If you are visiting Krakow, I’m sure one of the activities on your list is to visit the former German Auschwitz Birkenau camp in Oświęcim. But how do you plan a trip from Krakow airport to Auschwitz? And how do you get from Balice to Oświęcim and Brzezinka?
Before exploring the attractions in Krakow, many visitors choose to visit Auschwitz. As you wander around Krakow, you will encounter numerous offices offering tours to the former German camp.
Although you can pay for these tours, it is worth to say that it’s significantly pricier than traveling independently. So, how can you get from the airport to the Auschwitz museum?
Getting a Car from the Airport to Auschwitz
Renting a car from Krakow Airport is undoubtedly the most convenient way to reach the memorial site. There are three main routes from Krakow to the buildings in Oświęcim. The car rental cost at Balice Airport in Krakow depends on various factors like the car type, rental duration, and the season. Here are some approximate costs based on search results:
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
- Skyscanner indicates that the average car rental cost from Krakow Airport is around $53 per day.
- RentCars.pl suggests that renting a car in Krakow typically costs about $112 per day.
- Rental24h.com states that the lowest rate for a rental car at Krakow Airport John Paul Balice is $16 per day on their website, while the average cost in Krakow John Paul Balice is $50.
It is important to note that these prices can change and may vary depending on the rental company, availability, and other factors. It is recommended to compare prices from multiple rental companies and book in advance to secure the best deal.
So, if you need a convenient way to get from the airport to Auschwitz, renting a car is a great option. This way, you can also explore other attractions in and around Krakow at your own pace.
Taking a Bus from Krakow Airport to Auschwitz
While there isn’t a direct bus from Krakow Airport to Auschwitz, you can still take a bus from Krakow. First, you’ll need to get to Krakow, and then catch a bus to the museum. The cost of a bus ticket from Krakow ranges from PLN 13 to PLN 15, depending on the carrier.
The journey usually takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. You can find the timetable on the Małopolski Railway Station in Krakow website. The bus will take you to Oświęcim, even to the museum itself at ul. Prisoners of Oświęcim.
So, it is worth checking if the carrier you choose goes directly there, and if not, pick another one.
- You may also like this article: Krakow Airport to Old Town – The Ultimate Transportation Tips
Train Access from the Airport to Auschwitz
To reach Oświęcim by train, you first need to take a train to the station in Krakow. You can get there from the Krakow-Airport station using the Małopolskie railway.
Then, from Krakow, you can take a train to Auschwitz. The ticket price varies from PLN 15 to PLN 30, depending on the time. The train journey from Krakow lasts about 2 hours.
However, I believe it’s important to note that traveling by train has its drawbacks. Firstly, it takes longer, and secondly, you still need to get from the train station in Oświęcim to the former Auschwitz camp.
This is about a 20-minute walk or a short ride on public transport in Oświęcim, which only takes a few minutes.
Private Transport from the Airport to Auschwitz
Another way to get from Krakow-Balice airport to Auschwitz is by booking a comfortable transport van or minibus in advance. This service includes pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in central Krakow. The round trip to Auschwitz usually takes around 6-12 hours including time spenlt in the Museum.
This option helps you avoid the trouble of waiting for a taxi at the airport or organizing last-minute private transportation from central Krakow. Additionally, the transport service provides an English-speaking driver and includes entrance tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
Traveling Between Auschwitz and Birkenau
You should know that the museum is located on the grounds of two former German Nazi camps, and you’ll need to move between them. Auschwitz and Birkenau are less than 3 kilometers apart, but it’s about a 40-minute walk, so it’s better to drive.
If you want to visit both, you can use public transport or the free museum bus for visitors. The free shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes in high season and every 30 minutes in low season.
- I suggest you also read this: How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
Best Way to Get to Auschwitz Museum from the Airport
I can tell that coming by car is ideal, but if you’ve arrived in Krakow and don’t want to rent a car, then rented transport is a good option. It’s affordable, runs frequently from early morning till late evening, so there’s no issue with getting there independently from the airport or Krakow. It’s cheap, quick, and convenient.
So, if you want a hassle-free journey from the airport or Krakow, rented transport is the way to go. It is worth saying that this method not only saves you from the inconvenience of arranging transportation at the last minute but also includes your museum entrance tickets. All in all, it’s a win-win situation.
References:
- https://www.busradar.pl/rozklad-jazdy-pks/krakow/oswiecim/
- https://www.busy-krk.pl/jak-dojechac-z-krakowa-do-oswiecimia/
- https://www.auschwitz.org/zwiedzanie/dojazd/
