Best Ways of How to Get to Krakow: Flights, Trains, Buses, and More

Wondering how to get to Krakow with your group of Staggers? Whether you’re flying by plane, taking a train, bus, or driving, we’ve got you covered. This guide provides a concise overview of the best options to reach Krakow smoothly and affordably.

Key Takeaways

• Flying to Kraków is easy with budget airlines offering cheap flights from major UK and EU cities.

• Trains and buses offer convenient and affordable alternatives to reach Kraków, connecting it with cities like Warsaw, Berlin, and Vienna.

• Walking is a great way to explore Kraków, with pedestrianized zones and scenic paths enhancing the experience.

Flying to Kraków - cheap airlines from U.K AND E.U

Flying to Krakow offers a convenient entry to this beautiful city. Cities like Birmingham and Paris also offer direct flights to Krakow, enhancing accessibility for travelers. The John Paul II International Airport (KRK) acts as the primary gateway for international travelers, providing easy access to affordable flights from the U.K. and E.U. Cities like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Berlin, Vienna, and Prague offer nonstop flights to Kraków, with airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet providing competitive flight prices.

London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airports offer regular flights to Kraków for travelers from the U.K. Similarly, major E.U. cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Prague provide affordable flight options. Planning and flexibility can help you find great deals and kick-start your Kraków adventure on a budget.

Flying to Katowice - cheap airlines from U.K AND E.U.

For alternative flight options, Katowice Airport (KTW) is situated about 110 kilometers from Kraków and often offers cheaper flights. Shuttle buses and private hire services provide easy transportation to Kraków from Katowice.

Cheap flights to Katowice are available from cities like London, Berlin, and Vienna through airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair. Researching can help you find the best routes and prices for your travel plans.

John Paul II International Airport (Kraków-Balice)

John Paul II International Airport (KRK), just 11 kilometers from Kraków’s city center, serves as the main kraków airport. It operates 24 hours a day, offering flexibility for arrivals.

Transport options to the city center include regular buses (lines 208 and 292), taxis, and private transfers. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes to reach the city center. A taxi ride costs around €22 or 95 PLN, providing a convenient travel choice. Tickets can be purchased through various methods, including cash or credit/debit card, and must be validated upon boarding.

Katowice Airport

Katowice Airport (KTW), 110 kilometers from Kraków, serves as a practical alternative. Connected to Kraków via shuttle buses and private hire services, the longer distance is offset by potential cost savings on flights.

Katowice Airport remains a viable choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Budget Airlines

Budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet offer affordable flights to both Kraków and Katowice. These airlines provide various options for travellers, making it easier to find cheap flights that fit your schedule. Ryanair is particularly popular for its direct flights to Kraków, making it a go-to option for budget-conscious travelers.

Booking flights at least three months in advance and traveling during the off-season can yield the best prices. Using flight search engines to compare options also helps secure the best deals, ensuring significant savings on your journey to Kraków.

Trains to Kraków

Traveling by train to Kraków is convenient, as the city is well-served by rail connections from within Poland and neighboring countries including Germany. Kraków Główny Station connects to major cities like Warsaw, Berlin, Vienna, and Prague. The journey from Berlin to Warsaw, Wroclaw or Krakow takes under 5 hours, and is a common, popular choice with our German clients.

Combining a trip to Warsaw with a visit to Kraków is an interesting option. The train ride offers picturesque views of Poland’s country along with comfortable amenities.

Kraków’s railway system provides efficient and reliable connections from Germany, France, Gdańsk, and other locations in Poland and EU. City train cars are also popular with stag groups.

Kraków Główny Train Station

Kraków Główny Station, a 5-minute walk from the Old Town, is the city’s largest railway station, offering amenities like waiting rooms and travel centers.

Most coaches stop at Dworzec Autobusowy, next to Kraków Główny, ensuring easy transfers between train and bus services. Night line bus route 902 connects the station to the airport.

Popular Train Routes

Kraków’s railway system efficiently connects to major cities like Warsaw, Wroclaw, and international destinations. Major routes include trains from Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, and Kiev. Journey times are competitive, with trains from Warsaw taking under 2.5 hours and from Vienna and Prague around 5-6 hours.

Train travel offers a comfortable and scenic way to get to kraków.

Buses to Krakow

Taking a bus to Kraków is an affordable and convenient alternative. Bus Station MDA, near the train station, facilitates easy transfers between transport modes. The city is serviced by regular bus lines, ensuring frequent and reliable connections for travelers. Major operators like FlixBus and RegioJet offer domestic and international routes with tickets available online or at the station.

