3 Amazing Day Trips From Krakow to Explore Beyond the City
Summary: Below you’ll find 3 day trips from Krakow that you should consider adding to your Poland itinerary along with how to get to each location and what to do when you’re there.
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While Krakow is an incredible place to visit, itself, it’s also a fantastic base for exploring some of Poland’s most iconic and beautiful destinations. Whether you’re into history, nature, or simply looking to experience something new, there are plenty of amazing day trips from Krakow that you can enjoy, all within a short drive.
While I highly recommend adding at least one or two of these day trips from Krakow to your itinerary, make sure you also plan to spend a few days exploring the charming city of Krakow as well.
1. Day Trips from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration camp, is going to be a somber day trip and tour, but I think it’s one that everyone should take when visiting Krakow. We all learned about the atrocities committed here, but being here in person is a completely different and profound experience.
The tour starts at Auschwitz I where you’ll be lead through the museum where you’ll see photographs and personal artifacts that were confiscated by the Nazis. You’ll also walk through an actual gas chamber where you’re asked to be completely silent to honor those whose lives were taken here. Then, you’ll be driven to Auschwitz II – Birkenau and you’ll walk the grounds to see the remains of the buildings that the Germans destroyed in an attempt to hide evidence. You’ll also walk through the women’s barracks to see the living conditions they were forced to endure.
I’d recommend having a tour set up before you arrive in Krakow. Most of the guided day trips from Krakow will pick you up from your hotel, drive you to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II, and then drop you back off at your hotel.
It’s recommended to choose tours that start earlier in the day (sometimes around 7am) because this museum gets incredibly busy throughout the day. If you chose to do this, you’ll make it back to your hotel in the early afternoon, with time to plan an activity or dinner in the evening.
How to get to Auschwitz
🚉 By Train: There is a train from Krakow Glowny station to Oswiecim. From the train station in Oswiecim, you can walk 25 minutes to the Auschwitz Museum, or use a public bus that picks you up at the train station.
🚌 By Bus: There is a shuttle bus that runs directly from the Krakow bus station (18 Bosacka Street) to the Auschwitz museum. This seems like the easiest way to get to Auschwitz if you want to explore on your own.
🚗 By Car: Renting a car in Krakow and driving to Auschwitz is an option. The drive is about 75-90 minutes depending on traffic. However, there are enough public transportation options to where it may not be worth it to rent a car just for this one day.
💡 By Tour: This is the option I highly recommend. Most of these guided day trips from Krakow will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. They will also make sure you have a guide that takes you through the museum and gives you information that you wouldn’t see on a self-guided walk through.
2. Day Trips from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world, with origins dating back to the 13th century. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning underground chambers, chapels, and statues all carved out of salt.
I recommend buying tickets ahead of time as they will sell out in the busier months. Better yet, I recommend a fantastic tour that will organize hotel pick up and drop off, along with another stop at a gorgeous Polish winery after the salt mine.
This tour is called Salt and Wine by Goodtime Monty and it was such a highlight of our trip to Krakow. Of course, we toured Wieliczka Salt Mine, but then we drove to Winnica Wieliczka for a private wine tasting in a picturesque setting.
How to get to Wieliczka
🚉 By Train: You can take the regional train from a number of Krakow stops to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station. From this stop, it’s a short walk to the mine. This is the SKA line and it looks like there are a few ways to buy tickets including online, an app, and kiosks.
🚌 By Bus: Take the 304 line from Dworzec Główny Zachód stop near Galeria Krakowska to the Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli stop. Buy these tickets from a machine or kiosk at almost any Krakow stop in town.
🚗 By Car: Renting a car in Krakow and driving to Wieliczka is an option. The drive is about 30 minutes depending on traffic. However, there are enough public transportation options to where it may not be worth it to rent a car just for this one day.
💡 By Tour: Most recommended! Most tours will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, making it super convenient. The specific tour I recommend is Salt and Wine from Goodtime Monty that includes a tour of the salt mine and a trip to a Polish winery!
3. Day Trips from Krakow to Zakopane
Zakopane is a mountain town nestled in the Tatra Mountains, about 110 km south of Krakow. It’s known as the winter capital of Poland, but it makes for a great destination all year round and one of the best day trips from Krakow you can take. Truthfully, I recommend spending a few days here, but if you only have time for a day trip to Zakopane, it will be worth it to see this beautiful town.
When visiting in winter, you can ski, snowboard, shoe shoe, or even ice skate in a rink set up outside. Hot springs are another common activity here, especially in winter.
In summer, this area (Tatra Mountains) is known for its breathtaking hikes.
Any time of year, I’d recommend taking the funicular up the mountain to get an amazing view of Zakopane from above. You can also spend some time walking around down town as there are so many little vendors and shops to duck into.
How to get to Zakopane
🚉 By Train: There are trains from Krakow Glowny station directly to Zakopane. Depending on where you’re planning to visit, you might be close enough to walk from the train station, but there are also cabs available here.
🚌 By Bus: Flexibus has a direct line from Krakow to Zakopane which takes about 2-2.5 hours.
🚗 By Car: Renting a car in Krakow and driving to Zakopane is an option. The drive is about 90 minutes depending on traffic.
💡 By Tour: There are guided tours and day trips from Krakow that will transport you to and from Zakopane. A lot of these focus mainly on hot springs and riding the funicular. If you’re just planning to go for a day, this could be a good option to see a lot with a guide!
Read More About Krakow
Regardless of how long you’re planning to be visiting, I highly recommend adding at least one of these day trips from Krakow to your itinerary. Ideally, you will be visiting long enough to add all three! While you’re planning your trip, I have a few more blog posts that I know you’ll find helpful:
