Krakow Train Station
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Krakow Main Train Station (Krakow Glowny) sits in the very heart of Krakow Old Town, just a stone’s throw from the Main Market Square. Its landmark used to be the fawn-coloured, 19th c. building that remembers the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now closed and awaiting a decision regarding its future fate), but nowadays what is more likely to catch the eye of a passer-by is the bulky form of Galeria Krakowska shopping centre. However, the actual train station, with ticket offices, left-luggage, tourist information and all other services is hidden underground, underneath the platforms that lurk in the background between the concrete-and-glass shopping centre and the historic station building (seen from the Market Square). Also, adjacent to the Krakow Glowny station is the regional coach station (Regionalny Dworzec Autobusowy, RDA) – read more about the RDA here.
The station’s central location, and quite decent communication routes allow accessing a majority of destinations in Krakow in no more than 30 min., day or night (OK, the new bedroom suburbs take a bit longer). You can get to, and exit the Krakow Main Train Station in a number of ways, from different directions:
On foot (from the Market Square) – If you can find the Florianska Gate, and the Barbican, you’re all set! Just head right through the Planty park, and you’ll see an underground pedestrian passage. On the other side of it is pl. Jana Nowaka Jeziorańskiego, with Galeria Krakowska and platforms right next to it. If you need tickets, you can pass through the shopping mall and then take a passage to the station facility, or simply leave the shopping centre on your left and access the underground station directly via a sloping pedestrian walkway.
By tram – Trams pass by Galeria Krakowska and the train station from the west (bound north- and southward, stop Galeria Krakowska Zachod), and through it, via an underground route (bound north-, south-, and eastward, stop Galeria Krakowska Tunel). The latter option is quite convenient if you’re travelling with heavy luggage, as it offers an escalator or lift through the station facilities from and to the very platforms. You can check the current tram timetable here.
By bus – The number of bus lines terminating, or at least stopping at the Main Train Station is quite impressive – after all, all roads lead to Rome, right? One important line is 292, the one coming to and from Krakow Airport. It stops on the eastern side of Galeria Krakowska, right by the eastern entrance to the station, and also by the RDA. You can check the current operating bus lines, and their timetables, here.
By taxi – There are taxi stops by the eastern and western entrances to the station, but not by the southern – the one that opens to a square, pl. Jana Nowaka Jeziorańskiego. There is also one located on level 1 of the station, above the platforms. And since virtually every tourist city in the world, Krakow being no exception, is pestered by cheating taxi drivers, we recommend calling one of Krakow’s reputable taxi corporations in the Local Life service section.
By car – Access by car is most convenient only from the northern and eastern side, as the latter two access routes belong to a restricted vehicle traffic zone, which is hard to navigate even for the locals, with all those ‘no entry’ and ‘turn left/right’ signs. The train station is surrounded by a parking zone, with a scarce number of spaces available, and so the only reasonable parking space (paid) is available atop the station, on level -1 above the platforms. The parking is guarded, and you can leave your car here for a number of days.
Now when you’ve reached the station, where do you buy train tickets? They are sold at the ticket windows in the underground space, and in several ticket machines located in various spots in the entire train station (also at the entrance passages from Galeria Krakowska). If you need to talk to a person, nowadays there should be no problem with communicating in English, at least at the basic level.
The underground station offers also a wide range of other services including cafes, shops, groceries, lunch bars - all open from 6 am to 10 pm. It also offers three waiting rooms and diaper change rooms. There are self-service left luggage lockers under every platform. In most areas of the building, passengers can use free Wi-Fi.
Access for people with disabilities – there are 10 lifts and 15 escalators that enable access to all platforms, and the area is also equipped with floor markings for the blind and visually impaired. And if there is something particular you need to ask, the Customer Service Center is at your service.
Safety – As usual in crowded public places, you need to mind your pockets and luggage. Other than that, the station is quite safe. However, if you feel distressed, the municipal guard or the police patrol the place at all times and you can ask them for help.
