A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau requires booking a personalized entry pass online, as well as careful logistical and emotional preparation. This practical guide will help you decide whether to visit independently or with an educator. Here you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: booking details and ticket prices, the best transport options from Kraków to Oświęcim, current visitor rules, overview of the Museum facilities, and both standard and extended tour routes — complemented by an interactive map.
Auschwitz Visit Guide: Complete Overview & Essential Tips
Why Trust This Auschwitz Guide? Over 20 Years as a Licensed Museum Educator
I’m Łukasz, a licensed guide at Auschwitz since 2006, like my parents who taught me the history of the camp. Together with family and friends, I created this website to support those planning to visit Auschwitz. Follow me on social media to help others find it too.
I am truly grateful for the support and feedback that help make this website increasingly useful.
Planning an Auschwitz sightseeing starts with reliable information. Whether you want to visit the former camp independently or join a group, this website offers clear, practical guidance to help you prepare.
My Facebook group has over 20,000 members. Many have visited Auschwitz and gladly share advice and insights.
This note is to express deepest appreciation and respect to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and the Tour Guide Łukasz. His extensive knowledge and ability to set the correct tone of reverence and self-reflection allowed each of us to internalize the gravity of the experience.
Remarkably, Łukasz at the same time provided a sense of optimism, hopefulness, and goodness of spirit that could overcome, outlast, and defeat even the darkest opposition. This had to be of the same spirit of those who prevailed against the unthinkable cruelty and evil, and it is the best and proper way to experience and reflect upon being present on the museum grounds.
Grateful thanks and sincere respect to Łukasz and all of you for your good work sharing this experience with the world.
Jeff J. from Chicago, Illinois, USA
Get in Touch
Have a question about visiting Auschwitz? Send me a message and I'll get back to you.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Then vs Now – What Has Changed?
Camp in 1944
KL Auschwitz, comprising Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and sub-camps, was the largest German Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II.
History on Wikiwand.com →
Camp in 1944
KL Auschwitz, comprising Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and sub-camps, was the largest German Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II.
History on Wikiwand.com →
Museum Today
Established in 1947, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your visit.
Details on Auschwitz.org →
Museum Today
Established in 1947, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your visit.
Details on Auschwitz.org →
“Sometimes the situation in which a man finds himself may require him to shape his own fate by action.”
Viktor Frankl
Auschwitz survivor
Viktor Frankl
Auschwitz survivor
6 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Auschwitz
Arrange Auschwitz Visit Yourself
Essential tips for booking and entry to explore at your own pace and avoid the crowds.
Arrange Auschwitz Visit Yourself
Essential tips for booking and entry to explore at your own pace and avoid the crowds.
The Truth About Organized Tours
Auschwitz day trips from Kraków are popular for their convenience, though many are unaware of the drawbacks.
The Truth About Organized Tours
Auschwitz day trips from Kraków are popular for their convenience, though many are unaware of the drawbacks.
Book Auschwitz Tickets in Advance
At certain hours, admission is free. If you prefer guidance, you can join a group tour or book a private guide.
Book Auschwitz Tickets in Advance
At certain hours, admission is free. If you prefer guidance, you can join a group tour or book a private guide.
How to Prepare for the Sightseeing
Auschwitz tour is challenging, both physically and emotionally. Find out what to expect on site.
How to Prepare for the Sightseeing
Auschwitz tour is challenging, both physically and emotionally. Find out what to expect on site.
Auschwitz Rules and Security
Museum regulations apply to luggage, clothing, and visitor conduct. Review rules before arrival.
Auschwitz Rules and Security
Museum regulations apply to luggage, clothing, and visitor conduct. Review rules before arrival.
Auschwitz Museum Surroundings
Discover more historical sites in and around the town of Oświęcim to add deeper context to your visit.
Auschwitz Museum Surroundings
Discover more historical sites in and around the town of Oświęcim to add deeper context to your visit.
Worth to Visit Nearby
Worth to Visit Nearby
Latest Posts
Latest Posts
Compare bus, train, and driving routes from Krakow to Auschwitz. Real timetables, travel times, and parking — by a licensed guide since 2006.
Plan your Auschwitz day trip from Krakow step by step. Bus, train, car options, booking tips, timeline, costs — by a licensed Auschwitz guide since 2006.
Since March 2026, Auschwitz entry cards are available only online at visit.auschwitz.org. Learn why on-site sales ended and how to book your visit.