1 day ago • 5 min read

How to Visit Auschwitz from Kraków | Ultimate Guide

Highlights by GR&PL AI

Comprehensive guide on traveling from Kraków to Auschwitz by bus, train, and car.
Information on duration, ticket costs, and transportation logistics.
Details on museum opening hours and booking guided tours.
Practical advice for international travelers and GPS coordinates for drivers.

When traveling to Poland, visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in the town of Oświęcim is an essential experience. As one of the most significant historical landmarks in Europe, it offers detailed guided tours and exhibitions that allow visitors to confront the gravity of history in a profound and respectful way.

Planning such a visit, however, requires careful organization. How do you get to Auschwitz from Kraków? Should you choose a bus, a train, or a guided tour? What are the current 2026 ticket prices and opening hours? While the official website for reservations is visit.auschwitz.org, this comprehensive guide provides all the practical answers you need to ensure a smooth and respectful journey to this historic site.

How to get from Kraków to Auschwitz

Bus

Buses depart from the MDA station (Małopolski Dworzec Autobusowy) on Bosacka Street in Kraków, located directly behind the main railway station. While some operators allow you to purchase tickets on board, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to avoid delays or seat availability issues. Notable companies operating this route include G.T. Trans, Kraków Shuttle, Visit Auschwitz, Lajkonik, Marek Lewański, and Przewóz Osób JS.

The average bus journey takes between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets can be purchased at the MDA station on the day of travel or online beforehand. In 2026, prices typically range from $6.50 to $8.00 (approx. 25–32 zloty).

Train

Trains depart from Kraków’s main station (Kraków Główny PKP) bound for the Oświęcim railway station, located near the museum. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with tickets costing about $5.00 (approx. 20.00 zloty). Tickets are available at station counters, via ticket machines, or through online booking platforms like Koleje Małopolskie or PKP..

Upon arrival in Oświęcim, you can reach the museum by a 20-30 minute walk or by taking a local bus. Standard bus tickets cost approximately $1.20 (4.50 zloty), while reduced tickets are available for $0.65 (2.50 zloty).

Car

Car If you plan to drive, we recommend entering via Więźniów Oświęcimia Street from Legionów Street (DW 933).

GPS Coordinates: 50°01'47.2"N 19°12'17.3”E (50.029763, 19.204816). The museum offers a large, paid parking area. In 2026, the standard fee for a passenger car is approximately $6.00 (25.00 zloty) for the entire stay.

Museum Opening Hours

The museum is open year-round, except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. Tours begin at the following times:

Month	Last Entry Time
January	7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
February	7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
March	7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
April	7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
May	7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
June	7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
July	7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
August	7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
September	7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
October	7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
November	7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
December	7:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Book Your Guided Tour Online

If you prefer to bypass the logistical hurdles of organizing transportation and want to guarantee your entry into one of the world's most visited memorial sites, the most seamless solution is an organized day trip from Kraków. Through the GetYourGuide platform, you can book premium packages that include round-trip transport in a climate-controlled vehicle, a certified professional guide, and "skip-the-line" access to avoid the long wait times. It is the most stress-free way to focus entirely on the historical significance of the site while ensuring a comfortable return directly to the city center.

Furthermore, you can book with complete peace of mind: if your plans change or something comes up, most tours offer a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event, so you can secure your reservation without any stress.

💡 2026 Pro Tip: Tickets for Auschwitz-Birkenau often sell out weeks in advance, especially during the peak season (April through October). By booking through GetYourGuide today, you lock in your availability for your preferred date while maintaining the flexibility to cancel for a full refund if your itinerary changes. Don't leave this essential visit to the last minute!

Browse the available options and book your visit below:

Historical Context

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in the town of Oświęcim is one of the most significant historical sites of World War II. It operated from 1940 to 1945 as a Nazi concentration and extermination camp. It is estimated that over 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed at Auschwitz and Birkenau. Today, the site serves as a museum and educational center, commemorating the victims and reminding visitors of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Sources:

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum – Official Website: https://visit.auschwitz.org
Visitor Statistics 2025, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: https://visit.auschwitz.org/en/statistics/
Practical Travel Tips: Kraków to Auschwitz: https://www.discover-auschwitz.com