend inside the museums depending on the closing time that day.
How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?
Auschwitz is about 70 km (43 miles) from Krakow. Travel time is usually between 75 and 90 minutes, depending on your transport choice and traffic.
Is Auschwitz expensive to visit?
No, and considering the number of daily visitors and the upkeep of the site, the Auschwitz ticket price is very reasonably priced.
Entry without a guide is free, and guided tours cost significantly less (around £27 per person) than many other major historical attractions in Europe.
Is Auschwitz a day trip from Krakow?
Yes, it’s very doable as a day trip. We usually allow about 4 hours to explore both camps (including the free shuttle between them), plus travel time to and from Krakow.
Our 4-day Krakow itinerary covers what to see, where to eat, and how to balance heavier stops like Auschwitz with lighter moments in the city.
So, What Is the Best Way to Get from Krakow to Auschwitz?
After visiting multiple times, we always recommend the same thing: book your ticket in advance on the official Auschwitz website, and take the bus from Krakow MDA station to “Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz.”
Don’t be put off by the idea of using public transport—it’s genuinely simple, and it’ll save you stress and money in the long run. It also gives you the freedom to take things at your own pace, which we’ve found makes all the difference.
