How to Get to Auschwitz from Krakow

Planning to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial while staying in Krakow? You’re not alone. Each year, millions of travellers choose to make this important and emotional journey. Here’s how to get there – with or without a guided tour – and what to expect on the way. Before you go, please read the site rules and see our overview of Auschwitz tour options.

Tickets & entry (official booking)

Entry is in timed slots and availability can change quickly in high season. It’s best to check ticket availability and entry types on the official website and book directly via the museum’s system: visit.auschwitz.org. Review current entry formats (guided with museum educator or unguided individual entry) and language availability before choosing your transport option.

Option 1 – Guided tour from Krakow

A guided tour is the most convenient and time-saving option. It typically includes hotel/meeting point pickup, transport, and a guided visit in your selected language. You don’t handle logistics on the day. To compare formats and durations, see our overview of Auschwitz tour options. If you prefer to arrange entry yourself, reserve a timed slot via the official booking system mentioned above.

Option 2 – By bus

Local buses depart regularly from Krakow MDA bus station and arrive at the museum’s main car park. Journey time is around 1h 45m. Tickets can be bought at the station or online. In peak season, arrive early and allow a buffer before your timed entry.

Option 3 – By train

Trains run from Krakow Główny to Oświęcim in about 1.5–2 hours. From the station, it’s around 20 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride to the Auschwitz I entrance. Always check return times in advance.

Option 4 – Private transport with driver

For more comfort and flexibility, you can book a private transfer with a driver. It’s useful if you want hotel pickup, a flexible return time, or if you booked your own tickets directly via the official system. The typical drive from Krakow takes around 1h 15m, traffic depending.

Option 5 – By car

If you’re renting a car or driving your own, plan roughly 1h 15m via the A4 motorway and national roads. In high season, traffic and parking queues can add time.

There are paid car parks near both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and they fill up quickly. Aim to be parked at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. A free shuttle connects Auschwitz I and Birkenau every 15–30 minutes, so you can leave your car in one location and visit both parts of the memorial.

Which option is best?

If you want comfort, timed entry arranged, and context from a guide – a guided tour is usually best. If you prefer to explore on your own and control costs, public transport works well with a bit of planning. Private transfers suit visitors who value flexibility. For formats and durations, see our tour options. For tickets and current availability, refer to the official booking system mentioned above.

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Tips before you go

• Arrive early: be parked and ready to enter at least 30 minutes before your timed slot.
• Parking near both Auschwitz I and Birkenau is paid and limited – spaces fill up quickly in high season.
• A free shuttle runs between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau every 15–30 minutes.
• Using public transport? Check the last bus/train back to Krakow before you go.
• Large bags (over 30×20×10 cm) are not allowed inside – use luggage storage near the Auschwitz I entrance (paid).
• Plan for at least 3.5 hours on site; more if visiting both parts in detail or booking a guided tour.
• Read the memorial rules before your visit.

Final thoughts

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a solemn experience. Take your time, follow the rules, and plan logistics so you can focus on learning and remembrance. Compare tour options and, when ready, check availability and entry types on the official booking website mentioned above.