So, you’re in Krakow and you’re thinking, „How do I get to Wieliczka?” Let me say, don’t sweat it. I’ve put together each step for you, making your trip planning a breeze. Situated 16 kilometers southeast of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a must-visit. Trust me, a detour to Wieliczka during your Krakow visit is absolutely worth it. Even with a little bit of travel involved, the visit to the mine will more than make up for it!
I’ve mentioned a couple of options before, now let’s dive into the most convenient and popular ones. Choose depending on your budget, confidence in unfamiliar terrains, and comfort. Today, we’ll explore the train, bus, and organized tours that make the commute hassle-free.
- I think you may also read: Getting Around Krakow – Your Essential Transportation Handbook
Train from Krakow to Wieliczka
If you enjoy soaking in picturesque views, I believe the train is your best bet. To get to the mine via train, you’ll need to head over to the Main Railway Station in central Krakow. From there, hop onto a train from the local provider – Koleje Małopolskie.
Just look for the trains painted in blue and orange with the initials KMŁ or KMAL. at the ticket counter. Make sure you get the right ticket!
↳ 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
Trains are frequent, about every 30 minutes, and it takes them around 20 minutes to reach your destination (Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia – google maps location here). From the station, it’s a breezy 500-meter walk to the mine. Below, I’ve included a handy map to guide you from the station to the Daniłowicz shaft.
Ticketing Details for Your Journey
A 2-hour ticket from Koleje Małopolska will cost you PLN 4.50. If you want more flexibility, you can opt for an integrated ticket, valid for 70 minutes, which covers travel by Koleje Małopolska and MPK vehicles (buses and trams) – this will cost PLN 7.00.
You can buy tickets from the machines at the station or the traditional ticket counters.
Quick Recap
- Departure Point? – Main Railway Station in Krakow
- Ticket Cost: PLN 4.50
- Travel Duration: Around 20-30mins
- Walk to the mine from the station: About 10 minutes
To check the current train timetable, click here.
A Bus from Krakow to Wieliczka
Switching gears now, let’s talk about another great option – the city bus. If you want a direct link from the heart of Krakow to the mine, take line no. 304. This bus makes stops at several places, including Railway Stations: Dworzec Główny Zachód, Nowy Kleparz, Plac Inwalidów and National Museum.
You can find the current bus schedule here. During weekdays, buses run every 10 minutes, while on weekends, they show up every 20 minutes. The journey from central Krakow to the salt mine should take around 30-35 minutes.
Bus Ticket Prices from Krakow to Wieliczka
Since the salt mine is outside Krakow’s city limits, you’ll need to buy an agglomeration ticket covering both zones I and II. This ticket will cost you PLN 6 (half-price for a reduced ticket).
Where to get off the bus, you ask? Look for the stop named „Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli„. From there, walk down Dembowskiego Street and take a letf onto Daniłowicza Street. This will lead you straight to the mine’s entrance.
- If you don’t know how to buy tickets for buses/trams in kraków, read this article.
And remember, don’t forget to validate your ticket.
Quick Summary
- Bus line: 304
- First stop: Dworzec Główny Zachód
- Destination stop: Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli
- Fare: PLN 6 (covers zones I+II)
- Travel duration: Around 30-35 minutes
- Walk to the mine from the bus stop: About 5 minutes
Check out the path from the bus stop to the mine below.
All-in-One Organized Tour From Kraków to Wieliczka
You can also choose to buy guided tour in Kraków. It means that the company which organizes such event covers everything – transport both ways, tickets and provides your group with a guide.
Usually it is very convenient way, the transport pick you up from the hotel or agreed location, takie you to Salt Mine and then – safely delivers you back to Kraków.
↳ Book your transportation to Salt Mine and guide in advance by clicking here!
Why You Should Get to Wieliczka Anyway?
Wieliczka is an enchanting place you mustn’t miss if you’re exploring our beautiful region.
And why, you ask? Well, the „Wieliczka” salt mine is this expansive, rich underworld that holds tons of history and industrial significance. It’s so special, it made it to the Poland’s UNESCO World Heritage List. Trust me, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience found nowhere else on Earth.
Get ready to be charmed by the mystic trails of the mine. Navigating from Krakow to Wieliczka is pretty simple, and with this guide, you won’t face any hurdles. Next up, I’ve listed a few ways to reach Wieliczka. You need to know it’s entirely up to you to pick the best route and set aside a day to explore this extraordinary sight.
The „Wieliczka” Salt Mine is actually a huge network of underground corridors, covering over 300 kilometers! Scattered across nine levels, these corridors dive between 64 to 327 meters beneath the surface. It is worth to say that salt extraction in this area dates back to 3,000 years BC, with the mine’s history starting in the 13th century.
Driving to Wieliczka? Here’s What You Need to Know
Suppose you’re more of a solo adventurer and prefer driving yourself from Krakow to Wieliczka. In that case, you’ll find the parking info aroudn the mine pretty handy. There are three parking lots: two on Dembowskiego Street and one on Daniłowicza Street.
References:
- https://www.mpk.krakow.pl/
- https://ztp.krakow.pl/transport-publiczny/komunikacja-miejska/rozklady-jazdy-kmk
- https://www.busy-krk.pl/wieliczka-krakow/
