Short answer: usually not. The Main Market Square and its immediate surroundings are the historic city centre with limited access for motor vehicles. In practice, the closest parking places belong to the Paid Parking Zone and are mainly reserved for residents, services and authorised vehicles. Most visitors save time and stress by leaving their car at a Park & Ride or in one of the car parks near Galeria Krakowska or underground garages, and then walking or taking a tram into the centre.
If you must come by car — plan ahead: check the boundaries of the Paid Parking Zone (SPP), prices and hours when fees apply, and the availability of spaces. On weekdays fees usually apply between 10:00 and 20:00 (rates differ by subzone A/B/C) — having a parking app on your phone often saves time.
A practical reason: pedestrian traffic, events and works — the Old Town is full of pedestrians, seasonal events and occasional roadworks; finding and paying for a spot in the centre can take much longer than a 10–20 minute walk from a nearby P+R or Galeria Krakowska.
From Kraków Główny (the main railway station) you can walk comfortably to the Market Square via Pawia Street, Podwale or through Galeria Krakowska. Walking time depends on where you exit the station but is usually about 8–12 minutes. For many visitors arriving by train this is the shortest and most reliable option.
Galeria Krakowska has a large car park and sits right next to the Old Town. Walking from the gallery’s parking to the Market Square takes about 10–20 minutes depending on your pace and exit point. The car park works on an hourly system — check current opening hours and prices in advance (short-term parking options are sometimes free).
If you prefer public transport: from the station and Galeria you can catch a short tram ride to stops closest to the Market Square (stops near the Słowacki Theatre, Main Post Office, Westerplatte). Note that tram routes and stop locations sometimes change because of works — it’s wise to check schedules before you travel.
There are tram and bus stops within a few minutes’ walk of the Market Square — commonly mentioned stops include Teatr Słowackiego, Poczta Główna (Main Post Office), Westerplatte, Plac Wszystkich Świętych, Filharmonia and stops along Dietla and Basztowa streets. From these points the Market Square is usually a short walk.
Trams are the fastest way to move around the centre during peak hours. Lines and routes are occasionally changed because of track works, so check MPK/ZTP notices before you leave — especially if you travel at weekends or on a day with a city event. During maintenance some lines run on detours or are temporarily replaced by substitute lines.
If you’re coming from another district, check whether your tram or bus stops at the places listed above. Even if a tram doesn’t pull up right next to the Market, stops on Lubicz, Basztowa or Dunajewskiego give easy pedestrian access through the Planty or side streets.
If you’re coming from the ring road or the highway, it’s most convenient to leave your car at a Park & Ride. One popular option is P+R Czerwone Maki — a car park connected to the tram network with tram services to the city centre. P+R is often free or discounted if you arrive with a valid public-transport ticket.
Other convenient choices are big shopping-centre car parks — Galeria Krakowska’s parking is close to the Main Station and the Old Town entrance, making it very practical for tourists. There are also private garages and underground lots at cultural venues and hotels — pricier but useful when time is tight.
How to pay and what to remember: Paid parking zones usually accept payment at parking meters or via mobile apps. Check the SPP hours (commonly 10:00–20:00 Monday–Saturday) and whether your spot is in subzone A, B or C — rates vary significantly.
The centre of Kraków is covered by the Paid Parking Zone (SPP/OPP). Fees are most often charged Monday–Saturday between 10:00 and 20:00; on some public holidays parking may be free. The zone is divided into subzones (A, B, C) — the Old Town and the Market area are typically in subzone A, where rates are highest.
Keep in mind progressive tariffs and discounts for Kraków Card holders or those paying via approved apps. Price lists change from time to time, so if you’ll leave your car for several hours check current rates before you travel and consider P+R as an alternative. Failure to pay can mean a fine — inspections are active in the centre.
Quick tip: set up a parking app before you arrive, add your vehicle registration number and verify the exact subzone — this saves time and sometimes gives a lower rate.
From Kraków-Balice Airport the easiest way to reach the city centre is the train operated by Koleje Małopolskie — the journey to Kraków Główny takes about 17–20 minutes and is often the fastest option in city conditions. The airport station is close to the terminal and is connected by a footbridge and short walk.
Alternatively, there are regional and city buses (day and night lines) which can take longer depending on traffic. Taxi services and ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) are convenient but more expensive, especially with heavy luggage or late at night. When planning your arrival check train timetables and ticket prices for the day of travel.
The Market Square is ringed by the Planty — a green belt that marks the edge of the Old Town. From most nearby stops you’ll reach the square comfortably through one of the Planty gates or smaller streets (for example Szewska, Grodzka, Floriańska). The walk from the Main Station or Galeria is also a great chance to see city highlights such as the Barbican, Florian Gate and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Plan your route so you can pause at a well-rated café — popular spots near the Market include Cafe Camelot, Charlotte, and bakeries and bistros on Plac Szczepański. If you’re carrying suitcases consider left-luggage at the station or in your hotel so you can enjoy sightseeing more freely.
Buy public-transport tickets via official apps or at ticket machines — it’s the simplest way to avoid problems. Most systems accept digital single-ride or period tickets. Parking apps speed up paying in the SPP and often offer discounts for Kraków Card holders.
Useful tools: the MPK/ZTP official information pages, map apps with live timetables, parking apps and Koleje Małopolskie schedules if you’re arriving via Balice. Also check local notices about track works — routes are sometimes changed during the maintenance season.
Driving into the strict centre without a plan. Result: circling, stress, a costly parking ticket and wasted time. Solution: leave the car at a P+R or Galeria Krakowska and use the tram or walk.
Not checking SPP hours and temporary tram-route changes — this can lead to fines or long detours. Solution: verify parking hours and MPK/ZTP notices before setting off.
Relying only on coins at parking meters without a mobile app — sometimes meters are out of order or limited. Solution: install a parking app (it can also offer better rates) and enter your registration number in advance.
For good meals near the Market choose well-reviewed, traditional and long-established restaurants — many near the square offer regional cuisine and refined service. Notable names in the area include brands and cafes such as Pod Aniołami, Szara Gęś, Miodowa, Cafe Camelot and Charlotte — all popular with visitors for quality and atmosphere.
If you need accommodation close to the Market, look for hotels or apartments with high ratings and a reception that can store luggage and advise on transport. When booking, check whether the property offers transfers from the station or airport — that saves time on arrival.
How long is the walk from the Main Station to the Market? - Usually 8–12 minutes on foot, depending on where you exit the station and your walking pace.
Is there parking under the Market? - There is no public car park directly under the Market Square. Closest options are private garages, Galeria Krakowska’s car park, P+R facilities and spaces within the Paid Parking Zone.
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the Market? - Often the most sensible and quick option is the Koleje Małopolskie train to Kraków Główny and then a short walk to the Market. Buses are sometimes cheaper but can be slower in peak traffic.
Consider arriving in Kraków outside peak hours — early mornings or evenings usually offer easier parking near shopping centres and shorter queues at attractions.
Many P+R car parks offer free or discounted entry when you also buy a public-transport ticket — a good money-saving option for drivers.
If you need help planning transport, reserving parking, arranging an airport transfer, booking museum tickets or a table at a restaurant — we’re happy to assist. Malgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide cooperating with zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, offers logistical support: from route planning to reservations and guided visits to museums and Kraków’s top sights.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. For personalised assistance Malgorzata can advise on routes, organise transport, booking accommodation and restaurants and create a trip tailored to your needs — find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We look forward to helping and wish you a great stay in Kraków!
