Located just 17km west of the city centre, Kraków Airport was fully modernised, including the opening of a new passenger terminal, as recently as 2015. The airport parking garage, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel next to it, and the 'Kraków Lotnisko/Airport' train station are all conveniently connected directly to the terminal via a skywalk leading straight into the terminal. Boasting the full services and amenities of a modern airport, here you'll find ATMs and currency exchange, tourist information, car rental desks, restaurants and shops, private airport transfers, a chapel, business lounges and VIP services. Despite increases in volume, getting through check-in and security at Kraków Airport is still relatively speedy compared to most airports.
Getting to/from the Airport:
By Train
Typically the best way to get between the airport and Kraków's Old Town is by train. Trains run between 'Kraków Lotnisko/Airport' and 'Kraków Główny' (the main station in the Old Town) twice an hour (journey time 20mins) from 04:00 to 24:00. Tickets cost 12zł, and can be bought directly on-board. Check malopolskiekoleje.pl for exact departure times.
Note that some trains from the airport continue from Kraków Główny on to Wieliczka, making several other stops along the way. Those staying in Podgórze may in fact find the 'Kraków Zabłocie' stop more convenient for getting to their hotel.
By Bus
Also be aware that not all buses departing from the airport back to Kraków are direct. Bus 208 makes the journey to Kraków Główny train station once an hour (in July and August - the airport's peak season - additional bus 308 also makes the same trip once an hour); bus 300, meanwhile, runs between the airport and 'Os. Podwawelskie' every 30mins with central stops at Cracovia Błonia, Jubilat and ICE. Night bus 902 also makes the trip from the airport to the main station with hourly departures beginning at 23:25. These regular commuter buses all make stops, adding an extra 10mins to the trip, and require an 8zł single journey fare, which can be bought from the ticket machine at the bus-stop or on-board the bus. All leave from directly outside the terminal and exact bus times and routes can be checked online at mpk.krakow.pl or krakow.jakdojade.pl.
Airport Taxis
The airport has its own 'Krakow Airport Taxi' service with vehicles waiting outside the terminal entrances. The idea is that this ‘trusted’ service offers a set price range of 69-89zł from the airport to the Old Town, with no monkey business and no night time price hikes. In reality, this service is fleecing people by protecting its ridiculously high prices. If you go more than 15km the price jumps from 69zł to 89zł, so expect to pay 89zł unless your hotel is en route on the outskirts of the city centre.
While that might not be a lot for some people's budgets, you can save a significant amount of money on cabfare by calling a taxi service once you arrive. Cabs are waiting all around the airport for such calls and arrive quickly. A normal fare between the Old Town and the airport ranges from 35-70zł depending on time of day; on weekday afternoons your fare should be less than 50zł for the 25-35min journey. Use our Taxi listings to arrange a ride, but hot tip: iCar has the lowest fares: (+48) 12 653 55 55.
That said, finding your particular cab in the melee outside the airport can be a challenge. Cabs that aren't part of the official 'Kraków Airport Taxi' service make pick-ups in the 'Kiss & Fly' line, and cabbies are under pressure to get in and out of the airport fast as possible to avoid charges for overstaying the 10 minute limit. Because of traffic jams it's better for them to not even enter the 'Kiss & Fly' lane if they can, so it's best to position yourself at the very beginning of the queue.
Another option is a ride share app like Uber or Bolt, which have the advantages of very low fares and sometimes it's actually easier to locate your ride at the airport with the help of an app. If you prefer to book a private transfer in advance, there are also private transfer services for hire.
Comments
Eicul
Hallo,heute warten wir mit Zug unterwegs ...der fährt 1x mal die Stunde!!!! Warum? Sollte es nicht jede 30 Minuten sein? Gerade um ein paar Sekunden zu spät dran und wollten noch am Automaten Tickets kaufen und schon war der Weg, hätte der Kontrolleur gewartet oder gesagt, die Tür war noch auf ...der Ticketautomat ist nämlich auch IM ZUG!!! So hieß es 1 Stunde warten👎🏻 Also kein Interval von 30, sondern von 60 Minuten!!!!