You can check your train departure/arrival timetable here.
Have a nice trip!
Comments
Hi, can you tell me how I get from Świetego Sebastiana to the Old marketing square, central station by bus or tram? We are 6 grown-ups and two children with a baby trolley.
ReplyWe need to get to hotel alexander from the train station with a wheelchair, what is the best way of doing this please
ReplyHow do i get from Krakow airport by train to xerion hotel nearest station Kraków Zabłocie and then back out a few days later for a 6am flight bus or train
ReplyI'm arriving in Krakow Airport 7th of February, and want to find out the best way to get to Zakopane for skiing. I think I will stay one night in Krakow first, from 7th to 8th - and the to Zakopane. Is there any direct train/buss etc. from Zakopane til Krakow Airport whn I'm going home ?
ReplyThere's no direct train but there is a direct bus between the Airport and Zakopane. When you arrive in Zakopane, I would check the timetable at the bus station to see when they leave, because although busses to Krakow are regular, the airport busses are less frequent. Book your seat in advance and make sure to leave plenty of wiggle room before your flight as the road between Krakow and Zakopane is always busy and often backed up for ages. These busses are famous for being late. However, they are still generally faster than the train as it's sort of under construction.
ReplyHi, we are staying in an apartment - 36 Starowislna old town, we are hoping to get the train from the airport what train station would be stop at?
ReplyYou should stop at the Main Train Station, from there it is very easy to walk (20 min) or catch a tram (5 min) to your apartment.
ReplyHi Grażyna. I have 2 questions. We will be staying at Galaxy Hotel in Krakow. How would we get there from the airport by train? Next, how to get to Auschwitz by bus from the same hotel. Thank you much.
ReplyHi Vic, thanks for your question :) It's very simple to get there - all you need to do is catch a train, a tram and then walk a few minutes. There is a train direct from the Airport to the Main Train Station right in the city centre. When you arrive at the train station, simply go downstairs to the underground tram stop which is within the Train Station. Catch tram #71 to the stop 'Wawrzynca' and then walk for 5 mins down ul. Podgorska (from the tramstop this will be on your left, across the road) which follows along the river and you will find Galaxy hotel on your left on ul. Gęsia. Alternatively, you can get off the Airport train to the stop 'Zablocie' and walk from there across the river to the hotel. This would take approximately 10/15 minutes to walk. Use google maps if in doubt or pick up one of our free green maps from over 300+ locations around the city
ReplyThanks a bunch for your prompt and detailed directions. I also wanted to ask your opinion of Uber. Do you think it's reliable? Thanks again.
ReplyNo problem, Vic :) By the way, there is an app and website -'Jakdojade' - which can show you what trams/trains/busses to catch / where to walk from any point A to point B. It is completely free and used by everyone over here. It's a lifesaver for getting around and i'd recommend it to you. Uber is fine here but personally I use 'icar' taxis because from my experience they are the cheapest (even cheaper than Uber) and most reliable in Krakow. Their phone number is 12 653 55 55 if you need it. And for the record - we don't have any kind of partnership/financial exchange with these companies, i recommend these to you from the personal experience of a local ;)
ReplyHi, arriving at Krakow airport on 25th August approx 13.00, wow need to get to the Best Western, old town, how much would a taxi be or is public transport e say enough and close. enough to the hotel ?
ReplyVia public transport it's very easy, you can catch a train from Krakow Airport (only 9zl) direct to Dworzec Głowny (Main Station) in the very centre of Krakow, just on the outside of the Old Town. The train is very comfortable and takes about half an hour. From the train station it's just a short walk to your hotel, very close. We recommend that you walk right down ul. Gertrudy through the beautiful 'planty park' which surrounds the Old Town right to your Hotel. This will take about 10-15 mins at a relaxed pace and is absolutely beautiful and a great welcome to Krakow. If you are very tired you can also take tram #3 from outside the Train Station. Go forward 2 stops on the tram to get off at 'Poczta Glowna' from which you continue down the road and walk 250 metres to your hotel. Tram ticket costs 3.40zl. If you really want to take a taxi
ReplyCurrently in Krakow. Do you know how much it is to leave luggage at bus station. Struggling to find the information. Leaving tomorrow.
