Would you like to book a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow? Whether you choose a tour agency, a private guide, or the official website, it's important to understand the different options available. This guide explains how to book your tickets at the right time, choose the most suitable visit format, and avoid common mistakes.
👉 For more information about the camps, how the visit unfolds, and what to expect on site, you can also read my in-depth guide: Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow.
- 1. Three ways to book an Auschwitz visit
- 2. Booking a guided tour with transportation from Krakow
- 3. Booking tickets on the official Auschwitz website
- 4. Booking a private guide
- 5. Guided tour prices
- 6. Combined Auschwitz + Wieliczka Salt Mine tours
- Summary: Auschwitz booking options
- FAQ – Booking an Auschwitz-Birkenau Visit
1. Three ways to book an Auschwitz visit
You generally have three main options:
- Book through a local tour agency, with transportation and a guide included.
- Book directly on the official Auschwitz website (cheaper, but you handle logistics yourself).
- Hire a private guide for a more personalized visit.
Each option has its advantages - the right choice depends on your budget, your schedule, and the level of guidance you're looking for.
2. Booking a guided tour with transportation from Krakow
This is the easiest option if you want to visit Auschwitz without worrying about transport or logistics. These tours usually include:
- Pickup in Krakow (hotel or meeting point),
- Round-trip transportation,
- Entrance tickets,
- A guided tour with a licensed guide (English available on some tours).
You can book through platforms like GetYourGuide, which list several reputable operators. This makes it easy to compare reviews and cancel if needed.
- Krakow Booking tour (English-speaking guide, with or without transport).
- Poland Explore tour (pickup in Krakow).
- Royal Cracow tour (English-speaking guide, central departure).
These offers include your Auschwitz ticket from Krakow (entry + guide), with pickup at your hotel or in the city center.
3. Booking tickets on the official Auschwitz website
If you prefer to book directly, visit visit.auschwitz.org. This option is more affordable, but you'll need to:
- Arrange your own transportation (train, bus, or car),
- Select the correct time slot,
- Book well in advance (tickets open 3 months ahead),
- Navigate a website that can feel unintuitive.
Available ticket types
- General tour – 3.5 hours (English available): standard guided visit.
- One-day study tour – 6 hours (English): in-depth visit for those seeking more historical detail.
- Self-guided entry: very limited availability; on-site signage is mainly in English and Polish.
How to book an Auschwitz visit on the official website
1️⃣ Go to visit.auschwitz.org and make sure the site is set to English.
2️⃣ Click "Next" next to "Visit for individuals".
3️⃣ Complete the captcha and click "Send".
4️⃣ Choose your visit date.
5️⃣ Select the visit type:
- “General tour 3.5 h” in French for the standard guided visit covering Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau;
- “One-day study tour 6 h” in English for a more in-depth experience.
Click "Next".
6️⃣ Select the number of tickets (full or reduced rate - reduced rates apply to visitors under 26, over 75, and visitors with disabilities).
7️⃣ Enter the visitor name(s). Names cannot be changed later.
8️⃣ You have 30 minutes to complete your booking, either as a guest or by creating an account. Tickets are sent by email once payment is confirmed.
4. Booking a private guide
If you prefer a more intimate experience or are visiting in a small group, you can book a private guide (including English-speaking guides).
The museum recommends sending a request by email to reservation.office@auschwitz.org. Allow at least one month of advance notice.
Two formats are available: standard visit (3.5 hours) or study visit (6 hours).
Official prices are listed in this PDF published by the museum.
5. Guided tour prices
- Standard guided tour (3.5 h): 110 PLN (~€26 / ~$28 / £22) full price; 100 PLN (~€24 / ~$26 / £20) reduced
- Study tour (6 h): 150 PLN (~€36 / ~$39 / £31) full price; 130 PLN (~€31 / ~$34 / £27) reduced
🕒 Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your visit for security checks.
6. Combined Auschwitz + Wieliczka Salt Mine tours
Some agencies offer full-day tours combining:
- Auschwitz in the morning and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the afternoon (or vice versa),
- Transportation, tickets, and guides included.
This option is convenient but can be emotionally intense. Consider whether you prefer to focus entirely on Auschwitz or balance the day with a different type of visit afterward.
- Auschwitz + Wieliczka tour (Krakow Tours).
- Combined tour with Krakow pickup (KrakowTouring.com).
Summary: Auschwitz booking options
| Option | Pros | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tour agency GetYourGuide, transport included |
Transport + ticket + guide No logistics to manage |
More expensive, but ideal for first-time visitors |
| Official website visit.auschwitz.org |
Official prices, wide range of time slots | You handle transportation yourself |
| Private guide Email request |
Personalized, in-depth experience | Must be booked well in advance |
FAQ – Booking an Auschwitz-Birkenau Visit
If this article helped you better understand how to plan your visit, feel free to share it or ask your questions in the comments. I am always happy to help future visitors prepare for this very special and meaningful experience.