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Ana, To be honest Uber is probably your simplest option, and yes the Uber app is the same all over and works here just as it does in the US. You need to connect to the airport wifi to use it though.
Ana Vice
We will be arriving on April 2nd in the morning. We are staying at the Queen Boutique Hotel. What would the best way to get there? Would the same Uber app we use in the USA work in Krakow?
krakowtransfer.eu
Cracow
I recommend to use KrakowTransfer.eu. They offer transfers from the airport to any hotel or place in Krakow. https://www.krakowtransfer.eu
Carol
Hi, we’re arriving December and I am trying to find best way to get to our hotel from airport it’s Puro krakow. Any assistance is appreciated. Also I’ve heard about sleigh rides do you know where they are at?
Bert
Lake George
We called icar taxi when we got to the airport as suggested and only paid about 50zl to get to our accommodation in Podgorze. We only waited about 5mins outside the arrival gate for it to arrive.
andrew curling
deal
can anyone tell me the best way to get from krakow airport to hotel nowa panorama
Hi We are 2 women coming to Krakow via Krakow airport on 8 January 2018 and wanted to go straight to Zakopane for 2 nights then have the remaining 2 nights in Krakow. Could anyone tell me the cheapest way to do this, we will have hand luggage only but dont want to walk far. Is there a train or bus that runs often to Zakopane that we can catch and then back to Krakow main centre. Any help and advice would be much appreciated, thank you Karen PS If anyone is looking to go to Zakopane on arrival at the airport on the Easyjet flight from Bristol, let me know if you want to go half with us.
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Paul, Bus 252 actually runs quite close to your hotel. The bus departs from outside Arrivals at the airport every 30mins, and then it''s a 30min ride to the centre. Get off at the Museum Narodowe stop and you are only 350 metres from your hotel. Buy a 4zł single journey bus ticket from the ticket machine on the bus.
Paul
England
I''m going to krakow 27th oct for the 1st time and would appreciate any advice as to be able to get transfers from airport to hotel fortuna bis without spending too much on taxis
Jackie
Hi 2 adults traveling to krowodrza in krakow which platform do we get on to reach krowodrza from airport going to area 30 011 thanks jax
mk
greece
i would like to ask you how can i go from the airport to hamptons hotel with this address Dąbska 5, 31-572. obviously i have to go by train to the city centre but i cannot understand which bus or tram should i take. thank you in advance
Keith Tindill
England
Hi I am arriving krakow airport about 19.00 hrs on the 26th of june how do I get to the hotel Golden tuplip in Krakow by train please. Kind regards Keith
Hello, I am going from Krakow, Jean Paul Balice Airport to Stanisławy Leszczyńskiej 16, 32-600 Oświęcim in June 2017, please would someone tell me the most direct way? I though that the 208 bus service ran from the airport to the final stop nearby but now am not so sure. Thank you. Jane, UK.
Helena Morris
Hi,making a return trip to Kracow and used public transport last time so wondered if anyone can tell me if I can get to my hotel on Rzemieślnicza Street, Podgórze, Krakow via bus or tram from the airport. thanks
soumya
pune
If you are planning to go somewhere by train then Check seat availability train for your journey after book your ticket
Tim
UK
Hi we will be arriving into Krakow airport at around 9 pm on a Monday night (December 12th) and will be staying at Rezydent hotel, Grodzka 9, Kraków, Poland. What would best transport option be? many thanks
Jane
Midlands, UK
Arrived approximately 9pm and wanted to bus to Krakow central with a short walk to our hotel. Two buses were waiting and the drivers chatting on the pavement. I approached them and asked if they were going to the centre. The first one said yes, I asked about purchasing tickets and he pointed to the machine. I asked when he was leaving and he said in three minutes. I asked if both buses were going central and the other bus driver said yes. I asked him what time he was leaving and he said 15 minutes. We went to the ticket machine but were slow and struggling with our coins. The first driver had by now got on his bus I ran over and asked if I could buy the ticket from him. He shook his head no, I went back to the machine and continued to purchase our tickets. In the meantime the first bus drove off. We managed to purchase our tickets and sat on the second bus confident that we were going to the centre. The second bus driver actually looked over to us as came to get on his bus so he knew we had got on his bus. During our journey a fellow passenger overheard our discussion about being sure which stop would be central Krakow. He quickly told us we needed to change buses as this bus wasn't going to the centre. He told us the stop to get off,which number bus to wait for and what time it would come. Thank you to this young man who helped us out. Not a thank you to the two bus drivers. Shame on you for such poor customer care. We eventally arrived at our hotel at 11.30pm but for the kindness of the young man it could have been even later.
