You can easily reach Kraków by plane, train, coach or car.

A car is particularly worthwhile if you’re travelling with a group or planning day trips to the surrounding area. If you want to spend your entire stay in the city centre, it will mostly just be sitting in a paid car park.

Which is best: plane, train, bus or car?

Mode of transport	When it makes the most sense	Main disadvantage
Train	A direct journey takes around 6 to 7 hours	Fewer services and sometimes higher fares
Bus	Looking for the cheapest ticket	Less comfortable and a risk of delays in traffic jams
Plane	There are direct flights from further afield	Airport transfers, security checks and luggage
Car	You’re travelling with others or planning day trips	Tolls, low-emission zones and parking

For us, the decision is quite simple. If a direct train costs about the same as a bus, we’d take the train.

The bus wins out thanks to its lower price, more frequent services, or where the train requires a change.

Flying makes sense mainly for longer distances, and travelling by car is a good option when the costs are shared amongst several passengers.

Flying to Kraków

Kraków International Airport (KRK ) is situated about 15 km west of the city centre. A direct flight is usually the best option from cities where the overland journey would take most of the day.

Don’t be misled by the flight duration alone, however. Even a one-hour flight usually means a total journey time of at least four hours. Furthermore, if you need to check in luggage, the train may be a more attractive option in terms of both cost and time.

We recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner first. If you then find the same price directly with the airline, it’s better to buy your ticket there.

Compare flight prices to Kraków

Direct flights to Kraków

Kraków Airport is a major regional hub, with a huge number of low-cost flights operating here.

You’ll find the most flights to Kraków with these airlines:

• Ryanair – dozens of destinations across Europe
• Wizz Air– dozens of destinations across Europe
• easyJet– flights mainly to the UK and Western Europe

Krakow is also served by major airlines, so you can book flights to destinations all over the world via the websites of airlines such as lot.com, austrian.com, klm.com, lufthansa.comand many others.

Direct flights outside Europe from Kraków are operated by Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Air Arabia.

LOT also operates non-stop flights to Chicago and New York.

From the airport to the city centre

The quickest option is the train to Kraków Główny station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 20 pln.

We provide detailed information on public transport, taxis and car hire in our separate guide to Kraków Airport.

By train to Kraków

The train is particularly worthwhile if you can travel without changing trains.

From Warsaw, Katowice, Ostrava, Prague or Vienna, it’s one of the most comfortable ways to travel and, once you factor in the journey to the airport, it often makes more sense than flying.

You’ll realise the major advantage as soon as you arrive. Kraków Główny railway station is in the city centre, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk from there to the Main Square.

From Brno or Bratislava, a direct coach may be easier, as travelling by train often involves a change. For longer journeys of over 7 to 8 hours, be sure to compare airfares as well.

• Search for tickets with Leo Express
• Search for tickets with RegioJet

In addition, compare the offers from České dráhy, PKP Intercity and ÖBB.

You can compare all these operators using Google Maps, for example, or via the Polish domestic travel website e-podroznik.pl.

How long does the train journey to Kraków take?

The approximate journey times for the fastest direct services are as follows:

From	Journey time
Katowice	50 to 70 minutes
Ostrava	2.5 hours
Warsaw	2.5 hours
Wrocław	3 hours
Vienna	5.5 hours
Gdańsk	6 hours
Prague	6 hours

From Warsaw, Katowice or Gdańsk, the train is usually the obvious choice.

From Prague and Ostrava, it competes with the coach, but offers more space, the chance to stretch your legs and, as a rule, a more convenient arrival right in the city centre.

Which train and operator should you choose?

Several operators run services on some routes, and prices can vary even for journeys with very similar journey times. It therefore makes no sense to automatically stick with just one company.

Leo Express operates several day and night services on the Prague–Ostrava–Kraków–Warsaw route. Another direct route, via Kraków, also connects Frankfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Ostrava, Rzeszów and Przemyśl.

Prices rise depending on occupancy, so it’s worth booking your Leo Express ticket in advance.

• Buy a ticket from Leo Express

RegioJet is particularly interesting due to its daily night train service on the Prague–Pardubice–Olomouc–Ostrava–Kraków–Rzeszów–Przemysl route.

You can choose between a standard seat or a couchette with bedding and breakfast.

• Buy a ticket from RegioJet

České dráhy and PKP Intercity jointly operate direct daytime trains from Prague via Pardubice, Olomouc and Ostrava. Although the train number or operator may change at the border, passengers remain in the same carriage.

There are several direct trains a day from Vienna. You should also check the ÖBB website for tickets, as it sometimes offers better prices than other sellers.

How much does the train to Kraków cost?

It is not possible to quote a single standard price. Leo Express, RegioJet and most long-distance trains operate on a dynamic pricing system.

