Krakow is an excellent base for trips to Zakopane — the distance is about 100–110 km, and with good organization the journey usually takes around 1.5–2 hours. For VIP guests and business delegations, comfort begins in Krakow: punctual pickup, a convenient place to park and a stress-free departure greatly improve the overall impression of the trip.
If you are expecting business guests, it’s worth booking parking spaces and transport in advance — this saves time and avoids last-minute, stressful improvisation before a meeting or the drive to the mountains.
Rakowicki Cemetery is a landmark and an important place of remembrance in Krakow — it helps to know the basic rules for getting there. The necropolis has set opening hours that depend on the season, and on peak days (for example All Saints’ Day) there are significant traffic restrictions and special parking arrangements.
The city arranges a temporary parking area near ul. Prandoty directly by the cemetery — it operates during visiting hours and has a limited number of spaces. On holiday days streets around the cemetery are often closed or partially restricted, so it’s better to advise guests to use public transport or to suggest alternative, permanent parking a little further away.
For business guests, multilevel and underground car parks near the center (for example those by the National Museum or Galeria Krakowska) are recommended, and reserving a spot in advance guarantees a place and a short walk to the Old Town or the hotel.
The most reliable solutions are: underground and guarded car parks in the center, as well as Park & Ride facilities on the city outskirts. Recommended locations include the car park by the National Museum (al. Mickiewicza), Galeria Krakowska/Pawia 10 and modern multilevel garages and P+R sites — all provide 24/7 access and greater security for valuable vehicles.
For delegations, the hotel 'under-the-hotel' option is often the most elegant and convenient. Top-standard hotels in the center usually have parking spaces or garages (confirm in advance whether spaces can be reserved and whether company cars can enter). This eliminates the need to maneuver through narrow Old Town streets and allows for a discreet, elegant welcome of guests.
If pickup is to take place at the Old Town, choose a convenient, wide meeting point outside the most crowded part of the Market Square — for example the areas near Galeria Krakowska or al. Mickiewicza are better than the narrow lanes on the Market Square itself. Reserving a spot (for example in the Galeria garage) ensures the car will be available immediately.
For VIPs we recommend private transfers provided by reputable companies offering modern vehicles, experienced drivers and schedule flexibility. When planning: allow 1.5–2.5 hours one way, book minibuses or cars in advance and plan breaks according to guests’ preferences.
It’s a good idea to prepare an itinerary with a few stops: a short break for a view or coffee, a visit in Zakopane (Krupówki, Gubałówka, possibly the cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek) and the return to Krakow. If guests prefer a more relaxed pace, allow extra time for a meal in a well-reviewed regional inn or restaurant.
For business groups vehicles with a driver, minibuses or vans with larger luggage space work well. Agree on the driver’s waiting rules (how much waiting time is included in the price, and how extra hours are charged).
For business guests in Krakow choose well-established, highly-rated venues near the Old Town and representative hotels. The center offers restaurants with long traditions and good reputations — suitable for a business lunch or a dinner after a trip.
In Zakopane, if you plan a break during the trip, pick reputable inns and restaurants serving regional specialties — hosts often handle larger groups and ensure quick service.
(Examples of noteworthy places: in Krakow — renowned hotels and restaurants with long histories of hosting guests; in Zakopane — trusted mountain inns serving oscypek and regional dishes. Always reserve in advance, especially on weekends and in the high season.)
Book parking and transfers in advance — the most common mistake organizers make is relying on luck. A reservation guarantees punctuality and peace of mind.
Do not leave valuables visible in the car and use guarded car parks, especially if the vehicle will be parked for several hours. Underground or guarded parking is standard for company cars and coaches with delegations.
When picking up guests choose a comfortable meeting point — ideally outside the main pedestrian zone of the Old Town; sending guests clear instructions with a map and a photo of the meeting spot greatly simplifies the procedure.
Mistake: not reserving parking or transfer for a specific time. Solution: reserve with confirmation and a contact number for the driver or company.
Mistake: planning departure during peak hours on Zakopianka. Solution: leave early (for example before 7:30) or later in the afternoon to avoid traffic; have an alternative plan in case of jams.
Mistake: expecting guests to find parking in a crowded center themselves. Solution: provide an exact meeting point and preferably suggest a garage at the specified address.
How long is the Krakow–Zakopane drive? Usually about 1.5–2 hours one way with smooth traffic; in high season and heavy traffic allow even 2.5–3 hours.
Where is the best place to park near Rakowicki Cemetery? The nearest official temporary parking operates at ul. Prandoty; on an everyday basis it’s better to use nearby underground or multilevel car parks and reach the cemetery by public transport or on foot.
Is it worth leaving the car at the hotel? Yes — for VIPs this is the most convenient option if the hotel has spaces or a garage. Always confirm conditions and parking costs in advance.
How to reserve space for a large delegation? Contact the transport company and the car park directly; ask for written confirmation of the booking and the terms for waiting time and extra charges.
In central Krakow there are multilevel car parks with elevators and spaces for people with disabilities — very convenient when handling guests with luggage or presentation equipment.
Park & Ride facilities are a great solution if you want a quick crossing of the city without the cost and stress of searching for a spot in the center. You can leave cars on the outskirts and continue by tram or taxi.
On days of increased traffic (for example All Saints’ Day) the area around Rakowicki Cemetery may be closed — if your plan includes a visit there, check municipal announcements in advance.
For companies organizing trips I recommend the model: book a car with a driver + reserve a parking spot in a garage + provide guests with a detailed timetable for confirmation. This minimizes the risk of delays and misunderstandings.
If you regularly manage VIP arrivals, it’s worth having a standing agreement with one transfer company and the parking administration — this often results in better conditions, priority access and faster settlements.
Checklist: book the transfer and confirm the time; reserve parking (garage or P+R); indicate a clear pickup point for guests; plan extra time for traffic; reserve a restaurant if a meal is planned; inform guests of departure time and meeting place.
Well-organized logistics means guest comfort, saved time and a better impression of the visit to Krakow and Zakopane. I encourage you to share this article with friends or on social media. If you would like professional private guiding services, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — tour guide. You can find contact details on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website — I will gladly help plan a detailed trip for VIP guests.
