Are you planning to visit Auschwitz from Krakow? You're probably asking yourself a thousand questions about how to organize this visit. Less than 70 km (about 43 miles) from the city, the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp is a major memorial site during a stay in Krakow, filled with history and emotion. During the Second World War, Auschwitz was both a concentration camp and an extermination camp, where more than 1.1 million people died, victims of Nazi barbarity… so obviously, it is impossible to think of these camps as a simple tourist site.
Visiting Auschwitz from Krakow is above all undertaking a journey of remembrance into the heart of 20th-century European history. You often leave deeply shaken, with new reflections and a desire to pass on what you have seen and understood.
In this article, I explain in practical terms how to organize your visit: which camp to see, how to get there, whether you need a guide, what the ticket prices are, and how to properly plan your day.
In practice, to visit Auschwitz from Krakow, you have two main options: book an organized excursion, where transport and entry are generally handled for you, or organize the visit yourself by booking your ticket on the official website and then coming by bus, train, or car. For a first visit, the guided tour is often the simplest option, while a self-guided visit requires more advance planning.
Visiting Auschwitz from Krakow: key points
- Distance: about 65 km (about 40 miles) from Krakow (1 hr 15 to 1 hr 30 travel time depending on the transport chosen)
- Transport: bus, train, car, or organized excursion with transport included
- Advance booking required: no tickets are sold on site, even for a free visit
- Self-guided visit: possible, but the free time slots are often the hardest to get
- Personalized ticket: ID may be requested at the entrance
- Time on site: allow about 3 hr 45 min to visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau
- Combined excursion: possible with the Wieliczka salt mines
- How to get to Auschwitz from Krakow: bus, train, car, or excursion?
- How to visit Auschwitz from Krakow: guided tour or independent visit?
- How to book a guided tour in English?
- How to book a visit without a guide?
- What to expect during the visit?
- Traveler's memo for visiting Auschwitz from Krakow
- The last details to know before your visit
- Last tips before visiting Auschwitz
How to get to Auschwitz from Krakow: bus, train, car, or excursion?
There are 4 main ways to visit Auschwitz from Krakow: by bus, by train, by car, or via an organized excursion with transport included. The camp is located in Oświęcim (pronounced "Auche-vye-tchim"), a town 65 km (about 40 miles) west of Krakow. The choice mainly depends on your budget, how much flexibility you need… and whether you do or do not want to handle all the logistics yourself.
Here are the main options for getting to Auschwitz from Krakow:
| Means of transport | Duration / Price | My quick opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 1 hr 30 ≈ 9.50 € round trip (about 10.50 USD / 8 GBP) | The best value for money. Direct and drops you off right in front of the museum entrance. |
| Train | 1 hr 30 to 2 hr 30 ≈ 8 € round trip (about 9 USD / 7 GBP) | Less convenient. The station is 2 km (about 1.2 miles) from the camp (requires a 20-minute walk or an additional local bus). |
| Car | 1 hr 15 ≈ paid parking | Flexible. Convenient if you are traveling as a family or on a road trip. |
| Excursion | Included in the visit | Zero stress. The ideal solution if you do not want to handle the logistics yourself (often includes a guide). |
For most travelers, the easiest option is to book a guided excursion from Krakow. If you want to keep your budget down, the most practical option is still the Lajkonik bus + ticket booked on the official website.
Here are now the practical details for each transport option.
How to visit Auschwitz from Krakow by bus?
The bus is often the most practical way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow without a car. Buses leave from Krakow's main bus station (MDA), just behind the Kraków Główny train station, and drop you off right in front of the entrance to Auschwitz I.
Allow about 1h20 to 1h40 of travel time depending on traffic and about 40 PLN round trip (around €9 to €10, roughly $10 to $11 and £8 to £9) in 2026.
Recommended company: Lajkonik.
You can buy your ticket directly at the bus station or book in advance online on Lajkonik's website, which I especially recommend in high season.
Departures generally take place from the MDA bus station. On the electronic boards, platforms starting with G correspond to the upper level of the station, and those starting with D to the lower level.
How to visit Auschwitz from Krakow by train?
The train makes it easy to reach Oświęcim from the central station Krakow Glowny. Allow between 1h15 and 2h of travel time depending on connections and about 35 PLN round trip (around €8, roughly $9 and £7) in 2026.
It is an economical and comfortable option, but a little less convenient than the bus because Oświęcim station is located about 2 km (about 1.25 miles) from the entrance to the museum.
Once you arrive, you can:
- Walk about 20 to 25 minutes to Auschwitz I;
- Take a local bus (lines 3 or 8 to the "Muzeum I" stop);
- Or take a taxi waiting outside the station.
