Today, we're heading out on one of the best day trips from Krakow! When you stay in the city, it is very tempting to spend a day (or more) out in the region to discover something different. The good news: the area is full of very easy day trips, whether you have half a day or several days ahead of you.
From Krakow, you can explore very different places: visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, go underground in the Wieliczka Salt Mines, head into the mountains around Zakopane, have fun with the family in a theme park, relax in hot springs, or discover villages and landscapes that are still very under the radar.
In this article, I share a selection of the best day trips around Krakow, with, for each one: why it is worth visiting, how much time to allow, and the simplest way to get there in 2026. The goal is to help you quickly pick the ones that really fit your trip and what you enjoy!
- If you are staying fewer than 4 days in Krakow, focus on Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka, the two most emblematic and easiest day trips to organize.
- For an easy nature outing, you can choose Zakopane, the Pieniny National Park or Ojców National Park, which is closer to Krakow.
- Want to relax? The Chochołów thermal baths are perfect for a laid-back day, both in summer and winter.
- With kids or teens, think about a family outing to Energylandia, the largest amusement park in Poland.
- For a more unusual day trip, look at Zalipie or Tarnów, which show a different side of Poland.
- If the spiritual side of the country interests you, combine Wadowice and Czestochowa in the same day.
- Without a car, focus on places that are easy to reach (Auschwitz, Wieliczka, Zakopane, Tarnów, Czestochowa) or book a guided tour with transportation included.
- In 2026, expect to pay around $45 to $90 / £35 to £70 per person for an organized day trip from Krakow (transport + ticket + guide), depending on the destination and options you choose.
- Which day trip should you choose around Krakow?
- 1. Day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow
- 2. The Wieliczka Salt Mines: the easy day trip near Krakow
- 3. Day trip from Krakow to Zakopane, at the foot of the Tatras
- 4. Chochołów, between traditional village and hot springs
- 5. Ojców National Park, close to Krakow
- 6. Visiting Pieniny National Park
- 7. Zalipie, a flower-painted village near Krakow that is worth the trip
- 8. Day trip from Krakow to Tarnów
- 9. Energylandia, the ideal family outing
- 10. Wadowice and Czestochowa: spiritual day trip from Krakow
- What to do around Krakow: my final tips for choosing
- Traveler's memo for day trips around Krakow
Which day trip should you choose around Krakow?
Here is a quick overview to help you narrow things down:
| Day trip | Time | Without a car | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auschwitz-Birkenau | 1 day | Yes | History | Advance booking essential, a very powerful visit |
| Wieliczka | 1/2 day | Yes | Short visit | Very busy, guided tour required |
| Zakopane | 1 day | Yes | Mountains | Long journey, changeable weather |
| Ojców National Park | 1/2 day | Partial | Nearby nature | Easier with a car |
| Pieniny | 1 day | Partial | Landscapes | A bit more complex to organize |
| Chochołów (thermal baths) | 1 day | Partial | Relaxation | Very pleasant off-season |
| Zalipie | 1/2 day | No | Unusual village | Limited access without a car |
| Tarnów | 1/2 day | Yes | Quiet town | Not very touristy |
| Energylandia | 1 day | Yes | Families | Very busy in summer |
| Wadowice + Czestochowa | 1 day | Yes | Religion | Main interest is cultural/spiritual |
This table gives you a first idea, but each day trip has its own specifics (booking, access, logistics, etc.). I go into detail just after this to help you choose the right ones.
1. Day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow
Choose this if you want to understand the history of the Holocaust in depth. It is the most powerful day trip from Krakow, but also the most emotionally demanding.
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow is the most popular excursion: including travel time, you should allow at least 7 hours for the day.The camp is in Oświęcim, about 37 miles from Krakow, which makes it easy to visit as a day trip. You first visit the Auschwitz museum, set up in the former barracks of the concentration camp. The main exhibition explains in detail the machinery of deportation, exploitation of prisoners, and large-scale killing. It is complemented by rooms dedicated to specific groups and by very concrete testimonies.