Hi. Is train + tram a good way to get from airport to Hotel Kazimierz, Starowislna 60, Krakow, 31-035, please? If so, what are ticket costs? Thanks.
Saran farnell
England
Hi is there any shops in arrivals? Looking for one that sells toiletries? Thank you
Les King
What is the best way to get to the daisy superior hotel in krakow from the airport
Editor IYP
Krakow
If you're parking at the airport, we don't recommend Lot 1; at least not at the moment. The lot is usually super full and the lights and signs indicating free spaces are broken; for example green lights for spaces with cars parked in them and signs saying there are 35 spaces available on a level where there are none. We drove around for almost 10mins, couldn't find a space and left without parking, and the attendants still charged us 9zł for that. They couldn't be reasoned with. There was a row of cars full of people asking where the free spaces are, and the attendants insisted we all had to pay for having entered the lot - it was ridiculous. I will just go straight to a different lot further away next time. Hopefully the same won't happen.
Lisa
Hi we will be 2 persons and arrive at krakow airport around noon.how do we get from there to zakopane? Thanks
paula
canada
how would I get to : ul. Ciemna 13 from the airport? thank you!
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Andy, Unless money is a huge issue (but we're only talking about a couple Euro here), yes, the train is the best option. The only reason not to take the train is if you are arriving late (after 23:00) and it's not running. You can easily walk from the train station to Mały Rynek. It's a lovely 10min walk.
<![CDATA[Andy]]>
<![CDATA[HiI'm stopping in the market square in Krakow, Maly Rynek.Is is realistic to get he train from the airport to station and walk?Or what is the best option for me?ThanksAndy]]>
Andy
Midlands
Hi, I'm heading to the market square where my apartment is. I'd prefer to travel by bus from the airport, is it relatively easy to get a bus? Or, would anyone recommend a different transfer (train, taxi etc)? Thanks
Steve
United States
Hi, we are wanting to go straight from the Krakow airport to Oskar Schindler's Factory. Does the train go anywhere near the Plac Bohaterow Getta Square? Or do we need to get off at the Glowny and walk to Schindler's Factory? Thanks.
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Kristy, your hotel is right in the centre, just minutes from the train station. The easiest, cheapest, fastest way to get to town from the airport is to just take the train (see above). You can easily walk to Szpitalna 7 from there, even if you're exhausted and not in very good shape.
kristy
Travelling to Krakow and have to get to Ulica Szpitalna 7/4 . What is the easiest way to get there from the airport?
Editor IYP
Hi Simon,Easiest and most expensive would of course be to take a taxi, but just take the train from the airport to the main train station (like everyone else), and then you are only a 15-minute walk through the Planty Park, or a few tram stops away. Once you get off the train, walk outside and across the plaza in front of Galeria Krakowska shopping mall to the 'Dworzec Główny' tram stop. From there you can take several trams 2 or 3 stops to get within 5mins walking distance of your hotel; for example trams 52 or 3 to the 'Starowislna' stop, or tram 10 to 'Wawel.' I recommend putting the hotel address into jakdojade.pl - an easy-to-use public transport website - for the most updated info on trams and so you can see the exact course from 'Dworzec PKP' (the train station) to the hotel.
