Auschwitz is a symbol of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during World War II. It is one of the must-visit historical sites for many travellers coming to Poland. Auschwitz Museum is located in Oświęcim, about 70 kilometres west of Kraków. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp stands as a powerful reminder of the darkest chapter of human history. For visitors planning a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, organising reliable transportation is crucial to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
One option to travel to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is by using the Auschwitz Shuttle service, which operates regular transport connections between Kraków and the museum.
This shuttle service provides a convenient and hassle-free way for travellers to reach the museum, especially for those who prefer to explore the site independently.
Leaving from Kraków Bus Station, the shuttle offers return tickets with the official carrier, making it an easy and efficient choice for visitors.
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Travel Options from Kraków to Auschwitz
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a popular and budget-friendly option to travel from Kraków to Auschwitz.
Buses run regularly from the MDA Bus Station Krakow (Upper floor). The ticket price is around 25 PLN for a one-way trip and the journey takes approximately 1:30-2:00 hours.
The Auschwitz Museum is just a 1-minute walk from the bus stop. Current departure times are: 6:20, 8:40, 9:40, 11:10, 12:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:55, 19:05.
It is important to pre-book your ticket to Auschwitz Museum to secure your entrance!
Shuttle Bus Service to Auschwitz
Another convenient option is booking a shuttle bus service, like the Auschwitz-Birkenau Roundtrip Bus Transfer.
This service allows you to choose between a 1-way or roundtrip transfer and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The duration of the journey varies between 1.5 and 7 hours.
Train
Travelling by train is also possible, but it’s less convenient due to limited schedules and longer travel times.
The main train station in Kraków, Dworzec Autobusowy (Main Bus Station), has trains departing to Auschwitz, but the journey can take 85 minutes or more.
Ticket prices start at around 3€ and offer a comfort level of 3/5.
Taxi
Taxis are another option for transport between Kraków and Auschwitz.
However, this can be quite expensive compared to public transportation, and the prices may vary.
Make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver or book a taxi through a reputable company for a fixed price.
Self-Driving and Car Rentals
If you prefer more flexibility in your schedule and want to control your travel time and stops, renting a car is a great option.
The distance between Kraków and Auschwitz is roughly 70 kilometers (38 miles) and takes about 1.5 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions.
Numerous car rental companies operate in and around the Kraków airport and city centre.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to secure a parking spot near the Auschwitz Museum or arrange transportation from your parking place to the museum entrance.
Organised Tours and Guides
Get Your Guide
Get Your Guide offers a variety of organised tours to Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau from Kraków.
These tours provide visitors with a comprehensive and informative experience, allowing them to learn about the history of the site, the Holocaust, and the lives of those who perished there.
The tours are led by official Auschwitz-Birkenau guides who are knowledgeable and experienced in sharing the tragic history of the site with visitors.
Auschwitz Shuttle Booking and Cost
To book an organised tour, visitors can use online platforms such as Get Your Guide.
These platforms offer instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
The duration of a guided tour can be up to 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Prices vary depending on the tour type, but a general ticket for an Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour can start from 13€. Included is round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus and skip-the-line entry ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum.
Pickup Options and Itineraries
A number of organised tours include pickup options from Kraków, ensuring convenient transfers to and from the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau site.
Air-conditioned transportation is often provided, with return services included. The guided tour of Auschwitz usually takes between 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a 10-minute short break.
After the break, visitors are transported to Birkenau, with a visiting time of approximately 1 hour.
Guided vs Non-Guided Experiences
While both guided and non-guided experiences allow visitors to explore the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau site, there are many advantages to choosing a guided tour.
With a professional and knowledgeable guide, visitors can gain deeper insights into the history of the site and the Holocaust.
In addition, guides will be able to share personal stories and anecdotes, enhancing the overall experience.
While non-guided experiences allow for more personal exploration, visitors may miss important details and stories without the guidance of an experienced tour leader.
Practical Information and Tips
Departure and Duration
The Auschwitz Shuttle departs from Kraków Main Bus Station, located at 18 Bosacka Street. The journey from Kraków to Oświęcim, Poland, where the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum are situated, takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of 60 km (38 miles).
Upon arrival, a professional guide will accompany visitors through the site, with the entire tour lasting around seven hours.
When to Go and What to Expect
Visiting Auschwitz can be a harrowing experience due to the historical significance of the events that took place there.
It is essential to approach the visit with a solemn attitude and appropriate respect. The Auschwitz Museum Tour should be booked in advance, as spaces can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons in spring and autumn.
The tour covers significant attractions within the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, including the barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria utilised by the Nazis during World War II.
Visitors can also expect to see personal belongings of prisoners, such as suitcases, shoes, and spectacles. Keep in mind that Wawel Castle is not part of the Auschwitz tour itinerary.
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- Cheapest Auschwitz tour
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- Tickets to Auschwitz
- Opening hours of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
- What not to do at Auschwitz
Auschwitz Shuttle Cancellations and Refunds
When booking the Auschwitz tour, it is crucial to be aware of the cancellation policy. Different tour companies may have varying refund policies, some may offer a full refund if cancellations are made within a specific window, while others could have non-refundable tickets.
Ensure you review the terms and conditions of the specific tour you choose before booking.
Visitors may also opt for ‘skip-the-line’ tickets, which can save time when entering the site. These tickets typically come at an additional cost, but they allow for a more streamlined experience.
In summary, when planning your visit to Auschwitz, be sure to consider the departure and duration of the trip, the best time to visit, and the cancellation and refund policies of the tour. Keep in mind the solemn nature of the attraction and be prepared for an emotional journey through one of history’s darkest chapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shuttle cost?
The cost for a one-way ticket from MDA Bus Station Krakow to Auschwitz Museum is about 25 PLN.
Duration of trip?
The travel time from Krakow to Auschwitz Museum by shuttle is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Best visiting method?
The best way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow is through an organised small group tour or by using the available shuttle services.
Bus timetable?
Current departure times from MDA Bus Station Krakow are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:20, 8:40, 9:40, 11:10, 12:30, 13:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:15, 16:55, and 19:05
- Friday to Sunday: 6:20, 8:05, 8:40, 9:40, 11:10, 12:00, 12:30, 13:30, 14:45, 16:15, 16:55, and 19:05
Please note that pre-booking your ticket to Auschwitz Museum is recommended as entrance is not guaranteed without it.
Train ticket prices?
This question is not relevant to the shuttle service discussion. For train pricing and schedule information, please consult train operators’ websites and timetables.
Taxi cost?
The cost of a taxi from Krakow to Auschwitz Museum can vary depending on factors like distance, time of day, and taxi company. It is recommended to contact local taxi companies for accurate pricing.