Reply25zl for the day
ReplyThis is a really fabulous resource. Thank you very much! My wife and I are travelling from the UK arriving at the airport in the evening arriving at 20:20 on Thursday 5 September. We are staying at DoubleTree by Hilton, I think that this is near the Plaza tram stop. I am hoping we can catch the train from the airport to KraKov Glowny Main Rail station and then catch a Tram ( not sure about what number) to Plaza to reach my hotel. Is this a reasonable assumption? We are staying for 4 days. Would you advise us to purchase a tram pass? Is there a 4-day tram pass or should I buy the 7-day pass? Can I store my bags at the station for my return trip ? We have a late flight back on the 9th at 21:15. Thanks so much
ReplyThanks for your kind words Steve and congratulations on your lovely holiday ahead :) You are right, there are regular fast and comfortable trains between the airport and Krakow Głowny Main Station. As for trams, the easiest way to find the right tram number is with a website called 'jakdojade' which you can find through google and even download as an application on your phone. Type in your starting point and your destination and it tells you what tram/bus/train you need, what time it leaves and even shows it all on a map. Everyone here uses it, it's a lifesaver. You can indeed buy 4-day tram passes and yes, I would recommend for a stress-free stay as buying individual tickets can be troublesome. Yes, there is luggage storage at Krakow Głowny :)
ReplyDear Editor, Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I'll download jakdojade straight away! With your help I'm sure we will have a lovely stay in Krakow. Many Thanks, Steve
ReplyYou're a sweetheart, Steve. Feel free to ask anything and i'll do my best to give you a thorough answer, I'm very happy to help you to have the best possible stay :) It's a nice feeling to help people.
ReplyHello,could you please tell me how to get from the train station to hotel Queen Boutique, many thanks
ReplyHi Phil, Well, it's not very far away and you have several options. You can catch a taxi (should cost around 10-15 zl) for the most straightforward approach. You can walk (should take 15-30 mins). It's definitely within walking distance if you don't have super heavy luggage. But it's too hard to explain the route through text to someone who has never seen the city before. You can pick up a map and ask for instructions from the information point inside the shopping complex (Galeria Krakowska) which the train station is a part of. Or, to catch a tram (19 or 3 - ticket 2.80zl) you need to catch it to the stop called Starowisłna. This is where ul. Starowisłna & ul. Dietla meet. Your hotel is at Dietla 60 - just a short walk down the road from the tramstop. You can catch the 19 from under the train station (follow the signs, ask) or the 3 by walking directly through the mall and out the other side (again, just ask). Probably much easier just to ask people when you get here than before hand. It will be more obvious which street is which, people can show you first hand. People will know what you mean and be helpful.
Replyhy i need to know if i can find a taxi if we arrive at midnight
ReplyFrom where we can pick the bus number 304 pls
Replyhow we can gel to atrium hotel in krakov by public transportation bus/ tram from the John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice
ReplyWe booked our tickets from Prague to Krakow, and Krakow to Lviv through Polrail Service (polrail.com). Excellent service!
ReplyHi,I need travel from Krakow-PL to Ostrava-CZ in Sunday 24.1.2016.I land on Airport Krakow 13:30.Train or bus vill be good.Please let me know about possible way.Thank You for answer,Brauner Jiri
Replyhow we can gel to crown piest hotel in krakov by public transportation bus/ tram from the central train station
ReplyGet to bus stop Politechnika (a short walk from the central station, ask around and somebody will point you to the right direction - there is a Tourist Information Point in the underground station you can consult with, provided you arrive during the day). From Politechnika take bus no 501, get off at stop RONDO OFIAR KATYNIA (8th stop) - Crown Piast is a short walk from there. Good luck!