The visit then continues in Birkenau camp, another part of Auschwitz. Here the space is huge: barbed wire stretching to the horizon, basic wooden barracks, ruins of crematoria. You will see the bunks, the latrines and the railway track where trains arrived, used for the "selection" of deportees.
A day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau is very hard and leaves a lasting impression. It requires a minimum of preparation, both logistically and emotionally.
Tickets and booking in 2026:
- It is strongly recommended to book your time slot online several weeks in advance, especially between April and October.
- Official guided tours are available in several languages, including English, but the number of time slots is limited and can sell out fast.
- Large bags are not allowed in the museum: bring a small bag or leave your belongings in your vehicle.
You can visit with or without a guide, depending on how familiar you are with the subject. I detail all the options in my dedicated article about visiting Auschwitz from Krakow.
How to get to Auschwitz from Krakow
From Krakow, you can reach Auschwitz-Birkenau by bus, by car or via a guided tour that includes transport and entry ticket.
- Bus from the main bus station (Krakow MDA), with several departures a day to Oświęcim.
- Car, about 1h15 via the A4 highway.
If you want to keep things simple, you can also book a guided tour with transport included:
- Guided tour of Auschwitz with Royal Cracow
- Auschwitz-Birkenau tour with Hello Cracow
- Visit Auschwitz with SuperKrakow
It is also possible to visit Auschwitz without a guide, as long as you prepare your visit properly beforehand.
My take: it is an essential visit if you are interested in history, but it requires time and emotional availability. Best avoided with children and those under 14, or if you are looking for a "light" day trip.
2. The Wieliczka Salt Mines: the easy day trip near Krakow
Choose this if you want an impressive excursion that is easy to organize and does not take too much time. It is one of the easiest visits to add to a stay in Krakow.
Located about 20 minutes from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mines can be visited in half a day, which makes them an excellent option if you are staying 2 or 3 days in the city.
Salt mining in the region dates back several centuries and the mine was in operation until 1996. Today, the underground route is only accessible on a guided tour and allows you to see a small developed part of the huge network of tunnels: you walk through underground chambers, chapels carved in salt and spaces decorated with impressive sculptures.
The atmosphere is really unique, sometimes almost unreal. I really fell in love with some of the rooms, especially the large underground chapel, entirely carved out of salt.
Good to know: the tour involves going down several hundred steps at the beginning. It is accessible to most visitors, but you do need a minimum level of mobility.
Alternative: if you are looking for a similar but more low-key experience, you can also visit the Bochnia Salt Mine, which is less crowded than Wieliczka.
How to get to Wieliczka from Krakow
The mine is very easy to reach from Krakow, whether by public transportation, by car or via an organized excursion.
- Train from Kraków Główny station to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia, a few minutes' walk from the entrance.
- Bus or minibus, slower but inexpensive, with frequent departures.
- Car, about 20 to 30 minutes' drive.
As the visit must be done with a guide and the town itself has little tourist interest, it is often simpler to book a tour from Krakow including both transport and ticket:
For more details about how the visit works, the different routes and my practical tips (stairs, temperature, clothing), you can read my full article on visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
My take: this is the easiest day trip to plan from Krakow. If you only choose one in addition to exploring the city, it is often the best option, especially for a short stay.
3. Day trip from Krakow to Zakopane, at the foot of the Tatras
Choose this if you are craving mountains and a complete change of atmosphere. It is the most scenic change of pace from Krakow, but also one of the longest.
Zakopane is in southern Poland, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, a mountain range that marks the border with Slovakia. This small town is very popular for its scenery, wooden chalets and mountain resort atmosphere, both in summer and winter.
Once there, you have several options:
- Take the cable car up to Kasprowy Wierch for spectacular views over the peaks.
- Ride the Gubałówka funicular, which is more accessible and offers a nice view of the Tatras.
- Stroll along Krupówki Street, lively and touristy, with shops and a craft market.
- Discover the wooden architecture typical of the "Zakopane style", especially the Jaszczurówka chapel.
