Yes — it’s possible, but the day must be well planned. The route from central Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is about 66–70 km one way; by car it usually takes around 1 hour 10–20 minutes. On a scooter the trip will be slower and depends on the engine, road conditions and stops — realistically plan 1.5–2 hours one way. Because of that, combining both sites in a single day requires advance bookings, strict time discipline and an awareness that it will be a long, intense day.
Plan at least 3.5 hours for Auschwitz — that’s the standard route covering both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, Lipowa 4) has set opening hours and is often easier to visit in the afternoon; typically the museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, usually from about 11:00 to 19:00. Given these timings, the best approach is to pick one of two options: an early ride to Oświęcim and return to Krakow for MOCAK in the afternoon, or MOCAK first (if opening hours and exhibitions allow) and make Auschwitz the main focus of the day — but remember that access to the Memorial requires reserved entry cards.
Also keep in mind the character of the place: Auschwitz is a Memorial and visiting requires respect, quiet and appropriate dress. It’s not an entertainment attraction, so when planning a busy day, allow time to emotionally process the visit.
If you prefer comfort and less fatigue, consider splitting the two visits across two days. If you only have one day, below you’ll find a practical plan and a checklist of things to handle before you set off.
06:30 - depart from Krakow by scooter; fill up and check the vehicle. Assuming 1.5–2 hours of riding, leave early to arrive before your scheduled Auschwitz entry.
09:30–10:00 - arrive near the Memorial, park the scooter in the official car park; during busy periods it’s wise to appear at least 30 minutes early because of security checks and picking up the entry card.
10:00–13:30 - visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (standard route ~3.5 hours). Keep quiet and respectful; some indoor spaces prohibit photography out of respect for the victims.
13:30–14:00 - short break, something to eat (remember there are restrictions on eating within certain areas of the Memorial), refuel on the route if needed.
15:30–17:30 - return to Krakow; depending on traffic you’ll arrive around this time; quick freshen-up and ride to MOCAK.
17:30–19:00 - MOCAK: a brief visit to the collection and selected exhibitions (the museum usually closes around 19:00). If you want a calmer MOCAK visit, plan it for another day.
This schedule is a suggestion — align the times with your reserved Auschwitz entry cards and MOCAK tickets, and double-check current opening hours and exhibition availability.
MOCAK usually opens around 11:00, so a “morning” MOCAK visit means late morning. This can work if you want to see exhibitions first and travel to Oświęcim in the afternoon, but you must reserve an Auschwitz entry slot for the afternoon. Keep in mind that visiting Auschwitz later in the day may limit the possibility of an unguided visit without a reserved card — check the Memorial’s reservation system for available time slots.
If you choose MOCAK first and Auschwitz later, don’t expect to fully explore both at a relaxed pace — it will be a tight schedule.
Rentals in Krakow offer scooters and motorcycles of various engine sizes. For longer trips outside the city, choose a model with enough power for fast roads — many rental shops offer 125 cm3 models.
Important: in Poland, holders of a category B driving license for at least 3 years may ride motorcycles up to 125 cm3 under certain technical and legal conditions (power up to approx. 11 kW/15 HP and a suitable power-to-weight ratio). Always confirm requirements with the rental company before booking — not all 125 class scooters meet the technical criteria, and rental terms (deposit, insurance, age limits) differ between firms.
Check insurance: find out whether third-party liability and comprehensive cover (OC/AC) and roadside assistance are included, whether there are mileage limits and what the procedure is in case of a breakdown. For a 70–150 km day trip, make sure the rental doesn’t charge penalties for fuel level, provides roadside help and supplies a full kit (helmet, gloves).
Prioritize safety: helmet is mandatory, wear windproof and protective clothing, additional gloves and a rain layer stored in a compartment. Check the weather forecast and road surface conditions before departure, especially outside the city.
Auschwitz: access to the Memorial requires an entry card — due to high demand it’s recommended to reserve online in advance. Plan at least 30 minutes extra on arrival for security checks and entry card pickup. Entrance to the grounds is free of charge, but places and times are controlled by the reservation system.
Respectful behavior rules apply on-site: dress appropriately and behave solemnly. Some indoor spaces ban all photography; in others photography may be allowed but without flash and with restraint. Bringing alcohol or eating in designated exhibition areas is prohibited.
Baggage size allowed inside the exhibitions is limited — bags and backpacks must be small; larger luggage should be left in your vehicle or on the car park. Check current baggage dimension rules before you go — important if you ride a scooter and carry top boxes or side bags.
Scooter parking: both parts of the Memorial have parking areas — scooters are usually easier to park than cars, but have small change ready for parking fees and keep your reservation confirmation at hand.
MOCAK is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, located on Lipowa Street. It has a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions; typical opening days are Tuesday–Sunday, from about 11:00 to 19:00, and the ticket desk sells tickets into the late afternoon. Check current exhibition schedules and any special educational events in advance as these can extend visit time.
If you only plan a short stop after returning from Oświęcim, pick the most important galleries and exhibitions — MOCAK holds a lot, so plan which rooms you want to see. Note the rules for storing baggage — MOCAK operates a cloakroom/lockers for larger bags, so bring a small daypack that complies with museum rules.
MOCAK often runs guided tours, workshops and a mobile app — if you want context quickly, see whether guided visits or audio guides are available on the day of your visit.
Documents and reservations: bring confirmation of your Auschwitz entry card reservation and MOCAK tickets (if pre-purchased). Carry an ID, your driving license and any rental paperwork for the scooter.
Clothing and baggage: dress modestly and comfortably for the Memorial. On a scooter, wear a windproof layer, protective trousers and comfortable shoes. Take a small backpack that fits the Memorial’s allowed dimensions or plan to leave larger items in your scooter’s top box outside the exhibition area.
Behaviour at Auschwitz: maintain silence and respect. Do not take provocative photos or use loud devices. If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break — strong emotions are normal. Remember: this is a place of memory, not a tourist ‘attraction’.
Road safety: don’t rush, take breaks, monitor fuel and the scooter’s condition. After long riding, take time to stretch and hydrate.
Can I go alone on a scooter and visit Auschwitz without a guide? Yes — independent visits are possible, but entrances are regulated by personalized entry passes — book your slot in advance. The Museum also offers guided tours if you prefer commentary.
Is it safe? On the road, yes if you are well prepared and ride carefully. The Memorial itself is well organised and safe for visitors.
Is it worth combining both sites in one day? If you only have one day and accept a fast pace, yes — but expect an intense and long day. To view MOCAK exhibitions calmly and experience Auschwitz without hurry, consider spreading the visits over two days.
If you have questions about a specific rental company, scooter models, or want a personalised plan (start time, suggested pit stops, fuel stations), write to me — I can help plan the day step by step.
MOCAK and Auschwitz can be visited in a single day, even by scooter — but it requires good organisation: reserve your Auschwitz entry card in advance, book a reliable scooter, account for travel time and observe the rules at both places.
A few quick tips from the guide - reserve Auschwitz entry well in advance; - choose a scooter with appropriate engine size and insurance; - wear a good helmet and protective clothing; - remember baggage limits at the Memorial; - schedule breaks and don’t rush while at the Memorial — this is not a race.
If you’d like, I can help refine your itinerary: start time from Krakow, suggested short stops en route, check ticket availability for a particular day, or prepare a two-day version with accommodation. Tell me how you prefer to travel and I’ll help create the optimal plan.