Travel times and prices vary by route, but buses provide a cost-effective travel option, especially for budget-conscious travellers. Comfortable amenities and flexible schedules make bus travel a practical choice for reaching Krakow.

MDA Bus Station in KRAKOW

The MDA Bus Station, situated directly behind the main train station at 18 Bosacka Street, is easily accessible from the city center and close to the Main Square. Multiple ticket offices cater to domestic and international travel, allowing ticket purchases up to 15 minutes before departure at the main bus station.

Facilities include a waiting room, free WiFi, cafes, and shops, making it a convenient hub for bus travelers near the Bristol location bus stop.

Major Bus Operators

Primary bus operators to Kraków include FlixBus and RegioJet, with additional services from PolskiBus and Ecolines, offering a variety of routes and schedules.

These operators ensure that travelers have multiple options for reaching Kraków, whether coming from major cities in Poland or international destinations.

Driving to Krakow

Driving to Kraków offers freedom and flexibility for road trip enthusiasts. Major highways connect Kraków to large cities like Warsaw, Berlin, and Vienna, making it accessible by car. Ensure you have a valid driving license, ID, Green Card, warning triangle, and fire extinguisher. Dipped lights and seatbelts are mandatory. The speed limit is 140 km/h on motorways and 50 km/h in the city, increasing to 60 km/h between 23:00 and 05:00.

Parking in Krakow, especially in the city center, can be challenging with all those one way streets. Display parking tickets visibly behind the windshield after purchase. With some planning, driving to Krakow can be convenient and enjoyable.

Main Routes

Major highways like A4 and S7 provide direct access to Kraków. Poland’s road network is well-maintained and in excellent condition.

Traveling from Warsaw to Kraków by road takes just under four hours, with tolls on some motorways. These routes make driving to Kraków a feasible option.

Parking in Kraków

Parking in Kraków can be tricky with limited options. Driving in the city center is not permitted, and parking tickets must be displayed behind the windshield.

With some planning, suitable parking options can be found to enhance your visit to Kraków.

Public Transport in Kraków

Kraków’s public transport system features a well-coordinated network of buses and trams, facilitating easy navigation. Trams connect the northern and southern parts of the city, while buses offer comprehensive coverage. Tickets are available at newsstands, ticket machines, buses, and trams.

The public transport system operates on a two-zone structure, with one-way tickets costing 3.80 PLN. Renovations at Kraków Główny Station have enhanced its facilities and accessibility, making public transport a reliable and efficient option.

Trams and Buses

Buses and trams in Kraków connect various neighborhoods, ensuring easy navigation. Modern trams and comprehensive bus coverage ensure accessibility for residents and visitors.

Though Kraków lacks a subway system, its extensive bus and tram network provides reliable public transport options.

Ticket Types and Zones

Kraków’s public transport system provides various ticket options, including 20-minute, 40-minute, and 90-minute tickets for local travel, along with 24-hour, 48-hour, weekend, and weekly tickets.

The city operates on a two-zone structure, with Zone I covering most areas. Buses and trams share a unified ticketing system, and tickets must be validated upon boarding. Tickets are available online through the Jakdojade app, at a ticket machine, and other locations.

Cycling in Kraków

Exploring Kraków by bike is a fantastic way to see the city. The user-friendly bike rental system features 16 stands throughout the city center. Registration costs 20 PLN, with rental prices ranging from 10 PLN for an hour to 90 PLN for 24 hours. Options include trekking, mountain, and electric bikes, making cycling a great way to explore Kraków’s charming streets and scenic pathways.

Kraków features an extensive network of bike lanes, separating cyclists from vehicle traffic to enhance safety. Cyclists should wear helmets, use lights at night, and follow traffic signals to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Grab a bike and explore the Vistula River pathways, the Old Town, and other scenic routes that Kraków offers.

Bike Rentals

Kraków provides convenient bike rental options with 16 stands in the city center. Registration costs 20 PLN, and rental prices range from 10 PLN for an hour to 90 PLN for 24 hours.

You can choose from a variety of bikes, including trekking, mountain, and electric bikes, making it easy to find the perfect ride for your adventure.

Bike Lanes and Safety

Kraków’s extensive network of bike lanes ensures a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. The lanes are designed to keep cyclists separated from vehicle traffic, enhancing safety. Cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets, use lights at night, and follow traffic signals.

