Auschwitz Tours from Krakow
Licensed guides · Hotel pickup · Small groups · Private options available
Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most visited memorial sites in Europe — and one of the most important. Every year, over 2 million people make the journey from Krakow to bear witness to the history of the largest Nazi German concentration camp, where more than 1.1 million people were murdered during World War II.
Booking an Auschwitz tour from Krakow is the easiest and most meaningful way to visit. A licensed guide brings context that no self-guided visit can match — explaining the history of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the personal stories of prisoners, and the significance of what you see. Round-trip transport from Krakow is included, so you can focus entirely on the visit itself.
We offer guided group tours, small-group experiences limited to 15 visitors, a private transfer option for those who prefer to travel independently, and entry tickets for self-guided visits. Choose the format that suits your travel style — and book in advance, as availability fills up fast.
Why Book Your Auschwitz Tour Through Krakow Planner
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a trip to plan lightly. Entry must be booked online in advance — since March 2026, on-site ticket sales have been permanently discontinued. Guided tours fill up weeks ahead, especially in summer.
Booking through Krakow Planner gives you a confirmed spot with a licensed guide or museum-certified educator, comfortable round-trip transport from Krakow, and the option of hotel pickup so you don't have to navigate the city before a long day.
Small group or private — your choice
Our small-group Auschwitz tour is capped at 15 visitors. That means no crowds around your guide, a pace that lets you absorb what you see, and a more personal experience of one of the world's most significant memorial sites.
Prefer to travel independently? Our private transfer to Auschwitz from Krakow gets you there and back in a comfortable vehicle, while you join the official museum tour on-site. Door-to-door service, flexible timing.
How long is the Auschwitz tour from Krakow?
A full guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau takes approximately 3.5 hours on-site. Add round-trip travel from Krakow (around 1 hour 10 minutes each way) and you should plan for a full day — typically 7 hours in total.
Auschwitz Tour from Krakow — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Auschwitz tour from Krakow cost?
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is free, but guided tours with a museum educator cost 150 PLN for adults. Organised tours from Krakow — including transport, guide, and skip-the-line entry — start from 149 PLN. Private transfer options are available at a higher price point for those who prefer
independent travel.
Do I need to book an Auschwitz tour in advance?
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Since March 2026, all entry to Auschwitz-Birkenau must be booked online in advance. There are no tickets available at the entrance. Guided tours from Krakow fill up weeks ahead during peak season (May–September). Book as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time.
Is hotel pickup included in the Auschwitz tour from Krakow?
Hotel pickup from central Krakow is available on selected tours. Some Krakow hotels are in restricted traffic zones — in those cases, pickup is arranged from the nearest accessible point and you will be informed in advance. A central meeting point option is also available on all tours.
Is it better to take a guided tour or go to Auschwitz independently?
For a first visit, a guided tour is strongly recommended. The scale and complexity of Auschwitz-Birkenau — two separate camps, extensive grounds, and a vast amount of historical context — is difficult to absorb without expert commentary. A licensed museum educator brings the history alive in a way that a self-guided visit cannot.
That said, if you prefer to set your own pace, our private transfer option gets you to Auschwitz independently and returns you to Krakow when you're ready.
Is it worth going to Auschwitz from Krakow by train?
The train from Krakow to Oświęcim takes around 1.5–2 hours with a change, and the museum is a further 2 km from the station. An organised tour from Krakow is faster, more comfortable, and includes return transport — making it the better choice for most visitors.
Can I combine an Auschwitz tour with Wieliczka Salt Mine?
Yes — we offer a combined Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine full-day tour from Krakow. Both are among the most significant historical sites near Krakow. Note that this is a long and emotionally demanding day — plan for approximately 11 hours in total.
More Day Trips from Krakow
Planning your time in Krakow? Explore our other guided day trips and transfers: