Kraków is compact — the Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze and even parts of Nowa Huta can be combined in a single day without long transfers, but comfort depends on how you move around. For small groups, decisions about which tickets to buy have a real impact on your pace and budget. Instead of buying single tickets at every step, it’s worth planning your route and matching the ticket type to the number of transfers and the time you’ll spend in the city.
If you’re planning a short, intensive visit with a few tram or bus rides — time-limited tickets (20, 60 or 90 minutes) are often the cheapest and most flexible option. If you expect to use public transport many times during a day — 24-, 48- or 72-hour tickets are more convenient. This guide will help you pick the optimal option and avoid unnecessary costs.
Kraków offers short-term and longer-term tickets. The most commonly used are: 20-minute (4.00 PLN), 60-minute / single-ride (6.00 PLN) and 90-minute (8.00 PLN) — good for single journeys with one or two transfers. For visitors, 24-hour (e.g. 17 PLN in zone I), 48-hour (35 PLN) and 72-hour (50 PLN) tickets are also practical, as well as a 7-day ticket (56 PLN in zone I).
There are also special tickets: a weekend family ticket (valid Saturday and Sunday for parents with children), a combined ticket with Koleje Małopolskie (70-minute), and group tickets (for example a single group ticket for up to 20 people). Note that some tickets cover the whole agglomeration (more zones), while others cover only the city zone — choose depending on whether you plan to travel outside the center.
You can buy tickets at fixed ticket machines (at stops and in vehicles), at kiosks and sales points, and in popular mobile apps. The most convenient apps accepted in Kraków include iMKA, moBiLET, SkyCash, jakdojade and zbiletem.pl — each allows quick purchase and showing the ticket to an inspector on your phone screen.
Stationary machines usually accept cash, card and BLIK; in vehicles you can often pay by card. If the onboard machine is out of order, the driver usually sells only selected ticket types (for example a 90-minute ticket) — that’s why it’s better to buy in advance or in an app. Before boarding a tram or bus buy a ticket or have the app ready — without a valid ticket you risk a fine during inspections.
Apps work differently: some sell tickets to the bearer (valid from the moment of activation), others require entering the vehicle number or scanning a code inside the vehicle. SkyCash, jakdojade and moBiLET are reliable choices that make quick purchases easier, especially when you travel in a group and need to add tickets last minute.
If you have fixed plans or live in Kraków, it’s worth getting to know the Karta Krakowska program — it entitles holders to cheaper personalized season tickets and additional discounts. For tourists the key point is: apps and machines support most popular payment methods, but because payment operators and services change from time to time, check before your trip which apps currently sell tickets.
Karta Krakowska is a preferential system for residents (or people paying taxes here) — holders can buy named period tickets at reduced rates (for example cheaper monthly network passes). Tourists usually cannot get the Card, so don’t expect its discounts during a short stay.
If you plan a longer stay or return often to Kraków (for example for a few months), check the rules for obtaining the Karta Krakowska — it can bring real savings on monthly and semiannual tickets.
Short scenario (a few stops, walking plus one ride): choose a 20- or 50/60-minute ticket — cheapest and sufficient if you expect only one transfer. Intensive scenario (visiting several districts in a day): a 24-hour ticket pays off because you don’t have to validate a ticket at every boarding.
If you have 2-3 days in Kraków and expect many tram/bus trips between attractions, choose a 48- or 72-hour ticket — it lets you move freely and will often be cheaper than several single rides. For trips outside the city (for example the Wieliczka Salt Mine) check whether you need an agglomeration ticket or a separate railway ticket.
A group (2-6) can save time when one person buys tickets in an app for everyone at once — remember that each ticket must be valid when checked. Always have your phone with the ticket on and carry a charger (powerbank), because an inspector may ask to see the ticket.
Check routes and transfers in advance using jakdojade or MPK timetables — trams and buses run frequently, but they can be crowded at peak times. If you plan to travel in the evening or at night, confirm which night lines run to your destination neighborhood.
Assuming a ticket bought in another city will work in Kraków — each area has its own rules. Before boarding check the ticket zone. Buying only single-ride tickets — when you travel many times during the day, a daily or 48/72-hour ticket is often more economical.
Counting on the driver to sell any ticket you want — when the onboard machine fails, only selected tickets (for example 90-minute) may be offered. That’s why it’s better to have a ticket bought in advance or in an app.
If you’re looking for reliable places with good reviews: in the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find cafes and restaurants such as Cafe Camelot (calm atmosphere, good cakes), Charlotte (bakery and breakfasts), Starka (Polish cuisine in Kazimierz) and Restauracja Wierzynek (classic, historic interior). When choosing, follow reviews and reserve a table on weekends.
For accommodation, recommended options friendly to groups include Hotel Stary (central, comfortable), PURO Kraków (modern, well-reviewed) or smaller apartments around the Old Town and Kazimierz — for 2-6 people an apartment with a kitchenette can be both more comfortable and cheaper than several hotel rooms.
If your schedule is tight, use trams — they often bypass car traffic jams and are faster between key points. Also: time-based tickets allow unlimited transfers during their validity — very handy when stops and plans change.
If you plan to visit an attraction outside Kraków (for example Wieliczka), check combined ticket options or rail promotions — sometimes a transport+attraction combo works out cheaper.
Can tourists get the Karta Krakowska? - The Karta Krakowska is a program for residents or people who pay taxes in Kraków, so tourists are generally not eligible.
How to avoid a fine? - Always have a valid ticket before or immediately after boarding; buy tickets in apps before a control and keep the active confirmation on your phone screen.
Which ticket for 2-3 days? - For intensive sightseeing: 48- or 72-hour ticket. For a looser plan: a combination of a 24-hour ticket and some 90-minute tickets might be cheaper.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan their time well in Kraków. If you’d like even more comfort and a route tailored to your preferences, consider using the private guide services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Information about guided tours is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wishing you wonderful walks, tasty meals and smooth trips around Kraków! If you want, I can prepare a short ticket checklist matched to your plan (number of days, main attractions, number of transfers).
