Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour — Skip the Line
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Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour — Skip the Line
Trip Itinerary
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1
Hotel pickup
The pickups are provided between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on your accommodation and our schedules. The pickup time is always confirmed by text and email the day before the tour.
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2
Transfer
First we will go to Auschwitz during the ride you will watch the documentary about the Camp.
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3
Auschwitz I Museum
You will have 2-hour long tour in the camp which was the administrative headquarters of the complex.
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4
Auschwitz II Birkenau
After first part we will go to Birkenau camp where you will spend another 1-hour with a professional english speaking guide.
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5
Transfer and hotel drop off
Our service covers door-to-door transportation. That means You will be taken back to the hotel.
Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.
Experience One of the World’s Most Important Memorial Sites
Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most infamous Nazi concentration camp, stands today as a chilling yet essential memorial site dedicated to preserving the memory of those who suffered under one of history’s darkest regimes. For visitors in Krakow city centre, a visit to Auschwitz and the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Museum is more than a historical excursion—it is an act of remembrance, education, and reflection. With Mr Shuttle’s professionally guided Auschwitz tour, your time visiting Auschwitz will be organised, comfortable, and deeply meaningful.
What is the Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour?
The Auschwitz tour is a full-day, Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour departing from Krakow city centre, taking visitors through the haunting sites of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau. The tour is led by a certified tour leader and museum-appointed guide, providing powerful insight into the Holocaust and World War II atrocities committed at the site. It is one of the most comprehensive ways to visit Auschwitz with respect, understanding, and historical accuracy.
- Duration: Approximately 7 hours
- Departure: Daily departures from Krakow
- Includes: Transportation, entrance tickets, educational documentary, and a professionally led museum tour
Why Visit Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial?
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial is unlike any other place in the world. More than 1.1 million people were murdered here, and the site remains a symbol of unimaginable cruelty—and the importance of never forgetting.
The Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp complex included Auschwitz I, the administrative heart, and Auschwitz II Birkenau, which became an extermination camp with gas chamber ruins and crematoria. The Birkenau Memorial and Museum serves to honour these lives and share their stories through preserved buildings, exhibitions, and original museum grounds. Anyone who decides to visit Auschwitz walks through history - and remembrance.
Detailed Trip Itinerary
1. Hotel Pickup
Your Auschwitz tour begins with a hotel pickup between 5:30 and 7:30 AM, depending on the meeting point and the season. During high season, pickups might start earlier to avoid crowds and high temperatures. Exact timing is always confirmed via email and text.
2. Transfer with Educational Documentary
During the journey time, passengers will watch a documentary movie that provides historical background on Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial, helping frame the emotional and educational experience ahead. The documentary prepares you for what it means to visit Auschwitz thoughtfully and respectfully.
3. Auschwitz I – The Administrative Centre
At Auschwitz I, you will visit the museum grounds that include original barracks, exhibitions, and the first gas chamber. The Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp began here as the administrative heart of the Nazi regime’s killing operation. The museum tour here lasts about 2 hours and is led by a museum-certified tour leader. Your visit to Auschwitz starts with learning, reflection, and direct encounters with preserved history.
4. Auschwitz II Birkenau – The Extermination Camp
Next, the tour continues to Auschwitz II Birkenau, the largest portion of the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp. Here you’ll pass the death gate, walk the railway ramp, and see remnants of gas chambers, crematoria, and wooden barracks. This part of the Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour takes approximately one hour. It is a deeply moving part of your visit to Auschwitz, where the true scale of the atrocities becomes real.
5. Return Transfer to Krakow
Following this deeply emotional and reflective visit to the Birkenau Memorial and Museum, you will be returned to your meeting point or hotel in Krakow via our comfortable vehicle. Your Auschwitz tour concludes with space for quiet thought and remembrance.
