How to Visit Auschwitz Without a Guide in 2026?

Visiting Auschwitz in Poland is a deeply moving experience. This memorial site, where over 1.1 million people — 90% of whom were Jewish — lost their lives, draws nearly 2 million visitors each year.

Many choose a guided tour to better understand the history of the camp or to simplify logistics with transportation from Kraków. However, it is absolutely possible to explore it on your own — which is the choice I made, wanting to experience this moment in a more intimate and personal way.

Visiting Auschwitz without a guide lets you move at your own pace and absorb the atmosphere without the constraints of a group. That said, it does require good preparation to avoid feeling lost. Here's everything you need to know to organize your visit under the best conditions.

Do You Need a Ticket to Visit Auschwitz Without a Guide?

This may be the most important information in this article: individual entry is allowed, but space is limited and requires reserving a free ticket in advance.

Where and When to Book?

• Reservations must be made on the official website.
• Booking opens: 3 months in advance. Time slots for self-guided visits fill up quickly, so I recommend booking as early as possible.
• Price: free of charge. While it might come as a surprise, the camp only charges for guided tours with certified educators.

How to Get a Free Ticket?

1️⃣ Once you're on the official website, switch the language to English if needed by clicking the flag icon at the top of the page.

2️⃣ Click "Next" next to the line that says "Visit for individuals".

3️⃣ Validate the captcha by checking the box and clicking "Send".

4️⃣ Select a date.

5️⃣ Scroll down the page because the self-guided Auschwitz visits are usually available later in the day. Look for the option "Tour for individuals without an educator". The site will display the number of spots available (15 per 15-minute slot). Click "Next" next to the time that suits you.

6️⃣ Select the number of tickets you need. You'll see two options: "Visitors over the age of 26" and "Visitors below the age of 26". Since the visit is free, the displayed price will be 0. Click "Next".

7️⃣ Enter the name(s) of the visitor(s) and click "Next". Please note: names cannot be changed after the reservation is submitted.

8️⃣ If you already have an account on the camp’s website, log in. Otherwise, you can create an account ("Register") or simply continue without signing up using the "Buy without signing up" option. You’ll then be asked to provide your contact information and a preferred language (English or Polish). Finally, you’ll need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed with finalizing the transaction.

What to Do if It's Fully Booked?

If the date appears grayed out, it either means that reservations are not yet open or the site is closed that day. (Generally, the site is only closed on January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday, but temporary closures may occur during official ceremonies or state visits.)

If the option "Tour for individuals without an educator" is no longer displayed, it means there are no more free tickets available.

In that case, note that local travel agencies often have reserved quotas, including transportation from Kraków. Guided tours are conducted by trained guides (to my knowledge, they must complete a training program, pass three written exams, and one practical exam).

It's also possible to combine your visit to Auschwitz with the beautiful Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Another option is to book a private guide. This is a great idea if you want to experience the visit more intimately with your family or enjoy more flexibility than in a large group. You can request this directly by sending an email to the reservations office.

Important: be sure to reach out at least one month in advance.

The museum team kindly shared a few additional details:

"Any visitor can request a private tour. It is not mandatory to join a group organized by the Museum. Even one or two individuals can request a private guide for 3.5 or 6 hours. There's also the option to split a longer visit over two days."

You can download the official price list here. For any questions about pricing, I recommend contacting the local team directly — they’ll be able to guide you based on your specific plans.

What Are the Opening Hours for Self-Guided Visits?

In recent years, self-guided visits have been limited to specific time slots in the afternoon. This change was implemented after the Covid pandemic. For instance, when I first visited Auschwitz alone, I was able to enter in the morning and stay until the entire site closed — unfortunately, that's no longer allowed today.

In short, you’ll have about 3.5 hours for a self-guided visit, except from June to August when you’ll have 4.5 hours.

If you’d like to spend more time on-site, the best option is to combine a guided tour with a self-guided visit. That way, you can first get the full historical context with an official guide… and then take 3.5 hours to explore more deeply on your own.

For example, you could book a visit through a local agency and return on your own afterward (just let them know in advance), or plan everything yourself by scheduling both a guided and a self-guided visit.

How to Get to Auschwitz from Kraków?

Once you've secured your tickets, you can organize your transportation from Kraków. "Auschwitz" is the German name for the small town of Oświęcim, located about 65 km (40 miles) from Kraków. There are several ways to get there.

Getting to Auschwitz from Kraków by Train

The website E-Podroznik provides all train and local bus schedules between "Kraków" and "Oświęcim".

Check the schedules carefully, as travel times vary greatly depending on the train — it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

  Round-trip fare: approximately 35 PLN (about €8 / $8.65 / £6.85).

Getting to Auschwitz from Kraków by Bus

The bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, and you can either buy your ticket at the station on the day of travel or book in advance online.

  Book Your Bus Ticket

The company Lajkonik offers direct service to Auschwitz, stopping right in front of the entrance. You can book online via the Lajkonik website.

1️⃣ Select your date, departure point, and destination.

2️⃣ Choose a time and buy your tickets by clicking "Buy ticket".

3️⃣ Add a return ticket if needed.

  Price: about 40 PLN round-trip (approx. €9.50 / $10.25 / £8).

  Finding Your Bus at the Kraków Bus Station

At the main station (Kraków MDA), check the electronic boards to find your bus. On the right, you'll see the platform number: if it starts with "G", the bus departs from the upper level; if it starts with "D", it departs from the lower level.

In Oświęcim, the bus stop is directly at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia — right by the entrance.

