In the first of a new series of Guides to Kraków I’m sharing a comprehensive overview of the best ways to get from Kraków Airport into the city.
I’ve spent over 25 years, as a frequent visitor then a resident, getting to know Kraków. Over the years, I’ve written many guides for my Kraków Photo Tours clients, as well as for visiting friends and family. It occurred to me that this knowledge could be useful to a wider audience. That idea led to the creation of this Guide to Kraków series — designed to help you make the most of your time in magical Kraków.
Where better to begin than where your Kraków experience truly starts: arriving at the airport and finding your way into the city.
Index click to jump to section
Train
Bolt/Uber – Private Transfer
Bus
Official Airport Taxi
Airport Transport Maps – Train/Taxi/Uber/Bolt/Bus
Airport Terminal Plans – security/check in/passport control etc
Useful Apps
Useful Words & Phrases
Kraków Airport KRK
Kraków Airport (KRK) officially known as Kraków John Paul II International Airport, often called Kraków-Balice. or shortened to Balice by locals. The airport is approximately 7-8 miles (12-14km) from the city centre.
OFFICIAL AIRPORT APP
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Airport Transfer Options – Summary
Travel by car/uber/bolt/taxi takes on average 25-30 minutes, up to an hour at peak times. Bus (6zł) is cheapest and takes around 24 minutes -according to the timetable, but often much longer in reality. The train (20zł) is fastest, taking around 20 minutes.
So, which one to choose? It depends, you have to consider cost, convenience, travel time, reliability, availability etc. All of which I hope to clarify in this guide.
On social media people will frequently claim that the train is best – it’s great, but not for everyone!
If you’re hotel is in the old town, city centre – close the main train station, or close to one of the smaller local stations Kraków Grzegórzki (for Kazimierz) or Kraków Zabłocie (for Podgórze), – take the train – it’s fast and reasonably cheap. If you’re hotel is quite far from the train station, and you don’t fancy dragging or carrying your luggage across the city, then train is not the best option.
Likewise depending on where your staying the bus is the cheapest, but takes longer. Two daytime and one night bus routes serve the airport, you’d need to check where it terminates in the city to decide if it works for you’re accommodation (full details in bus section below).
Most folks will opt for Bolt/Uber, or if you want the hassle and stress free, door to door experience then, treat yourself, and go for a private transfer.
I’d avoid hotel, holiday package transfers (unless you’re holiday provider is offering a fab deal – which isn’t likely) and official airport transfers as they are the most expensive option.
This image is taken from the South end of the terminal close to the exit roads. The pick up points are busier further up the road – from the overbridge towards the entrance barriers . (see below for more maps)
Below is a more detailed guide, diving deeper into each option for getting from the airport into the city, including pros & cons, times, routes, costs etc.
Currency Conversion & Costs
The currency is the Polish Złoty (abr. zł code PLN) and Grosz. All currency conversions in this guide were based on the exchange rate at time of publication (17/12/25). Currently – £1 = 4.8 zł. Typically the rate hovers around 5 zł = £1, or 1 zł = 20p, which makes for easier rough calculations.
Use the calculator below to convert PLN to GBP and other currencies EUR, USD etc
Bolt/Uber 40-50 zł. £8-10. 50-90 zł (£10-18) – at peak times
Taxi 70-120 zł. (£14-25)
Private Transfer 147 zł. (£30)
time 25-40 mins (depends on traffic & accommodation location etc)
Driving times from the airport to the city centre varies considerably depending on time of day, traffic conditions and your accommodation location. It usually takes approximately 25-30 minutes, however at peak times (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM), allow up to an hour.
This section explains the Uber/Bolt, taxi and private transfer options. While official airport taxis are available, using rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt is much cheaper.
Other options include either hotel transfers, pre-booked city taxis such as iCar, Eko, Mega etc (see apps section below), or being picked up by friends or family. For the most stress free and convenient option, some will consider the extra cost of a private transfer, money well spent.
All of the above options will use the Kiss & Fly – pick up & drop off – third lane (yellow on maps below). in front of the terminal building. If using a private transfer the driver will greet you in the terminal and take you to your transport.
There are four lanes in front of the terminal building, for Bolt/Ube (non-airport) taxis, cars, you want the third one, the ‘Kiss & Fly’ drop off & pick up lane (shaded yellow on the maps below).
Bolt/Uber/Taxi
Ride share apps such as Bolt and Uber use ‘surge pricing’ at peak times or if driver availability is limited, this can cause the prices to increase quite a bit, keep this in mind when comparing your transfer options.
Because Uber/Bolt use dynamic pricing, checking both apps after landing will give you the most accurate current fare estimate – I frequently use both and haven’t really found one to be consistently cheaper – I go with the best price or quickest arrival depending on circumstances. I also often have a discount for one or the other.
