Lying 75km west of Kraków, there are several ways to get to Oświęcim. The easiest may be signing on for a tour organised by a multitude of Kraków-based tour companies (like Cracow City Tours or Cracow Tours) to ensure everything goes smoothly; providing transportation, tickets and general guidance, the organisational help of these outfits can eliminate significant confusion upon arrival.

For those going the DIY route, frequent buses depart for Oświęcim from the main bus station (E-1, ul. Bosacka 18). The journey takes 1hr 40mins, costs 13zł, and conveniently drops you off at the Auschwitz Museum entrance. Frequent, almost hourly trains run between Kraków and Oświęcim, with a journey time of 1.5 hours and a cost of about 14zł; note however that early trains to Oświęcim can be eerily crowded, particularly on weekends.

The Oświęcim train station (ul. Powstańców Śląskich 22) lies strategically between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which are 3km apart. Local bus numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 23 stop at Auschwitz I; buy a 2.60zł fare from the nearest kiosk. Museum buses shuttle visitors between the two camps every half-hour (from Auschwitz I at :00 and :30 past; from Auschwitz II-Birkenau at:15 and :45 past), or catch a cab for 15zł. Waiting minibus taxis run by Malarek Tour can take you back to Kraków from either camp - a group of eight would pay 25-35zł/person.