How Much Does It Cost to Visit Auschwitz? Tour Prices and More

Visiting the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a deeply important experience for many travelers to southern Poland. Whether you're staying in Krakow or planning a dedicated day trip, this guide will help you understand the costs associated with visiting, from entry passes to guided tours, and how to prepare for a meaningful and respectful journey. If you're asking yourself, how much does it cost to visit Auschwitz, this article offers clarity. V

Auschwitz Entry Fees: What You Need to Know

The Auschwitz Museum offers free admission for individual visitors who choose to explore the site without a guide. However, even for free entry, it is necessary to reserve your entry pass online in advance—walk-in access is not guaranteed.

If you plan to take a guided tour, expect to pay around 85 PLN per person for a general group tour lasting approximately 3.5 hours. Study tours, which offer deeper exploration and more historical content, are priced at 125 PLN. This is the most common answer to the question, how much does it cost to visit Auschwitz.

Summary of Tour Pricing:

General Guided Tour (3.5 hours): 85 PLN
Study Tour (6 hours): 125 PLN
Group Guide (for 10+ people): Price varies
Luggage Locker: 5 PLN per use

Why Pay for a Guided Tour?

While self-guided visits are possible, many visitors find that guided tours offer a far more enriching experience. Led by certified museum educators, these tours provide essential historical context, survivor testimonies, and access to special exhibits that may be missed otherwise.

You’ll also benefit from:

Smooth navigation between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau camps via shuttle bus
Commentary at memorial sites such as gas chambers, barracks, and crematoria
A structured and respectful experience led by an Auschwitz Memorial guide

What Is Included in Guided Tours?

General guided tours include:

Entrance to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau
Commentary by a licensed educator
Shuttle service between both sites
Visits to significant landmarks, including gas chambers, administrative buildings, and prisoner barracks

Study tours include all of the above, plus:

Access to special national exhibitions
Extended commentary
Additional areas not covered in the general tours

Transportation Costs to Auschwitz

Located about 60 km (about an hour) from Krakow, reaching Auschwitz can be done by bus, train station, or private transfer. Public transport is cost-effective but requires extra time and planning.

If convenience and comfort matter, many travellers opt for day trips provided by private tour companies, which include hotel transfers, guides, and even meals. The official Auschwitz site also provides helpful travel directions.

Why Choose MrShuttle?

MrShuttle is a highly rated tour provider with:

Comfortable vehicles with free Wi-Fi
Hotel pickup and drop-off
English-speaking licensed tour guides
Transparent pricing and flexible cancellation
Educational content provided en route via documentary screening

Their approach ensures a respectful and informative visit, tailored to the needs of international visitors.

Entry Pass Rules for Independent Visitors

If you’re visiting without a guide:

Book your entry pass in advance via the official Auschwitz museum website
Free admission applies only during specific hours (usually afternoons)
ID must be shown upon entry

Though it’s free, the experience may be more meaningful when supported by the expert context provided during a guided tour.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Site is open year-round. Spring and autumn are less crowded and allow for quieter, more reflective experiences.

Opening hours vary by season and should always be checked before booking. Arriving early also helps avoid large crowds.

What Will You See on a Visit?

All standard tours include:

Auschwitz I: Exhibitions, punishment cells, historical buildings
Auschwitz II Birkenau: Gas chamber ruins, crematoria, and train station platform
Memorials and displays of victims’ personal belongings

During your visit Auschwitz experience, you’ll walk through key areas of the Auschwitz concentration camp that bear witness to the atrocities of World War II and Nazi Germany. The former Auschwitz sites serve today as a powerful reminder of the past.

Accessibility and Facilities

Lockers available: 5 PLN
On-site car park for private vehicles
Food and rest areas near the entrance
Photography allowed (no flash)

Visitors should wear comfortable footwear and dress for the weather, especially for Auschwitz II, which is more exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it free to visit Auschwitz?

Yes, individual visitors can visit Auschwitz for free if they reserve a timed entry pass in advance. However, for those seeking a more insightful experience, booking a guided tour is highly recommended.

2. What can I expect when visiting Auschwitz Birkenau?

Visitors will explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau. The Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum includes preserved buildings, memorials, and historical exhibitions detailing the tragic history of the concentration camp complex.

3. Is there a difference between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau?

Yes. Auschwitz I served as the original concentration camp and administrative center. Auschwitz II Birkenau was a much larger site where the majority of mass killings took place.

4. Can I visit the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum without a tour guide?

Yes, you can explore the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum independently with a free pass, but guided tours provide a more comprehensive and respectful understanding of the site.

5. Is the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial open all year?

Yes, the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial is open year-round with seasonal opening hours. Be sure to check in advance.

6. What’s the best way to experience Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau in one day?

The best way to experience both camps is to book a guided tour that includes transport, a licensed tour guide, and pre-arranged tickets to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau.

7. How many concentration camps make up Auschwitz?

The Auschwitz concentration camp complex included three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II Birkenau, and Auschwitz III Monowitz.

8. Is it worth visiting Auschwitz Birkenau more than once?

Many people find that visiting Auschwitz Birkenau more than once deepens their understanding. Each tour may offer new perspectives and additional parts of the memorial site.

9. What should I wear when visiting Auschwitz Birkenau?

Visitors should dress respectfully and be prepared for long walks, especially across the open grounds of Auschwitz II Birkenau.

10. Are there any facilities on site?

Yes, including a car park, lockers, and food stands near the entrance of the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial.

Final Thoughts

To visit Auschwitz Birkenau is a profound, sobering experience. With several tour options available—whether you’re looking for an extended historical deep-dive or a streamlined visit—there’s a path that fits your needs and schedule.

Choosing a provider like MrShuttle ensures your visit is comfortable, respectful, and deeply informative. Their attention to detail, experienced tour guides, and range of options make them a leading choice for guided tours to this historic site and grounds of the Auschwitz.

A guided tour ensures a smooth visit through former Nazi concentration camps (both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, providing crucial insight into the role of this extermination camp during World War II). While unguided tours are possible, the depth, clarity, and emotional context offered by an educator make the extra cost well worth it.

Facilities such as a luggage storage facility and a car park help improve your experience on-site. With two international airports nearby and available tours for every type of traveller, planning your trip is simple.

Book with confidence—free cancellation ensures peace of mind as you prepare for this significant journey.

Still wondering how much it costs to visit Auschwitz? Now you know – and you’re one step closer to a visit that informs, transforms, and honours history.