The cheapest promotional tickets on selected international routes start at under10 eur (for example, Ostrava), whilst shortly before departure the same journey can cost several times as much.

It’s usually worth looking for tickets 2 to 6 weeks before your journey. For weekends, public holidays and school holidays, it’s best to look even earlier.

For international trains, compare prices with the operator in the country of departure and with Poland’s PKP. The same train may be available at different prices and with different conditions for changes or cancellations.

Is the night train to Kraków worth it?

A night train can save you a day’s travel and a night in a hotel, but always check the actual arrival time. Some services arrive in Kraków well after midnight or early in the morning, when it may not yet be possible to check into your accommodation.

From Prague, Pardubice or Olomouc, the journey is long enough to make a sleeper compartment worthwhile. From Ostrava, the overnight section is relatively short, and a daytime train will often be more comfortable.

• A standard seat is the cheapest option, but don’t count on getting a proper night’s sleep
• A couchette provides bedding and significantly more comfort
• A whole compartment is ideal for a family or a small group
• Before booking, check the exact arrival time and whether the hotel offers luggage storage

Night services are operated by both RegioJet and Leo Express.

By train from Kraków across Poland

Krakow has direct train links to most major Polish cities. The fastest trains from Warsaw reach Krakow in approximately 2.5 hours, from Wrocław in about 3 hours and from Gdańsk in approximately 5.5 hours.

On the main routes, buy your ticket in advance for a specific service. The fastest trains tend to be more expensive and can sell out at weekends.

• PKP Intercity operates long-distance trains to Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań and other major cities
• Leo Express and RegioJet as alternatives, particularly on the Kraków, Warsaw and Gdańsk routes
• Koleje Małopolskie for journeys to the airport, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz or Tarnów
• POLREGIO for slower regional trains and seasonal services to Zator

Kraków Główny station

To get to the city centre, choose Kraków Główny station. Some long-distance trains also stop at Kraków Płaszów station, which is more convenient if you’re staying in the southern part of the city.

The main station is situated beneath the tracks and is directly connected to the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre and the main MDA coach station. It is open 24/7 and features ticket offices, ticket machines, a left-luggage facility, toilets, cafés and shops.

• Rynek Główny is about a 10-minute walk away
• MDA bus station in the same complex
• Dworzec Główny Tunel stop, trams 5, 19 and 50
• Dworzec Główny Zachód stop, tram 3, night tram 69 and buses 105, 129, 130, 132, 154, 179, 304, 405 and 429
• location of the station on Google Maps
• Tip for a highly rated hotel right next to the station: PURO Kraków Stare Miasto ****(24/7 reception)

On Polish departure boards, the word ‘peron’ means ‘platform’ and ‘tor’ means ‘track’. Check both details, as trains may depart from several different tracks from a single platform.

We describe the current options for travelling on from the station in the chapter ‘Transport in Kraków’. If you’re arriving late in the evening or leaving early in the morning, do also have a look at accommodation in Kraków.

By bus to Kraków

When travelling by bus, one thing is crucial: whether it’s a direct service.

From Katowice, Ostrava or Brno, it may be quicker and easier than taking a train with a change. Kraków also has good direct connections with Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Berlin.

Conversely, from Warsaw, Gdańsk, Poznań and other major Polish cities, the train is usually quicker and more comfortable. As soon as the bus journey approaches 7 to 8 hours, it’s worth comparing train and flight tickets as well.

Search for buses to Kraków

How long does the bus journey to Kraków take?

The table below shows the approximate journey times for the fastest direct services. The actual journey may take longer depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.

From	Fastest journey	When does the bus make sense
Katowice	65 minutes	Very frequent and fast service
Ostrava	2.5 hours	One of the most convenient routes
Brno	4.5 hours	A direct journey with no changes
Budapest	6.5 hours	A good alternative to the train with a change
Vienna	6.5 hours	More direct services throughout the day
Bratislava	6.5 hours	Direct connection, but a relatively long journey
Prague	7 hours	A good choice for a low price or a night-time departure
Berlin	8.5 hours	More of a budget or night-time option

FlixBus to Kraków

FlixBus offers the widest selection of direct buses.

It connects Kraków with hundreds of towns and cities in Poland and neighbouring countries, and on many routes you can choose from both daytime and night-time departures.

Prices vary depending on occupancy. You’ll usually find the cheapest tickets if you book a few weeks before your journey, but it’s also worth comparing different departure times on the same day.

Selecting a specific seat and additional luggage may incur a charge.

RegioJet and other operators

RegioJet offers a smaller number of services. Direct coaches mainly run between Kraków and Ostrava, where you can change to trains bound for other cities.

When travelling from this direction, we recommend comparing prices and journey times with FlixBus.

