Yes — in most cases you can significantly reduce the chance of standing in a long queue if you follow a few simple planning rules. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum introduced entry card reservations and hourly visitor limits, so the most important step is to book in advance and arrive at your scheduled time. That way you avoid uncertainty and long waits at the gate.
Keep in mind that admission to the Memorial Site is free, but entry requires an entry card for a specific time slot — without a card you will not be allowed in, especially during high season.
Reservation rules have changed in recent years: many available slots and entry cards are provided only online and become available with specific advance notice, so planning ahead is essential.
Entry cards for self-guided visits (without an educator) and visits with an educator are reserved through the museum’s official booking system. Available slots are usually released with limited lead time — most commonly reservations open up to 90 days before the planned date, and there are rules about last-minute slots published for each day.
Since May 2025 free entry cards for visitors without a guide are available online only and are not issued on site. This is a crucial change — you can no longer arrive on the day and expect to get an entry card at the museum.
Book a specific entry time and take it seriously: the museum limits the number of people admitted each hour, so being late or failing to cancel prevents others from visiting and complicates your plans. If you cannot come, cancel your booking to free up the spot.
1) Go to the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum booking system and choose the type of visit (self-guided or with an educator).
2) Check the booking window — cards are usually available in advance (for example, up to 90 days), and last-day availability may be published at a fixed time (check the museum FAQ to learn the exact times when last-minute slots are released).
3) Fill in the booker details correctly (email, first name, last name, phone), print your entry card or have it electronically — follow the museum instructions on presenting the card at the entrance.
4) Read the visiting rules and the regulations on luggage and conduct at the Memorial Site — there is information about luggage storage and restrictions that may affect your visit.
To minimize queues, choose early morning entries or late afternoon slots outside peak times. During peak season (spring and summer) midweek days are usually less crowded than weekends.
School season, remembrance dates (for example anniversaries related to World War II) and holiday periods attract more visitors — plan in advance and avoid those days if you want a calmer visit.
If your travel plan is flexible, consider visiting outside the highest tourist season (autumn or winter outside the holidays) — the weather will be different but there are usually fewer crowds.
From Kraków to Oświęcim you can travel by bus, shuttle, train or car. Most connections depart from the bus stations near Kraków Główny. Travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the transport and traffic conditions.
When choosing transport, check whether your connection stops at the Museum/Auschwitz stop — some services stop in central Oświęcim and then you will need a short local transfer or a walk or a taxi. If you travel by train, pay attention to the distance from the station to the museum entrance.
If you plan to return the same day, schedule your return a bit later than the end of your visit — at peak times public transport and queues for rides can take longer.
Bring an identity document, your entry card (printed or electronic), comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. There is a lot of walking and some open areas on the former camp grounds.
Avoid large backpacks — the museum provides luggage storage (check the rules for dimensions and fees). Maintain solemnity and respect — this is a memorial site, so your clothing and behavior should reflect that.
Photography is allowed in certain areas, but check the museum rules beforehand regarding photography, tripods and filming.
Buying a "ticket" from unverified intermediaries — private sites sometimes sell tours that do not actually have confirmed reservations at the museum. The safest source is the museum’s official booking system.
Arriving without an entry card or being late — no entry card means you will not be admitted; treat your booked hour seriously because the museum limits entries per hour.
Not cancelling when you cannot come — this reduces the chance for other visitors to enter. If you know you will not make it, free the spot by cancelling.
Entry to the Memorial Site is free — this surprises many visitors because, despite no admission fee, you still need to reserve an entry card for a specific time.
The museum regularly updates rules related to safety and visit organization — check information right before you travel, because release times for slots and certain rules can change.
There are often short free self-guided time slots outside scheduled group hours — these fill up quickly, so watch the booking system.
If you plan a day trip from Kraków to Oświęcim and back, it’s a good idea to eat before you leave or after you return to Kraków — the city offers a wide range of great restaurants and cafes. Recommended spots in Kraków include Café Camelot, Charlotte bakery and Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in Kazimierz).
Dining options in Oświęcim are more limited than in Kraków — if a particularly good dinner matters to you, plan it in Kraków. If you prefer to eat near the museum, look for places with positive reviews and short wait times so you don’t risk missing your return connection. For accommodation, Kraków has the greatest variety: hostels to boutique hotels. Choose somewhere near the Old Town or the Main Station if you plan a day trip to Oświęcim.
Check recent reviews and ratings before choosing a place to eat or stay — venues with many reviews and a high average score tend to offer more reliable experiences.
Can I enter without a reservation? — No, since May 2025 free entry cards are available online only; cards are not issued on site. Arrive with a valid entry card.
Where should I book? — Use the museum’s official booking system. Avoid suspicious intermediaries and offers that do not provide confirmed reservations from the museum.
What if I’m late for my entry time? — The museum limits the number of people per hour; being late may result in no entry. If possible, contact the museum staff before arrival.
Is entry paid? — Admission to the Memorial Site is free; fees apply only to some forms of visiting (for example special educational programs) or additional services.
Book your entry card as early as possible, plan your travel with extra time, cancel if you cannot come, and use only the official booking system. These simple rules will save you stress and queues.
If you would like a more informative and personalized visit, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her guided visits help to understand historical context and make the visit calmer and more meaningful. Contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends, send the link or post tips on social media. The more visitors plan their visit thoughtfully, the more people will be able to experience this important place with respect and comfort.
