How to Get to Auschwitz Museum
By Bus, Train, Car or Organized Transfer
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is located in Oświęcim and can be reached from many Polish cities by bus, train, car, or private transfer. Most visitors come from Kraków (a distance of just 70 km / 1–1.5 hours’ drive). Keep in mind that the tour covers two parts of the former camp located in different places—details below.
Tip: Do not travel immediately before the tour, which is physically demanding in itself. It is recommended to find accommodation nearby and visit Auschwitz after a good night’s sleep.
Check out How to Get There
The sightseeing begins at Auschwitz I — check the map using the button in the bottom right corner.
The second part of the tour takes place at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, 2 km away — see below for how to get there.
How to Get from Auschwitz I to Birkenau?
Groups and Drivers
Whether by tour bus or car, you'll arrive at the Birkenau parking and walk a few minutes to the main gate.
Individual Visitors
A joint tour includes a free shuttle between Auschwitz and Birkenau.
Auschwitz ↔ Birkenau
Free Shuttle Bus: The 8-minute ride departs every 12 minutes. Check timetables at bus stops.
Bus stop near the parking lot at Auschwitz.
Bus stop at the main gate at Birkenau.
Local Cabs
Taxis are located near the above bus stops. Some prices are fixed:
40 PLN – Auschwitz ↔ Birkenau
30 PLN – Museum ↔ Train station
📞 +48 (32) 19194
From Kraków to Auschwitz by Bus, Train or Car
Most visitors come to the Museum in Oświęcim from Kraków as the cities are well connected. Below is a summary of the most popular arrival methods with links to details, farther down you’ll find more general tips, such as where to park near Auschwitz and how to get there from the train station, regardless of where you’re coming from.
By Bus
(easiest way, recommended)
In 1.5 hours the Lajkonik bus will take you directly to the entrance of the Memorial. You must book your ticket in advance, as the bus departs only a few times a day. Check the schedules, booking details, and stops.
By Train
(fastest option, alternative return)
Some trains from Kraków reach Oświęcim in as little as 40 minutes—details can be found here. Trains run even late at night, but the station in Oświęcim is located about 1.5 km from the Memorial—ways to get there.
By Car
(flexible, but tiring)
The drive takes about an hour, depending on the route you choose. This option offers the most flexibility, but keep in mind that sightseeing can be tiring. Parking near the Memorial costs around 20 PLN.
Private Transfer to Auschwitz: What Options Are Available?
Cab drivers and private transport companies can take you to Auschwitz from almost anywhere. Determine the exact price before your trip and let the service provider know that they can leave contact information here.
Driving to Auschwitz: Parking & Tips
Click the map icon on the right and select “Parking lots” in the upper right corner to see the nearest parking options. Best routes from Kraków are here. The links below show the locations on Google Maps.
Main Auschwitz Parking Lot
You can stay only till the closing time for (PLN):
20 – Car (up to 8 persons)
Do not leave cars in bus spaces.
30 – Bus (9 - 20 persons)
40 – Coach
90 – Camper van
15 – Motorcycle
It is forbidden to park on the opposite side of the street within the housing estate, but the free lot shown below is 700 meters away. More parking, a supermarket, hotels and restaurants are within 1 km. You can also use Park & Ride near the train station at a distance of 1.5 km.
Parking Lots near Birkenau
The nearest lot is only 400 m from the main Birkenau gate but is expensive. There are restrooms, shops and a restaurant.
The small lot 700 m from Birkenau entrance is cheaper (PLN):
10 – Motorcycle
20 – Car (up to 20 people)
30 – Camper
40 – Bus
Get to Auschwitz by Bus: Schedules, Prices & Stops
Oświęcim can be reached from nearby towns and cities (Lajkonik bus from Kraków is the most popular choice). All intercity buses pass through the train station. Here are a few carriers I’m familiar with:
- From Bielsko-Biała for 20 PLN (the bus stops right next to the Auschwitz Museum; route and timetable PDF file)
- From Głębowice for 9 PLN (last stop is 100 m away from the Memorial; route and timetable)
Discover significant historical sites like former Auschwitz sub-camps or the synagogue and castle near the market square in Oświęcim.
Can You Get to Auschwitz from Kraków by Train?
Yes, and from many other Polish cities, however Kraków offers a fast, direct connection. The train station in Oświęcim is 1.5 km from Auschwitz and 1.5 km from Birkenau. Go to the Museum by bus, cab or walk (20 min). Check the train timetables at:
Public Buses Between the Train Station and Auschwitz I
Take bus line 0, 2, 3 or 8 from the "Dworzec PKP" stop in front of the station. After 4 minutes, get off at the "Muzeum I" stop and walk 200 m further down the road to the Memorial entrance.
Check nearest departures on the public transport website:
- Dworzec PKP → Muzeum I
- Muzeum II → Dworzec PKP (all buses go back to the station)
- Dworzec PKP ↔ Auschwitz (line M: from April to October)
The bus stop 'Muzeum II' on Obozowa Street. 'Muzeum I' is behind the grocery store on the left – find it on Google Maps 📍
Which Airports Are Closest to Auschwitz?
Kraków has excellent transport links to Oświęcim, which is why most people choose Balice Airport to get to the Museum. Katowice is geographically closer, but the nearby Pyrzowice Airport is roughly the same distance away, about 60 km. Unfortunately, there are no direct connections between these airports and Auschwitz.
How to Get from Airports in Kraków and Katowice to Auschwitz?
Upon arrival at Balice, take the train to Kraków Główny (20 minutes), and from there, transfer to a train or bus to Oświęcim. You can also reach the train station by public transportation, but the trip takes 40 minutes—check the schedule at jakdojade.pl/krakow.
The best option is to go to the train station in Katowice and take a train from there; however, there are no direct connections, so you’ll have to transfer in Trzebinia, Mysłowice, or Czechowice-Dziedzice. There is a direct Flixbus but only one per day, in the morning.