ReplyHi I'm coming to krakow staying at home. Can I go visit autchfitz on the train and how long will it take and how much thank you x
ReplyHello, me and 2 friends want to go to Zakopane by bus for the day from Krakow. Some of the comments are putting me off. Is it easy to get tickets? How much and how often do the buses return to Krakow? Thanks
Replywant to get a bus from Krakow Glowny to Zakopane in Feb 2015......any help what bus to use and the cost Thanks
ReplyHello!:) Me and my friend are going to be accomodated at the Hotel Start, Kapelanka 60, Krakow. Is it too far from Krakow Glowny? Can we take any bus or tram (public transport) to this place from the train station? Thank you very very much!:) Sisa
ReplyHi Slsa, The hotel you mentioned is a 15 min. tram ride away from the main train station, just buy a 15 min. regular ticket per person (2.80 PLN) and take a tram no. 52. You'll get there in no time:) Have a great stay in Kraków:)
ReplyWe are arriving, by overnight train, from Vienna. Will arrive early morning. We are staying in Apartments Florian-old town. How far is this from the station.? Can we leave our luggage at the station? It will be too early to book in to our accommodation. We will leave Krakow three days later and have booked two tickets on a bus to Berlin. Is the bus station near the station.?
ReplyHI June, Apartments Florian is at Starowislna 41, not too far from the station, ca. 20 min walk or 3 tram stops (take no.24 from Dworzec Glowny stop, the one located by the pedestrian underground pass). Yes', the left luggage boxes are available 24/7 at the main station building. The bus station is right behind the train station, though the name is confusing - head for RDA (stands for Regional Coach Station in Polish). Hope this helps. Have a great stay in Krakow and come back to LL for more tips!:)
ReplyHave travelled to Krakow once before beautiful city. We have been invited to a wedding in MSZANA DOLNA Can we get there by train from Krakow?
Replyairport transfer krakow to slovakia / High Tatras / jasna / Kosice and more www.poprad-krakow.sk
ReplyHow much is the stowaway for luggage? I arrive at 6 AM by train from Lwow and cannot check into my hotel until 2. I don't want to walk around the city with my baggage. If anyone could tell me that would be great! Thank you!
Replyto SOLINA: http://intercity.pl/pl/site/niezbednik-podroznego/przepisy-i-taryfy/przepisy-miedzynarodowe/miedzynarodowe-szczegolne-warunki-przewozu-pociagi-nocne-(scic-nt).html
ReplyHi I am going to Budapest from Krakow and I find a train but I can´t find the fares of these trains Coul anyone help me??
ReplyCan anyone help me with details of travelling from Krakow to Ostrava by train and where I can access timetables? Many thanks.
ReplyTrying to book some disabled assistance on the 18th January-help with luggage etc and shown to seat for which I have a rerservation- but cannot find e mail address HELP!
ReplyIs there any email address of this bus station to get some information about buses? I can't find, help
Replysvein! i´m looking for a train from Krakow to Ostrava too! if u know what i have to do tell me please, i wil go to Ostrava for an erasmus exchange
ReplyI need to know how best to travel from Lublin, Ukraine to Krakow, Poland by train or bus. Thank you for any assistance you are able to offer. Sincerely yours, nancy
Replycan somebody please tell me how to get from Krakow to Ostrava by train or bus and is there any way to book a ticket in advance?
Replycan somebody please tell me how to get from Lviv to Krakow by train or bus and is there any way to book a ticket in advance?
ReplyMy husband and I will be in Warsaw on May 13th and 14th 2011, would like to take an EX Train to Krakow,(if this is the 2.5 hour trip) do we need and how do we get reservations for the 15th of May to take an early morning train so we can take advantage of the day in Krakow, how much does it cost per person, first class. Thank you! Mrs. Kayma
ReplyHi, We're looking to travel from Prague on the 13th of July overnight to Auschwitz or Krakow and arrive in the morning of the 14th of July. Could you please advise on rough pricing and carriage configurations etc. Thanks.
