Do you need to book Auschwitz in advance? A complete guide

Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration camp, is one of the most visited historical sites in Poland near Krakow. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow and want to visit Auschwitz, you’re probably wondering whether you need to book in advance. Do you need to book Auschwitz? How to book Auschwitz without a guide? hHow far ahead book Auschwitz?

Why should you book Auschwitz in advance?

Auschwitz, along with the Wieliczka Salt Mine, is one of the biggest tourist attractions near Krakow. Museum attracts almost 2 million visitors annually. During peak seasons (spring, summer, and early autumn), tickets sell out very quickly.

A visit to the museum at the former German camp is one of the highlights of a trip to Krakow for many tourists. Auschwitz is visited daily by up to several thousand people. It is essential to book tickets to Auschwitz well in advance and to use the only legitimate place to buy tickets, the official website visit.auschwitz.org.

To manage crowds and preserve the site, the museum limits the number of daily entries. Without a reservation, you may not be allowed inside.

The museum offers a limited number of free entry tickets, but these are available only through the official website and must be booked well in advance. They are extremely popular and free tickets are limited. If you want to visit Auschwitz for free then all the more reason to book early.

How to book Auschwitz tickets in advance

The only reliable way to book your visit to Auschwitz is through the official Auschwitz Museum website. Here you can read the detailed price list for tickets to Auschwitz tours. Here’s how to do it:

Visit the official website: visit.auschwitz.org.

Choose your preferred date and time.

Select the type of ticket. Individual visits are either paid or free. Free entry is always in the afternoon, so you need to scroll through the website to find the afternoon hours. If there are no more free tickets available for a specific day for self-guided tours, it means they have already been distributed.

Complete the booking process and receive your ticket via email in a PDF file.

Important: The museum allows bookings up to 3 months in advance. For free entry tickets, it’s crucial to book as early as possible, as they are guaranteed by law but limited in number.

Why you don’t need to book through tour operators

Many tour operators in Krakow offer expensive packages that include transportation and guided tours. However, these are not necessary for visiting Auschwitz. You don’t need any middleman to buy tickets. Please carefully read everything written on the official website where tickets are purchased, which is visit.auschwitz.org.

Direct bus from Krakow: A direct bus from Krakow’s city center to Auschwitz directly to the museum costs only 22 PLN (approximately 5 EUR, 4.30 GBP, or 5.50 USD).

Free entry tickets: If you book through the official website, you can visit Auschwitz for free. There’s no need to pay for overpriced tours.

Guided tours are optional. The price of a ticket for an English-language tour is 110 PLN (approximately 25.30 EUR, 21.60 GBP, 27.50 USD). While guided tours are available, they are not recommended for everyone. They are paid, last around 3.5 hours, and may feel rushed or too long for some visitors. Exploring the site on your own allows you to move at your own pace.

Guided tours at Auschwitz are available in Polish, Russian, German, French, and English. Guided tours in Polish are cheaper and cost 100 PLN for a standard ticket (23.00 EUR; 19.60 GBP; 25.00 USD).

What if you don’t book in advance?

While it’s possible to visit Auschwitz without a reservation, it’s not guaranteed. Here’s what you need to know.

A limited number entry tickets are available at the museum entrance each day, but they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons, these tickets often run out early in the morning. If you do not have a reservation made in advance, it is best to arrive at Auschwitz in Oświęcim before the museum opens, which is at 7:30 AM.

When should you book Auschwitz?

Peak season (April–October): Book Auschwitz at least 2–3 months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during weekends or holidays.

Off-season (November–March): Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is usually sufficient, but it’s still recommended to secure your spot early.

Free entry tickets: These should be booked as soon as possible regardless of the season, as they are limited and often run out extremaly quickly.

What to expect during your visit

Security checks: All visitors must pass through strickt security checks, similar to airport procedures. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. To enter the museum you need to show a photo ID.

Individual free visits: If you’ve booked individual free entry, you can explore the site at your own pace. This is the best option for those who prefer flexibility. If you book a long guided group tour, it is not possible to disconnect from the group and explore at your own pace.

 

Key takeaways

• Yes, you should book Auschwitz in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Book always through the official website.
• Free entry tickets are available but must be booked well in advance.
• Guided tours are optional and not recommended for everyone due to their length and cost.
• A direct Lajkonik bus from Krakow to Auschwitz costs only 22 PLN, making expensive tour packages unnecessary. You can also take a train from Kraków Główny for 16.50 PLN

It is worth remembering that a trip to Auschwitz does not have to take a whole day and with good planning it is possible to see the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz in one day.

It is also worth noting that the museum is mostly located in the open air and we are exposed to weather conditions during the visit.

Read detailed guide on easiest and cheapest ways to get to Auschwitz from Krakow city center.