Yes — it’s doable if you plan your time well. Wieliczka lies southeast of Kraków’s centre, only a few dozen kilometres away. The train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes. Visiting the Salt Mine usually takes 2 to 3 hours (Tourist Route plus an optional Museum Route), so combining a short walk through Kraków’s main sights with a trip to Wieliczka is completely realistic for a group of friends who like an active, well‑organised day.
Wieliczka is more than an underground chapel and salt sculptures — it’s thousands of metres of corridors that document the history of mining. The Tourist Route visits chambers located at depths of roughly 64 to 135 metres and includes the famous St. Kinga’s Chapel (around 100 m below ground). Be prepared to descend stairs (the initial section is 380 steps and, during the tour, you may cover over 800 steps on various sections).
If you want to make the most of the day, start early, book your mine tickets online, and split the group so the pace suits everyone.
08:30 — Start the walk on Wawel Hill: Castle, Cathedral, the courtyard and photos by the Wawel Dragon. A short 30–45 minute stop covers the highlights.
10:00 — Walk through the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or a quick visit), and a café break — a perfect time for coffee and local sweets.
11:00 — Return to the Main Railway Station and take the train to Wieliczka (approx. 20–25 minutes).
11:40–12:00 — Arrive in Wieliczka, a short walk to the Daniłowicza 10 entrance shaft, collect tickets if needed.
12:00–15:00 — Visit the Salt Mine (Tourist Route + optional Museum Route). After the tour, consider visiting the Saltworks Castle (Zamek Żupny) and the Saltworks garden above ground.
15:30 — Return to Kraków. Spend the afternoon in Kazimierz or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Vistula Boulevards.
18:00 — Dinner at one of the recommended restaurants, an evening at a bar or a stroll around the illuminated Market Square.
This is just a suggestion — if you prefer to visit more museums in Kraków, shorten your Market visit or move part of the plan to another day.
The most convenient way to get to Wieliczka from central Kraków is the train to Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia. Services run regularly, the journey takes about 20–25 minutes and is comfortable for a group. Alternatively you can use the city bus (line 304) or car/taxi — outside peak hours the trip is around 20–30 minutes.
The mine entrance you use for the Tourist Route is at Daniłowicza 10. Groups with online tickets pick up entrance passes at the ticket office in front of the shaft building. The Tourist Route starts with a stair descent (380 steps) or, if previously arranged and available, you may be able to use an elevator for initial descent.
If you plan to travel by car, Wieliczka has paid commercial parking and spaces in the Paid Parking Zone. For large groups consider coordinating train departures or reserving transport to avoid long waits while assembling everyone.
Buy Salt Mine tickets online in advance, especially in season and on weekends — entry times for groups are limited and fill up quickly. When booking, indicate special needs (elevator for people with limited mobility, stroller, etc.).
For larger groups (more than a dozen people) it’s worth reserving specific visit times and checking guide availability in Polish or other languages if someone needs translation. If you plan to visit specific exhibitions in Kraków (e.g. selected Wawel exhibitions), check opening hours and buy tickets ahead.
The mine maintains a steady, cool temperature year‑round — usually around 14–18°C. Bring a light sweater or jacket even in summer. Comfortable, non‑slip shoes are best — the route involves a long walk on uneven stairs and sidewalks.
Bring a water bottle, although there are some refreshments available off the main route. Take a small backpack, phone or camera (photography is allowed without flash) and basic medications if someone gets dizzy going down.
If anyone has mobility issues or claustrophobia, report it when booking — the mine can provide elevator access subject to availability. Baby strollers are not recommended on the Tourist Route.
In Kraków you have a huge choice, from traditional Polish cuisine to modern bistros. Recommended places where a group of friends can enjoy time together include: Restaurant Wierzynek (Main Market Square — historic experience), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish dishes), Starka (Kazimierz — homestyle cooking and cozy atmosphere), Café Camelot (a snug café near the Market), and Massolit Books & Café (bookstore and café — great for a break).
If you need a quick lunch before heading to Wieliczka, consider places around the Market serving pierogi and creamy soups, or bistros near Plac Szczepański such as Charlotte — easy to access and popular with visitors. For the evening in Kazimierz many people like Alchemia and the local atmospheric bars, but choose according to your group’s taste.
The Wieliczka Mine is not just a few chambers — underground there’s a network of corridors measured in hundreds of kilometres. Only a small portion is open to tourists, but even that part is impressive.
St. Kinga’s Chapel is carved entirely from salt — floors, altar, chandeliers and many bas‑reliefs are salt works created by miners‑artists. The chapel often hosts underground concerts and events — a unique acoustic experience in a salt space.
Remember that the mine and its surface sites (Saltworks Castle, brine graduation tower) form an interesting whole. After leaving the underground passages, allow time to walk around the castle and visit the museum if you still have energy.
Mistake: Thinking the mine can be “done” in 45 minutes. You really need at least 2 hours for the Tourist Route plus time for travel.
Fix: Book time slots with margin and plan breaks for food and rest. Don’t try to pack too many attractions into one day.
Mistake: Not booking tickets in season or on weekends, which leads to long waits or no availability at preferred times.
Fix: Buy tickets online in advance and coordinate the group to arrive at the agreed entry time.
Mistake: Wrong footwear and no warm layer.
Fix: Wear comfortable closed shoes and bring a light jacket.
How long does the Salt Mine visit take? — Usually 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route plus an optional Museum Route; walking around Kraków adds another 2–4 hours depending on your pace.
Can I use cameras and phones in the mine? — Yes, photography is allowed without flash. Be careful when taking photos on stairs and in narrow passages.
Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility? — The Tourist Route begins with a descent of 380 steps, but the mine offers elevator access subject to availability and prior arrangement. Baby strollers are not recommended.
Do you need to reserve a guide? — Tours are guided; small parties are usually joined to regular groups, but for larger groups it’s best to reserve a group slot with a guide.
Kraków and Wieliczka in one day is a great idea for a shared, memorable trip with friends — with good planning you can combine historic Wawel Hill and the lively Market with the magical underground space of the salt mine. Remember to book tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm layer.
If this plan was helpful — share it with your friends or on your social profiles. If you’d like to explore Kraków and Wieliczka comfortably and in the company of a local private guide, consider booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details are available through the local guide service. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