Simon
South Coast, UK
Travelling to Krakow and have to get to hotel at Św. Sebastiana 12, Stare Miasto, Kraków, 31-049. What is the easiest way to get there?
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Mick, this is an easy one. Seriously, your hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the train station, so just take the train from the airport to Kraków Główny (this is what everyone around you will also be doing), and walk from there. The train runs the same on Sunday as every other day: every 30mins between 04:00 and 24:00. If you arrive at 21:30 on Sunday, there's a train from the airport at 21:46. If you miss that, the next one is at 22:16. If you want confirmation of this info with your own eyes, just go to jakdojade.pl. You can use this site to figure out how to get anywhere around Kraków using public transport. Enjoy Kraków.
mick lowbridge
wiltshire UK
Hi, I am travelling to Krakow on a Sunday arriving at around 21.30 and need to get to Laris Sp. z o.o., Warszawska 1/8, 31-155 Kraków. Can you tell me if the train/bus runs from the airport at this time on a Sunday and the best way to get to the hotel without having to use a taxi from airport. Thanks in advance. Mick
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Keeley, We recommend you use jakdojade.pl to get up to the minute information that answers your question. If you want to avoid taking an overpriced cab from the airport, we recommend taking the airport train to Krakow Glowny train station and catching a cab from there; or taking tram 5 from Krakow Glowny to 'Bialucha' (3 stops) which is the closest tram stop to your hotel. It is a bit of a walk from there though (15mins/865m).
Keeley
Great Britain
Hi, we are travelling to Kraków on Wednesday (family 2 adults and 2 children) having read the information about taxi's I was thinking of using public transport. We will be arriving into Balice at 20.15 so don't really want to be hanging around. Can you advise me of the best way to get the Hampton By Hilton hotel, Ul Dabaska 5, Kraków, 31572. Many thanks Keeley
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi David, Thanks for pointing that out. We've updated our info to include this. Cheers.
David
Germany
Great article with actual practical information! Thanks! One piece of information is missing, though, regarding ticket fares: "The airport is in Zone II, meaning you need to buy a 4/2zł fare from the ticket machine at the bus-stop or on-board the bus... ...for example both daytime airport buses stop at 'Plac Inwalidów' from which you can catch trams 8 or 13 to 'Teatr Bagatela', Wawel, and Kazimierz ('Stradom' and 'Plac Wolnica' stops)." The 4/2zl fare is a single-journey ticket, which does not include changing to another bus/tram line. If the bus gets you directly to your final destination - then that's fine. If you need to change to another bus/tram-line however, then you need to buy a multiple/short-term ticket for 5/2,50zl (valid for 60 Min.) or 6/3zl (valid 90 Min.). Source: http://www.mpk.krakow.pl/en/prices-of-tickets/
Editor IYP
Krakow
Geoffrey: Neobus is easy to find. When you leave the international terminal(T1), look and turn to your right - the bus stop is there, just past the regular buses that go to the city centre, parked off to the right side of the road alongside the parking garage.
Geoffrey
France
Hey guys ! I have to find the NEOBUS to go from airport to Katowice. Can anybody tell me where i can find the stop for this bus at the airport please ? Thanks !
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Steve, You can either take a taxi or a bus. there are 2 airport buses - just take whichever one arrives first. If it's the 208, take it the 'Czarnowiejska' stop and transfer to bus 173 or 144, getting off at 'Ludwinów' (120 metres to hotel); travel time 1 hour. If it's the 292 bus, take it to the 'Cracovia' stop and transfer to bus 173, 144, 164, 169 or 179, all of which stop at 'Ludwinów;' total travel time 45mins.
Steve
Sofia
Hi, Can anybody tell me how to get from the airport to Hilton Garden Inn Krakow, Marii Konopnickiej 33, 30-302 Kraków, Poland?
