If you want to get around Krakow like a local, trams are the way to go. I can tell you that they’re the cheapest, quickest, and the most reliable mode of transport here. You see, Krakow is big on the green lifestyle, making driving around the city quite a challenge. No wonder the best solution for getting around is public transport.
Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, is home to almost a million people. That includes students, tourists, and immigrants alike. With the city’s commuting challenges, it’s built an extensive network of tram lines that are really useful in everyday life.
- I think you should also read: Getting Around Krakow – Your Essential Transportation Handbook
Ever been stuck in morning or late-afternoon traffic? Well, trams have their own lanes, which means they dodge the traffic jams and get you to your destination faster than cars.
All The Reasons You Should Use Trams in Krakow
So why should you opt for the tram in Krakow? Let’s count the ways. It’s the cheapest way to get anywhere in the city. Plus, they’re almost always on time. The city’s public transport is super well-developed, with the tram lines connecting with buses and railways.
↳ 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’re planning a visit to Krakow, do try out the public transport.
Getting a ticket is a breeze. Ticket machines have menus in English, German, French, Russian, and Polish. You can pay by card or cash at the sidewalk machines.
You Can Take a Bicycle into a Tram in Kraków
The newer, longer trams even let you transport a bike if you’re planning to pedal outside the city. You’ll find dedicated space for bicycles at the back of the tram. As a bonus, these newer trams come equipped with phone charging points. So, if your battery is running low, you can juice up your phone on the go.
Here’s something else worth noting. Not all of Krakow’s monuments, museums, and important sites are located in the city center. Trams (and buses) can whisk you to farther-off places, like the Schindler’s Factory Museum, Krakus Mound, Nowa Huta – the old communist district, Zakrzówek, the ZOO, and even the Krakow airport. Now, isn’t that convenient?
I believe that in Krakow, trams are not just a mode of transport, they’re an essential part of the city experience. Enjoy the ride!
Getting Around Krakow By Tram
Let me say this – in Krakow, you have a ton of options to get your ticket for trams and buses. Now, you could do this on-board using a card or coins. But, there’s an alternative. You can also grab your ticket from the street machines. Don’t worry about payment methods, they accept coins, banknotes, and bank cards. If you need a quick glance at the costs, check the list below:
Tram Ticket Prices in Kraków
| Ticket Type | Regular Ticket [zones I+II+II] | Reduced Ticket (Student) [zones I+II+II] |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Minutes | 4.00 PLN | 2.00 PLN |
| 60 Minutes (or one run) | 6.00 PLN | 3.00 PLN |
| 90 Minutes | 8.00 PLN | 4.00 PLN |
| 24 Hours | 22.00 PLN | 11.00 PLN |
| 48 Hours | 35.00 PLN | 17.50 PLN |
| 72 Hours | 50.00 PLN | 25.00 PLN |
| 7 Days | 68.00 PLN | 34.00 PLN |
Planning to hang around Krakow a bit longer? Then, a monthly ticket could be your best buddy. I know it’s a smart choice since you won’t have to think about buing tickets each time you hop onto a bus or tram.
Krakow City Card
If you want to get a Krakow City Card, known as the [KKM], bring your ID card or passport and a photograph. You can either take this photo from home or get it snapped at a few places in the Old Town. If you want to obtain the Krakow City Card, head to the MPK office, it’s the one in charge of Krakow’s transport system. You’ll find it at Podwale 3/5 Street.
I am convinced that language won’t be a problem. The MPK office is open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 19:00 and the folks there are pretty good at Polish and English. So, get your Krakow City Card hassle-free. And here’s how much it’ll cost:
The Krakow City Card Costs
| Ticket Type | Regular Ticket | Reduced Ticket (Student) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly per Line, Zone I | 80.00 PLN | 40.00 PLN |
| Monthly for All Lines [Zones I+II+II] | 179.00 PLN | 89.50 PLN |
Making The Most of Krakow’s Tram System
Now, let’s get to some important tips about Krakow’s tram system. First off, I think it’s critical to validate your ticket as soon as you board the bus or tram.
Key Tips to Remember
- For stays over 7 days in Krakow, a monthly ticket is a lifesaver. It’ll allow you to use all buses and trams anytime without the hassle of buying and validating a ticket each time.
- Ticket machines come with multi-language menus, so don’t worry about that.
- Never ride without a ticket. You’d be surprised how often controllers check, and they’re incognito. Trust me, the fine for not having a ticket (a whopping PLN 240) is something you’d want to avoid.
- For those using a reduced student ticket, alwayts carry a valid student ID when traveling. It’s a must.
References:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramwaje_w_Krakowie
- https://krakow.fandom.com/wiki/Tramwaje
- https://ztp.krakow.pl/transport-publiczny/komunikacja-miejska/rozklady-jazdy-kmk
