Getting There and Away

Written by Chloe Davies, Ian Walker
06/09/2025
Daytime view of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow's Main Market Square, under clear blue skies.
Mateusz Feliksik, Pexels

Krakow is well-served by its international airport, John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK), and features major central transport hubs at Kraków Główny (Main Train Station) and the MDA Bus Station, both conveniently located in the city center.

By Air:

Arriving at John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK), located approximately 11-21 kilometers from the city center, provides numerous flight options. Airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT, easyJet, and Norwegian operate direct flights from various European cities. Indicative round-trip flight costs from the US can range from $325 to over $500, with one-way options sometimes found for as low as $155.

From KRK Airport to City Centre:

  • Train:: The train offers the fastest journey, reaching Kraków Główny (Main Train Station) in about 20 minutes. Trains typically run every 30-60 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs approximately 9 PLN (around $2.46 USD), with a return ticket at 16 PLN (about $4.37 USD).
  • Bus:: For a budget-friendly option, public buses, including lines 208, 252, 300 (day) and 902 (night), connect the airport to the city center in 25-40 minutes. Buses operate every 15-60 minutes, and a single journey costs around 9 PLN.
  • Taxi/Private Transfer:: Taxis provide direct access to your accommodation in roughly 25-30 minutes, with official airport taxis charging around 100 PLN (approximately $27.34 USD or €21-27). Private transfers can be pre-booked for a seamless experience, and ride-hailing apps are also available.

By Train:

Kraków Główny, the main train station, is centrally located and integrated with a shopping mall, offering excellent connections.

  • Domestic Routes:: Direct trains link Krakow to major Polish cities like Warsaw (2 hours 24 minutes to 2 hours 48 minutes, from $54.80) and Oświęcim (Auschwitz) (1 hour 30 minutes, approximately 15 PLN or €3.50).
  • International Routes:: You can travel by train to European cities such as Vienna (around 5 hours 52 minutes, from €32.90 in 2nd class) and Prague (6-7 hours, from about $25). Overnight sleeper trains are also an option for some longer journeys.

By Bus:

The MDA Bus Station, situated centrally on Bosacka Street and a short walk from the Main Square, serves as a hub for both domestic and international bus routes across Poland and other European destinations. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online, with online booking often recommended.

Check out our other pages on Krakow

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