Zakopane is also an excellent starting point for a hike to Morskie Oko lake, often considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region.
You can visit Zakopane as a day trip, but it makes for a fairly packed day. If you enjoy hiking or like to take your time, it may be worth spending one night there.
Good to know: Zakopane is a very popular destination, especially on weekends and during school holidays. The atmosphere can be quite touristy, particularly in the center.
How to get to Zakopane from Krakow
Zakopane is about 62 miles from Krakow, which means 2 to 2.5 hours of travel depending on conditions.
- Bus is the simplest and most commonly used option, with many departures from the main bus station (MDA).
- Car gives you more flexibility, but traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends.
If you prefer a turnkey option, you can book a guided day trip from Krakow, often combined with thermal baths:
- Zakopane excursion with cable car and thermal baths
- Zakopane excursion with hot springs
- Zakopane + Chochołów thermal baths
I share more practical advice (routes, hikes, logistics) in my guide on visiting Zakopane.
My take: a very rewarding excursion if you love the mountains, but best if you have several days in Krakow. On a short stay, the travel time can outweigh your time on site.
4. Chochołów, between traditional village and hot springs
Choose this if you want a relaxing day trip, between mountain scenery and thermal baths. It is a very good alternative to Zakopane if you prefer something more laid-back.
Located about 62 miles south of Krakow, Chochołów is a small village known for its traditional wooden houses lined up along the main street. It is quick to walk around, but gives a nice insight into local architecture.
Nowadays, Chochołów is best known for its thermal baths, a large modern complex with pools of hot water around 97°F, both indoors and outdoors.
- Pools with views of the mountains.
- A salt grotto.
- Saunas and a steam room.
- Fun areas with slides and water activities.
- A section adapted for children.
It is an ideal day trip if you feel like slowing down, especially after a day of sightseeing or hiking. The experience is particularly pleasant in winter or when temperatures are cool.
Good to know: the village itself is quite quick to visit. The main reason to come is really the thermal baths.
How to get to Chochołów from Krakow
Chochołów is in the same area as Zakopane, with similar travel times.
- By car, allow about 1h45 via the DW958 road.
- By public transportation, you generally have to travel via Zakopane then continue by local bus or taxi, which makes the journey longer.
Without a car, the easiest is to book an organized excursion, especially if you want to make the most of the baths without worrying about logistics:
- Dedicated excursion to the Chochołów thermal baths
- Combined Morskie Oko + Zakopane + thermal baths excursion
- Zakopane + Chochołów thermal baths
My take: an excellent option if you are looking for a relaxing day rather than a cultural excursion. Ideal if you have already planned to visit Zakopane or if you want to avoid the crowds and faster pace of the mountain town.
5. Ojców National Park, close to Krakow
Choose this if you want a nature outing very close to Krakow, easy to fit into a half-day. It is the simplest option if you want some fresh air without spending hours in transit.
Ojców National Park is only about 12 miles from Krakow. Despite its small size, it offers beautiful landscapes, with limestone cliffs, rock formations, wooded valleys and small pleasant trails.
There you can visit Ojców castle and Pieskowa Skała castle, as well as the famous rock formation called the Hercules' Club rock formation. Several trails allow for easy walks through the park, with no particular difficulty if you stay on the most accessible routes.
It is a lovely day trip if you want nature without going too far or too long. It works very well alongside an already busy sightseeing program, or if you do not want to dedicate a full day to leaving Krakow.
Good to know: the park is well suited for a gentle walk, but it is easier to visit by car if you want to see several points of interest on the same outing.
How to get to Ojców National Park from Krakow
Ojców is one of the closest excursions from Krakow, but it is slightly less straightforward than Wieliczka or Auschwitz if you do not have a vehicle.
- By car, allow around 30 minutes, depending on where you start in the city.
- By public transportation, it is possible but takes a bit more planning, which makes it less obvious for a short half-day.
If you want to enjoy the park without making things complicated, it is better to plan a simple route and target a few key sights rather than trying to see everything.