Blanka
Zagreb
Small but quite pleasant airport, with helpful staff.
Christine Milner
Sofia
We got a taxi for 7 people from the airport into town for 89 zloty which seems like a bargain but we did arrange it in advance. Although the terminal is quite small there are a lot of little shops once you are through passport control - there's plenty of choice for eating and there's also a cool gift shop with local handmade goods with lovely packaging - chocolates, preserves and the like.
Alessandra
Italy
Hello, could anyone help me about public transportation from Balice airport to Freedom Hostel in ul.pomorska 2,krowodrza? tram or bus, any advice will be really appreciated! Thank you!
Editor IYP
Hi Jane: There are two buses that run frequently from just outside the international arrivals terminal: buses 208 and 292. You can take either. If you take bus 292 get off at the stop 'Plac Inwalidów' and switch to tram 13 or tram 8, getting off at 'Filharmonia' - this puts you right outside the Radisson.<br /><br />If you take bus 208, get off at the last stop - 'Dworzec Głowny Wschód' and from there you can also switch to tram 8 or 13, which take you to 'Filharmonia'/ the Radisson.<br /><br />Which bus you take depends what time you arrive, and both trips may take 35-45mins. We strongly recommend getting the app Jakdojade for your mobile phone, especially if you're going to be using public transport frequently; it just makes travel easier to figure out. jakdojade.pl
jane
malta
hi, does anyone can give us a direction from Balice airport to the hotel Radisson blu in Krakow with public transport or tram. what number is to take? thanks
Lance Grundy
Great Britain
The journey to the central bus station costs 5zl [Zone 2] per person and takes about 45 minutes. You can buy a ticket for the bus from one of the touch screen machines at the bus stop [located about 20m down the road on the right hand side of the terminal]. Although these machines give change they are seldom able to change large notes so I'd recommend you make sure you have a 10 or 20zl note to hand or else get change from one of the shops in the arrivals hall before you exit. The 292 airport bus drops you off at the bus station alongside the top end of the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre. To get to the Old Town walk into the railway station [Glowny] and follow the signs for the 'Galeria Krakowska' shopping centre. You will enter the centre on the basement level at the end furthest away from the Old Town. There will be an electrical superstore called 'Saturn' on your right. To get into town you need to walk to the other end of the shopping centre and take the escalator up one floor. You then exit Galeria Krakowska through the main entrance onto the plaza. Depending on where you are staying in the Old Town it will take you 5-20 minutes to walk to your hotel or apartment from here. Alternatively you can catch a taxi on the main road located to your right.
Jacqui Kruzewski
Porthmadog, North Wales
Thank goodness I read your comments about Airport transport! I'm taking 2 friends next week (as a habitual visitor to Krakow friends hear about how wonderful it is and ask if they can come too!) and I usually rely on the train. At least I can book a taxi for the three of us. Thanks so much!
Editor IYP
Krakow
Loving this quote from the airport's official website: "Due to the beginning of modernisation works of the Kraków Mydliniki – Kraków Balice railway line, trains from Kraków Airport to the Kraków City Center will be suspended starting from 1 February 2014. The local railway authorities and railway infrastructure management have decided not to provide replacement services." Thanks, boys.
Editor IYP
Krakow
Hi Sue. This info currently on the airport website is misleading. The Krakow Mydlniki stop is not on the same line between the Krakow main train station and the Krakow Balice airport station, therefore, whether it is open or not, it doesn't effective transport between the centre of Krakow and the airport. This info doesn't appear on the same page of the Polish version of the airport's website, and we've actually suggested they remove it from this page of the English version since it is causing understandable confusion. We spoke to the people at the airport this morning and they assured us that the schedule on the website (seen here: http://www.krakowairport.pl/en/passenger,c70/transport-parking,c76/how-to-get-to-krakow-airport,c77/by-train,a199.html) will be valid until December 14th. So you should be fine. As it currently stands, the train is still the best option for getting to and from the airport from the centre of Krakow. Construction at the airport is having a bigger effect on vehicular traffic, and the train is probably a better option right now than taking a taxi.
