How to Get to Krakow. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Krakow Airport & Facilities

John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice KRK

KRK serves as the main gateway to Krakow. It sits approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) west of downtown.

Airport Features

Restaurants and cafes are available.
Duty-free shops and other retail outlets.
Currency exchange offices and ATMs.

Airlines & Routes

Many airlines operate flights to KRK. These include national carriers and low-cost airlines.

Carriers & Connections

LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air.
Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, EasyJet.
Most direct flights originate from other European cities.

Flight Availability

Flight frequency and prices often increase during the summer high season (June-August) and around major holidays. Booking ahead of time is suggested. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Direct Flight Options

Direct intercontinental flights to Krakow are limited. Most long-haul travelers will connect through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, or Warsaw (WAW), which has more international connections.

Airport Transfers

Several convenient options connect KRK Airport to Krakow's city center, including train, bus, taxi, and ride-sharing services.

Transfer Options from KRK to City

Train to Main Station

This is the fastest and most efficient option.
Journey approximately 17 minutes to Kraków Główny (Main Train Station).
Trains run every 30 minutes.
Cost is around 17 PLN.

Bus, Taxi & Rideshare

Public bus lines (208, 252) offer an economical transfer (approx. 6 PLN).
Line 902 provides night service.
Taxis are readily available at designated stands (70-100 PLN).
Uber and Bolt operate in Krakow with affordable rates.

Air Travel Insight

Efficient Transfer

The train is the most efficient way to travel from KRK Airport to the city center, taking only 17 minutes.

Connection Hubs

Travelers from outside Europe commonly connect through major European airports or Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW).

Land Journeys

Train Travel

Kraków Główny (Main Train Station) is a major railway hub.

Connections & Services

Frequent and comfortable PKP Intercity rail services link to other major Polish cities.
High-speed connections link Krakow to Warsaw, a popular route.
International train services connect to Prague, Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest.

Bus Travel

Kraków MDA (Main Bus Station), next to the train station, provides extensive domestic and international bus routes.

Operators & Routes

FlixBus is a prominent international operator with plenty of routes in Various parts of europe.
Numerous local Polish companies also offer domestic services.
Buses are often a more economical option in contrast with trains for a few routes.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the Lesser Poland region, but urban driving can be challenging. DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Driving Requirements

Poland drives to the right of the road.
A valid driving license from your home country is needed.
Non-EU citizens must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Road Conditions & Rules

Main roads and highways in Poland are generally well-maintained and in good condition. Speed limits are strictly enforced.

Driving Information

Some highways in Poland are toll roads.
Speed limits: 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas (60 km/h at night), 90 km/h outside urban, 120 kilometers per hour expressways, 140 km/h motorways.
Poland has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Border Crossings & Risks

As part of the Schengen Area, no routine border checks occur when arriving by land from another Schengen country.
If arriving from a non-Schengen country, standard immigration procedures apply at the border.
Winter driving conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Ensure rental cars have appropriate winter tires during these months.
Rural roads can range in quality.
Krakow faces no significant natural disaster risks like earthquakes or tsunamis.

Water & River Travel

Sea & Ferry Services

Krakow is a landlocked city; direct sea or ferry arrivals from outside the immediate region are not applicable.

Coastal Connections

Krakow does not have sea ports.
No cruise ports are found in Krakow.
Krakow is not a coastal destination.

Vistula River Journeys

The Vistula River flows through Krakow, mainly serving internal sightseeing voyages and recreational boat travels within the city.

River Activities

Vistula River cruises offer unique city perspectives.
Recreational boat trips operate seasonally.
The river is not used for long-distance transportation or international arrivals.

Departure Planning

Exit Fees & Taxes

No special exit charges or taxes exist for flying setting off from Poland. Your airline ticket price generally includes any required charges.

Departure Timing

For international flights (outside the Schengen Area), arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance of the scheduled departure. For domestic or Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually enough.

Airport/Station Amenities

Krakow-Balice Airport and Kraków Główny Train Station offer shops, duty-free stores, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs for departing travelers.

Smooth Departures

Confirm flight or train status and have all travel documents ready for a stress-no-cost exit.

How to Get to Krakow