How to get to Auschwitz by car from Krakow?
Driving to Auschwitz is a good option if you are traveling with family, on a road trip in Poland, or if you want more flexibility in your day.
Allow about 1h15 of driving from Krakow. Two routes are possible:
- Via the A4 motorway (faster but with tolls);
- Or via the DW780 road (slower but toll-free).
Paid, monitored parking lots are available at Auschwitz I and Birkenau. The main parking lot at Auschwitz I is generally the most convenient: expect to pay about 20 PLN (€5, roughly $5.50 and £4.50) for the day.
From Auschwitz I, you can then reach Birkenau using the free shuttle that runs between the two camps.
Visiting Auschwitz from Krakow with an organized tour
Organized tours are the simplest way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow without handling the logistics yourself.
They generally include round-trip transportation from Krakow, entry to the memorial, and a guided tour with an official guide.
This is often the most comfortable option if you are not very familiar with the history of Auschwitz, if you do not want to deal with reservations, or if you prefer to avoid transfers and transportation hassles.
Most excursions last between 6h and 8h in total depending on the schedule and the type of transport offered, including 3h45 of visiting the two camps (Auschwitz I and Birkenau).
Further down, I explain in detail the differences between a guided tour and a self-guided visit, as well as the options for booking a tour available in English.
At this stage, you probably already have an idea of the mode of transport that suits you best. The next important question concerns the format of the visit: should you discover Auschwitz with a guide or visit the camps on your own?
How to visit Auschwitz from Krakow: guided tour or independent visit?
Once you are there, you have two options for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau: booking a guided tour with an official memorial guide, or exploring the camps on your own with an individual ticket.
The guided tour is often the best option if you are visiting Auschwitz for the first time or if you want solid historical context. The museum's official guides are trained and accredited, with a very educational and rigorous approach.
The independent visit gives you more freedom to move at your own pace, but it requires good preparation beforehand (mandatory reservation, advance reading, organizing transportation, etc.).
The choice mainly depends on how familiar you are with the subject, your travel style… and your personal sensitivity to this memorial site.
| Guided tour | Independent visit | |
|---|---|---|
| For whom? | You are new to the subject or want solid historical context | You already know the history or prefer to go at your own pace |
| Price | Around €15 (about $16 / £13) via the official website, or €30 to €50 (about $32–54 / £26–43) with transportation from Krakow | Free entry, but reservation required and time slots limited |
| Reservation | 1–2 weeks in advance (agency) or 3 months (official website) | 3 months in advance, limited spots |
| Duration | ~3h45 (full route) | 3h30 to 4h30 depending on the season |
In both cases, you will need to book your ticket in advance.
Since March 2026, it is no longer possible to buy a ticket on site. All entries for individual visitors, including guided tours and free entries, must be reserved online via visit.auschwitz.org.
Let's now look at how to book your visit depending on the option that suits you best.
How to book a guided tour in English?
Several options are available to book a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau in English: through an agency with transportation included, directly on the museum's official website, or with a private guide.
Here are the recommended booking time frames.
| Type of ticket | When to book? | Where to book? |
|---|---|---|
| Guided tour via agency | 1 to 2 weeks in advance (more in high season) | Online platforms such as GetYourGuide |
| Official website | Up to 3 months in advance, very limited spots | visit.auschwitz.org |
| Private guide | At least 1 month in advance | reservation.office@auschwitz.org |
Option 1 – Booking a guided tour of Auschwitz from Krakow with an agency
Booking an organized excursion is often the simplest way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow without handling the logistics yourself. Transportation, the entrance ticket, and the guided tour are generally included.
Local agencies such as Krakow Booking, Poland Explore, or Royal Cracow offer tours to Auschwitz available in English departing from Krakow.
Since March 2026, all bookings go through the museum's official system. Even if you book through an agency, your ticket is reserved via this official platform: you do not have any additional steps to take.
- Krakow Booking excursion (with or without pickup)
- Poland Explore excursion (hotel pickup or meeting point)
- Royal Cracow excursion (central departure)
Some travelers also take advantage of this day to combine Auschwitz‑Birkenau with a visit to the famous Wieliczka salt mine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. These excursions allow you to discover two major sites around Krakow in the same day. These days are quite long and full, but they allow you to make the most of a short stay in Krakow.
- Auschwitz + salt mines on the same day (Krakow Tours)
- Combined Auschwitz/Wieliczka tour with pickup from Krakow (KrakowTouring.com)
The Auschwitz museum has reported abusive practices by some operators (schedules changed at the last minute, very early departures imposed, confusion about availability). It is better to book through reputable platforms and check recent reviews.
