Auschwitz Tickets & Tours: How to Book
Free Entry, Guided Tours & Private Guide Options
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is completely free in the afternoon, but you must reserve a named, timed-entry pass in advance exclusively on the official website visit.auschwitz.org — book at least 2–3 weeks ahead, as availability is limited and fills up quickly, especially from April through October.
For a more structured experience, guided group tours (with an official Museum educator) cost around 100 PLN per person and typically last 3.5 hours.
How to Book Auschwitz Tickets in 2026?
Book the Sightseeing Online
Directly from the Museum – The Safe Option
Booking: visit.auschwitz.org (90-7 days before). Terminology:
• A visit for individuals means exploring on your own for free or joining a scheduled guided group tour for a fee (check the official page for details)
• A visit for groups means arranging a private guide.
• An educator refers to a licensed guide.
Unofficial Sources – 50% Cancellation Rate
The Auschwitz Memorial does not cooperate with any third-party booking platforms. These companies use the same public booking system and often cancel tours at the last minute. However, if you're looking for a fully organized tour with transportation, this can only be arranged through external websites or apps.
Practical Tips Before Booking Auschwitz Tickets
Are Auschwitz Tickets Online Only in 2026?
Yes. From March 1, 2026, all entry passes to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial must be booked online. On-site ticket sales have been permanently discontinued.
Book your free individual entry or guided tour exclusively through the official museum website. Be cautious of third-party sites charging inflated prices — the official booking system is the only legitimate source.
What to Do If Your Auschwitz Tour Was Canceled?
Cancellations typically happen when the booking wasn’t made directly with the Museum. Your first step should be to check the official system at visit.auschwitz.org. If no tours are available, try local tour providers — though prices may be high, and availability limited.
Which Documents Are Required to Enter the Muzeum?
✔ A valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.) is required and must be shown before scanning your entry pass at the Auschwitz Memorial entrance.
✔ Your entry pass (printed or digital with a visible barcode) is scanned before security and again at the reception area.
Can You Visit Auschwitz Without a Guide?
A maximum of ten people can enter the Auschwitz Museum without a guide, but only in the afternoon. Entrance is free, but a pass is still required.
How to Book Your Free Auschwitz Entry Pass?
To visit Auschwitz on your own, you must reserve an individual entry pass online, at least 7 days in advance. Go to visit.auschwitz.org and choose these options:
Visit for individuals -> select a date -> Tour for individuals without an educator
These afternoon slots are listed without any language assigned. If none are visible, they’re likely fully booked for the day—during high season, this may be the case for several weeks ahead.
What to Do on the Day of Your Tour?
For directions check the Arrival page and once there you follow these steps:
1. You can enter 30 minutes early (skipping the long line)
2. Present your ID and scan the entry pass
3. Walk through security gates (metal detection)
4. Scan your ticket again to go downstairs
6. Get outside of the tunnel and to Auschwitz I exhibition
7. Exit and go to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, 3 km away
8. Show your pass and go inside
9. Visit Auschwitz II-Birkenau
How to Visit Auschwitz on Your Own?
Outdoors, use our map to find your location. Indoors, follow a guidebook and move in the same direction as the guided groups.
Auschwitz self-guided tour tips: Be sure to review the preparation guide. Without a historical background, the place may not give you much, so consider a guided tour first.
Museum Map – On-Site Navigation
Open my custom map with Auschwitz tour routes (the button in the bottom right corner) and locate yourself on site.
Guidebook – Understand the History
Guidebooks come in many languages and contain the regular sightseeing route with commentaries. You can get it at the bookshop inside the reception building.
What Are Auschwitz Guided Tours Like?
Most visitors choose organized tours for their convenience. However, to avoid last-minute cancellations, it's best to book a tour arranged by the Museum through visit.auschwitz.org.
Joint tour (called 'visit for individuals') is ideal for single visitors who haven't made a reservation in advance. For groups over 6 people it's cheaper to get a private tour.
Private tour (called 'visit for groups') with your own guide is for demanding and larger groups. It's convenient and flexible, with more languages available.
Online tour (called 'online group visit') is designed for people who cannot visit the Memorial in person. It may be a good choice for schools because of the additional educational content.
Check the guided tours options on the official Memorial site.