WHICH IS CHEAPER? UBER or BOLT? – PRICE COMPARISON
Always compare Bolt and Uber. Many will claim, Bolt is cheaper than Uber or vice versa. This is definitely not the case. I’ve never found one to be consistently cheaper. It varies. I find that I often have discounts for one or the other, in the example below I have a discount for Uber, I also get notifications on discounts for Bolt from time to time..
I did this comparison (13:32 Sun 21/12/25) from the airport to plac Wszystkich Świętych – the main crossroads on Grodzka at city hall.
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Uber & Bolt can be pre-booked, however you usually pay a little more for this option. I always start trying to book the car after passing through passport control, or after collecting luggage, If flying with checked baggage.
The app uses your phone location for the pick up, so best to manually change it to the pick up ‘kiss & fly’ lane, if you booked the ride before leaving the terminal building.
The app will search for a driver, most of which will usually show as being 2 – 10 mins away, however don’t be surprised if you get several drivers cancelling – persevere.
Once a driver is confirmed the app will give you the vehicle details and drivers name – It also shows a map of the car’s location as it approaches. You can use the app to add pick up notes or call the driver – they don’t always speak English (or even Polish sometimes).
Keep in mind that the ‘Kiss & Fly’ pick up & drop off lane is often busy so you need to keep an eye out for your bolt/uber entering the lane then find a space and try to catch his attention. The cars stopping in the kiss & fly zone tend to move on quite quickly as they only have 8 minutes from entering the airport zone before they have to pay a fee.
The app should show where you are in the lane, but where your bolt/uber stops depends on parking space. I sometimes use the overbridge as reference and add it to the pick up notes – often the lane past the overbridge is much quieter.
Both Uber & Bolt also offer an XL car option in the app, if you have more luggage, the typical Uber/Bolt Toyota Corolla, Prius and the like don’t have a great deal of luggage space.
Keep in mind, that parts of the old town and Kazimierz (Jewish District) are restricted traffic zones so you may not be able to be dropped off at the door of your hotel or apartment. Check the map in the app, and if language allows, ask the driver.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
– Much cheaper than UK or offical airport taxis
– Door to door service (check restricted traffic zones)
– Handy if you’re travelling with lot’s of luggage
CONS
– Can get expensive with surge pricing at peak times
– Drivers can cancel at busy times
– Fewer drivers speak English
Private Transfer
If you’re budget allows or if you simply prefer, a totally hassle and stress free, comfortable – door to door option, then a private transfer is your best option. Most tour companies, many hotels and some holiday agents will offer this option.
I strongly recommend Mr Shuttle. One of, if not, the best, and most reliable tour companies. They are a highly recommended, award winning operator with over 1 million satisfied customer reviews across Google (4.9*) Tripadvisor (5*), Facebook (5*) and Yelp (5*). Check out their reviews online and on social media. You won’t be disappointed.
If you use the Kraków Expats Directory code KED5 you will get a discount on your transfer, and all tours offered by Mr Shuttle.
They have a very informative web page where you can check the transfer options, prices book your transfer and other Kraków tours and experiences, such as Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane, Hot springs & Spa, Schindlers, Shooting, Folk show & dinner, Pub Crawl, Boat Tour, Warsaw & many more in Kraków or any one of the 113 activities they offer in and around Kraków. They also offer tours and transfers in many other cities and destinations.
. Mr Shuttle Airport Transfer
Mr Shuttle – Kraków Tours
PROS
Good for groups – Meet & Greet in arrivals hall – Door to Door convenience – Stress free – luggage assistance – English speaking driver – comfortable – track your flight arrival & wait up to 60 mins after landing – 24/7 service – Driver’s often give tips and share information n the city – Free cancellation/refund (24hrs)
CONS – More expensive, however price difference can be minimal if larger groups or when ride share such as Uber/Bolt are operating with higher pricing at peak times.
Starting at 147 zł (£30) for 2 people 180 zł( £37) for 6-8 people 361 zł (£30) for 12 people
I’ve included the official airport taxis at the end of the guide, as in my opinion, this is the most expensive and least attractive option.
cost 20 zł. (£4)
time 20 mins
Airport to City – First Train 04:17 hourly until 06:17 then ½ hourly until 22:17 then hourly until 01:47
City to Airport – First Train 03:26 hourly until 05:36 then ½ hourly until 21:33 then hourly until 00:46
NB – Check ONLINE TIMETABLE for exact train times or changes to schedule.
The airport is the last station on the line, so no need to worry about getting on the correct train. All trains departing from the Airport Station will go to the Main Station and onwards to Wieliczka.
Modern, clean airport trains are operated by Koleje Małopolskie – who also operate trains to Zakopane and Wieliczka for the Salt Mine. The airport trains operate on route SKA1 between Kraków Airport (Kraków Lotnisko station) and Kraków main train station (Kraków Główny), and onwards to Wieliczka Salt Mine. Each train has 170 seats with specially designated areas for people with disabilities. The trains are fully air-conditioned and equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, and ticket machines.
