A day trip from Kraków to Zakopane is one of the most popular excursions for visitors exploring southern Poland. If you’ve already figured out how to get to Zakopane, the next question is: How much does it cost? How much is a bus ticket from Kraków to Zakopane? Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest and most efficient ways to travel between Kraków and Zakopane in 2025. Check ticket prices.
How much is a bus ticket to Zakopane?
The price of a bus ticket from Kraków to Zakopane can be as low as 19.90 PLN if you book Flixbus tickets well in advance. If you’re not so lucky, you may have to pay more, around 30.99 PLN or 31.99 PLN per ticket. Another popular carrier on this route is Szwagropol, whose ticket costs 29 PLN for the Kraków-Zakopane route when booked directly on the carrier’s website or 32 PLN when purchased at ticket offices at the bus station in central Kraków.
For some strange reason, other companies operating on the Kraków-Zakopane route have the same ticket prices. Unfortunately, it’s unclear why the prices for other carriers are identical… It’s hard to say, but the best option is to choose Flixbus by booking tickets well in advance. If that’s not possible, simply head to the bus station in central Kraków.
- Flixbus:
- From 19.90 PLN (if booked well in advance)
- Around 30.99 PLN or 31.99 PLN (standard price)
- Other companies:
- 29 PLN (when booked online)
- 32 PLN (when purchased at the bus station)
Buses from central Kraków to Zakopane depart every few to several dozen minutes, starting from early morning until late evening. You can check the timetable on the website mda.malopolska.pl/en
Alternative travel from Kraków to Zakopane
The second option for getting from Kraków to Zakopane is by train from the railway station located right next to the bus station. When it comes to trains from Kraków to Zakopane, it often turns out to be a better choice than taking the bus because trains don’t get stuck in traffic. However, when choosing a train ticket, there is less flexibility (there are fewer trains).
On the route to Zakopane, you can find InterCity, eInterCity, TLK, and Regio trains. The Regio trains take almost 4 hours, so they’re not even worth mentioning.
How much does a train ticket from Kraków to Zakopane cost? The InterCity train costs 42 PLN for second class and 55 PLN for first class on the Karłowicz train, and 55 PLN for second class and 79 PLN for first class on the eIC Tatry train. The TLK train (Małopolska or Lubomirski) on this route costs 42 PLN for second class and 55 PLN for first class.
- InterCity (Karłowicz):
- Second class: 42 PLN
- First class: 55 PLN
- eIC Tatry:
- Second class: 55 PLN
- First class: 79 PLN
- TLK (Małopolska or Lubomirski):
- Second class: 42 PLN
- First class: 55 PLN
Ticket prices from Kraków to Zakopane
Getting from central Kraków to Zakopane is very straightforward, and even inexperienced travelers can easily organize this trip on their own without the need to spend dozens or hundreds of euros on transfers. Buses from central Kraków to Zakopane run frequently, every day, throughout the entire day. Whether you choose a bus or train, both options provide efficient and affordable ways to reach Zakopane from Kraków.
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About the Author: Hi, It's Daily Krakow written by a lifelong Krakow resident with 40 years of experience exploring this beautiful city. I’m not part of the tourism industry and I dont make money on tourists that's why I can be honest. My deep local knowledge allows me to share honest, practical tips to help you avoid tourist traps and discover the real Krakow. Whether it’s hidden gems, local customs, or practical advice, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.