My take: a very good option if you want to balance your stay with a nature outing or if you have already visited the main must-sees around Krakow. The experience is more straightforward than in the Tatras, but it has the advantage of being quick, pleasant and easy to slot into an already full schedule.
6. Visiting Pieniny National Park
Choose this if you want an original nature excursion, less touristy than Zakopane. It is a very nice alternative way to enjoy the mountains.
Pieniny National Park lies in southern Poland, not far from the Slovak border. Less well-known than the Tatras, it still offers spectacular scenery, with limestone cliffs, forests and rivers.
The most iconic activity here is rafting down the Dunajec Gorge on traditional wooden rafts. You float peacefully along the river, surrounded by cliffs and greenery, in a very calming atmosphere.The region is also excellent for hiking, with several highlights:
- Czorsztyn castle, a ruined fortress overlooking the lake of the same name.
- Trails with beautiful viewpoints over the gorges and mountains.
- The Bachledka site on the Slovak side, with a treetop walkway that is very popular with families.
This outing is particularly pleasant in spring and summer, when conditions are ideal for being outdoors.
Good to know: the experience is largely based on the Dunajec rafting trip. If you do not plan to do that, the interest of the excursion is more limited for just one day.
How to get to the Pieniny from Krakow
The park is about 75 miles from Krakow, a trip of just under 2 hours.
- By car, this is the most flexible option for exploring the region.
- By public transportation, it is possible but quite restrictive, with several changes.
Without a car, the simplest is to book an organized excursion, especially if you want to include the Dunajec rafting:
You can find official information (trails, conditions, weather) on the Pieniny National Park website.
My take: an excellent outing if you have already visited Zakopane or want a calmer, more original experience. Rafting on the Dunajec is really the highlight.
7. Zalipie, a flower-painted village near Krakow that is worth the trip
Choose this if you want an original and very photogenic day trip. It is one of the most unusual visits around Krakow.
Located about 50 miles from Krakow, the village of Zalipie is known for its hand-painted houses decorated with colorful floral patterns.
This tradition dates back to the late 19th century: originally, the women of the village painted the interiors to cover soot marks left by stoves. Over time, the designs became more elaborate and spread to exterior walls, wells, barns and even fences.
The house of Felicja Curylowa, a key figure in the village, is now a small museum that you can visit. Inside, you will see rooms decorated from floor to ceiling.
When you visit, the real pleasure is simply to walk through the village and spot the various painted houses, each with its own style and colors.
Good to know: Zalipie is still a tiny village. The visit is quick (1 to 2 hours) and fits best into a relaxed half-day or full day.
How to get to Zalipie from Krakow
Driving is by far the simplest way to reach Zalipie.
- By car, allow about 1h30 from Krakow.
- By public transportation, the journey is complicated, with several changes.
Without a vehicle, you can choose an organized excursion:
My take: a real favorite if you enjoy quirky places and photography. Best if you have already seen the main highlights or if you are looking for something truly different.
8. Day trip from Krakow to Tarnów
Choose this if you want to discover a quieter Polish town, away from the usual tourist routes. It is an interesting but more low-key day trip compared to others around Krakow.
Located about 56 miles from Krakow, Tarnów is a pleasant small town, easy to reach by train, which you can visit in a few hours or over half a day.
Its main interest, however, lies elsewhere: Tarnów is a town deeply marked by the history of World War II. Before the war, nearly half of the population was Jewish. Many residents were executed in the Zbylitowska Góra forest or deported to extermination camps.Today, this history is still very tangible and gives the visit a different tone, more discreet but also more striking than in big cities.
At the same time, Tarnów offers a peaceful atmosphere and allows you to discover a more local Poland, far from the tourist crowds:
- A pretty cathedral and a pleasant main square.
- Strzelecki Park, with the mausoleum of General Bem.
- A compact town center that is easy to walk around.
It is an interesting trip if you want to round out your stay with a less obvious destination that has real historical depth, but without the crowds of the major sites.
