Yes — this is a popular and doable option, especially for mid-sized groups (7–30 people). You just need to plan the Salt Mine visit time and the transfer logistics so you don’t lose time on unnecessary transfers.
A recommended outline is: morning and late morning in Kraków’s city centre (Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, walk along Floriańska Street), lunch before heading to Wieliczka, an afternoon visit to the mine (the tourist route usually takes 2–3 hours), and a short return to Kraków to finish the day if time allows.
08:30–11:30: walk around the Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (short historical introduction, photos, time for coffee).
11:30–12:30: lunch at one of the recommended restaurants near the Market — choose places with good reviews and enough seating for groups (book popular venues in advance).
12:45–13:15: transfer to Wieliczka (coach/minibus or train). Drive time by car is usually 20–35 minutes depending on traffic; the train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia takes about 25 minutes and is a comfortable alternative.
13:30–16:30: visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Tourist Route or another chosen route). Time for entering, walking the route and souvenir shopping is typically 2–3 hours.
17:00: return to Kraków or a short stop in Wieliczka for coffee/snack, then end the day according to the group’s plan.
For groups of 7–30 the most practical options are: a private minibus/coach (flexibility, drop-off at a chosen spot) or the regional train (Koleje Małopolskie) from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia.
The train is handy if some in the group prefer to relax during the ride — the trip takes about 25 minutes and trains run regularly. For groups with specific departure times, hired transport may be better, especially if you want to leave luggage in the vehicle.
If you use a coach or bus, remember the rules for tourist stops in Kraków — these spots are intended for short drop-off and pick-up only (usually up to 10 minutes). Longer parking requires moving the vehicle to a coach parking lot.
Central Kraków has limited parking and a paid parking zone — random street parking can cost you time and stress. The safest option is to use multi-storey or underground car parks close to the centre (for example near the National Museum) — they are usually open 24/7 and allow a quick walk to the Market Square.
For minibuses and coaches plan ahead: 1) short passenger drop-offs at designated tourist stops (drop-off/pick-up, max allowed time), 2) leave the vehicle in coach parking areas or at the main coach station (Małopolski Dworzec Autobusowy), where you can park safely for longer.
If you want to minimise vehicle movement in the Old Town, consider leaving larger vehicles at a parking lot on the edge of the centre and continue sightseeing on foot or by tram.
Wieliczka has several car parks close to the mine — convenient for visitors arriving by car or van. The nearest parking areas are along the streets leading to the Daniłowicz and Dembowski shafts, and the walk from most lots to the Tourist Route entrance takes just a few minutes.
For coach groups it’s worth checking in advance whether coach parking will be available on the day of your visit — the season can be busy. Often it makes sense to reserve a spot or coordinate arrival time with the mine’s staff.
Prepare a contingency plan — keep the contact number for mine staff or tourist information and mark an emergency parking stop on your map to increase the group’s comfort.
Visits inside the mine take place with a guide; the Tourist Route starts at the Mikołaj Daniłowicz shaft (entrance on Daniłowicz Street). The route usually lasts 2–3 hours depending on the option you choose.
Groups must follow reservation rules — it’s best to buy tickets in advance, especially in high season, because guide availability is limited (organised groups have their own quotas).
There are also additional logistical services at the mine — for example the possibility to use an elevator to certain levels (fees and limited spaces) and group handling. If you plan to use the elevator (for older participants, for example), mention it when booking.
In Kraków — near the Market — choose restaurants with good reviews and the ability to reserve for larger groups. Booking in advance saves time and stress. Look for places that offer group menus or quick service.
In Wieliczka you’ll find several tourist-friendly cafés and restaurants close to the mine. After an intense visit a hot meal or a quick snack is often welcome before returning to Kraków.
If your group includes vegetarians, vegans or people with allergies, inform the restaurant when booking — most well-rated places will gladly prepare alternatives.
Not reserving tickets to the mine and transport — this can lead to long queues or no available spots. Book mine tickets for a chosen time and plan a parking spot if you arrive by vehicle.
Trying to park a coach for a long time in the heart of the Old Town — the centre allows tourist stops only for short passenger drop-offs. Plan coach parking outside the strict centre.
Not adapting the pace to the group composition — remember slower walkers, breaks and comfortable footwear. The mine requires descending and walking through underground corridors, so account for participants’ time and energy.
The mine is not only chambers and chapels — its underground rooms create a unique salty microclimate that for years has attracted visitors seeking relief for allergies and respiratory conditions.
Wieliczka contains unique salt artworks: sculptures, chandeliers and chapels created over centuries by miners and artists — an excellent educational point for groups interested in craft history.
A visit often includes a short lesson about the economic importance of salt for the kingdom — a topic that engages visitors of all ages.
How do I reserve tickets for a group? — Online or phone reservations are recommended. Provide the number of people, preferred time and information about possible elevator use.
Can you visit the route without a guide? — The Tourist Route is guided; independent visits are not always possible on all routes.
Are there luggage lockers in the mine? — Check storage and restrictions for large baggage when planning the trip; smaller items are usually allowed but it’s best to limit luggage for convenience.
1) Reservations: mine tickets + transport (if you hire a bus/coach). 2) Parking: reserve a spot or plan an alternative stop. 3) Food: reserve tables for the group. 4) Extra info: save contacts for the mine staff and the driver, prepare a participant list.
Remember comfortable shoes, optional spare footwear for those sensitive to lower temperatures underground and short breaks during the tour. With good organisation the day will be full of experiences, not stress.
If this plan was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. When planning a trip for a larger or more demanding group I’m happy to help fine-tune the schedule and provide logistical support.
If you’d like to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s website. Feel free to reach out and I will gladly tailor the route to your group’s needs.
