The best way to get to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow

Where is Auschwitz located?

Before getting into details on how to get to Auschwitz, let’s first see where it is located. Many people don’t realize that Auschwitz is a German name for the town of Oświęcim located in Southern Poland. Auschwitz Concentration Camp was opened by Nazis on the outskirts of the town during World War II. Oświęcim is situated around 60 km from Krakow and is one of the most popular tours for Krakow visitors. The closest airport to Oświęcim is John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport.

How do I get from Krakow city center to the Auschwitz Museum?

You have a few transportation options to visit Auschwitz Birkenau from Krakow. Depending on your budget, time and personal preferences, you can choose public or private transport. When it comes to public transport, you can opt for a bus or train. If you don’t have your own car, you can book a private transfer, or choose an organized group tour. The public options are:

Bus

This is the option for those looking for the most budget-friendly option. To get to the Auschwitz memorial, you’ll have to go to the Krakow Bus Station on Bosacka Street. There, you will be able to check bus schedules and buy tickets. Remember that you’re looking for a bus to Oświęcim. Pay attention to the bus stops as not all bus companies stop next to the museum. If you don’t want to be dropped off on the other side of the town, make sure to ask for a bus to Więźniów Oświęcimia Street or the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial.

Train

Although it is possible to get to Auschwitz by train, it is not the most recommended option. Oświęcim train station is situated some 2 km from Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp, which means you have an extra bit to travel once you get to Oświęcim. You can of course walk if you have time or take a local bus to cover the distance, but this will extend your journey.

How long is the journey from Krakow to Auschwitz?

On average, the journey takes between 1 and 2 hours. A car ride will be the fastest, while a bus trip may take between 1h 20min to 1h 40min. Getting to Auschwitz by train can take 2 hours and sometimes even more because you have to take into account the additional distance between the Oświęcim train station and the Auschwitz Museum.

How much does it cost to go to Auschwitz from Krakow?

The cost of your trip from Krakow to Auschwitz and Birkenau will depend on the method of transport. You can pay as little as 12 PLN for one-way tickets when opting for a bus. Train tickets can cost from 15 PLN, but add a few more zlotys if you’re planning to take a local bus from the station.

How long is Auschwitz tour?

The length of your Auschwitz tour will depend on the type of tour you choose. If you decide to visit Auschwitz on your own without the Museum’s guide, you can take as long as you want. Just keep in mind that individuals can visit Auschwitz only at specified times, usually in the afternoon. Be aware that the museum consists of two camps (Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Birkenau II) and they are approximately 3.5 km apart.

On the other hand, if you’ve opted for a general guided tour, you will spend 3.5 hours in both Auschwitz and Birkenau. During approx. 1.5 hours, you will learn about Auschwitz I – its beginnings as a camp for Polish political prisoners and later expansion into a death camp. In this part of the museum, you’ll also see some unsettling exhibitions, including things left behind by people who perished in the death camp. The remaining time of the tour will focus on the second camp – Auschwitz II Birkenau – where you will see prisoners’ barracks and ruins of gas chambers.

What is the best way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow?

If you’re looking for an efficient and smooth way to visit the Auschwitz Museum from Krakow, look into organized guided tours. As this is one of the most popular tours in Krakow, you will easily find a plethora of options. Booking arranged Auschwitz tours allows you to fully take in the tour without worrying about all the logistics. You get to save time on checking schedules, booking tickets and finding bus stops. Additionally, an organized guided tour usually means no waiting time for you to collect your museum entrance pass.

Visiting Auschwitz on a guided tour with MrShuttle

MrShuttle has a few Auschwitz tours on offer that should suit your needs. All of them come with an English-speaking driver for your comfort. A shared tour, like our Auschwitz & Birkenau tour, is a good option for those looking for a stress-free and budget-friendly option. Apart from providing transportation, we take care of booking tickets with a tour guide. In addition, you will watch a movie about death camps in Nazi Germany during the ride and be better prepared for the tour. On average, a tour of Auschwitz takes 7 hours, including transport between Krakow and Oświęcim.

You can also consider a day trip option, during which you’ll visit not only Auschwitz but also Wieliczka Salt Mine. If you’re short on time and wish to see both of those places on the same day, book this tour. We also offer private tours, either with a private guide and transport or just private transport and a shared guide– you choose. Besides, it’s not an issue if you are not interested in a full tour and want to visit Auschwitz on your own and without a guide. In that case, you can book only a private transfer-> https://mrshuttle.com/transfer/krakow-to-oswiecim-transfer/ between Krakow and Oświęcim. Whichever option you choose, we are certain that visiting Auschwitz will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the Nazi’s ‘Final Solution.’