Search for RegioJet services

Smaller Polish operators also run services on domestic and regional routes. Their services may be cheaper and are often not listed on the FlixBus search engine.

• Szwagropol for routes from Zakopane, Nowy Targ, Szczawnica and Nowy Sącz
• Majerbus for services from Zakopane and Nowy Targ
• the official MDA station timetable to find other regional operators
• e-podroznik.pl– a search engine for long-distance public transport in Poland, combining all operators

Direct buses to Kraków Airport

Some FlixBus long-distance buses do not go into the city centre, but stop directly in front of Kraków Airport’s terminal.

Direct services operate, for example, from Ostrava, Katowice, Rzeszów and Zakopane.

When searching, enter ‘Kraków Airport’ as your destination, not just ‘Kraków’. The fastest bus from Ostrava takes approximately 2 hours to reach the terminal directly.

If your destination is Kraków city centre, it is better to get off at MDA station. The airport is located outside the city, and you would then have to continue by train or city bus.

• Find direct buses to Kraków Airport

Where do buses stop in Kraków?

The vast majority of long-distance buses arrive at the main Kraków MDA coach station at Bosacka 18.

• Location of the MDA station on Google Maps
• Official website of the station
• Approximately a 15-minute walk to Rynek Główny
• right next to Kraków Główny railway station
• Day and night waiting areas, toilets and luggage storage
• Tip for a budget hotel right by the station: Station Aparthotel (24/7 reception)

The station has two floors and numerous platforms. Always check the departure number on your ticket and the information board, as it may change even shortly before your journey.

Some FlixBus coaches also stop at Kraków Czyżyny station in the eastern part of the city. This is quite a distance from the historic centre, so always check the exact arrival point before booking.

• Location of Czyżyny station on Google Maps
• Plan the rest of your journey according to the section ‘Getting around Kraków’

Train or bus?

• A direct train for a similar price to the bus ->we’d choose the train
• A significantly cheaper bus or a journey where there’s no direct train ->we’d choose the bus
• Overnight journey -> ideally a sleeper or couchette train
• Travelling with children or large luggage -> the train is usually more comfortable
• A short journey of up to 3 hours ->the departure time and price are the main deciding factors

Travelling to Kraków by car

Travelling by car makes sense when travelling in a group, with a lot of luggage, or when planning trips outside the city.

It’s ideal, for example, for combining a visit to Kraków with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz or Ojców National Park.

If you only want to get around between the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz, you won’t need a car.

Krakow has an extensive tram network, and the historic centre is best explored on foot.

You can plan your route directly via Google Maps. However, we recommend entering your chosen car park directly into the sat-nav, rather than just the centre of Kraków.

Motorway tolls in Poland

Poland does not have a traditional motorway toll sticker. Passenger cars only pay for specific sections of motorway. When approaching from Katowice, you’ll need to pay for the A4 motorway between Katowice and Kraków.

There are two toll gates along the route, and at each one you’ll pay 18 pln. The entire section therefore costs 36 pln one way and 72 pln for a return journey.

You can pay by card, in cash or via the Autopay app. The national e-TOLL system does not operate on this section. You can find the current prices on the official A4 motorway website.

When travelling through other countries, don’t forget to factor in their motorway vignettes or tolls.

Low-emission zone

A low-emission zone has been in operation in Kraków since 2026, covering approximately 60% of the city. The following vehicles may enter without restriction:

• Petrol cars that meet the Euro 4 standard or were manufactured in 2005 or later
• Diesel passenger cars that meet the Euro 6 standard or were manufactured in 2014 or later

Vehicles with foreign number plates must be registered in the city’s system before their first entry, even if they meet the emission standards.

Owners of non-compliant vehicles may pay a fee to enter during the transitional period. In 2026, one hour 2,50 pln and paying for two consecutive hours will allow you to drive in the zone for the rest of the day. Detailed rules are set out on the official Low Emission Zone website.

Parking in Kraków

If you’re staying for several nights, you should sort out parking before booking your accommodation. The simplest option is a hotel or flat with its own parking space.

Always check whether the parking is actually private, how much it costs and whether a booking is required.

If a hotel charges around 50 pln to 70 pln per night, this is a reasonable offer compared to municipal car parks.

Finding a hotel with parking in Kraków

We describe the individual neighbourhoods and suitable areas in the chapter on Accommodation in Kraków.

On-street parking

The wider city centre is divided into sub-zones A, B and C. Visitors without a Krakow Card pay a progressive rate:

• Zone A: first hour 9 pln, second 10 pln, third 11 pln, subsequent hours 9 pln
• Zone B: first hour 8 pln, second 9 pln, third 10 pln, subsequent lessons 8 pln
• Zone C: first lesson 7 pln, second 8 pln, third 9 pln, subsequent hours 7 pln

Standard parking charges do not have a daily price cap. If you park between 9.00 and 22.00, you will pay 120 pln in Zone A, 107 pln in Zone B or 94 pln in Zone C. All-day on-street parking can therefore be more expensive than a garage.