Option 2 – Booking a guided tour on the official website
If you prefer to organize your visit yourself, you can book an official guided tour directly on the museum's website, at visit.auschwitz.org.
This is generally the cheapest option for a guided tour of Auschwitz, but it requires more organization: bookings open up to 3 months in advance, time slots in English are limited, and you will have to handle transportation from Krakow yourself.
Since March 2026, all individual entries must be booked online. It is no longer possible to buy a ticket on‑site, whether you choose an official guided tour or free entry without a guide.
I have written a complete tutorial to help you successfully book your ticket: how to log in at the right time, what to do if it is sold out, and the alternatives if you do not get a spot. Everything is explained here: How to book a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (step‑by‑step guide).
Option 3 – Book a private guide
For a more personal visit, you can book a private English-speaking guide through the museum (email: reservation.office@auschwitz.org).
This option is especially suitable for families, small groups, or visitors who want a more in-depth and personalized experience of the memorial.
📅 Plan at least 1 month in advance. Possible visit lengths: 3h45 or 6h (price details in this official PDF).
How to book a visit without a guide?
If a guided tour doesn't suit you, you can still visit the camps independently in 2026 by booking a free entry ticket on the museum's official website. However, individual time slots are now mainly offered at the end of the day.
In practice, this changes the experience of the visit quite a bit: previously, it was possible to arrive first thing in the morning and spend almost the entire day there on your own. Today, the time slots available without a guide therefore leave you with less time to comfortably explore Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
This option therefore requires more advance planning and preparation:
- Spots go quickly as soon as bookings open;
- You have to organize your own transportation from Krakow;
- It is strongly recommended to be familiar with the subject before your visit.
A self-guided visit is still worth considering if you want to go at your own pace, return to certain places, or explore the memorial in greater depth.
However, if you feel this need for autonomy, for a first visit the most interesting option can be to combine:
- A guided tour to benefit from the historical context;
- Then a complementary self-guided visit to explore certain areas at your own pace.
If you do not know much about the history of the Holocaust, a guided tour is generally more accessible and enriching.
I have written a complete step-by-step guide to organizing your visit without a guide: how to book at the right time, which route to follow on site, pitfalls to avoid, how to get there from Krakow. Everything is detailed here: Visiting Auschwitz without a guide: the complete guide.
You now know how to organize and book your visit. The next step is to understand concretely what you are going to see there… and why this experience leaves such a mark on so many visitors.
What to expect during the visit?
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is not just about discovering a historical site. It is a very powerful human and memorial experience, often deeply moving, even when you think you are prepared.
Between the victims' personal belongings, the immensity of Birkenau, the ruins of the crematoria, and the silence that hangs over certain areas, the visit rarely leaves anyone indifferent.
Auschwitz visiting options in a nutshell
Here are, concretely, the main visiting formats offered at Auschwitz-Birkenau:
| Visit format | Average duration | What you see | Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic guided tour | About 3h45 | Auschwitz I + Birkenau | The most common format, with an official guide and a structured route |
| Study tour | About 6h | Auschwitz I + Birkenau | More in-depth version with access to certain areas that are rarely included in the standard visit |
| Self-guided visit | Varies depending on the time slot booked | Depending on the reserved time slot and the time remaining before closing | Explore at your own pace, without an escort or guided explanations |
The duration of guided tours of Auschwitz following the standard route has been 3h45 since 2026, compared with 3h30 previously.
What do you see on the 3h45 guided tour of Auschwitz?
The standard guided tour lasts about 3h45, split between Auschwitz I, the main camp now turned into a museum, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the extermination camp. A 5-minute ride on a free shuttle connects the two sites.
AUSCHWITZ I
This part of the site is a museum and memorial dedicated to explaining and understanding the concentration camp system. During the visit to Auschwitz I, you will see in particular:
- Entrance under the "Arbeit macht frei" sign
- Documented exhibitions on the history of the camp
- Collections of deportees' personal belongings: suitcases, shoes, hair
- Block 11 (cells, isolation), Death Wall
- First crematorium on the site
AUSCHWITZ II-BIRKENAU
This is a camp that was designed for large-scale extermination. This is where convoys of deportees from all over Europe arrived and where a "selection" took place, sending some prisoners directly to their death. It is a vast open-air site, with many ruins and some elements rebuilt to balance the authenticity of the place with its educational role.
During the visit to Birkenau, you will see in particular:
- Railway ramp where convoys arrived
- Barracks (bunks, latrines)
- Watchtowers and barbed wire
- Ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria
Throughout the visit, you will have a headset that will allow you to clearly hear the explanations even if you are at the back of the group. Note that this is not an "audioguide" in the sense that you would be on your own following a recorded tour; what you hear through the headset is your guide's voice.
