Krakow Travel Essentials

Krakow built its academic and artistic reputation as a prominent middle-European trading hub in the 10th century.

It’s home to one of the world’s oldest universities, and one of the largest market squares in Europe, and the historic Old Town was one of the first-ever sites to be awarded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Climb Wawel Hill for a fabulous panorama of the Old Town, lying beneath the magnificent castle and cathedral. The former residence of the kings of Poland now houses one of the country’s most important art museums, while the cathedral is a paradigm of Gothic imagination.

How to start a trip to Krakow?

• When is the best time to travel to Krakow?
• Krakow basics
• How to get to my hotel in Krakow?
• How to get around Krakow?
• MPK – public transport networks
• KrakowCard
• Taking a taxi
• Cycle around Krakow

What are the main annual events in Krakow?

This Krakow travel guide lays out the essential information you need to help plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Poland. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers:

What’s the weather like? How can you get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do you need?

We’ve compiled here all these answers and other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips. It’s all compiled in this Krakow travel guide, which will help you to be a little more prepared to start your trip to Krakow.

When is the best time to travel to Krakow?

Krakow has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C in winter to 20°C in summer.

• Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 12 rainy days per month.
• Snowfall can be expected between November and April.
• The warmest time of the year is between June and August. It’s also the most popular time to visit Krakow. Being peak season, hotel and flight prices rise accordingly.
• April-May and September-October are the best times to visit Krakow. While it’s best to keep an umbrella at hand, weather and temperatures are pleasant, you’ll avoid the summer crowds, and hotel and flight prices are lower.

Krakow basics

• Languages:  Primary: Polish. English is widely spoken by young people in Krakow
• Plug types: C, E, and F
• Electricity: 230 V
• Currency: Polish zloty (zł)
• International dialing codes: +48 12
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Krakow John Paul II International Airport

Krakow John Paul II International Airport is one of the busiest and largest airports in Poland.

It sits 11 km west of the city center and has 1 passenger terminal, served by 1 runway. The terminal is home to a good choice of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including free Wi-Fi, banking, and currency exchange services.

There are several transfer options to get you to Downtown Krakow:

• A Krakow Airport Taxi takes around 20–30 minutes. The taxi rank is right outside the Arrivals hall.
• You can also use Uber from Krakow Airport. The fare is slightly cheaper than a standard taxi’s.
• A train ride takes around 25–35 minutes. The train station is near the terminal, at the back of the multi-story car park.
• A public bus takes 30–40 minutes. There are 2 lines you can use during the day – 208 and 252 – and 1 line at night – 902. Ticket vending machines are found in the Arrivals hall.
• Car rental agencies can be found on level 1 of the terminal.

If you come to Krakow by train

Krakow Glowny central railway station sits 900 meters northeast of the heart of Krakow, the Old Town.

Dating back to 1847, it’s an iconic landmark of the city. It is home to a great range of dining and shopping options.

It’s mostly served by national lines and by a few international lines from Vienna, Prague, and Ostrava. From here, you can get to your hotel by tram, bus, or taxi – including ridesharing.

How to get around Krakow?

Covering less than 3 sq km, the historical district of Krakow – the city center – is compact enough to be explored on foot.

You’ll find many landmarks and attractions within walking distance of each other, such as Rynek Glowny (the main market square), St. Mary’s Basilica, and The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, just to name a few.

The city center also hosts a great range of dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment options. For longer journeys, Krakow has a good choice of public and private transport services.

MPK – public transport networks

The MPK – Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne or Urban Transport Company – is in charge of public transport in Krakow. It operates bus and tram networks that efficiently cover the entire city.

All of them use an integrated ticketing system.

• A short-term ticket is valid for 40 minutes within the city limits.
• 24-hour tickets are available.
• Children up to the age of 4 and adults over the age of 70 travel for free.
• Tickets can be purchased at newsstands, from ticket vending machines at downtown stops, and in some buses and tram cars.
• Do not forget to stamp your ticket when you board.

KrakowCard

Purchasing a KrakowCard is a good move if you plan to visit the city’s main places of interest during a short stay in this beautiful city of southern Poland. Valid for 2 or 3 days, it gives you unlimited use of public transport.

The KrakowCard also gives free entry for over 40 museums and attractions, and transport to and from the airport and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It can be purchased online.

Taking a taxi in Krakow

Taxis can be hailed on the street in Krakow. Licensed taxis are marked with a company name, a phone number and a price list stuck to one of their windows. You’ll also find cab stands around the city center, generally outside hotels and near the main attractions.

• You can directly call popular companies such as Radio Taxi Mega, Radio Taxi, or iTaxi Krakow, just to name a few.
• Licensed taxi fares are regulated. Prices are 50% higher at night and on weekends.
• Taxis usually accept payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s best to check with the driver before you get in.
• If you can’t speak Polish, have your address is written down and ready to show the driver.

Cycle around Krakow

Wavelo and KMK Bike are 2 bike sharing apps that allow you to explore Krakow at a pleasantly slow pace. Over 100 bike racks can be found all around the city. You just need to register and choose a plan through their websites or mobile apps.