The Importance of Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour
To take part in an Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour is to engage directly with history. The tour provides not just facts and figures but emotional insights into the tragedy that unfolded here. The gas chamber ruins you’ll see serve as lasting reminders of the human cost of hatred. Your visit to Auschwitz will reinforce the need to remember, educate, and resist discrimination in all its forms.
The Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial site also plays a crucial role in school education across Europe. Many students visit Auschwitz annually as part of their learning about World War II and the Holocaust. Seeing the gas chambers, walking between the barracks, and standing on the museum grounds is a form of active learning that no textbook can replicate. If you haven’t yet decided to visit Auschwitz, this is your sign to do so.
Why Book with MrShuttle?
1. Door-to-Door Service
We provide door-to-door transport from any location in Krakow, including Balice Airport (additional fee applies). Let us handle the details so you can focus on the significance of your visit.
2. Certified Group Tour Operator
All Auschwitz Birkenau guided tours are conducted by certified guides, endorsed by the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Museum. Their expertise adds immeasurable depth to your museum tour. Choosing a trusted operator means your visit to Auschwitz is in capable hands.
3. Skip the Lines
Forget waiting in queues. We handle all entrance tickets and logistics, ensuring your Auschwitz tour is seamless from start to finish. A stress-free visit to Auschwitz helps you focus fully on the moment.
4. Premium Comfort
Travel in air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vans and minibuses. Our vehicles provide a peaceful environment in which to begin and reflect upon your journey to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial.
5. Optional Lunch
Choose a packed lunch when booking. Each package includes a fresh salad, snack, and drink. Special dietary needs—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free—can be accommodated.
Prepare for Your Visit to Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial
- Wear comfortable shoes – You will walk for over three hours on uneven terrain.
- Respect bag rules – The museum grounds only permit bags up to 30 x 20 x 10 cm.
- Check the weather – Bring layers and protection from rain or sun.
- Don’t rush the day – Leave time for reflection afterward.
- Bring your ID – Required for entry to the Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Book Your Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour Today
Let MrShuttle take you on a journey that goes beyond history books. Join our daily Auschwitz tours from Krakow city centre to one of the most powerful memorial sites in Europe. Experience comfort, professionalism, and unmatched respect throughout the entire day. Our certified guides and modern transport guarantee a meaningful and educational trip. Whether it's your first time or a return visit to Auschwitz, MrShuttle ensures every detail is covered. From pick-up to drop-off, our team is with you at every step.
Visit the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial, stand where history was made, and reflect on the stories preserved by the Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Whether you're joining a group or booking a private tour, your visit to Auschwitz will be meaningful, educational, and respectfully arranged. The Auschwitz Birkenau Museum awaits every soul ready to listen, learn, and remember. Taking an Auschwitz tour is a solemn yet essential act of remembrance. Be part of preserving memory at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most moving places in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Auschwitz tour suitable for children?
Due to the nature of the site, it’s up to parents to judge. We recommend the tour for children aged 14 and above.
Can I bring a bag?
Only bags up to 30 x 20 x 10 cm are allowed on the museum grounds. Larger bags must be left in the vehicle.
Are there toilet facilities?
Yes, restrooms are available at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau.
Is there a meeting point if I don’t want hotel pickup?
Yes, we offer multiple central meeting points throughout Krakow. Confirm your preference during booking.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Some areas of the Birkenau Memorial and Museum have limited accessibility. Please contact us in advance so we can assist.
Will I see the gas chambers?
Yes. You will see gas chamber ruins at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, preserved as part of the museum grounds.
How many people join each Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour?
Group sizes are typically limited to 30 to ensure a respectful and informative experience.
Are the meeting points close to the city centre?
Yes, each meeting point is centrally located in city centre of Cracow and easily accessible by public transport or foot.
Does the tour include the Birkenau Memorial and Museum?
Yes, your visit includes both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, which make up the full Birkenau Memorial and Museum experience.
Why is visiting Auschwitz such an important visit?
