Train to Auschwitz: the most reliable, yet not direct transportation

Getting to Auschwitz from Krakow is not that difficult after all :)

There are direct railway connections to the city of Oswiecim that leave from Krakow once an hour or two, with a standard journey lasting 1 hour and 40 minutes.

• From: Main Train Station Krakow
• Price: 12,50 PLN for Adult one way ticket
• Travel time: ~1:50h
• Distance to Museum after stop: 20-30 mins by foot, 5-10 mins with bus

Check Auschwitz Birkenau Train Timetable.

The railway agency that operates on this route requires having it purchased at a stationary ticket office or on the Internet (such bought ticket may be printed or downloaded to a mobile device).

Once you get off, you will find yourself at the railway station of Oswiecim, about 1,9 kilometres away from the concentration camp of Auschwitz.

You may take a walk (with 25 minutes expected to cover the distance) or decide to use the transportation company of the town – an urban bus line which has its stop near the railway station and includes the "Muzeum" stop in its timetable (the price for a single ticket is PLN 3,5 and you will pay PLN 2,50 for a reduced one).

How to return: Walk back to Oswiecim railway station or take a return bus to Krakow. If you are also interested in exploring the town itself, check the local places that are worth a visit here.

Tour to Auschwitz with transportation

If you find all those options too complicated, don't hesitate to ask us for an organized trip with the transport from Krakow to Museum and back. This is the easiest way if you want to get to Auschwitz. 

Tours include pick-up service which means that you will be picked up from the pick-up spot in the city center:

• Pawia 18b

After the tour, you can choose where you want to be dropped off, in one of the above pick-up spots or just in the city center. You can also choose the option with direct pickup from the hotel where you are staying. This solution ensures convenience and a worry-free experience. 

English speaking driver will help you throughout the whole trip assisting you and answering all the necessary questions. You can book such a tour HERE.

• From: One of the above pick-up points in the city center or hotel pick-up (if particular offer chosen)
• Price: From 69 €  for the tour with ticket, live guide, transportation and hotel pick-up (Check here available options)
• Travel time: 1:00h-1:30h (one way)
• Distance to Museum after stop: Direct connection

When to visit Auschwitz?

After you found out a way to get from Krakow to Auschwitz, you need to be sure its open. The exhibitions of Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp are open to visitors daily, with the exceptions of January the 1st, the first day of Easter and the 25th of December, as well as on certain days or hours when official diplomatic delegations are to be hosted there (you may check these special dates when Auschwitz isn't open).

It is possible to visit the museum between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. (December), 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (January, November), 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (February), 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (March, October), 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (April, May, September) or 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (June, July, August). The closing hours mentioned above are when the last groups of visitors are admitted inside, having one and a half an hour to complete their visits.

What should I choose?

As a Local, I would say "it depends". But to make it easier for you to choose a way of transport from Krakow to Auschwitz:

• If you hate buying tickets online, arranging transport etc. 

--> Choose Organized regular guided tour

• If you like comfort or travel with family, a group 

--> Choose an organized tour with private a transfer

• If you want to be picked-up from your hotel

​​​​​​​--> Choose a organized tour with hotel pick-up

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