ReplyI would like to travel from Krakow to Prague on the 19th September 2011. Could you advise me of cost. Thanks
ReplyLooking for suggestions. Traveling in Sept 2011. Would like to depart Krakow on 9/15 or 9/16 to Hoczew. Return to Krakow airport by 12 p.m. on Monday 9/19.
ReplyHey, sure ! If you are at Kraków Airport there are some busses or trams to the centre, you can check this out on www.krakowairport.pl there you can find the informations what time does the tram or bus leave form KRK airport :)
ReplyGoing to krakow April 2011 with niece. On budget! how to get from krakow airport to krakow town! Is there a train or bus! Thank you
ReplyIf you want to go from krakow to krosno the best way to do it is to go by bus and not by train. Forget the train option cause Krosno is a really small town and train connection is really bad. So on Krakows' main bus station (next to the train station) you can catch a bus of PKS (Public transprotation) or a Barbara minibus which will take you there much faster at the same almost cost(20-30 PLN - 5-7 EUR). With PKS you are going to spend 4-5 hours travelling while with BARBARA 2-3 h .
ReplyHow to get to Krosno from Krakow? I must to get to Krosno before 07:00 AM, in that time i Have bus from Krosno to Belgrade. Thanks!
ReplyHEllo!!! Well,I checked out polish web site about trains,but I couldn`t get clear information about trip from Warszawa/Krakow to Vienna/Bratislava... I need to know timetable for 27.12.2010 and also price... Thank u very much...
ReplyDear Joan, the place you mention seems to be a really small village some 130 km from Krakow (it's not even on Google Maps; but I found it here: http://www.maplandia.com/poland/podkarpackie/mielec/schabowiec/). You would probably need to catch a train from Krakow to Dębica or Tarnobrzeg or Tarnów (especially the last of these should be relatively easy to get to), which are all relatively close from Schabowiec, and then get a taxi from there. You can check the train connection (but, unfortunately, not buy tickets) here: http://rozklad-pkp.pl/?q=en/node/143. I'm sure there are buses that go there from Krakow's main bus station too, but you will need to check that when you arrive. Worst comes to worst, you can always get a taxi from Krakow straight to Schabowiec- it will probably be surprisingly cheap (I would think in the region of $100 if you haggle). Hope this helps. Enjoy your visit to Poland!
ReplyWill be using your services in September. I have a question. We have family in Ruda,Schabowiec, I undersstand it is 110Km from Krakow. Is there any type of public transportation that can get me there?
ReplyMyself and a friend visited Krakow last September, whilst there we were advised to go by bus from the bus station to visit Auschwitz,( very emotional) which is just beside the train station. The price was really cheap for a return ticket, we did the same going to the salt mines, but went to a different bus depot, just little buses beside the shopping mall, price was really cheap. Going back this September with my sister this time, love my visits to Poland. This will be my fourth time.
ReplyWould like some advice please, I'm going to Krakow in October with the family and can't find the prices for train fares from Krakow Glowny station to Auschwitz, does anybody know?? Many thanks.
Replydear sophie ostrava is about 4 hrs from krakow. it should not cost more than $25 one way by train
ReplyWe purchased our tickets from Budapest to Krakow and Krakow to Warsaw from Polrail Service (http://polrail.com). There was quick delivery of our order to our home in Canada. They seem to be able to book all trains in Poland, as well as those to adjoining countries.
ReplyIs there no way to book these pkp train tickets online ? I need to book Budapest to Krakow for Aug. but all these websites just show the time. I called Budapest thinking I could book over the phone but that is also not available. I dont wanna take a chance of not having a ticket beforehand. Ne suggestions ?
