How to get from Krakow Airport to Krakow Centre?

The Best way to get from Krakow Airport to Krakow Centre

January 12, 2024

You’ve booked your flights to beautiful Krakow, but how do you get from Krakow Airport into Krakow City Centre?

By the end of this quick guide, you’ll know exactly which of the three travel options are best for you to get from John Paul II Kraków-Balice Airport to Krakow Centre.

Chances are, you’re staying in or around the gorgeous Old Centre of Krakow or what’s known locally as ‘Stare Misato’. Even if you’re further out, below you’ll find the best transport options for you.

Travel Tip: Also find out how you can save up to 70% off your taxi fare.

Transport options from Krakow Airport to Krakow Centre:

Train (Fastest)
Taxi (Best Option)
Bus (Not recommended)

Krakow Airport Train – The quickest and easiest way to get into Krakow Centre

Quick Tip: If you’ve got more than cabin luggage, I don’t recommend this. Scroll down to find out how you can save big time when getting a taxi.

If you haven’t got much luggage then the train is the quickest way to get into the centre. The Krakow Główny train station is located to the northeast of the old city walls. And handily, it’s also attached to one of Krakow’s biggest shopping malls, Galeria Krakowska.

This is a perfect option if you’re staying near the main square (called Rynek Główny). But if you’re staying further out, check out our taxi saving tip below.

From Krakow Airport Arrivals to Krakow Airport Train Station

Once you arrive at the airport follow the signs to the train station, which is located across a walkway, opposite the airport main entrance.

You can purchase your ticket on the train with cash, or you can buy a ticket at the station using card & cash.

How much do train tickets cost?

Single: 9 PLN
Return: 16 PLN
Dog: 3 PLN

How long is the train journey?

15-20 minutes

Timetable – Krakow Airport to Krakow Centre Train

Every 30 mins
First train at 4:17 am
Last train at 12:18 am

Order A Taxi – Uber NOT Airport

While the taxi guys outside the Airport are super friendly, that’s because they charge you triple the local rate.

As soon as you exit the terminal, you’ll see the official taxi rank. The next lane across is for guests who are given 30 minutes of free airport access. This is where your Uber driver will pick you up.

And the best bit, an Uber costs between 25-35 PLN from Krakow Airport to Krakow centre. Compare this to the official airport taxi rank which costs upwards of 85+ PLN and it’s a no-brainer.

The 2nd benefit is that you’ll get dropped off directly outside your hotel or apartment.

And finally, you can choose a larger vehicle type if you need more than the standard 4 seats.

The Airport Bus – Budget Friendly

If you’re on a tight budget or are solo-travelling you can opt for the local bus transfer.

Buy tickets and check bus times next to the information desk then follow the clearly labelled signs in the airport to the bus stop.

How much does a single bus ticket cost?

4.60 PLN

How long is the bus journey?

45 mins- 1 hour (traffic depending)

Timetable – Krakow Airport to Krakow Centre bus

There are 4 buses you can take from Krakow airport to Krakow centre.

While I haven’t caught the bus myself, I’ve put in the research for you guys and found out which bus numbers head into Krakow centre.

Look out for buses number 252, 208 and 308 which start at 5:17 am and finish around 11 pm. There’s also a night bus that runs from 11:25 pm until 4:55 am.

For full details of all bus routes check out the official Krakow bus timetable website here.