How to Get from Kraków to Auschwitz
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ŁukaszThe Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is in Oświęcim, about 70 km west of Kraków. Most visitors travel from Kraków — and there are several reliable ways to get there. To navigate on site and locate yourself open the custom map using the button in the bottom right.
From Kraków to Auschwitz by Train: the Fastest Way
Trains depart from Kraków Główny (the main railway station) to Oświęcim. The journey takes between 40 minutes on an InterCity express and 1 to 1.5 hours on a regional train. Check the timetable and buy tickets at koleo.pl or the official PKP State Railroads.
From Oświęcim Station to the Memorial
The train station in Oświęcim is 1.5 km from Auschwitz I (where you start the tour) and 1.5 km from Auschwitz II-Birkenau (where you finish). You can walk (about 25 minutes) or take a local bus.
The train station in Oświęcim with the "Dworzec PKP" bus stop in front.
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:
- Dworzec PKP → Muzeum I
- Muzeum II → Dworzec PKP (all buses go back to the station)
- Dworzec PKP ↔ Auschwitz (from April to October, the special M line runs directly)
Kraków to Auschwitz by Bus
The most convenient option is the Lajkonik bus, which runs directly from Kraków to the Auschwitz Memorial. It drops you off at the main parking lot, right next to the Memorial entrance — no transfers, no walking from a distant station.
Lajkonik buses leave Kraków roughly every hour between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Tickets cost 22 PLN one way — pay on board with cash or card, or reserve online at moj-bus.pl.
Timetables
Lajkonik departs from stands G1–G6 at the MDA bus station, next to Kraków Główny railway station. Timetables:
- Kraków → Auschwitz
- Auschwitz → Kraków
- MDA departures (English available, type "Oświęcim")
Inside the Lajkonik bus heading from Kraków toward Oświęcim — a comfortable, direct connection to the Memorial.
Departure Stops
The bus also stops along the route — useful if your accommodation is outside the centre (links to Google Maps):
- Plac Inwalidów – 7 min after departure
- Czarnowiejska – 9 min
- Miasteczko AGH – 11 min
- Bronowice SKA – 13 min
- Rondo Ofiar Katynia – 14 min
Plan your trip to the nearest stop with jakdojade.pl/krakow.
Getting from Kraków to Auschwitz by Car: Distance, Time, Routes & Parking
The drive from Kraków to Auschwitz takes just 1 to 1.5 hours (70 km), making it an easy and popular day trip. Here are the three best routes depending on where you’re starting in Kraków:
- A4 Motorway – the fastest paid option. Ideal if you’re leaving from north of the city. Take the exit toward Oświęcim near Chrzanów for the quickest route.
- National Road 780 – via Liszki and Alwernia. May be quicker when departing from Kraków city center, especially during heavy traffic.
- National Road 44 – through Skawina and Zator. The best choice if you’re starting from the south of Kraków.
Parking at Auschwitz
Paid parking lots are available at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The main parking lot at Auschwitz I is located on Więźniów Oświęcimia Street and stays open until closing time. For detailed parking maps, current prices, and alternative lots, check the Arrival page.
On the way from Kraków look for road signs showing 'Oświęcim', and closer to the Memorial also 'Muzeum Auschwitz'.
Get to Auschwitz From the Kraków Airport
If you are flying into Kraków Balice Airport, take the train to Kraków Główny (20 minutes) and connect from there by train or bus to Oświęcim. There is no practical direct connection from the airport.
Make sure to reserve your entry pass a few weeks before coming — since March 2026, tickets are available only online at visit.auschwitz.org.
