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Krakow - Arriving & Getting Around

John Paul II Airport

  • Named after Pope John Paul II, who spent many years in the city, Kraków’s airport is situated in the village of Balice, 11 kilometres to the West of the centre. It is used by budget carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair and in 2005 handled more than 1.5 million passengers.
  • The cheapest way to get into the city from the airport is by bus. The bus stop is located directly at the roundabout, in front of the passenger terminal. Buses are run by the municipal transport authority (MPK S.A.). Number 192 runs all the way through town and costs only 2.50 złote (approximately €0.7). The journey takes about 35 minutes. It’s best to alight at either the Teatr Bagatela or the Dworzec Glowny (main rail station) if you are staying anywhere in the Old Town. Costing the same, bus mumber 208 goes a bit further and takes about 40 minutes, running through the Miasteczko Studenckie (Students' Town) and Balicka Street and terminating just north of the Old Town.
  • As of May 2006 there is a rail link between the airport and Kraków’s main train station. It runs from 04.40 to midnight, daily, and travel time is approximately 15 minutes. A temporary train stop is situated 200 metres from the terminal building, pending completion of the permanent one. Tickets may be purchased on board and cost 3.80 zlote. A shuttle bus to the station from the terminal building is available and takes just 3 minutes. A taxi into the city centre should cost about 45 zlote (approximately €11) and take 20 minutes.

General Transport

  • Given how compact it is, Kraków’s Old Town is most easily explored on foot, especially since the majority of it has been pedestrianised. The rest of the city doesn’t have a subway, but there is a fairly integrated public transport system.
  • Kraków’s buses and trams run from 05:00 – 23:00, with some night buses continuing after that. You can buy tickets at kiosks displaying the Krakow public transport company’s “MPK” sign. A one way ticket costs 2.50 złote, a one hour ticket costs 3.10 złote and a one day ticket cost 10.40 złote, a two-day ticket costs 18.80 złote, and a three-day ticket costs 25 złote. You will need to stamp your ticket immediately on boarding the tram or bus. Keep the stamped stub for the not infrequent checks by plain-clothes inspectors. If you purchase one from the driver of the bus or tram it will cost an extra 0.50 złote. Rucksacks require an extra 2.50 złote charge.
  • Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. Within the city boundaries the fare should not exceed €20. You can dial roughly twenty different taxi companies, each with its own fleet, but do not expect an English speaker on the other end. None the less the cab will arrive in few minutes to your address if you manage to give one. With some companies, booking taxis by phone entitles you to a further price reduction.