What do you see in addition on the 6h study tour?
The 6h study tour allows you to explore places and exhibitions that are not included in the standard route, for example:
- Blocks specific to certain nationalities.
- The "Sauna," where prisoners were registered, tattooed, and stripped of their personal belongings.
- Crematoria IV and V, now in ruins.
This option is mainly for visitors who want to go deeper into the history of the camp beyond the classic route.
Traveler's memo for visiting Auschwitz from Krakow
If you want to get straight to the point before your visit, here is a summary of the most important information to organize your visit to Auschwitz from Krakow.
The last details to know before your visit
You now have everything you need to plan your visit to Auschwitz from Krakow. You may still have a few practical or personal questions before you go: here are the answers to the most common ones.
Practical information to prepare for your visit
Opening hours, documents you need to bring, permitted luggage, shuttle between the camps, or food options on site: here is the key practical information you should know before your visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
| Month | Opening time | Closing time | Latest exit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:30 am | 3:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| February | 7:30 am | 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm |
| March | 7:30 am | 5:00 pm | 6:30 pm |
| April & May | 7:30 am | 6:00 pm | 7:30 pm |
| June, July & August | 7:30 am | 7:00 pm | 8:30 pm |
| September | 7:30 am | 6:00 pm | 7:30 pm |
| October | 7:30 am | 5:00 pm | 6:30 pm |
| November | 7:30 am | 3:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| December | 7:30 am | 2:00 pm | 3:30 pm |
A paid luggage storage service is available for larger bags (up to 30 kg / about 66 lb), with three locker sizes: 90x50x30 cm, 60x50x30 cm and 90x65x50 cm (about 35.4 x 19.7 x 11.8 in, 23.6 x 19.7 x 11.8 in, and 35.4 x 25.6 x 19.7 in).
Frequency: every 10 minutes from April to October, and twice an hour between November and March.
Restrooms: available at Auschwitz I (entrance and Block 18) and at Birkenau (entrance and behind the monument to the victims). Some restrooms are pay toilets and cost 1 to 2 zlotys; the ones inside the camps are free.
Restrictions: flash, tripods, and drones are prohibited. Any commercial use of images requires prior authorization.
Avoid: flip-flops, mini-skirts, very short shorts.
Frequently asked questions about the visit experience
Beyond the practical aspects, certain questions come up often about the experience itself: the emotional impact of the visit, how much time to allow, or even the best time of year to visit the memorial.
👉 All the information you need to organize this independent visit: Visiting Auschwitz without a guide
Visiting Auschwitz as a family or as a personal journey
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau can also raise more personal questions: coming with children, preparing the visit when a loved one was deported, or knowing how to pay your respects on site.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Strollers are not allowed inside the buildings.
- There are no changing facilities for babies.
- The visit can be traumatic for some children and teenagers.
Tip: If you are coming with children, prepare them with books suited to their age. Ideally, come with another adult so that one parent can visit a block alone before deciding whether the child can see it.
At Auschwitz I:
- Stairs at the entrance to the blocks.
- Gravel and dirt ground, which can be muddy.
- Narrow spaces, making it hard to get around.
- Some buildings are accessible for people who can walk a few steps, but others remain inaccessible.
At Auschwitz II – Birkenau:
- Flatter, but with a rocky and sometimes muddy ground.
- Human assistance is strongly recommended, especially for manual wheelchairs.
Tip: Contact the Auschwitz museum ahead of time for information specific to your situation.
Places to leave them:
- At Auschwitz I, between blocks 10 and 11.
- At Birkenau, near the railway, the crematoria or the monument to the victims.
These trips are intended in particular for people whose families were affected by deportation, or for those who would like to discover the site in a highly educational and structured setting.
The program generally includes a same-day round-trip flight, a transfer from Krakow and a guided tour of both camps.
Last tips before visiting Auschwitz
I hope this guide will help you plan your visit to Auschwitz from Krakow in the best possible conditions. I update it regularly so that it remains as accurate and useful as possible.
If you would like to better understand what awaits you there, you can also read my account and photo report at Auschwitz I and Birkenau. The memorial also offers a virtual tour as well as an online guide in English to help you prepare for your visit to the site.
To extend this exploration of the history of the Shoah in Poland, you can also visit Oskar Schindler's factory, the Płaszów camp or the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz in Krakow.
Auschwitz is a place that leaves a lasting mark. Despite the crowds, the museum team does remarkable work in conveying this history with clarity, rigor and respect.
If you have any questions before your trip, feel free to ask them in the comments: I will do my best to answer, and your questions may also help other people prepare for this visit with a little more peace of mind.