Visiting Auschwitz is an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust. This important historical site allows visitors to learn about the suffering of those who lived and died here, providing an emotional and informative visit that is essential for understanding the impact of Nazi concentration camps on world history.
What can I expect from the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum and Memorial?
The Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum offers a comprehensive look at the entire site, including preserved barracks, gas chambers, and the entrance gate with the infamous slogan "Arbeit macht frei". The museum grounds are a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the scale of human suffering within these former camps.
Can I expect a comprehensive experience during the entire tour of Auschwitz?
Yes, during the entire tour of Auschwitz, you will visit both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, gaining a deep understanding of the concentration camp's history. With a professional tour leader, the informative visit will provide detailed insights into the daily life of prisoners and the atrocities they faced.
Will the tour include the main camp and Auschwitz Museum?
Yes, the whole tour includes a visit to the main camp of Auschwitz I, where you'll see important exhibits, barracks, and the iconic Auschwitz Museum. It provides a detailed overview of the camp’s operations and its role in the Nazi genocide.
Who is MrShuttle and Why Choose Us?
MrShuttle is one of Poland’s leading tour operators, known for providing exceptional and personalised travel experiences. With years of expertise in the tourism industry, we specialize in offering seamless day trips, including our popular Zakopane Day Trip. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every guest receives the highest level of service, from the moment of booking to the final drop-off at their accommodation.
Our Auschwitz Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine tours, along with our Zakopane offerings, have consistently received glowing reviews from our customers. We are proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor, where we are known for our punctuality, professionalism, and the quality of our tours. Our clients rave about the smooth organization, the expertise of our tour guides, and the personal touches that make our tours stand out.
We are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring that your travel experience is not only enjoyable but unforgettable. With MrShuttle, you’re choosing a trusted, top-rated operator that values customer satisfaction above all. Let us take care of the details so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Poland.
How to Contact Us
At MrShuttle, we’re always happy to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you have questions about our Zakopane day trip, want to learn more about our other tours, or need assistance with your booking, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
You can reach us easily through the following options:
- Email: Send us an email at [email protected] for any inquiries or special requests.
- Phone: Our customer service team is available at +48 510 560 000 We are happy to speak with you in multiple languages and assist with your booking. You can also use Whatsapp!
- Contact Form: Visit our website and use our simple contact form to get in touch directly. We will respond to your query as soon as possible.
- Social Media: You can also reach out to us on our social media pages for quick responses and updates on our latest tours and offers.
At MrShuttle, we’re committed to providing excellent customer service. Our team is ready and eager to help you create unforgettable memories during your trip to Poland. Reach out today, and let us take care of the rest!
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour — Skip the Line - Travellers recommend this tour:
Check opinions about this trip (115 reviews)
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I used the services of the company and I am very satisfied, everything was well organized
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Easy to book. Early start but pleasant and polite driver on time. Organized very well with no queues or crowds! Our guide was very good with interesting facts and empathy. Excellent tour but sad and extremely thought provoking. Least we forget!
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It was a great tour, including the transport to and from the mine location. The guide assigned to us was amazing. And the mine itself is mesmerizing. I would strongly recommend to all.
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Great, gentle and a positive driver. Also a plus that they had Seats for babies. Will recommend this service!
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When in Krakow definitely use Mr Shuttle. We used Mr Shuttle for both journeys to and from Krakow airport and also for a private tour for Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour. All 3 trips with them were fantastic. We were greeted at the airport. Our day trip out was so well organised. Every member of staff we interacted with were professional, efficient and very very friendly. I would 100% recommend and use again.
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We used Mr Shuttle for both journeys to and from Krakow airport and also for a private tour for Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour. All 3 trips with them were fantastic. We were greeted at the airport. Our day trip out was so well organised. Every member of staff we interacted with were professional, efficient and very very friendly. I would 100% recommend and use again.
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Fantastic service and great driver, who was extremely polite and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend Mr Shuttle!
