Kraków John Paul II International Airport

Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK), also known as Balice Airport, is Poland's second busiest airport and the primary gateway to southern Poland. Located approximately 11 km west of Krakow's historic Old Town, it serves over 9 million passengers annually and is named after Pope John Paul II, who was born in nearby Wadowice.

The airport has two terminals connected within a single modern building:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal handling all scheduled and charter flights, opened in 1995 with major expansions in 2016
• Terminal 2 (T2): Originally for domestic flights, now primarily used for check-in overflow and administrative functions

All departures and arrivals operate through Terminal 1's single integrated building. The airport features a straightforward linear design with one main security checkpoint, making navigation simple. After security, gates are arranged along two piers (A and B gates).

Krakow Airport serves as a base for Ryanair and is well-connected by low-cost carriers to destinations across Europe. LOT Polish Airlines operates domestic connections to Warsaw and seasonal international routes.

Krakow Airport is located 11 km west of Krakow's historic center, with direct train service making it one of Poland's best-connected airports.

Typical travel times:

• Krakow Glowny (Main Station): 18 minutes by train
• Krakow Old Town by taxi: 20-35 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: 45 minutes by car
• Zakopane (ski resort): 2 hours by car

The airport has a modern train station located adjacent to Terminal 1, accessible via a short covered walkway.

Bolt

Bolt is the dominant rideshare app in Poland and typically offers the best prices.

• Pickup location: Designated rideshare area outside arrivals (follow signs)
• Services available: Bolt, Bolt Comfort, Bolt XL
• Fares to Old Town: PLN 50-80 (EUR 11-18 / USD 12-20)
• Wait time: Usually 3-8 minutes

Uber

Uber operates at Krakow Airport but is generally slightly more expensive than Bolt.

• Pickup location: Same area as Bolt
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort
• Fares to Old Town: PLN 55-90 (EUR 12-20 / USD 14-22)

Taxi

Official airport taxis (Radio Taxi) queue outside arrivals. Look for marked vehicles with "AIRPORT TAXI" signage.

Destination	Fare	Time
Krakow Old Town/Glowny	PLN 80-100 (EUR 18-22)	20-35 min
Kazimierz district	PLN 90-110 (EUR 20-25)	25-35 min
Nowa Huta	PLN 110-130 (EUR 25-30)	30-40 min
Wieliczka Salt Mine	PLN 100-130 (EUR 22-30)	25-35 min
Zakopane	PLN 400-500 (EUR 90-115)	2 hours

Tip: Rideshare apps (Bolt, Uber) are significantly cheaper than official taxis. Download the apps before arrival.

Train (Koleje Malopolskie)

The Krakow Airport train provides the fastest and most reliable connection to the city center. The train station is a 3-minute covered walk from Terminal 1 arrivals.

To Krakow Glowny (Main Station):

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Kolej/Train"
2. Walk through the covered connector to the train station
3. Take any train marked for Krakow Glowny
4. Journey time: 18 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult	PLN 12 (EUR 2.70 / USD 3.00)
Return ticket	PLN 20 (EUR 4.50 / USD 5.00)

Frequency: Every 30 minutes (peak hours) / Every 60 minutes (off-peak) Operating hours: 04:30-23:30

Tip: Buy tickets at the machines in the station (cards accepted) or via the KMK (Krakow city transport) app. Tickets are also valid on Krakow trams and buses for 60 minutes after validation.

Bus

Bus 300 (Night Bus) and Bus 208 connect the airport to the city, though the train is faster and more convenient.

Bus 208:

• Route: Airport - Bronowice - Krakow Glowny
• Journey time: 40-50 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Fare: PLN 6 (standard city ticket)

Bus 300 (Night service):

• Operates when trains are not running (23:30-04:30)
• Route: Airport - Krakow Glowny - Nowy Kleparz
• Fare: PLN 6

Tickets

Krakow uses an integrated ticketing system. Options include:

Ticket Type	Price	Validity
60-minute ticket	PLN 6	Buses and trams
90-minute ticket	PLN 8	Extended journeys
24-hour ticket	PLN 17	Unlimited travel
Train + City transport	PLN 12	Included with train ticket

Note: Train tickets from the airport include 60 minutes of free city transport (buses/trams).