Charges apply during the following times:

• Zone A: Monday to Sunday from 9.00 to 22.00, except on Sundays when shops are open and on public holidays
• Zones B and C: Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm
• Free in all zones from 22:00 to 9:00
• Free in Zones B and C on Sundays
• Free in all zones on designated public holidays

Always check the current map of paid parking zones and road signs on the street before parking.

Affordable multi-day parking passes

Visitors can purchase a ‘Type O’ public parking pass, which requires no special documentation. It is significantly cheaper than paying by the hour:

• Zone C: 35 pln per day or 150 pln per week
• Zone B: 45 pln for a day or 200 pln for a week
• Zone A: 55 pln per day or 300 pln per week
• All zones: 100 pln for a day or 400 pln for a week

The pass can be purchased from the official ZDMK e-shop.

It does not guarantee a specific parking space and is valid only in the selected zone. However, for stays of 4 to 7 days, a Zone C pass may well be the cheapest paid option available.

Where can you park for free?

You can park for free in standard public areas outside the boundaries of the paid zone. The current map and road signs are the deciding factors.

At present, you are therefore more likely to find free parking in the outlying areas of Kraków, in residential estates.

Be aware of private car parks belonging to shops, offices and residential blocks, as these may have their own restrictions.

We haven’t found any official, secure and free car parks for leaving your car for several days near the city centre. For a stay of several days, the main realistic free options are accommodation outside the paid parking zone with parking included in the price, or legal on-street parking beyond the zone’s boundary.

A verified free option for a one-day visit is the Mydlniki Wapiennik Park and Ride (P+R). According to the current city price list, there is no charge for parking itself. The car park has 85 spaces, CCTV surveillance and is open from 4.00 am until midnight.

Regional trains, including the SKA3 line, reach Kraków Główny in approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

• P+R Mydlniki Wapiennik on Google Maps

The car park is not intended for leaving your car overnight or for several days.

Another such car park is P+R Prądnik Czerwony, but its location is considerably less convenient. It is situated in the north-east of Kraków, and you can only continue to the city centre by bus.

• P+R Prądnik Czerwony on Google Maps

Paid P+R for a day trip

Standard P+R car parks are the cheapest and most convenient option for a day trip.

A ticket costs 10 pln and includes unlimited travel on public transport in Zone I. At selected car parks, you can buy a group ticket for up to 5 adults for 25 pln.

We particularly recommend:

• P+R Czerwone Maki when arriving from the west or south; trams 18 and 52 run to the city centre, Google Maps
• P+R Górka Narodowa when arriving from the north; trams 18 and 50 run to the main station and the city centre, Google Maps
• P+R Kurdwanów when arriving from the south; trams 10 and 24 run to the city centre, Google Maps

You can check availability in real time on the official website.

P+R is not suitable for overnight parking. You must collect your car by the end of the parking day, otherwise an additional charge of250 pln will be applied for each day.

The best car parks for multi-day parking

Car park	Price	When to choose it
Parking Stare Podgórze–price list, map	50 pln per 24 hours, 250 pln per 7 days	The cheapest monitored car park, also suitable for a week’s stay
Parking przy Muzeum –price list, map	60 pln per 24 hours, 250 pln per 7 days	Good location west of the Old Town
Kraków Kazimierz car park –map	70 pln per 24 hours	Best option if staying in Kazimierz
Interparking Wawel –map	120 pln per 24 hours, when booking online 95 pln, per week 380 pln	The most convenient parking right by Wawel and the city centre

Parking Stare Podgórze is about a 25- to 30-minute walk from the Main Square. Trams 10 and 13 run to the historic centre from the Korona stop.

Parking przy Muzeum is about a 15-minute walk from the Main Square. The Muzeum Narodowe stop is served by trams 6 and 20.

The car park on Miodowa is best for Kazimierz and is about a 15-minute walk from the Main Square.

We’d choose Interparking Wawel if we were looking for maximum convenience, or if travelling with children and a lot of luggage.

Where would we park?

• One-day visit: the free Mydlniki Wapiennik P+R or the standard P+R at 10 pln, which includes a public transport ticket
• A stay of 2 to 3 nights: hotel car park or Parking Stare Podgórze
• Accommodation in Kazimierz: car park on Miodowa
• Accommodation near Wawel or Rynek: Interparking Wawel
• Completely free parking: a hotel outside the paid parking zone or on a legal public street beyond its boundary

Once you’ve parked, you probably won’t need your car any more. We cover trams, tickets and getting around the city in the chapter on Transport in Kraków.