The Auschwitz – Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the reasons a lot of people visit Poland.
They use Krakow as a hub to make a trip to the concentration camp and museum. We did the Krakow Auschwitz tour and I can only say that it was a very heavy day that left us feeling a little lost and meaningless.
Most people feel heavy after visiting this Nazi concentration camp as well. Even though we all know the historical facts, but going to the actual place of horror is quite different.
I recommend going to Auschwitz, even if you’re on a tight budget.
We didn’t reserve our visit, but since it can get busy during high season, it might be a good idea to get a reservation.
Don’t feel like visiting on your own? You can always join a group to explore Europe without skipping the Auschwitz concentration camp. This Eastern Europe G Adventures tour includes extra time to visit the Memorial while seeing the beauty of Eastern Europe as well.
But you can also visit it on your own during a Central and Eastern Europe train journey.
How to get to Auschwitz from Krakow
You can travel to the town of Oswiecim, Polish for Auschwitz, by guided tour, by bus or by train.
When looking for a Krakow Auschwitz tour, you can buy these in every hotel, hostel or guesthouse in Krakow. The other option is an independent trip that is cheaper and more flexible.
The Auschwitz Krakow distance is 66 km. Auschwitz concentration camp is reasonably close to the city.
Krakow to Auschwitz Train
A train leaves Krakow train station to Auschwitz every other hour. The train ride takes forever but it only sets you back around 10 Zloty which is less than 2,5 Euro.
When you arrive at the Oswiecim station, step outside and take a right turn. Follow the signs “Museum” for about 2 kilometers to get to the main entrance of Auschwitz. You can check the train timetable on the Polish Rail Website. The stations you need are Krakow Glowny and Oswiecim.
Bus from Krakow to Auschwitz
We decided to take a bus back to Krakow since the train took more than 2 hours to get us there and I must admit I didn’t really like the irony of taking a train to Auschwitz concentration camp.
The bus costs 15 Zloty or 3,6 Euro and it takes you to the Krakow train station in about an hour.
In the other direction, these buses leave from the bus terminal next to the Krakow train station and drop you at the main entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp and Auschwitz museum. You can check the bus timetable here.
Guided tours to Auschwitz
Plan your day with a tour group from Krakow. These tours are all-inclusive, meaning that someone will pick you up at the hotel, take you to the memorial and offer you a guided tour of the site. Check out guided tours from the city.
It’s also possible to travel there on your own and get a tour guide for the Memorial site and the museum only.
Auschwitz I – Auschwitz Museum
Auschwitz I is the former Polish Army base that was converted into a place of horror by the German. This is the location where you will probably start your Auschwitz visit.
In this part of the concentration camp, you can find the museum, gas chambers, and more.
Admission is free of charge.
Between certain hours in high season, you’re obliged to hire a guide.
If you’re on a budget, visit Auschwitz I after 15h when a guide is no longer required to visit the site.
Minimum time needed for Auschwitz I is 2 to 3 hours, but you could easily spend more time. There is so much to see and learn, I could have spent all day in the musea.
General information
-
Admission free
-
Guide 40 Zloty or 10 Euro
-
Guide required April – October between 10h – 15h
Auschwitz II Birkenau – Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Birkenau is the actual Auschwitz concentration camp where the train filled with people used to arrive.
The railroad runs deep into the camp and every possibility to escape was reduced to zero. Images of people arriving are spread around the camp and there are information boards everywhere.
Some of the barracks have been reconstructed as they were back then. You can actually go inside and visualize the harsh reality.
Most structures are gone and only the bottom of the walls still exist.
The ones you can enter are more than enough.
In Birkenau, you are really submerged into the living conditions of the victims and it is very overwhelming.
There’s a bus driving between the two sites, which takes about 5 minutes to get you there.
Check opening hours for Birkenau.
Admission is free.
Auschwitz Birkenau Pictures
Conclusion - Visit Auschwitz From Krakow
Visiting Auschwitz is very heavy, so prepare to be overwhelmed by emotions.
If you plan to tour Auschwitz from Krakow, make sure to take all day or spread the visit over two days, depending on how elaborate you want your visit to be.
We visited in the afternoon and were a little short in time to see everything. That’s why we advise you to take a full day Auschwitz tour from Krakow.
We visited Auschwitz as a day trip from Krakow.This city has a lot more to offer to finish your itinerary for the other days of your visit.
This might also be interesting
Pin it!
