How to Get Around in Krakow: Public Transport, Cards, and Subscriptions

Krakow is one of the most visited cities in Poland, rich in history and culture, making it a perfect base to visit places like the Auschwitz Concentration Camp or the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Its historic center is perfect for exploring on foot, and given its small size, it is definitely an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, easily reachable from Italy. Here are all our tips on getting around in Krakow. Check the infographic: How to get around in Krakow

To explore the center of Krakow, you can comfortably walk. It is a completely pedestrian area, and many attractions are close to each other. As an introduction to the city, we recommend joining a free tour of Krakow or a bicycle tour with a local guide. However, be cautious of pedestrian transit bans, as you could potentially receive a fine!

Krakow does not have a metro system; if you need to travel using public transport, we recommend the tram, which covers the entire city extensively. Alternatively, you can also use the efficient and convenient Uber service. The bus is not recommended, as it is primarily used for longer routes, and driving is better avoided since you can easily get around using public transportation or, alternatively, Uber (or even taxis, if preferred).

If you want to travel outside the city to visit attractions like the Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, we recommend joining organized tours, which include transportation. Avoid renting a car for just one day.

If you stay in Krakow for a weekend, you can easily get around on foot and book a guided tour to Auschwitz with transfer included. If you need to use public transport, you can simply purchase a daily ticket (22.00 PLN/€4.80). If you are staying in the city for a week or 10 days, you might also consider purchasing a 7-day ticket (68.00 PLN/€14.80) for convenience, as the costs are really low.

Regardless of the length of your stay, we definitely recommend purchasing the Krakow Card, which not only encompasses free entrance to numerous attractions and various discounts but also allows you to use public transportation for free, including from the airport. Available for 1, 2, or 3 days, you can conveniently purchase it online (starting at €19.58 - buy online).

The city is served by John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice. It is located about 13 km west of the historic center and is connected to the United States by several direct flights from both major airlines and low-cost carriers. From here, you can easily reach the city center, either by public transport or services like taxis or private transfers to/from the airport.

Krakow is a perfect destination to discover on foot! The center is not very large and is completely pedestrianized; only a few authorized vehicles can access it. You can thus enjoy the beauty of this city without worrying about cars, parking, or traffic!

Moreover, walking through Krakow means immersing yourself in its history and wonderful atmosphere. You should also know that the Market Square, in Polish Rynek Główny, is the largest medieval square in Europe and is completely pedestrian! From here, you can easily reach other important attractions, such as Wawel Castle (850 m) and Kazimierz district (1.4 km).

Join a free tour: For an initial approach to the city and to discover its wonderful and historic neighborhoods, we recommend joining a free tour of Krakow, where you can discover the most iconic places with an expert guide.

In Krakow, as in various European cities, you will find several sharing services that are ideal for moving through the streets of the Polish city. All services are subject to following rules, such as where to park, but all information is available in the designated app. Let's take a closer look at these services:

The public transport network of Krakow is managed by Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne S.A. and it operates buses and trams. The city currently does not have a metro system. Given that you can easily get around on foot and will rarely use public transport, the lack of a metro will not be noticed.

Another advantage of public transport is that the same ticket is valid on buses and trams. Tickets come in various durations, from 20, 60, or 90 minutes and 24, 48, or 72 hours. A weekly ticket valid for 7 days is also available. Public transport is free for holders of the Krakow Card.

Additionally, to enjoy the city from another perspective and experience a scenic ride, we recommend not missing a scenic cruise on the Vistula river.

If you cannot reach an attraction on foot, the tram is an excellent means of transportation in Krakow. It has 22 daytime lines and 2 night lines, active from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with frequency ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the line.

The bus is the least recommended means of transport in Krakow; you will likely not use it. It is mainly intended for reaching more peripheral areas that are not of great tourist interest. There are over 100 lines and a night service.

To get around, you do not need a car! You can comfortably move on foot or use public transport, especially the tram. Additionally, taxis are very affordable and operate 24 hours a day!

Furthermore, the historic center is a pedestrian area, so even renting a car means you would have to leave it in external parking and continue on foot or by tram. Overall, moving around the city is not complicated, and traffic is generally manageable, but finding parking can be more challenging, with economical rates.

Is Uber available in Krakow? Yes, Uber operates in Krakow and is definitely a better option than driving a car. The advantage is that through the app, you can choose your destination, know the fare in advance, and check the ratings left by other travelers for the driver. It is a very safe service, as you can also track the movements in real-time. Ideal also for traveling at night.

The entire historic center is fully pedestrianized, so vehicle access is always prohibited, even for foreign vehicles, except for authorized ones. This includes the entire Stare Miasto area and the northern part of the Kazimierz neighborhood.

The historic center of Krakow is also a Low Emission Zone, also designated as "Clean Transport Zone". The goal is to reduce air pollution. This is a permanent zone that applies to all vehicles, including foreign ones, except for electric, gas, and hydrogen vehicles. You can find all information regarding the ZES and all city traffic (with real-time updates on construction, incidents, etc.) on the official Krakow city website.

If you are arriving in Krakow by car, the best option is to stay at a hotel that provides parking service for guests so that you have your car securely parked and close by for any occasion.

Alternatively, you can look for parking in various locations throughout the city, all of which are paid from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM. The parking system is divided into three different zones: zone A 6.00 PLN/h (€1.30), zone B 5.00 PLN/h (€1.10), and zone C 4.00 PLN/h (€0.90). Average daily subscription cost is 25.00 PLN (€5.45).