How to get around in Krakow? Best ways guide

Kraków is one of the most popular destinations in this part of Europe. Many people planning their first trip to Kraków wonder how to get around the city even before arriving. Is getting around Kraków difficult and complicated? Is it easy to navigate Kraków? We’ll give you tips on how to get around Kraków. What’s the best way to get around Kraków?

In Kraków, there is no metro system. The public transportation network consists of bus and tram lines. Recently, the number of train stops in Kraków has been increasing, located in areas farther from the city center, making it easy to reach the main railway station in Kraków.

From a tourist perspective, this doesn’t have much significance, although it’s worth noting that by train from the city center, you can easily travel to nearby Wieliczka to visit the Salt Mine, to Oświęcim where Auschwitz is located, and, of course, to Kraków Airport, the only airport in Krakow.

Getting around Kraków

The only somewhat complicated part is the journey from the airport to the city center. You can reach Kraków’s city center in just a few minutes by train from the airport or simply book an Uber or Bolt. Taxis and transfers for the short distance between the airport and the city center tend to be more expensive (Bolt and Uber are 10-13 EUR, transfers even 30 or more).

If you are arriving in Kraków by bus or train, you will get off at the main bus or main train station, both located in the very heart of the city.

Getting around Kraków is easiest on foot. From the Old Town, you can easily walk to Wawel Hill and Wawel Castle with Cathedral, the Vistula River, Błonia Park, and Jordan’s Park, as well as to the so-called Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) and Podgórze.

The only major attractions located farther from the city center that require public transportation, Uber, or Bolt are Kościuszko and Krakus Mound and Kraków Zoo. In Kraków, the easiest way to get around the city center is on foot. You can also use the tram network or take a bus for a few stops.

Outside the city center, public transportation is not as reliable or efficient, but within the central areas, it works well. Beyond the center, it’s better to use Uber, Bolt, or rent a car. Kraków also has a car-sharing system, so there’s no need to rent a vehicle from a traditional rental company.

• From the airport to the city center: The fastest way to get to Kraków’s city center from the airport is by train, which runs regularly and reaches the center in just 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Uber or Bolt, which are usually cheaper than traditional taxis or private transfers.
• In the city center: The easiest way to get around is on foot, especially within the Old Town and Planty Park. For short distances, you can use the well-developed tram and bus network. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at stops or inside the vehicles or via mobile apps. Check public transport price list here.
• Outside the city center: Public transportation is less efficient, so consider using Uber, Bolt, or renting a car. Car-sharing services like Traficar are also available in Kraków and can be a convenient alternative to traditional car rentals.
• Electric scooters: These are a popular means of transport in Kraków. You can rent them through apps like Traficar, Bolt, or Uber (Tier). Remember the parking rules – scooters cannot be parked inside Planty Park, and outside the park, they must be parked in designated areas in the center of Krakow.
• Bicycles: Kraków also has an extensive network of bike paths, but there are no city bikes.

Everything is close by

When planning a trip to Kraków, it’s best to rent an apartment or hotel within the area of the so-called Planty, which is near the Main Market Square. This way, you can walk to most attractions and easily reach the train station to go to the airport, visit Wieliczka, or explore Auschwitz in Oświęcim.

For those heading to Kraków and looking for accommodation in the city center we recommend avoiding booking rooms with windows facing Floriańska Street, Grodzka Street, as well as Sławkowska Street and Szewska Street. These are lively streets in the tourist center, and it can get noisy until late in the evening.

Summary: How to get around Kraków?

The only challenge for a tourist arriving in Kraków is getting from the airport to the city center, which is incredibly easy due to the option of renting a Bolt or Uber or taking a direct train from the airport for a few stops.

All the interesting attractions of Kraków are located close to each other in the vicinity of the Old Town. There, you’ll also find the train station and bus station, which can be useful if you want to travel somewhere outside Kraków.

Generally, Kraków, especially its interesting area, is a very small city that cannot be compared to Vienna, Berlin, Paris, Milan, or Rome.