A melex (electric sightseeing vehicle) is a great, comfortable and quick way to see parts of Krakow — especially areas around the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze near the Father Bernatek Footbridge. However, melexes and similar tourist vehicles operate within the city and are not intended for intercity trips. A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a separate, full-day excursion — it’s best combined with a morning or afternoon of sightseeing in Krakow (including a short melex ride), but transport to Oświęcim needs to be planned separately (bus, train, car or minibus).
This article explains step by step how to organise a day that starts at the Father Bernatek Footbridge so you can see the most valuable parts of Krakow and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum the same day — without unnecessary rushing and with respect for the memorial site. No direct links are included — instead you’ll find practical tips and a sample day plan.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge (connecting Kazimierz with Podgórze) is a convenient, picturesque place to begin a walk or a short melex ride. It offers pleasant views of the Vistula River and easy access to Kazimierz’s landmarks (synagogues, atmospheric streets, Plac Nowy) as well as Podgórze’s sites and memorial places.
Starting the day right at the bridge lets you quickly visit highlights of both neighbourhoods, take photos and have breakfast in one of the nearby cafés, then continue your journey to Oświęcim.
Short answer: no. Melexes operate within the city and are excellent for short Krakow tours (typically 40–120 minutes depending on the offer). They are neither equipped nor authorised for intercity trips such as Krakow–Oświęcim.
A typical day that combines a melex and Auschwitz looks like this: a short morning melex ride in Krakow (Kazimierz, near the Father Bernatek Footbridge, Podgórze), then a transfer to intercity transport to Oświęcim (bus/train/car) and the museum visit. Return to Krakow in the evening. This way you keep the benefits of a melex and visit the memorial site appropriately.
07:30–09:00 - Breakfast and a short walk by the Father Bernatek Footbridge and in Kazimierz. A pastry, coffee and a moment to enjoy the views — a good start before a long day. (Suggestions: cafés and bakeries in Kazimierz — choose something near Plac Nowy or Szeroka Street).
09:00–10:30 - Melex ride through Kazimierz and Podgórze: a quick introduction to the neighbourhoods, main sights and photo stops. A 60–90 minute route lets you see key places and get off in a convenient spot for the next part of the day.
10:30–11:00 - Return to your meeting point/hostel and transfer to transport bound for Oświęcim. If you take the train — head to the Main Railway Station; if a direct private bus — check departures from the coach station. If using a car or minibus — depart according to your reservation.
11:00–12:30/13:30 - Travel Krakow–Oświęcim: depending on the mode of transport roughly 1–1.5 hours one way. Allow extra time to arrive before the scheduled museum entry.
12:30/13:30–16:00 - Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Book tickets for a specific time; note the memorial complex has two main sites (Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau) several kilometres apart and a shuttle bus runs between them.
16:00–17:30 - Return to Krakow. In the evening relax in the city, have dinner at a chosen restaurant and reflect on the day.
Direct private buses — pros: often run directly to the Museum area (parking near the main entrance) and offer comfortable daytime departures. Cons: schedules depend on operators and season; buy tickets in advance or check same-day departures.
Train — pros: comfortable and predictable (travel time about 1–1.5 hours). Cons: the Oświęcim train station is about 1.5–2 km from the Museum, so you will need a local bus, taxi or a walk; in peak times special shuttle connections may be arranged.
Car or minibus — pros: maximum flexibility (leave at a convenient time, transport a larger group, store luggage in the trunk). Cons: fuel and parking costs, and in high season parking spaces near the Museum are limited.
Practical tip: if you want to combine a melex with a same-day trip to Oświęcim, set a clear time window: melex in the morning (short route), then reserved suburban transport for midday. Avoid very long melex routes (e.g. 120 minutes) on the travel day, as you may risk missing your museum reservation.
It’s wise to reserve entry tickets to the Museum in advance — especially in the tourist season. The Museum operates an hourly-entry system and parts of the exhibitions or routes may be limited on certain days or hours — before you leave Krakow check current availability and any closures.
On site: the Visitor Service Centre (COO) at the entrance is where you can leave luggage and use a small refreshment point. A free shuttle bus runs between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which helps get around the complex. Allow at least 3–4 hours for a calm, reflective visit. For many visitors this is an emotionally demanding experience that requires time and preparation.
Bring proof of your reservation (printed or a screenshot), a bottle of water, a light snack and a charged phone. You will walk outdoors between parts of the exhibition — be ready for changing weather (spring/summer: sunscreen, hat; autumn/winter: warmer jacket).
Dress moderately and respectfully — remember this is a place of remembrance and homage. Avoid loud, flashy clothing and behaviour. Keep silence and show respect in exhibition areas. If you need accessibility arrangements (e.g. wheelchair access), check details in advance, including shuttle availability.
Before leaving Krakow it’s a good idea to eat in Kazimierz or Podgórze — both neighbourhoods have charming cafés and small restaurants. Popular spots by the river and around Plac Nowy offer breakfasts and quick bites — choose something close to the Father Bernatek Footbridge to save time. Example riverside venue: Forum Przestrzenie; for Kazimierz try cafés around Plac Nowy or Szeroka Street.
At the Visitor Service Centre in Oświęcim there is a refreshment point where you can buy light meals and drinks — a convenient option if you prefer to eat after the visit without returning immediately to Krakow.
Check public transport timetables and seat availability on your chosen day — weekends and high season can be busy.
If you travel with a school group or a large family, consider hiring a private minibus — this reduces reliance on public timetables and gives more time flexibility.
If you plan a guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, factor in time to book the guide and reserve the slot in advance. If you prefer a self-guided visit, book an entry time for the day and arrive with margin to spare.
Can I spend the whole day on a melex and then go to Auschwitz? - You can take a short melex ride in the morning, but a melex will not take you to Oświęcim — for the longer leg you need a bus, train or car.
How much time is needed to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum? - A recommended minimum is 3–4 hours to visit both memorial sites and see the exhibitions; many visitors spend a half day there.
Are there toilets and luggage storage on site? - Yes. The Visitor Service Centre provides basic amenities including luggage storage and a refreshment point.
Is the museum accessible for people with limited mobility? - The Museum offers accessibility options and a free shuttle between the camps; check specific accessibility details before travel or contact the Visitor Service Centre.
When planning a full, intensive day, remember to reserve the most important things in advance: museum tickets and long-distance transport (bus/train) — this minimises stress and the risk of missing your slot.
Start the day calmly: a short coffee and a walk by the Father Bernatek Footbridge is a perfect way to feel the atmosphere of Krakow before you head into a more demanding, reflective part of the day.
Keep respect and quiet during the visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum — it is not a typical tourist attraction but a place of memory. After returning to Krakow, allow yourself a moment to rest and have a peaceful dinner to process the experience.