Krakow Airport offers several parking options with online booking discounts.

Terminal Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
P1 (Short-term)	Terminal 1	PLN 12/hour, max PLN 80/day
P2 (Covered parking)	Adjacent to terminal	PLN 60/day
P3 (Long-term)	3-min walk	PLN 40/day
P4 (Economy)	Free shuttle	PLN 30/day

Tips:

• Book online at krakowairport.pl for up to 30% discount
• First 15 minutes free for drop-off in P1
• Electric vehicle charging available in P2
• P4 Economy lot offers the best value for trips longer than 3 days

Krakow Airport has improved its dining options in recent years, with a mix of Polish and international offerings.

Landside (Before Security)

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and pastries
• Subway: Sandwiches and salads
• Vending machines: Snacks and drinks

Airside (After Security)

• Polskie Smaki: Traditional Polish cuisine including pierogi and bigos
• Starbucks: Coffee and light snacks
• Tasty Corner: Pizza, sandwiches, and Polish dishes
• Relay Cafe: Quick coffee and pastries
• Burger King: Fast food
• Bon Appetit: Sandwiches and salads

Budget tip: Prices at the airport are 30-50% higher than in the city. Eat before arriving if possible. Zywiec and Tyskie (Polish beers) are reasonably priced at the bar.

Polish specialties to try: Pierogi (dumplings), oscypek (smoked cheese), zapiekanka (Polish pizza baguette).

Free WiFi is available throughout Krakow Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Krakow Airport Free WiFi
Registration	Email or social media login
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing; streaming may buffer

Faster connections are available in the Schengen Business Lounge.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though city shops offer better prices and selection.

Airport Locations

• Relay (Arrivals): Basic prepaid SIM cards
• 1-Minute (Arrivals hall): Mobile accessories and SIM cards
• Inmedio (Airside): Limited selection

Polish Carriers

Provider	Prepaid Price	Data
Play	From PLN 25	10 GB
Orange	From PLN 30	15 GB
Plus	From PLN 25	10 GB
T-Mobile	From PLN 30	12 GB

Tip: For better prices and more data, visit a Play, Orange, or Plus store in the city (multiple locations in Krakow Glowny station and Galeria Krakowska mall). All Polish SIM cards include EU roaming.

Recommended: Play offers the best value with extensive coverage across Poland.

ATMs (bankomat) are located throughout the airport in arrivals, departures, and airside areas. Major Polish banks (PKO BP, mBank, Santander) have machines available.

Currency

• Poland: Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 4.30 PLN, 1 USD = 4.10 PLN

Currency Exchange

Kantor (exchange offices) are located in the arrivals hall. However, airport exchange rates include significant markups (often 10-15% worse than market rate).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw PLN from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut recommended)
• Poland is increasingly card-friendly, though cash is still useful for smaller shops and markets
• Avoid Euronet ATMs, which charge high fees; use bank ATMs instead

Warning: Some ATMs offer "dynamic currency conversion" - always choose to pay in PLN, not your home currency, to avoid poor exchange rates.

Krakow Airport offers duty-free shopping and Polish specialty stores.

Duty-Free

• Aelia Duty Free (Airside): Main duty-free operator with spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery
• Tax-free savings: Up to 30% on alcohol and tobacco for non-EU travelers

Polish Products

• Krakow Gifts: Polish souvenirs, amber jewelry, folk crafts
• Wawel: Famous Krakow chocolate and confectionery
• World of Vodka: Polish vodkas including Zubrowka, Belvedere, Chopin

General Retail

• WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Relay: Newspapers, snacks, accessories
• Sunglass Hut: Eyewear

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (23% Polish VAT) on purchases over PLN 200
• Best selection is in the airside area after security
• Polish amber jewelry and Wawel chocolates make excellent gifts

Krakow Airport has limited lounge options compared to larger European hubs.

Schengen Business Lounge

Location: Airside, near Gate A gates

• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Key, business class tickets, day pass (PLN 150 / EUR 35)
• Hours: 05:00-21:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, bar, WiFi, newspapers, workstations
• Quality: Modest but comfortable; can get crowded during peak hours
• Capacity: Approximately 80 seats

Non-Schengen Lounge

Limited facilities are available for non-Schengen departures, primarily for business class passengers on LOT flights.

