Let me say, moving around Krakow in a car can be a bit of a challenge. I’m sure any tourist would back me up on this. You see, Krakow, the historic capital of Poland, kept its original layout, narrow streets and all, since World War II didn’t cause much damage here. These narrow lanes aren’t exactly perfect for the high volume of cars Krakow sees daily. So, expect to see some traffic jams, and not just during rush hours, but even on holidays.
Now, if you’re looking to dodge the traffic, I can tell you some streets and junctions to avoid. As soon as you enter Krakow on National Road No. 7, you’ll hit the first bottleneck. Warszawska Street, specifically the part from Witkowicka Street to Opolska Street (III Ring Road), is always jammed. Think of it as the surefire traffic jam spot in Krakow. Another notorious area for traffic is at the junction connecting the A4 Motorway and the famed Zakopianka. On certain days, the jam even extends all the way past the exit to Balice Airport.
The heart of Krakow isn’t free of congestion either. Expect to halt near Wawel Castle on the Second Ring Road or at the Antoni Mateczny Roundabout, locally known as the „Mateczny” Roundabout. You’ll also encounter jams on Kalwaryjska Street and Westerplatte.
Navigating Krakow – Handy Tips
Though Krakow might seem daunting because of its size, getting around isn’t as hard as you’d think. The city is known for its well-planned transport network and ever-improving infrastructure.
↳ 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
If you need to zip through Krakow’s streets, there’s some info you might find helpful. I am convinced you should know the best places to park, which districts have the most bike paths, the fastest route to the airport, and what public transport options are available.
Parking can be a tricky issue in Krakow. There’s a paid parking zone in the city, and finding a spot here can be challenging. This zone is further divided into subzones, and entering these areas is marked with a D-44 sign (which means „parkinh zone”). You’ll have to pay for parking here unless you or your vehicle qualify for a zero toll rate, or you’re a public transport vehicle parked in specific spots.
It is worth to say that this paid parking zone operates from Monday to Saturday, from 10.00 to 20.00. So, remember these timings if you plan to park in these areas.
Krakow’s Car Parking Options
Now, let me dive into car parking options in Krakow. The city offers two types: cubature car parks and the „Park and Ride” (P+R) system. The cubature parks are right in the city center and run commercially.
The P+R system, on the other hand, is designed for those who prefer using public transport. These parking lots are located around major tram loops and transfer points. The idea behind P+R is simple: park your car and hop on the public transport for the rest of your journey to the city center.
Now, you might be wondering, „Where exactly are these parking lots?” Well, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a handy table for you. Just click „Show on map” to see exactly where each one is located.
| Name | Category | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Czerwone Maki P+R Czerwone Maki Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking Kurdwanów P+R Lieutenant Halszki 1a Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking Mały Płaszów P+R Lipska Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking Mydlniki Wapiennik P+R Brzezińskiego Street Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking Nowy Bieżanów P+R Barbary Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Wawel underground car park pl. Na Groblach 24, Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking at the Museum al. Mickiewicza 18 Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
| Parking Stare Podgórze Zamoyskiego 22, Krakow | City car parks | Show on map |
Each of these spots offers its own unique convenience, so pick the one that best suits your needs. Trust me, knowing where to park in Krakow can save you a ton of time and stress.
Driving Restrictions in Krakow Starting 2024
Let me say, Krakow is taking some serious steps to battle pollution. From 2024, they’re introducing a special control zone to limit old cars from entering the city. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. They’ve planned it in two stages, each targeting different kinds of cars based on their emission standards and registration dates.
Starting July 2024, cars that are close to or over 30 years old won’t be allowed in. This includes vehicles registered before January 2023. But there’s a bit of leniency. If your car runs on petrol or LPG and meets at least the Euro 1 standard, you’re good to go. For diesel vehicles, the bar is set a little higher at the Euro 2 standard.
Now, if your vehicle was registered after March 1, 2023, things get a little stricter. Your petrol or LPG vehicle should meet at least Euro 3, and for diesel, you need to hit Euro 5.
2026 – Even Stricter Measures
The second phase kicks in from July 2026. This time, cars over 26 years old (petrol) and over 16 years old (diesel) will be barred. So, if you want to drive into Krakow, your petrol or LPG vehicle must comply with Euro 3 as a minimum. For diesel, Euro 5 is the benchmark.
But hey, don’t worry. There are some exceptions. For example, if you’re over 70 years old by March 2023 and own a vehicle registered before that date, you’re exempt from these restrictions. The same goes for vehicles marked for use by disabled people, uniformed services, rescue services, or special vehicles like food trucks or excavators.
I think it’s worth to say that these restrictions apply to all vehicles, whether from within Krakow, from elsewhere in Poland, or from abroad. The aim here, as the originators claim, is to strike a balance between improving air quality and addressing residents’ concerns about the potential economic impact.
References:
- https://zdmk.krakow.pl/parkowanie/strefa-platnego-parkowania/informacje-ogolne-i-oplaty/
- https://www.krakow.pl/komunikacja/9177,artykul,mapa_strefy_platnego_parkowania.html