ReplyWHAT TRAIN WILL BE THE FASTEST FROM KRAKOW TO PRAHA 1ST CLASS TRAVELING 25 SEPT 2010 THANKYOU MUCH
ReplyHello! I want to go to Ostrava, from Krakow, in end of august. How much would it cost? Thanks for replaying!
Replyhi, im planning on going on the euronight train from budapest to krakow. im abit confused :)it says no stops but the number changes and it says to book different stages. is this all done from keleti station or does it have to be done as you go?? Thanks for any help you can give cheers
ReplyHow much does it cost to get a train from Kracow to Ljubljana in Slovenia and how long does the journey take?
Replyi need to get from krakow to zilina in october, what is the best and most inexpwensive way to go
Replyi need to travel from krakow to berlin by end of 4th of April. Which i the best way please apart from airways.
ReplyReal nice summary page for Dworzec Glowny. We have stayed in Krakow several times over the last couple of years and have taken the train to go to Ukraine, etc.. Any advice on the cheapest fare by train from Krakow ot Vienna?
ReplyPlease could someone tell me how to get from Krakow to Gliwice by train? I would be really grateful for assistance as I cannot fathom it out at all.
ReplyWould you, please, let me know the train/bus schedule to get from Krakow to Bremen? thank you so much!
Replythe maps are pretty poor. The bus and tram maps are not legible, so are of little use. If the author of the site tried to use it before publication........
Replysharon, I live here at the moment. All the main places in Krakow are safe at night. Especially the station. The mall will have only just closed and thats right next to it!
ReplyHi, my family will be travelling to Krakow next year and we would like to take the overnight train back to vienna. The train leaves at 10pm is Krakow Glowny safe at night? Is anything open? Thanks
Replyadvice please on the easiest way to get from Krakow Airport to Katowice. Also any advice on Bytom? Where to stay?
Reply"What is the best way to go from Wroclaw to Kosice? I am going on Sept. 18 and would love a sleeping car on a train if there is one. If not, I could travel by bus, train "
ReplyHi Can anyone tell me how far to walk from Petrus Hotel Pietrusinskiecio Street to the bus station or indeed if there is a bus from the hotel to the bus station and if so what number please/
ReplyWe wish to visit Auschwitz on Tues,6th Oct 09.Do the trains from the main station in Krakow run every day during the week?
Reply"I would like to use the bus to get to Auchwitz on Friday, August 21st 2009. Can you tell me what times they go, what number bus it is, what stop I need and where the bus stop is? I would like to go from the main bus station. Thank you Colin
ReplyWhat is the best way to go from Wroclaw to Zakopane? I am going on July 5 and would love a sleeping car on a train if there is one. If not, I could travel by bus, train or air.
ReplyDworzec Glowny Krakow | Main Train & Bus Station in Krakow Poland. Great place & PKP trains are fab! Nice site, very informative. Regards, Peter from Denton just outside Stockport, England
ReplyWe are coming to Krakow Airport and shall further on to Ostrawa. Shall we go by bus or train or are there some other alternatives.
ReplyI would like to know how to get from Krakow airport to Petrus hotel, the easiest way? Thank you for your help.
ReplyHow can I use public transport to go from Krakow to Auschwitz? Whitch bus or tram can I take to go from the Central bus station to the hotel Sympozjum? Thank´s for your help.
ReplyCan you advise which Bus numbers are needed to make my own way to Auschwitz please? Is it a good idea to go there by public transport
ReplyWe have to get from Cracow to Lublin, and return the next day in May/09..Is the train the fastest, or would we take bus?
ReplyYes you can leave the train station through the tunnels and the shopping centre but at some stage you will be outside, unless you stay in the hotel attached to the shopping centre and train station, it is called Andels
ReplyHi. I have problems with open spaces. Agorafobi. If I come to the main station by train, is there a way to leave the station by tunnels or the like, so you don'y have to walk over large open areas ?
Reply