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Amazing place - as long as you like lots of steps down. The tour starts about 110m down and slowly descends to 136m. The main chapel is breathtaking with the beautiful chandeliers and wall.
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The lunch provided was more that adequate with a bowl of pasta, sandwich, biscuit and a bottle of juice. This trip is a must do in Krakow and I would thoroughly recommend going with Krakow shuttle.
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Our driver/tour guide - Michael was excellent and so helpful, even to the point of fixing my friends broken spectacles. I can highly recommend Mr Shuttle and look forward to our next tour in the future.
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The minibus was clean and new, and the tours ran like clockwork. Reviews of other tours spoke of chaos and disorganisation at the gates at Auschwitz, or time spent waiting around, but this trip could not have been smoother.
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A really good information packed tour a must if you are visiting Krakow to get a full understanding of what actually went on in the camps during the war nothing will set you up for what you see, the polish quide that took us round both camps was excellent
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Absolutely AMAZING service from booking through to collection from the hotel - everything went as I was instructed via email - even the packed lunch provided was outstanding. 10/10
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Very sobering day, everyone should visit this site. Guide was excellent and obviously very passionate about the place. Very good tour, well organised and value for money. Would not hesitate to recommend.
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Very well organised tour. The video on the minibus gave an excellent insight into what happened in the concentration camps and then the tour guide provided more details. Everything ran exactly to time, the minibus was comfortable and clean. Highly recommended.
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The tour operator was very good and spoke brilliant English. The bus driver picked us up on time. Easy booked and confirmed with an email. Highly recommend!
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Excellent service. Lovely driver and the tour guide they organised at Auschwitz was wonderful.
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Great company to deal with. Excellent service on time for all events I would recommend to any one
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The driver was extremely efficient in getting us to the necessary locations in good time and also gave clear instructions on where to be at what time. The tour guide at Auschwitz - Birkenau Teresa was very knowledgeable and gave a clear explanation
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We booked quite last minute, after seeing the company recommended on a Facebook group. It was a seamless experience. Although it was an early start, we were the first group to arrive at Birkenau which make the experience even more poignant. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. Both our driver and the tour guide were fantastic. We would highly recommend using Mr Shuttle. Thank you.
Learn more:
More details about this tour
Here is a break down of all the activities in the tour:
Participation in an English tour at Auschwitz I Museum, conducted by the Museum’s guide, is scheduled for approximately 2 hours.
Subsequently, you will be transported to Auschwitz II – Birkenau, located approximately 2 km away, where you will spend an additional hour with the same guide.
Ensure you have your ID or passport with you for entry onto the Museum’s grounds.
Please note that this tour is not available on the 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday, and March of the Living Day.
Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as the most infamous Nazi concentration camp, serving as a pivotal epicenter in the history of similar facilities. Operational from 1940 to 1945, it emerged as a site of unprecedented mass extermination. This dark chapter witnessed the tragic demise of one million Jewish individuals, establishing it as the primary location of the Holocaust.
Comprising roughly 40 sub-camps, Auschwitz’s most harrowing events unfolded in Auschwitz I, the administrative headquarters with Crematorium I, and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) with crematoria II-V. The initial influx in June 1940 included around 700 political prisoners, primarily Poles. However, following the Wannsee Conference in 1942, a systematic transportation of Jews from across Europe commenced. While Auschwitz initially wasn’t designed as a death camp, the paradigm shifted with the first gas chamber operation in September 1941, involving Soviet soldiers and severely ill prisoners.
The strategic location of Oswiecim, where the camp was situated, facilitated the organized transportation of Jews, Roma, Russians, and individuals from diverse nationalities due to the convergence of railroad tracks from various European regions. Auschwitz-Birkenau uniquely implemented a systematic numbering and tattooing system, contributing to a nearly precise estimation of the total number of inmates and casualties. Over its five-year existence, approximately 1.3 million individuals were incarcerated in Auschwitz-Birkenau, with about 1.1 million, predominantly Jews, meeting a tragic end.
