A visit to the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is an experience that requires time, focus and preparation. This is not a regular tourist attraction — it is a memorial and an educational site, and it’s worth coming with respect and at least a free day in your schedule.
If you’re coming from Krakow, good logistics will help you make the most of the visit without rushing or unnecessary stress. Based on experience and the Museum’s guidelines, the minimum sensible time is about 3.5 hours, and many visitors spend a full day exploring.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site is free of charge, but access is only possible with a personalized entry card that must be reserved online in advance. The Museum recommends booking ahead because of high demand and limited spaces.
To get a fuller understanding of the history, the Museum suggests visiting with an educator-guide; language-specific guided tours and live online tours led by educators are also available. Organized groups are required to hire a Museum educator-guide.
Visitor rules include showing respect for the site, dressing appropriately and complying with baggage restrictions. The maximum size of a backpack or bag allowed on the Museum grounds is 35 x 25 x 15 cm — larger luggage must be left in your car or coach.
For security procedures the Museum asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visit. The Museum may temporarily limit access to certain areas or exhibits for conservation or organizational reasons.
The Memorial Site is open for most of the year, except on January 1, December 25 and Easter Sunday. Entrance times usually start from 7:30; the last possible starting time for visits depends on the month — winter hours are earlier, while in summer entries can be available until about 19:00.
Exact entrance hours change by month — check the current schedule before you travel, especially if you plan a visit outside the main season.
The most convenient and fastest connections from Krakow to Oświęcim are by train or bus. Trains run multiple times daily; the fastest services take about 40–50 minutes, typical regional connections around an hour. Traveling by train is often a reliable choice if you want to avoid traffic and plan an exact arrival time.
Buses (including long-distance operators) take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on route and traffic. If you pick the bus, check how many services run that day and the travel time — schedules vary by operator and time of day.
Driving takes about 1 hour depending on traffic. The main parking and the Visitor Service Centre are reached via ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 55 — allow time to find parking and walk to the entrance.
If you plan to visit the Museum on the same day as other Krakow sightseeing, reserve at least a half day (preferably a full day). It’s best to leave in the morning to avoid crowds and keep flexibility in your schedule.
To reasonably see both parts of the camp (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) allow at least 3.5 hours. A typical guided visit with an educator lasts about 3.5 hours; there are also longer study tours for those who want to deepen their knowledge.
Many visitors begin at the former Auschwitz I camp (where most routes start) and then continue to Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The Museum provides a shuttle transfer between the sites for tour participants.
If your time is limited, choose an earlier entry — mornings tend to be quieter. After finishing at Birkenau, remember that walking to parking or transport may take extra time.
Wear comfortable walking shoes — the route includes indoor exhibition halls and outdoor areas, sometimes with uneven ground. Bring water and a light snack for later, but remember that some spaces are part of the memorial and eating in sensitive areas may be inappropriate.
Respect the site — photography is allowed in most areas but always with appropriate distance and solemnity. Do not climb on exhibits or touch display objects. Follow the instructions of Museum staff.
Remember the baggage size limits — bags larger than the allowed dimensions (35 x 25 x 15 cm) will not be admitted. If you travel by car, leave larger luggage in the trunk or in the vehicle.
After an emotionally demanding visit it’s good to plan a relaxed meal in Krakow. If you’ll be spending the rest of the day in town, consider restaurants in Kazimierz known for traditional Polish and regional cuisine or the area around the Main Market Square for elegant dining and cafés.
A few well-regarded options in Krakow you might consider: Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish, near the Old Town), Starka (Kazimierz, Polish cuisine), Szara (by the Main Market Square), and Café Camelot (cozy café in Kazimierz). For something lighter and intimate, look for small cafés with consistent good reviews — booking a table for your return to Krakow (especially on weekends) is a smart idea.
Not reserving an entry card in advance — during peak season entries sell out quickly. Book early and confirm your time to avoid disappointment.
Underestimating the time needed — many people think an hour is enough; that’s a mistake. Reserve at least 3.5 hours for the visit, and plan a full day if you want to study the exhibitions more deeply.
Bringing oversized luggage — check limits and leave bigger bags in your car or in storage if possible. Avoid attempting a quick, “in-and-out” visit — approach the site with appropriate seriousness.
The Museum also offers guided online visits — an option for those who cannot come in person or who want to prepare for a visit. Such live online tours typically last about two hours and are led by an educator.
There are various types of visits: standard tours, study tours and specialist educational programs — if you have specific historical interests, consider the study offers.
If you plan to visit during official commemorations or state visits, check Museum announcements in advance — temporary access restrictions can occur.
Is entry paid? Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but a personalized entry card reservation is required.
Can I get there by train? Yes — trains from Krakow to Oświęcim run regularly; the fastest connections take about 40–50 minutes. Check current timetables before you travel.
How long is a standard visit? A typical guided tour with an educator lasts about 3.5 hours; shorter online forms and longer study tours are also available.
Can I take photos? In most areas photography is allowed, but always maintain solemnity and respect and obey restrictions in designated spaces.
A visit to Auschwitz is often an emotionally heavy experience. Give yourself time to process what you’ve seen — you don’t need to “tick off” the whole museum in a hurry. Plan your day so you can rest and talk about what you experienced after returning to Krakow.
If you feel you would benefit from personalized preparation or guided support during the visit, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers tailored guiding that helps explain historical context and calmly lead visitors through the route. Contact details for bookings are available on this site.
If you found this article helpful — share it with others, send it to friends or post it on social media. That way more people will prepare well for their first or next visit to this important place of memory.
