Wawel sits almost in the center of Krakow, on a hill visible from many spots in the Old Town. For most visitors the simplest and quickest option is to walk, but there are also fast tram, taxi or scooter options — it all depends on the weather, your luggage and personal preferences.
If you get off a train or bus at the Main Station (Kraków Główny), the walk to Wawel usually takes about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace; from the Main Market Square it’s about 10–15 minutes. It’s a very pleasant route because it follows the historic Royal Route.
This guide gives a simple step-by-step walking route from the Main Railway Station and the MDA Bus Station, short public-transport options, tips for visitors with limited mobility, common tourist mistakes and a practical FAQ.
Exit the station hall toward the Galeria Krakowska (main southern exit). If you are facing the front of the station, turn left toward Pawia Street / Lubicz Street.
Cross Lubicz Street and head toward Westerplatte Street / Basztowa Street. After a short walk you will reach the Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town. Then follow the Planty in the direction of the Main Market Square (west–south).
When you reach the Market, the most pleasant route goes along Grodzka Street (the Royal Route). Walking Grodzka you’ll pass historic townhouses, churches and charming cafés. This route ends at the foot of Wawel Hill.
Alternatively, you can take Kanonicza Street (right next to Grodzka) if you prefer a shorter, more intimate stretch of the Old Town and the famous canon houses.
Total walking time from the Main Station to Wawel: about 20 minutes. If you stop to sightsee along the way, allow more time.
There is a tram stop near Wawel at ul. Św. Gertrudy (stop named Wawel) and another stop a little further away at Stradom (ul. Dietla). Selected tram lines serve these stops; line numbers and routes may change because of maintenance or city decisions.
From the Main Station, head to the station tram stops (via the tunnel or the tram platforms) and board a tram toward the center. Get off at Wawel or Stradom and walk the short remaining distance (Stradom is roughly a 5–10 minute walk).
Before you travel check current timetables and routes in a transport app or on the city’s schedules. City tickets can be bought at kiosks, ticket machines or via mobile apps — remember to validate/activate your ticket.
If you have a lot of luggage or travel in a group, a tram may be less convenient — consider a taxi or leaving luggage in a station locker.
The former bus station area is integrated with the Main Station complex; from the MDA Bus Station you can walk to Wawel similarly to the railway station — about 20–25 minutes along the Planty and the Royal Route.
MDA has convenient tram and bus connections nearby (stops such as Teatr Słowackiego, Dworzec Główny). Many bus bays make it easy to walk or transfer to a tram.
If you arrive by coach with heavy luggage, check short-term kiss-and-ride options near the station, consider station luggage storage or drop your bags at your hotel before the walk to Wawel.
Taxi: a convenient choice, especially with luggage. Official taxi stands are located at the Main Station; you can also order by phone. Use licensed taxis or popular apps (Bolt, Free Now, Uber where available).
Bolt/Uber: ride-hailing apps operate in Krakow and are often cheaper than a traditional taxi. The trip from the Main Station to Wawel takes only a few minutes without traffic.
Bicycle/e-scooter: on warm days this is a fast and fun option. Bicycles are not allowed on Wawel Hill itself — leave your bike at the racks at the base of the hill.
Car: parking near Wawel is limited and paid; a better option is park-and-ride or an underground car park such as the one near Plac Na Groblach and walk the short remaining distance.
Wawel provides access solutions (including designated parking spaces and guidance for visitors with disabilities). If you need special access, contact the Royal Castle’s staff in advance to confirm available arrangements for the day of your visit.
The Main Station has elevators and tunnels connecting different levels; if you travel with luggage or use a wheelchair, use the main circulation routes and official information points at the station.
If you plan to arrive by car, check the list of disabled parking spaces near Wawel and the rules for driving into the Old Town.
Buy tickets for the castle and exhibitions in advance via the official Wawel ticket system to avoid queues and disappointment during the high season.
Wawel has official museum guides; if you want a professional narrative about the Castle, you can book a castle guide or rent an audio guide available with tickets.
If you have large luggage — leave it in a locker at the Main Station or at your hotel. Visitors generally do not bring large suitcases into the historic site.
Check opening hours and any closures (holidays, conservation work). The official site has current opening times and contact details for staff.
Mistake: assuming the tram will always take you 'right to Wawel'. Line and direction matter — pay attention to the tram’s destination and stops. Check the route in an app before boarding.
Mistake: not having a valid MPK ticket or an unactivated mobile ticket. Always buy and validate your ticket before travel; controllers can appear suddenly and fines are unpleasant.
Mistake: planning too little time for the visit. Even a short walk around Wawel and viewing the exterior takes more time than expected — allow at least 45–60 minutes for the hill alone, plus extra time if you plan to enter museums.
Mistake: bringing a bicycle onto Wawel. Bikes are not permitted on Wawel Hill — leave them at the racks by the entrance.
If you want coffee before entering Wawel or after touring, head to the Main Market Square where you’ll find well-known cafés and restaurants with atmosphere and a wide menu selection.
Good restaurants nearby — it’s worth reserving during high season. On the way to Wawel you’ll also find intimate cafés along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets.
If you’re looking for something quick and local, Kazimierz (a short walk from Wawel across the Piłsudski Bridge) offers excellent Polish and international spots — a popular choice after sightseeing.
How long does it take to walk from the Main Station to Wawel? About 20–25 minutes on foot, depending on pace and stops along the way.
Does the tram stop right at Wawel? There is a Wawel stop (ul. Św. Gertrudy) and a Stradom stop (ul. Dietla). Because routes change, check current timetables before you travel.
Where to buy Wawel tickets? Best to use the official Wawel ticket system or the ticket offices on site (when available).
Is it worth going via the Market? Yes — the route through the Market and Grodzka Street is the nicest walk, full of sights and atmospheric stops.
Can you drive to Wawel? Access directly to the foot of the hill is restricted; park in nearby paid car parks and walk the short distance.
Walking the Royal Route is not just a way to Wawel — it’s a section of the former coronation route, used by crowned dignitaries entering the castle. Along the way you’ll pass churches and houses with interesting histories.
The view of the Vistula and the river bend when descending from Wawel makes a great photo spot — plan a short pause and take in the city from a different angle.
Official museum guides work at Wawel — if you want reliable historical storytelling, consider visiting with a castle guide or using the audio guide.
Sample simple plan for a train arrival: arrive at Kraków Główny → get your bearings in the station hall → walk (20 min) the Royal Route through the Planty and Grodzka → Wawel → after visiting, coffee or lunch at the Market or a walk along the Vistula.
If you’re short on time: order a Bolt/Uber or a taxi from the station — travel to Wawel takes a few minutes, but remember possible traffic during peak hours.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other visitors plan their Krakow trip.
If you would like to tour Wawel with a guide, I recommend Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information about guided tours and contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A professional guided visit helps uncover lesser-known stories and plan your time at the castle efficiently.
