Zakopane can get crowded, especially on weekends and during long holiday weekends — a fact that surprises many visitors coming from Krakow. However, standing in multi-hour queues is not inevitable. A few simple choices — the right departure time, the way you get there, booking tickets in advance, and being flexible about attractions — can reduce waiting time to a minimum and turn the weekend into an enjoyable trip rather than a test of patience.
If you plan to travel from Krakow, remember that the biggest jams form on the Zakopianka and around popular points: Krupówki, Kuźnice (the lower station of the Kasprowy cable car) and the parking areas near Morskie Oko. It’s worth preparing for these in advance and having several alternatives ready.
The quietest times are very early in the morning (first hours) and late afternoon to evening. If possible, choose to leave on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning, or arrive Sunday evening when some visitors are already returning. Avoid long holiday weekends and public holidays, when traffic is at its peak.
For people planning to use the Kasprowy Wierch cable car — the best strategy is to buy an online ticket for a specific time or choose the first runs of the day. Online tickets often allow you to skip the regular ticket queue and sometimes have a dedicated entrance; picking less popular hours can also be financially advantageous.
When planning a mountain trip, always check the weather forecast and operator notices — in bad conditions traffic and accessibility can change dramatically.
The Zakopianka is the main road linking Krakow with Zakopane and it’s where most traffic jams form. To avoid them, consider leaving outside peak hours or taking alternative routes. Turning off at Nowy Targ, a route via Witów and Czarny Dunajec, or heading through Poronin and local roads can shorten travel time in critical moments.
If you don’t want to drive — take the train or one of the shuttle buses running from Krakow. Public transport is often more convenient in high season because you won’t need to hunt for a parking space in crowded Zakopane. An added benefit is the chance to relax and enjoy the view of the mountains without driving stress.
Remember that congestion can appear not only on the way in but also when leaving Zakopane — plan your departure with a time buffer and, if possible, avoid the most crowded hours (afternoon/Sunday evening).
In central Zakopane and by the lower cable-car stations, parking fills up quickly. If you plan to arrive by car, book a parking spot in advance if possible, or choose accommodation with private parking.
One common trap is trying to drive directly to the lower station of the Kasprowy cable car (Kuźnice) — traffic in that area is restricted and in practice it’s better to walk, use a city bus, take a taxi or a horse-drawn carriage. Unplanned attempts to park near the station usually end with extra problems and sometimes a longer walk than expected.
It’s worth using the local buses that run to popular valleys (Morskie Oko, Kościeliska) — they often avoid parking problems and can save time.
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car is one of the most visited attractions and can create long ticket queues. The most reliable way to avoid waiting is to purchase tickets online with a reserved time. Online sales often include separate entrances, which speeds up boarding significantly.
If you cannot reserve your preferred time, consider taking a very early run or choosing later afternoon hours — the mid-day crowd is usually the largest. Another option is to swap a crowded attraction for a less busy one — instead of a crowded summit, pick a quieter valley, a scenic meadow or a lesser-known viewpoint.
Keep in mind that some tickets can be bought at machines, but on popular days those machines are busy too — buying online is the safest option.
If you want to feel the peace of the mountains, choose less popular valleys and viewpoints. The Valley of Mała Łąka, Dolina Lejowa, Rusinowa Polana, Butorowy Wierch or Szymoszkowa often offer beautiful views with less traffic than places like Giewont or Gubałówka.
Hikes started very early in the morning or in the late afternoon give not only peace but also exceptional light for photos. You may also come across morning mist and a tranquillity that is priceless in high season.
If you’re aiming for very popular places (for example Morskie Oko), consider visiting outside the weekend or booking transport from town — cars parked there often cause queues for buses and the parking lots fill up quickly.
On weekends the best restaurants and cafés in central Zakopane fill up fast. If you care about a specific place, reserve a table in advance — I especially recommend places with good reviews and traditional Podhale cuisine. For example, Gazdowo Kuźnia at Krupówki is a well-known option offering regional dishes and a mountain atmosphere.
When choosing accommodation, pay attention to its location relative to your plans: if you want to be close to Kuźnice and the cable cars, pick lodging nearer the northern part of town; if you plan walks along Krupówki and evening outings, the centre will be more convenient. Apartments with private parking are a great convenience in season.
A few well-rated addresses are worth booking in advance — it’s a simple way to avoid extra stress after arrival.
Arriving without reservations for popular attractions and without a planned parking spot is the most frequent mistake. Online reservations for cable cars and parking, as well as checking local public transport, can save you many hours in queues.
Another mistake is travelling during the most popular hours (10:00–15:00) without an alternative — that’s when attractions and eateries are most crowded. Have a plan B: an alternative route, a less-known place or an activity at a different time of day.
Many visitors also don’t realise the traffic restrictions around the lower cable-car stations — trying to drive “right to the door” often ends with long searching for a space or having to leave the car farther away and walk. Check access and parking rules in advance.
Is it worth buying a Kasprowy ticket online? Yes — buying online usually saves time and lets you skip the queue; it can also grant access to a separate entrance. It’s best to buy in advance when you plan a visit for a specific time.
Can you drive to Kuźnice? In practice it’s better not to plan driving there without checking current restrictions and parking availability. In many cases it’s more convenient to take a bus, taxi or walk from the town centre.
How to avoid jams on Zakopianka? Leaving outside rush hours, using alternative routes through local towns and travelling by train or coach from Krakow are the most reliable ways to avoid major traffic jams.
What if tickets are sold out? Have a plan B: a less crowded trail, a different viewpoint, a trip to a nearby valley or a walk on less frequented paths. Sometimes checking for later times the same day helps as well.
Consider arriving early to the less-frequented parking areas — even 30–60 minutes of early start can give you quiet trails. A small change in the start of your day makes a big difference in experience.
A "top" attraction does not always give a better experience — smaller, well-rated trails and viewpoints can create equally strong memories without the crowds and queues.
When planning, check local webcams and operator notices — sometimes a few minutes of up-to-date information is enough to change your plan and avoid long waits.
If this guide helped you plan a calmer trip to Zakopane, share it with friends or on social media so more people can see the Tatras without queues. If you prefer an organised, intimate and personalized way of exploring, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact are available on her guide profile page.
Wishing you a great trip — may the Tatras show their best side and may queues not spoil your weekend.