We employ a modern fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans and Minibuses for our transportation services. Our drivers are extensively trained and possess full licenses for ground transportation. Enjoy the convenience of our door-to-door service, where you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel and returned to the same location after the tour, all at no additional cost.
Our guides are certified local experts endorsed by the museum. The maximum group size is limited to 30 people. To enhance your experience in crowded areas, you will be provided with headphones to better hear the guide.
Please note that admission tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum are personalized.
Each participant is required to provide their full name as it appears on their official ID during the booking process.
Any errors in names or failure to provide this information at least 24 hours before the tour may result in denied entry to the museum.
During the journey, indulge in our delectable packed lunch set, freshly prepared each day. The set includes a chicken salad, chocolate wafer, and a bottle of water. For those with specific dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, kindly make a note in your booking form to ensure we cater to your needs.
More reasons why you should use our services:
We have invented this tour on the market and we are the best in it.
Regular daily tour
Every day, all year round.
Free hotel pickup
We will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel or apartment.
Professional guide
Certified, passionate and experienced people.
Documentary movie
On your way, you will watch a documentary introduction movie (subject to availability).
Skip the lines
All admission fees and tickets are included so you don't have to worry about a thing and stand in the lines to buy the tickets.
Lunch available
If you want to order a launch package during the tour please select this option during booking.
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FAQ
Here you can find answers for frequently asked questions.Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed to carry on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can always leave your belongings inside the bus which will be parked nearby. Your whole tour is operated by the same driver so you do not need to worry about your bag being left behind. The same luggage rules apply to our Auschwitz & Salt Mine combined tour.
Please note that this activity does not take place on: 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday and March of the Living Day. If you have any doubts about availability on any particular day, please do not hesitate to ask our staff about it!
Please note that for Balice airport/hotels near the airport pickup the additional fee is 129/159 PLN per booking.
Yes. Auschwitz-Birkenau entry rules require participants to carry a valid ID, passport, or driver's licence matching the booking details. Bring the same document you used when entering passenger information at checkout. Without a valid document you will not be allowed to enter the museum and no refund will be given.
The Auschwitz & Birkenau tour returns to Krakow between 13:00 and 14:00. We recommend not scheduling any activities before 15:00 to allow a comfortable buffer. Your driver will confirm the estimated return time on the day of the tour.
Yes, all entrance tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum are included in the tour price. We reserve time-slot tickets in advance so you skip the general queue at the entrance. There is no need to book anything separately. If you also want to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, check our Auschwitz & Salt Mine One Day Tour which includes both tickets.
Yes, we offer a door-to-door pickup and drop-off service from hotels and apartments in central Krakow at no extra charge. Our pickups are usually between 5:30 and 7:30 AM, and the exact time is always confirmed the day before via SMS and email. Be ready 5-10 minutes before the stated pickup time — museum entry slots are strictly timed, so punctuality helps ensure a smooth start. Need a ride from the airport too? See our Krakow Airport Transfer service.
Your guide is a museum-certified educator officially licensed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. All our guides are professionals who have passed the museum examination and are authorised to lead tours inside both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. They are not freelance guides.
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your tour free of charge up to 48 hours before the departure time. After that, cancellations are subject to the full tour price. To make changes, simply contact us by email or phone and we will handle the rest.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial recommends that visitors be at least 14 years of age due to the nature of the exhibition. The tour involves approximately 5 km of walking across both camps, including uneven terrain at Birkenau. Children under 14 may attend at the discretion of their parents, but please consider the emotional and physical demands of the visit.
Wear comfortable walking shoes — you will walk approximately 5 km over the course of the tour. Bring a valid ID or passport (required at the museum entrance), a water bottle, and a warm jacket or rain coat depending on the season. Large bags and backpacks over 30x20x10 cm are not allowed inside the museum grounds. Planning to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine as well? The temperature underground is a constant 17-19°C, so bring a light layer.
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