Driving to Auschwitz

Expect the drive from Kraków to take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can choose a toll route (via the A4 highway) or a toll-free alternative (via route DW780), which may be more efficient depending on traffic conditions.

There are large parking areas that were fully renovated in 2022–2023 to better accommodate visitors. Parking costs around 20 PLN per vehicle per day (roughly €5 / $5.15 / £4.25).

What to Know Before Your Self-Guided Visit

A Two-Part Complex

  AUSCHWITZ I

Originally a concentration camp, Auschwitz I was where detainees were forced into labor under inhumane conditions. Today, it houses the museum, with exhibitions that explain the camp’s organization, conditions of imprisonment, and the horror of the genocide.

At Auschwitz I, you’ll see:

• The infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate.
• The prisoner blocks, displaying documents, personal items, and testimonies from deportees.
• Block 11, known as the “death block,” where executions and medical experiments took place.
• The Wall of Death, where thousands of prisoners were executed.
• The first crematorium, used before mass exterminations began at Birkenau.

This part of the museum holds most of the historical evidence about how the camp operated, with many original documents and personal belongings from victims — including suitcases, shoes, and human hair.

  AUSCHWITZ II-BIRKENAU

Birkenau was primarily an extermination camp, designed for mass murder. Much larger than Auschwitz I, it covers 175 hectares (432 acres). The Nazis destroyed most of the buildings in January 1945 in an attempt to erase evidence of their crimes, but the chilling immensity of the site remains and hits you the moment you enter.

You’ll see:

• The ruins of the crematoria and gas chambers, demolished by the SS or during the Sonderkommando revolt (these were prisoners forced to manage the gas chambers).
• The rail platform where deportees arrived by train and were subjected to “selection,” with the weakest sent directly to the gas chambers.
• Ruins of prisoner barracks, some brick, others wooden, where you can still see the latrines and bunk beds crammed with detainees.
• The International Monument to the Victims of Fascism, honoring the millions who perished.
• Watchtowers offering views over the camp and its vastness.

The Birkenau visit, in my opinion, is a more introspective experience: there are fewer signs and explanations, more open space and walking, which forces you to confront the overwhelming scale of the site on your own.

What to Bring for Your Visit

• Your ticket, either printed or on your phone.
• Sturdy shoes, as there’s a lot of walking on uneven or muddy ground.
• Clothing that is respectful and appropriate for the weather — the Birkenau visit is mostly outdoors, and temperatures can range from snow in winter to extreme heat in summer.
• A bottle of water and a pack of tissues may be helpful.

I recommend bringing only a small bag (35x25x15 cm / 13.7x9.8x5.9 in). Large bags and suitcases are not allowed. Paid lockers are available, with compartments in different sizes (90x50x30, 60x50x30, and 90x65x50 cm), with a maximum weight limit of 30 kg.

At the entrance, you'll go through a security check with metal detectors. There may be a wait, so the museum recommends arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. Be sure to factor this in when booking your transportation.

How Much Time Should You Plan for a Self-Guided Visit?

Here’s what to plan for:

• At least 1.5 hours to get there from Kraków
• 30 minutes for the security check
• 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the visit itself, depending on the season
• 1.5 hours to return to Kraków

If you also opt for a guided tour, you’ll need to add the time for that and allow 30 minutes to return to the camp for your self-guided slot.

For all these reasons — plus the emotional weight of the visit — I strongly recommend setting aside a full day for Auschwitz.

Is Visiting Auschwitz Without a Guide a Good Idea?

I personally chose to visit without a guide and I never regretted that decision. Exploring on your own gives you total freedom to follow your own pace and experience something much more personal and introspective. I spent time where I felt it was needed, especially in the vast open space of Birkenau — a place you simply can’t prepare yourself for until you see it.

That said, you do need to have a solid understanding of the camp’s history to make sense of what you see. For some people, visiting Auschwitz alone may also be more emotionally challenging than joining a group.

If you do choose a solo visit, I highly recommend purchasing the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial guidebook, available at the museum bookstore. It contains essential information and very helpful maps to guide your visit.

Some people mention that skipping the guide is a way to save money. Personally, I don’t really agree with that argument. Yes, the self-guided visit is free, and transport from Kraków is relatively inexpensive if organized on your own — but guided tours offered by local agencies are also very affordable.

FAQ About Visiting Auschwitz Without a Guide

Final Tips for Organizing Your Visit to Auschwitz in Poland

Start by booking your flight to Kraków — use a flight comparison tool like Skyscanner to find the best deals. The best time to visit Auschwitz on your own is probably June: the site is open longer, the weather is usually good, and there are fewer crowds compared to July and August.

Ideally, plan to spend at least a long weekend in Kraków — the city and surrounding region are well worth your time (you can check out my tips for making the most of your stay in Kraków). After the emotional intensity of visiting Auschwitz, it’s helpful to balance your trip with more uplifting experiences.

Once your flight is booked, you’ll find accommodation easily. I’ve put together a list of great places to stay in Kraków in convenient areas. The historic center (Stare Miasto) allows you to get around mostly on foot or by tram, and it’s an easy walk to the main train station.

Finally, remember to book your self-guided entry on Visit Auschwitz exactly 3 months in advance.

This visit is a deeply emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression. Beyond the logistics, it’s important to prepare emotionally and go when you feel ready to take in the weight of this transgenerational memory. Visiting Auschwitz isn’t just about learning history — it’s about becoming a witness to memory, on behalf of all those who didn’t survive… and those survivors whose voices are slowly fading away.

Personally — and this is just my view — I believe we have a responsibility, after visiting, to share what we saw and understood from this place where the unthinkable happened.