One of the questions I often get is how to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz when planning a visit to the Auschwitz Concentration Camps. Fortunately, there are several options, including trains, buses, personal vehicles, and organized tours.
For more detailed travel advice, you can refer to my Visitor’s Guide to Auschwitz.
Distance to Auschwitz
Oświęcim, the Polish name for Auschwitz, is about 68 kilometers west of Krakow. Historically, Oświęcim has a rich past that extends far beyond its association with the concentration camp. The camps themselves are situated roughly 2 kilometers outside the town center.
If you’re coming from Warsaw, Auschwitz is about a 4-hour journey, over 300 kilometers away. Public transportation requires you to travel to Krakow first. Express Intercity Premium trains can take you from Warsaw to Krakow in about 2.5 hours. Trains run regularly, often every hour.
Getting to Auschwitz by Bus
If you don’t have your own vehicle, taking a bus is the recommended way to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz. The bus ride usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, influenced by traffic and stops.
Both the bus and train stations in Krakow are located close to each other. While the train station is 2 kilometers from the camp entrance, buses generally drop you off right at the main entrance of Auschwitz I.
Bus tickets can be purchased at the station and you have options to choose from mini-buses to full-sized ones. Schedules frequently change, so for the most accurate information, visit the tourist information center at the Cloth Hall in Market Square.
Buses typically cost between 10 and 15 zł. It’s better to buy one-way tickets as multiple companies operate on this route, and a return ticket with one company might leave you waiting if another company’s bus arrives first.
Make sure to get to the bus stop early to secure a seat. Buses back to Krakow depart only from Auschwitz I, so keep this in mind when planning your return trip.
Getting to Auschwitz by Personal Transportation
Driving to Auschwitz gives you the most freedom. From Krakow, it takes about an hour via highway A4, following signs for DW933 towards Balin/Oświęcim.
Getting to Auschwitz by Train
Although comfortable, traveling by train is the least recommended option. The train from Krakow to Oświęcim can be slow and leaves you about 2 kilometers from the main camp, requiring additional transport or a walk. Still, trains can be a good backup option, especially if buses are full or during off-peak hours.
Transportation Between Auschwitz I and II
Shuttles run every half-hour between Auschwitz I and II, and they are free. Walking is also an option if you prefer, though the shuttle can save you some energy for exploring the camps.
Other Transportation Options
If you prefer not to manage the logistics yourself, consider a package tour. These tours handle transportation and other details, making your visit more convenient. Just make sure to ask about the time spent at each camp because some tours can be quite rushed.
For those who travel independently, you can still book guided tours at the site, though I recommend booking online in advance due to the high number of visitors.
Remember to check out the detailed travel advice in my other post to make the most of your visit to Auschwitz.
