Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: Tickets, Distance, and How to Get There
- Entry is free, but advance online reservation (Entry Card) is mandatory.
- Visiting with an official guide is recommended for better historical context.
- Strict baggage limits apply (30x20x10 cm), and entry is not recommended for children under 14.
Planning a trip to Poland often includes a stop at one of the most historical and moving sites in the world. If you’re wondering how to book tickets, how to get there, or what to keep in mind during your tour, you’ve come to the right place.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located near Krakow and serves as a vital monument honoring the victims of the Holocaust. Due to high demand and frequent questions regarding visits, we’ve created this comprehensive guide with practical tips to help you prepare.
How much do Auschwitz-Birkenau tickets cost?
Admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free. However, it is crucial to know that an advance reservation is required for an Entry Card. While basic entry is free, there is an additional fee if you wish to join an organized tour with an official guide or rent the necessary headset system.
How and where can I book my entry card?
The booking process is straightforward and handled exclusively online. You can secure your spot through the official Museum website: visit.auschwitz.org (available in English and Polish). Because the number of visitors per hour is strictly limited, a reservation is mandatory even for free tickets.
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide?
Yes, self-guided tours are possible under specific conditions:
- Individual Visitors: Those traveling alone can enter Auschwitz without a guide. However, to fully grasp the historical context, a guided tour is strongly recommended.
- Groups: Groups are required to enter with an official museum guide, which is a paid service.
Available Tour Languages
The museum offers tours in an impressive range of languages: English, Croatian, Czech, French, Hebrew, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovakian, Swedish, Hungarian, Italian, Ukrainian, and Portuguese.
When should I book a guide?
Due to massive tourist interest, availability disappears fast. It is best to book at least one month before your planned visit.
- Online: Up to 5 days before the visit.
- Via Email: For bookings 2 to 5 days before the date.
PRO TIP: What to do if tickets are sold out?
Free tickets on the official site often sell out months in advance. In this case, the most reliable solution is to book an organized tour. This ensures your entry to the memorial (even at the last minute) and typically includes round-trip transportation from Krakow and an official guide.
How long does the tour last?
A typical visit lasts between 2 to 3 hours, but it can vary. The Museum offers different tour types:
- General Tour: 2.5 hours.
- Extensive General Tour: 3.5 hours.
- One-day Study Tour: 6 hours.
- Two-day Study Tour: 8 hours (split over two days).
Museum Opening Hours (2026)
The museum is open daily year-round, except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. Entrance hours change by month:
| Month | Entrance Start Times |
|---|---|
| December | 07:30 – 14:00 |
| January, November | 07:30 – 15:00 |
| February | 07:30 – 16:00 |
| March, October | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| April, May, September | 07:30 – 18:00 |
| June, July, August | 07:30 – 19:00 |
Note: You may remain on the grounds for up to 90 minutes after the last entrance time (e.g., in June, you can stay until 20:30).
How to get from Krakow to Auschwitz
Transportation from Krakow is easy and can be done via:
- Local Buses or Minibuses: Departing regularly from the MDA station in Krakow.
- Train: From Krakow Main Station to the town of Oświęcim.
- Organized Tours: Many agencies offer packages that include transportation and a guide.
Choosing an organized tour via GetYourGuide is the most popular option for travelers. It offers "door-to-door" air-conditioned transport, eliminating the stress of navigating train schedules or finding the bus station. Everything is arranged for you, allowing you to focus on the significance of the visit.
Age Limits and Restrictions
Due to the sensitive and harrowing nature of the exhibits, entry is not recommended for children under 14 years old. A visit to Auschwitz is a deeply emotional experience that requires maturity and respect.
In Summary: Visiting Auschwitz
A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is not just a tourist activity, but a tribute to the millions of victims. Proper preparation, from early ticket booking to choosing the right transport from Krakow, will allow you to focus on the core of this moving experience without worrying about practical details.
Book your tour now and avoid the hassle
Visiting Auschwitz requires organization. If you want to skip the lines, avoid transport stress, and have guaranteed access, we recommend choosing one of the top tours offered by GetYourGuide.
- Benefits: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, instant confirmation, and excellent reviews.
Last tips before departure:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a lot of walking on uneven ground. Also, ensure your clothing is modest, respecting the sanctity of the site.
- Baggage Restrictions: Remember that only very small bags are allowed (max size 30x20x10 cm). Larger luggage must be left in storage.
- Prepare Mentally: The experience is emotionally charged. Give yourself time after the visit to process what you have seen.
Poland has a heavy but incredibly interesting history. If you are planning your trip now, make sure to read all our guides to organize an unforgettable and smooth journey.