A 3.5-hour tour with transportation from Kraków is the most popular option. Check reviews, as quality can vary, and be aware of the potential disadvantages. A private tour booked directly with the Museum may be cheaper for groups of several people.
3.5-h general tour
You visit both parts of the camp and receive basic information.
Study tour
You can visit more than on a 3.5-h tour: national exhibitions, Canada... You can choose between a one-day option (6/8 hours) or a two-day option (3+3 or 4+4 hours).
2.5-h general tour
You visit less than on 3.5-hour tour at the same price. Choose 3.5-h instead.
2.5-h online tour
You join a live video broadcast of the Memorial, led by a guide.
Headset. It's Not an Audio Guide.
Visitors are provided with a headset for listening to the guide’s narration. For comfort, bring your own headphones (3.5mm audio jack) and ensure they’re on only after the guide begins speaking. If the sound quality is poor, ask for a replacement.
Adjust the volume using the small knob as needed.
How to Join a Guided Auschwitz Tour?
Join a group of up to 30 people on a 3.5- or 6-hour tour with a fixed itinerary. For a better experience, booking a private tour is recommended. It offers a wider selection of languages and can be more cost-effective for families or groups—check the prices below.
How to Book a Guided Tour for Individual Visitors?
Online - Safe
Go to visit.auschwitz.org and choose these options:
Visit for individuals -> select a date -> select language -> select the visiting hour -> add to basket
On Site - Risky
Each day, a limited number of entry spots become available on site. Arriving early in the morning gives you a chance to purchase one at the reception desk but availability is not guaranteed. Last-minute tours are often offered only in English or Polish.
Which Languages Are Available and Is There an Audio Guide?
Guided tours for individual visitors are available in Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Slovak, and Spanish.
There is no audioguide system at Auschwitz Museum, but you will use a headset to hear your guide clearly during the tour.
What Are the Ticket Prices for Joining an Auschwitz Guided Tour?
130 PLN (120* PLN)
3.5-h regular tour (for groups over 6 people a private tour is cheaper: 7*130>870)
170 PLN (160* PLN)
6-h study tour
60 PLN
2.5-h online tour
*The discount is available to students under 26, people over 75 or with a disability card.
In Polish the sightseeing is 10-20 PLN cheaper apart from the online tours.
Open the detailed price list pdf file valid from 1.05.2025
When to Arrive and What to Do on the Day of Your Visit?
Get there at least half an hour before your tour. For directions check the Arrival page and once there you follow these steps:
1. Enter the visitor service center (skipping the long line)
2. Present your ID and entry pass (f you lose your ticket, ask the staff for assistance with reprinting it on site)
3. Walk through the security gates
4. Get a special sticker at the front desk (details and photos below)
5. Wait for your guide in the hallway
6. Scan the ticket and go downstairs
7. Get a headset to hear your guide
8. You are shown around Auschwitz I
9. Get to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, 3 km away
10. Find your guide and visit Birkenau
Get a Sticker and Wait
After passing through the security gates, go to the reception desk to get a sticker that will help the guide find you. Wait for the guide holding the language board in the hallway.
Is a Private Auschwitz Tour Worth It?
If you hire a guide you can choose which places to visit and what to explain in detail. You can start 30 min early, but you lose time if late.
How and When Can I Book a Private Auschwitz Guided Tour?
Once on visit.auschwitz.org select the 'Visit for groups' option. After registering and submitting your request, you’ll receive a response by email.
It’s best to book at least one month in advance. Group bookings are available up to 5 days before the visit, or up to 2 days in advance for an additional fee by contacting: '[email protected]'
Tip: Book early and inform the Museum of any special requests—such as a custom route, planned ceremonies, or visitors with special needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Guide for an Auschwitz Tour?
The prices* for groups of up to 30 / 20 / 10 people:
1020 / 970 / 870 PLN
2.5- / 3.5-h general tour
It may cost PLN 34 per person = 1020/30
1290 / 1240 / 1140 PLN
6-h study tour
1800 / 1750 / 1650 PLN
8-h study tour
690 PLN
2.5-h online tour
Open the official price list pdf document valid from 1.05.2025.
*Polish schools are entitled to a discount.
Which Languages Are Offered for the Private Sightseeing?
