Getting Around Kraków: A Comprehensive Guide
Much of what visitors want to see in Kraków is found within the largely pedestrianized streets of its historic Old Town. This makes the city a place that is best explored on foot.
However, you would be missing out if you didn’t jump on Kraków’s famous trams to enjoy food and drink in some of the more interesting neighborhoods, like Kazimierz and Podgórze. Moreover, during summer, the water tram is a must.
In between strolls, here’s how to get around in Kraków.
To Get Just About Everywhere, Go by Tram
Kraków’s tram network covers just about every inch of the city. With more than 20 lines and around 400 stops, you can reach nearly every sight, bar, and restaurant with ease—making it especially convenient during deep winter months. Although the tram is not particularly fast due to shared roads with other vehicles, the slow pace and large windows create an atmospheric way to take in the city.
Trams on the busiest routes run every couple of minutes from around 5am to 11pm. After that, limited services operate along a handful of night tram routes. Information in English is widely available; however, be cautious of road construction, which can cause service disruptions and diversions. If you see the word objazd (diversion) on the timetable or tram, feel free to ask a friendly local for assistance.
You Probably Won’t Need the Bus
Kraków’s trams cover most areas you might want to visit and are usually faster than buses. Nonetheless, buses come in handy more frequently at night and are convenient for reaching some out-of-town destinations, such as Auschwitz.
Where to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Kraków
Tickets for buses and trams are interchangeable and function on a timed basis. You can utilize as many buses or trams as needed during the ticket’s validity.
For most trips, including travel from the Old Town to Kazimierz, the cheapest 20-minute ticket (4zł) will suffice. Consider purchasing a 60-minute ticket for 6zł for trips further afield, encompassing locations like Podgórze and Bagry Lake. Additionally, there are good-value 24-, 48-, and 72-hour transport passes available.
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines located at many stops or on board buses and trams (some only accept cash). You must validate your ticket on board at one of the machines; failing to do so might result in a fine from plain-clothed inspectors.
How to Get to Kraków from the Airport
The train is the most comfortable option from Kraków airport, but it runs only every 30 minutes, making buses a convenient alternative depending on your flight arrival time. The train takes 20 minutes to reach Kraków Głowny station, while the bus journey takes between 30 and 50 minutes and may get you closer to your hotel.
How to Get to Auschwitz from Kraków
Trains depart hourly from Kraków to Auschwitz (Oświęcim in Polish), but you’ll need to walk an additional 2km or take a shuttle to reach the camp. In contrast, buses from Kraków’s main bus station are faster (90 minutes) and drop you right at the camp’s entrance.
Many tours to Auschwitz include transport, though they are often extensively advertised and can be quite expensive. The museum is well-structured for independent visits, featuring English-language information throughout. Additionally, you can pay to join a guided tour once you arrive at the site.
Why the River Tram is My Favorite Way to Travel in Kraków
Completely impractical for seeing the main sights, the slow and infrequent river tram is still Kraków’s most enjoyable ride. Operating from June to September, this boat service allows you to take a picturesque 30-minute ride along the Vistula River, offering beautiful views of Wawel Castle along the way. There are typically half a dozen departures daily, with tickets priced at just 15zl.
Even better is the daily one-hour cruise upstream to the 1000-year-old Tyniec Monastery. This excursion takes you along a stunning stretch of the Vistula, through forested woodlands and past steep limestone cliffs. Upon arrival, you’ll have an hour to meet the friendly monks and dine at the excellent restaurant before your return trip.
Unfortunately, you can only purchase tickets on board the boat—therefore, arrive early, particularly for the Tyniec departure. Look for the Tramway Wodny signs and avoid more prominent competitors at the waterfront that might offer flashy signs and better English but charge significantly higher prices.
Travel to Kraków from Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest
There are frequent onward train connections to surrounding capitals from Kraków on modern Intercity trains with economical advance tickets. The night trains to Budapest and Prague are excellent choices for reducing your carbon footprint.
Ticket machines in Kraków Głowny offer English-language information, as well as the Polish rail website.
How to Get from Warsaw to Kraków
Hourly trains run between Warsaw and Kraków, with the journey lasting under three hours. You can choose between more expensive (and faster) Express Intercity trains or cheaper but slower Intercity and regional Tanie Linie Kolejowe.
How to Get from Prague to Kraków
Both day trains and an overnight sleeper service operate between Prague and Kraków (taking 7 to 9 hours). The train features comfortable carriages, frequently offering wi-fi and power sockets. By day, the restaurant car serves draft Pilsner.
How to Get from Budapest to Kraków
The daily overnight sleeper train between Budapest and Kraków (9 hours) presents an economical option—not to mention a social way to meet other travelers. Modern and comfortable, these trains are slightly faster during the day.
Accessible Transportation in Kraków
Kraków’s Old Town is charmingly cobbled, but those stones can become slippery during rainy or snowy conditions.
Most trams and buses on popular routes boast newly manufactured cars that offer low-level access for wheelchairs via an automated ramp and wide, well-marked doors. In certain areas, trams stop on the street, requiring you to board by stepping off the curb (usually, there is an accessible curb cut). All public transport features clear, often digital signs indicating the next stops, along with audio announcements.
For more information on accessible travel, consider checking out iBestTravel’s .