Good to know: Tarnów can easily be combined with a visit to Zalipie in one day if you have a car.
How to get to Tarnów from Krakow
Tarnów is one of the easiest places to visit without a car.
- Train gets you to Tarnów in under an hour from Kraków Główny. You can buy tickets online.
- Car gives you more flexibility, with a drive of just over an hour.
If you want to combine Tarnów and Zalipie in one day, driving is still the best option, as public transportation between the two is limited.
My take: an interesting excursion if you have already seen the essentials and want to get off the beaten path. Best for a slightly longer stay.
9. Energylandia, the ideal family outing
Choose this if you are traveling with children, teenagers or simply want a more playful day. It is one of the most entertaining day trips around Krakow, miles away from classic cultural visits.
Located about 31 miles from Krakow, Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland. It has many attractions for all ages, from areas suitable for very young children to much more intense roller coasters.
The park is divided into several themed zones, with rides, shows and spaces designed for families. In season, water areas also help break up the day, which is very welcome when it is hot.
It is a complete change of atmosphere and can be a welcome break if you have already packed in several days of sightseeing, or simply if you are traveling with kids who need some time off.
Good to know: Energylandia really deserves a full day. The park is very busy on weekends, during school holidays and in summer, so it is best to arrive early to make the most of the rides.
How to get to Energylandia from Krakow
Energylandia is a reasonable distance from Krakow, so it works well as a day trip.
- By car, allow about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- Without a car, it is possible but requires a bit more planning, especially if you are traveling with family and want to make the best use of your time there.
If you do not want to deal with logistics, there are options that include entry ticket + round-trip transport with a driver from Krakow to the park.
If you choose this day trip, I recommend leaving early and treating it as a full day in its own right, rather than trying to squeeze it into an already full schedule.
My take: an appealing option for a different kind of day, especially with family. Best if you have already seen the key sights around Krakow or if you want to include a lighter, more playful break in a week-long stay, for example.
10. Wadowice and Czestochowa: spiritual day trip from Krakow
Choose this if you are interested in the religious side of Poland. This excursion is mainly for travelers who are drawn to the history of Catholicism and the figure of Pope John Paul II.
Wadowice, about 31 miles from Krakow, is known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. You can visit his family home, now a museum, as well as the basilica where he was baptized.
Czestochowa, a bit farther away, is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Europe. The Jasna Góra sanctuary houses the famous Black Madonna, venerated by millions of worshippers every year.
These two destinations are often offered as a combined day trip from Krakow.
Good to know: apart from the religious aspect, the interest of the visit is quite limited. It is really a themed excursion.
How to organize the visit
Wadowice is easy to reach by train, bus or car (about 1 hour). Czestochowa is just under 2 hours away, especially by train.
If you want to visit both places in one day, the simplest solution is to book an organized day trip:
My take: a very specific day trip, best for travelers with a personal interest in these sites. It can be meaningful, but it is not a priority for a first stay in Krakow.
What to do around Krakow: my final tips for choosing
If you are hesitating between several options, here are a few simple pointers to help you choose according to your profile and how much time you have.
- You are staying for a short time (less than 4 days): focus on Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines, the two most emblematic and easiest excursions to organize.
- You want nature: Ojców National Park is perfect for a quick outing, while Zakopane or the Pieniny offer a deeper immersion, but require more time.
- You are looking for a relaxing day: the Chochołów thermal baths are an excellent option, especially in winter or after several days of sightseeing.
- You like unusual places: Zalipie is an original and very different excursion, ideal if you have already seen the must-sees.
- You are traveling with children: Energylandia is a great way to change things up with a more playful day.
- You have already explored the essentials: Tarnów or the Pieniny let you discover a quieter, less touristy side of the region.
In any case, try not to cram in too many long-distance excursions during a short stay: travel times can quickly eat into your time in Krakow.
If you have to make choices, it is better to opt for a few well-targeted outings than to try to do everything: you will get more out of each visit.And above all, make sure you leave enough time to discover Krakow itself, which is well worth taking your time over.