Sue
Sunderland UK
Does the train go straight to the city centre and vice versa as it states on the airport page "Due to ongoing construction works, trains from Kraków Mydlniki to Kraków Balice (Kraków Airport) will be suspended from 20.10.2013. Alternative means of communication will be provided for passengers travelling to/from the airport. Departure times may change due to traffic disruptions." Does it just involve this station will train go straight to airport or will I have to use another option, we go on 03/12/13.
Shuttle Bus Krakow
Poland, Cracow
Train from airport Balice to City Centre is pretty expensive for several persons. If you want to get Hotel (3 or more persons), than cheaper is to get shuttle bus i.e. http://gettrans.pl/en/:-)
Editor IYP
Krakow
To Catherine: Just take the train. It is the easiest option. There is extensive construction at the airport presently, but from what I understand, you should still find the shuttle bus waiting just outside the international terminal entrance; this shuttle bus is free and takes you the very short distance to the train stop. Times are coordinated, so you can't miss the train if you get on this bus. On the train you will pay the conductor 12zł (good to have change). The train leaves you at the Krakow train station 20mins later. From there it is a very short walk (less than 10mins) to your apartment on Florianska street.
Catherine Easton
Ottawa, Canada
Arriving in Krakow about 7 p.m. in about 10 days time. Going to Florianska 39 apartments. Is bus or train best from airport? Which bus/train. thank you
Editor IYP
Krakow
To Joy: Bus 292 runs about every 20mins and Bus 208 only once an hour. When you exit the international terminal the bus stop is to your right. The journey usually takes 35-40mins, but depends on traffic. The airport is in 'Strefa II'/Zone II so you should buy a single journey fare good for Zones I & II. It's 4zł and there's a machine at the stop (in English as well); or just buy a ticket from the driver. That said, the train is a much faster and more comfortable option if you don't mind paying extra.
Joy
UK
Hey, sorry I am a little confused here, so if I can to get the bus from the airport to the Old Town , how long will that take me ? and how often is the bus ? will a 40 mins ticket enough ? Thanks
Editor IYP
Krakow
To Vitalii: Unless you can get your bags super fast, you'd have to take Night Bus 902. Buy yourself a 40-minute public transport ticket for 3.80zł.
Vitalii Rozumnyi
Lviv, Ukraine
I arrive to Krakow on monday at 22.55 from Berlin. Is it possible to catch the buses 292 and 208 as you described above? And How much it cost?
Editor IYP
According to our website as well, you might have noticed. Yeah, we're aware that the prices went down again, that's why we update the prices in the text here constantly and leave our own snide comments for...the comments. Does the fact that the tickets suddenly went down 7zł (that's a big difference) make getting fleeced just before, during and after Euro 2012 more okay?So our suggestion (in the comments from 6 months ago) of splitting a cab isn't looking as good as it did. But that's why we update the description text and not reader comments when the quality of a restaurant improves or declines (for example). Hopefully the cost of the cab ride will also go down (yeah right).
John
According to the official airport website, the current cost is 12zl one way and 20zl return, with discounts for group travel.
Rober
Prices...welcome in an open market :)Let me explain something on prices in open market, does not count how much is the cost of the services...but how much the passengers are keen to pay!
Editor IYP
The fact that a train ticket to the airport costs 19zł is absolutely ridiculous (thanks Euro 2012!). The journey is only 20mins and could be done in 10mins if the track was renovated so it could travel faster than the current snail's pace. Exactly one year ago this trip only cost 10zł (though we remember when it was 4zł a few years ago), and they outright doubled it for the EURO. Criminal.Do the math and you only need 4 people to make the better, faster, more convenient option of taking a cab from the airport (69zł) cheaper as well. As a result, if there are two of you, convince another couple to share a cab and everybody wins. In fact you might see couples outside the terminal looking to do exactly this. It makes good sense.