Private guided tours are available in: Croatian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian.
When to Arrive and What to Do on Site?
1. Arrive at least 40 minutes early so that you can use restrooms, in the meantime the group leader should check in at the front desk (see photo below) to meet your guide
2. Walk through security gates with your guide
3. Everyone presents their ID and entry passes (distribute tickets before arrival or on the way)
4. The group gathers in the reception hallway
5. If a ticket is lost, print it at the front desk inside
6. Scan the tickets again and go downstairs
7. Get headsets to better hear your guide
8. You are shown around Auschwitz I
9. Get to Birkenau and walk to the main gate
10. Look for your guide and visit Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Those who hire a guide should ask at this reception desk. It is located to the right of the Memorial entrance.
Are Organized Auschwitz Tours from Krakow Worth It?
Auschwitz tours are available through hotel receptions and apps, but intermediaries often add a commission, and bookings can be risky. To avoid extra costs and ensure your visit, book directly with the trusted local operators listed below.
Visiting Auschwitz with transport from Kraków takes at least six hours:
1. Pick-up in Kraków (may take a while)
2. Drive to the Memorial (approx. 1.5 hours)
3. Receive your tickets and wait for your guide
5. Present your ID, scan your ticket, and proceed through the security screening
6. The group gathers inside; tickets are scanned again
7. Head downstairs to collect your headset
8. Guided tour of Auschwitz I (approx. 1.5 hours)
9. Short break, then return to the bus for transfer to Birkenau
10. Visit Auschwitz II-Birkenau (approx. 1 hour)
11. Return to the bus and drive back to Kraków (approx. 1.5 hours)
Verified Local Suppliers of Auschwitz Tours
From 85 EUR →
A reliable company offering high-quality sightseeing experiences with direct customer service.
From 120 EUR →
Guided tours in English, with optional guidebooks in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
From 45 EUR →
Trusted and award-winning, uniquely offering the exclusive tour capped at 15 visitors.
From 90 EUR →
Explore Auschwitz and beyond with expert guides and safe, comfortable transport.
YouTube channel →
Last-minute bookings with a native British tour agent from Kraków. WhatsApp: +48 732 914 971
Disadvantages of Organized Auschwitz-Birkenau Tours
Some companies (other than those listed above) cancel bookings at the last minute or change departure times. Negative reviews are often quickly removed from platforms like Get Your Guide, so always check the operator’s reviews on Google or TripAdvisor – they are reliable. The following information comes from my Facebook group, where you can find support from people who have already visited the Memorial: Auschwitz Visit Advice
Why Can Auschwitz Tour Bookings Be Canceled?
Museum guides can be booked up to 90 days in advance, while tour companies may charge at any time. Sometimes, guides are requested only after the entry fee is paid, which might not be possible. You may also be replaced at the last minute by someone willing to pay more for your spot, causing the tour to be canceled—even the day before.
Are There Cheaper Auschwitz Tours and What Are the Risks?
Prices for organized Auschwitz tours usually range from 160 to 300 PLN per person. Booking in advance is cheaper, and can be as low as 40 PLN for special offers but these tours are often cancelled as explained above. Scammers try to sell free tickets or fail to explain that you are only paying for transportation.
What Causes Crowds at the Auschwitz Memorial?
Combining Auschwitz tour with a visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine, many companies arrive at the same time. Hence the long lines and crowds at the exhibition in the morning and early afternoon.
How Tiring Can a Visit to Auschwitz Be?
Companies try to gather as large a group as possible, so you usually spend half a day surrounded by 30 strangers. Imagine being picked up in jammed Kraków, a long drive, queues, and rushing around. Moreover, visiting Auschwitz and the Salt Mine is physically demanding, so it’s not advisable to combine both tours on the same day.
Is Visiting Auschwitz With a Big Group a Waste of Time?
The 30 people who see the place for the first time have to gather several times. During the breaks, some try to use the crowded restrooms or eat something in the crowded restaurant. What the guide says often needs to be translated, which reduces the available time for narration even by half.
How Can a Tight Schedule Affect Your Auschwitz Visit?
A busy schedule can make you feel rushed. Fixed itinerary only allows you to visit certain places, missing out on so much. It is much better to book directly, go there yourself and visit the places you want at your own pace.