These measures help ensure a safe and pleasant ride as you explore the city’s scenic routes and pathways.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing in Kraków

Taxis in Kraków are widely available and offer a convenient way to navigate the city. When choosing a taxi, look for visible company identification and pricing stickers to ensure transparency in fares. Taxis are legally obliged to provide printed receipts to passengers, adding an extra layer of security and confidence. This makes them a reliable option for getting around Kraków, especially if you’re new to the city.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt provide flexible transport options in Kraków. These services are practical alternatives to traditional taxis, often allowing for quicker and possibly cheaper rides. Using ride-sharing apps allows for convenient booking and real-time tracking of your ride, making it easy to get from one place to another.

Whether you’re heading to the airport, a restaurant, or exploring the city, ride-sharing apps offer a modern and efficient way to fly.

Taxis

When using taxis in Kraków, look for well-marked vehicles with the company’s name, phone number, and visible price stickers. Taxis are legally required to provide printed receipts, ensuring transparency and security for passengers.

This makes taxis a reliable and convenient option for navigating the city.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are popular in Kraków, providing flexible and convenient transport options. These apps allow for easy booking and real-time tracking of your ride, ensuring you get to your destination efficiently.

With competitive pricing and availability, ride-sharing is a practical alternative to traditional taxis.

Walking Around Kraków

Walking around Kraków is a delightful way to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The city center features numerous pathways and streets designed specifically for pedestrians, enhancing its walkability. The compact layout promotes a vibrant walking experience, allowing you to easily navigate from one attraction to another. From the bustling Main Square to the charming streets of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find plenty of areas to explore on foot.

One of the best ways to soak in the beauty of Kraków during the summer is by walking along the scenic paths by the Vistula River. These walkways provide picturesque views of the Wawel Castle and offer opportunities for riverside picnics.

Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Town, the lively Market Square, or the serene riverbanks, walking around Kraków is a world experience not to be missed.

Pedestrianised Zones

The Main Square in Kraków is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and is entirely dedicated to pedestrian access. This central hub is known for its lively ambiance and is lined with cafes, shops, and historical buildings, making it ideal for leisurely strolls.

The Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, offers a vibrant walking experience filled with cultural and historical sites, enhancing its appeal for walking tours.

Key Attractions

Mary’s Basilica, famous for its stunning altarpiece and architecture, is a prominent landmark easily reachable by walking from the Old Town. The Vistula River walkways provide a scenic and leisurely route for pedestrians, offering picturesque views of the river and the city.

Walking around Kraków allows you to discover key attractions at your own pace, making it a rewarding experience for visitors.

Summary

Kraków is a city that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you choose to fly, take a train, bus, or drive, there are numerous convenient ways to get to Kraków. Once you’re in the city, the efficient public transport system, bike-friendly routes, and pedestrianized zones make it easy to explore all that Kraków has to offer.

From the bustling Main Square to the tranquil paths along the Vistula River, Kraków is a city that invites exploration. With this guide, you have all the information you need to plan your trip and make the most of your visit. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the magic of Kraków.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best airlines for cheap flights to Kraków?

For the cheapest flights to Kraków, definitely check out Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet. Booking ahead and traveling in the off-season will score you even better deals!

How can I get from Katowice Airport to Kraków?

The easiest way to get from Katowice Airport to Kraków is by taking a shuttle bus or booking a private ride. Katowice Airport features a modern terminal with various amenities to ensure a comfortable start to your journey. It’s about 110 kilometers, so you’ll be in Kraków in no time! Contact us for more "Spicy" options including hot local talent aka "onboard entertainment."

What are the main train routes to Kraków?

Kraków has solid train connections to major cities like Warsaw, Berlin, Vienna, and Prague. Kraków, once the capital of Poland, is rich in history and culture, making it a fascinating destination accessible by train. You can reach Warsaw in under 2.5 hours, while trains from Vienna and Prague take about 5-6 hours.

Are there bike rental options in Kraków?

Absolutely, Kraków has plenty of bike rental spots in the city center, offering trekking, mountain, and electric bikes. Prices start at just 10 PLN an hour, making it super easy to explore the city on two wheels!

What are the key attractions that can be explored on foot in Kraków?

You can’t miss exploring the Main Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and the beautiful Vistula River walkways on foot in Kraków. The Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, is also super vibrant with loads of cultural and historical spots to check out!