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: Accepted at Schengen Business Lounge
• Lounge Key: Accepted at Schengen Business Lounge
• DragonPass: Check current availability

Pay-Per-Entry

Day passes available for PLN 150 (EUR 35 / USD 38). Book online at the airport website for potential discounts.

Several hotels are located near Krakow Airport, though none are directly connected to the terminal.

Near the Airport

Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport

• 5-minute drive from terminal, free shuttle
• 3-star, 150 rooms
• Modern, reliable
• From PLN 300/night (EUR 70)

Ibis Budget Krakow Airport

• 10-minute drive from terminal
• Budget-friendly, basic but clean
• From PLN 180/night (EUR 42)

Hotel Galaxy

• 3 km from airport
• 3-star, spa facilities
• From PLN 250/night (EUR 58)

In the City (Recommended)

For short layovers, consider staying in Krakow's Old Town and taking the 18-minute train:

• Hotel Stary: 5-star luxury in a historic building, from PLN 800/night
• Hotel Indigo Krakow: Boutique hotel near the Old Town, from PLN 450/night
• Puro Krakow Kazimierz: Design hotel in the Jewish quarter, from PLN 400/night

Transit Options

The airport has limited rest facilities. For overnight layovers, booking a nearby hotel is recommended.

Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful and historically significant cities, with a remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city center is just 18 minutes by train from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Rynek Glowny (Main Square)	25 min	Train + 7 min walk
Wawel Castle	30 min	Train + 12 min walk
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)	35 min	Train + 15 min walk or tram
Wieliczka Salt Mine	45 min	Train to Glowny, then bus/train
Auschwitz-Birkenau	1.5 hours	Bus from Krakow bus station
Zakopane (Tatra Mountains)	2 hours	Bus from Krakow bus station

Must-See Attractions

Krakow Old Town

• Rynek Glowny: Europe's largest medieval market square with St. Mary's Basilica and Cloth Hall
• Wawel Royal Castle: Former residence of Polish kings, stunning Renaissance architecture
• Kazimierz: Historic Jewish quarter with synagogues, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife

Wieliczka Salt Mine (15 km from Krakow)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site with underground chambers, chapels, and salt sculptures
• 3-hour guided tours available
• Book tickets in advance at wieliczka-saltmine.com

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (70 km from Krakow)

• Former Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum
• Free entry but advance booking required (visit.auschwitz.org)
• Organized tours from Krakow include transport (from PLN 150)
• Allow a full day for this sobering but important visit

Travel Tips

• Download the Jakdojade app for real-time public transport in Krakow
• The Krakow Card (PLN 150/2 days) includes public transport and museum entry
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory
• English is widely spoken, especially by younger people
• Krakow is very safe for tourists, though watch for pickpockets in crowded areas

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Train to Old Town, walk the Main Square, coffee at a cafe
• 6-hour layover: Add Wawel Castle and a traditional lunch (pierogi at Przystanek Pierogarnia)
• 8+ hour layover: Explore Kazimierz, visit Schindler's Factory Museum, enjoy dinner and drinks

Day Trips from Krakow

• Wieliczka Salt Mine: 45 min by bus, UNESCO underground marvel
• Zakopane: 2 hours by bus, Poland's winter sports capital in the Tatra Mountains
• Auschwitz-Birkenau: 1.5 hours by bus, essential historical visit
• Ojcow National Park: 30 min by car, limestone caves and castle ruins

Krakow Specialties

• Pierogi: Dumplings with various fillings (ruskie with potato and cheese, meat, or sweet varieties)
• Obwarzanek Krakowski: Krakow's iconic braided bread ring, sold from street carts
• Zapiekanka: Open-faced baguette with mushrooms and cheese (try at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz)
• Oscypek: Smoked sheep's cheese from the Tatra Mountains
• Zurek: Sour rye soup served in a bread bowl
• Polish vodka: Try Zubrowka (bison grass), Wyborowa, or local craft distilleries