The train route passes through a number of small local station in the Northern Suburbs, before arriving at the main station. However, depending on where you are staying, it is worth checking Google Maps to see if getting off at the Kraków main train station (Kraków Główny) is best for you, or staying on the train to one of the other city stations – Kraków Grzegórzki for Kazimierz or Kraków Zabłocie for Podgórze, or indeed all the way to Wieliczka.
Tickets
Can be purchased from a ticket machine within the airport terminal on the ground floor, the Kraków Airport station ticket office on platform 1, which is open Monday – Sunday 08:10 – 19:45, on board the train or using the usual Kraków ticket apps. Tickets can be purchased by cash or card.
ROUTE – SKA1 – Airport –> Kraków Główny – Wileiczka Salt Mine
KRAKOW AIRPORT → Krakow Olszanica → Krakow Zakliki → Krakow Młynówka → Krakow Bronowice → Krakow Łobzow → KRAKOW GŁÓWNY TRAIN STATION → Krakow Grzegórzki → Krakow Zabłocie → Krakow Plaszow → Krakow Prokocim → Krakow Bieżanów → Kraków Bieżanów Yeast Factory → Wieliczka Bogucice → Wieliczka Park → 13 min walk – 900 meters to WIELICZKA MARKET SQUARE-MINE
Train Pros & Cons
PROS
– Fastest option
– Convenient – close to airport terminal
– Clean, modern trains
CONS
– Not so handy if accommodation isn’t close to one of the train stops
– Not as cost effective for groups.
Ticket Prices; Single Trip/60 minutes – 6 zł (£1.24) | 24hr (zone II) – 24 zł (£5) | 7 days (zone II) – 68 zł (£14)
journey time; 25 mins as per timetable – often will take longer.
Kraków Airport is served by bus lines 209 and 300 , as well as the night line 902. The bus stop is located near the passenger terminal.
Tickets can be purchased from:– the ticket machine at the passenger terminal, arrivals hall, level 0
– the ticket machine at the bus stop (payment in cash or with credit/debit card)
– and the usual e-ticket apps
Note: The ticket must be validated when getting on the bus.
Current bus departure times can also be checked on the monitor located at the Information Point in the public area.
TIMETABLES
SELECT ROUTE 300 – 209 or 902 NIGHT BUS
JAKDOJADE APP
Likewise depending on where your staying the bus is the cheapest. The 300 only goes as far as the os. Podwawelskie stop – across the river from Wawel Castle close to the Forum Hotel and big wheel. The 209 is less concvenient, only going as far as the Salwator area, whilst the 902 Night Bus – skirts the northern part of the old town terminating at the main bus station (Dworzec Główny Wschód).
Bus Pros & Cons
PROS
– Cheapest option
CONS
– Bus can get crowded at peak times
– Less frequent
– Bus stops may not be convenient for your accomodation
OFFICIAL AIRPORT TAXI
cost 20 zł.
time 20 mins
time 25-40 mins (depends on traffic & accommodation location etc)
Telephone booking: (6am-10pm) +48 12 258 0 258. – +48 668 307 307
office@krktaxi.pl
Online Booking
OFFICIAL AIRPORT TAXI APP
Official Airport Taxi Zones & Prices – click map to enlarge
Airport Taxi Pros & Cons
PROS
– Cars are right at terminal door
– Car usually bigger & more premium
CONS
– Most expensive option
SATELLITE MAP
STREET VIEW
ROAD MAP
AIRPORT LOCATION
USEFUL APPS (click Apple or Android logo)
Krakow Airport App
Jakdojade App
Airport Taxi App.
iCar Taxi
Mega Taxi
Eko Taxi
Free Now
USEFUL VOCABULARY
Pocąg – Train
Peron – Platform
Bilet – Ticket
Autobus – Bus
Kraków Główny – Main train station
Kraków Lotnisko – Airport train station
codz. – daily abbreviation
kursuje codziennie – runs daily
przyjazd – arrival
odjazd – departure
kursuje w soboty, niedziele i święta – runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
VISITING KRAKÓW
Feel free to check out;
Kraków Insider Travel Guide – Facebook Group
Kraków Photo Tours
Guide to Booking Kraków Tours
I plan to publish more Guide to Kraków on topics such as; cafes & bars, tourist traps, city transport, general tips and advice, restaurants etc. I’d welcome any feedback on this guide, what’s good, what’s not, what’s missing and any suggestions on guides you would find useful.
And check out my Kraków videos on my Kraków TV YouTube Channel.
A Scot in Kraków. The founder and editor of Kraków Expats Directory, and our sister sites Kraków TV and Kraków Stories Podcast.
David fell in love with Kraków 25 years ago, making it his home in 2011.
In 2020 he was awarded the title of Kraków’s Ambassador of Multiculturalism, by the President of Kraków, and is also a member of the GlobalScot network, representing Scottish culture and business abroad.
We’re always looking for interesting stories, events, characters or groups to feature. Likewise, if you’d like to join us, as a contributor, please get in touch.
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