In times of heightened geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, many people feel concerned about visiting Poland and Zakopane. Among tourists unfamiliar with the geography of this part of the world, a common question arises: Is Zakopane far from Ukraine? How far is it to the Ukraine from Zakopane? What is the distance? Is Zakopane safe in this context? Let’s explain.
How far is Zakopane from the Ukraine border?
Zakopane is a small town located in the mountains of southern Poland, in the Lesser Poland (Małopolskie) region, practically on the border of Poland with Slovakia. Zakopane is about 115 kilometers South by car from Kraków Airport.
Zakopane is located in Poland, a member of the European Union and NATO. Is Zakopane far from Ukraine? Yes.
If we draw a straight line from Zakopane toward the Polish-Ukrainian border, the distance to the nearest point on the border is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles). The area affected by military actions is much farther away—about 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from Zakopane.
Although Zakopane is located far from Ukraine, you can still encounter Ukrainian tourists in the resort, though their numbers are relatively small. Most choose the Ukrainian ski resort Bukovel, where the ski slopes are better, and the prices are significantly lower than in Zakopane.
If you wanted to travel from Zakopane to Ukraine:
- Lwów is about 420 kilometers by car.
- Kiev is about 970 kilometers by car.
- Kharkiv is approximately 1,460 kilometers by car.
How to get from Zakopane to Ukraine?
The easiest way to travel from Zakopane to Ukraine (e.g., Lwów or then to other cities) is to first go to Kraków by car, bus or train and then head toward Przemyśl, near the border. Here, we describe in detail how to travel from Kraków to Lwów.
Summary: How far is Zakopane from the Ukraine?
In a straight line, the distance to the nearest point on the Polish-Ukrainian border is about 200 kilometers. The distance to the conflict zone is approximately 1,200-1,500 kilometers. Zakopane is a fully safe destination, located within the European Union and a NATO member country.
Related articles:
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.
