Yes — but it requires good organisation and a realistic plan. The trip from Kraków to the Auschwitz–Birkenau Museum usually takes about 1.5 hours one way (by bus or train), and the visit itself (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) typically takes 2–4 hours depending on pace and whether you join a guided tour. For students and Erasmus visitors the best option is an early departure from the city, a museum visit in the morning or early afternoon, and an evening return to Kraków with a short walk around the Old Town or dinner in a recommended café. Remember that the Museum is a place of remembrance — plan your visit with respect and allow time for reflection.
Below you will find practical parking tricks for Kraków and Oświęcim, transport suggestions, a sample day plan for students and a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them. If you want a tailor-made plan — note that on the site you can find the offer of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are visible on the website.
06:30 - 07:00: Leave your parking spot in Kraków (best to leave the car at a P+R or the parking under Galeria Krakowska).
07:00 - 08:30: Travel to Oświęcim (Lajkonik bus or train).
08:30 - 12:00: Visit the Auschwitz–Birkenau Museum (Auschwitz I and Birkenau).
12:00 - 13:00: Rest, quick meal near the Visitor Service Centre or at a nearby café.
13:00 - 14:30: Return to Kraków.
15:00 - 18:00: Walk around the Old Town: Wawel, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice); optional coffee in a recommended café.
Evening: Dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant; brief debrief of the visit and return to campus/dorm.
From Kraków to Oświęcim you can travel by bus (for example the carrier Lajkonik), by train or by car. The journey usually takes around 1.5 hours; buses depart regularly in the morning (check timetables before you go).
In Oświęcim there is a Park & Ride at the train station and a shuttle bus between the station and the Visitor Service Centre, which makes it easy to leave your car outside the memorial area. The main car park for the Museum is at the Visitor Service Centre (55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street) — convenient but paid; there are also cheaper options a little further away. Buses from Kraków often arrive close to the museum gate, which is helpful when planning the trip.
If you prefer the train, local transport from the Oświęcim station and free shuttle services (at set times) connect the station with the Museum entrance.
The nearest and most convenient parking for the Museum is at the Visitor Service Centre (55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street). This official car park offers conveniences such as luggage storage and a restaurant in the service centre.
There are also other, cheaper parking lots a few hundred metres from the museum and a multi-level Park & Ride at the train station — very useful if you arrive by train or want to leave your car for longer and use local transport. Designated coach parking spaces exist too (some free for a limited time, others paid).
During the tourist season and on weekends it is best to arrive early or park at the Park & Ride and take the short shuttle bus to the site.
Parking directly at the Market Square is limited and expensive — therefore for budget-minded students and for convenience we recommend using Park & Ride sites or multi-storey parking lots near the centre. Convenient examples include the underground parking at Galeria Krakowska (close to the Main Station), Park & Ride lots (e.g. Kurdwanów, Nowy Bieżanów, Czerwone Maki) and larger multi-storey car parks around Stare Podgórze and near the National Museum.
For short stays underground car parks or daily rates at shopping centres can be cost-effective; if you plan a long walk or an evening out, choose a spot with good public transport connections. Students with an electronic student ID often have access to better terms for some P+R sites — check the rules and entitlements of your card before you go. For peace of mind choose guarded or monitored parking.
Do not park in resident-only zones or in marked no-parking areas — checks and fines are common in central Kraków. Check the paid parking zone signs and how parking meters or mobile apps operate.
Do not leave valuables visible inside the car. When using P+R remember opening hours and any restrictions (for example maximum parking time).
If you are arriving by coach with a student group, confirm in advance where coach spaces are designated in both Kraków and Oświęcim — some spaces are paid, others free for a limited time.
Bring an identity document, comfortable shoes and modest clothing — the Museum is primarily a place for reflection, so dress appropriately. You will often walk considerable distances outdoors (especially between Auschwitz I and Birkenau).
Bring a bottle of water and small snacks for breaks, although the Visitor Service Centre has catering points. Booking tickets in advance is recommended — places may be limited in high season. Check opening hours and rules on the day of your trip.
For a quick classic coffee and a relaxed atmosphere: Cafe Camelot — a friendly spot often recommended by visitors. For baked goods and breakfast try Charlotte (known for its pastries and breakfasts).
For a more formal dinner or a special evening consider Wierzynek Restaurant (a classic on the Main Market Square) or well-rated local bistros in Kazimierz and the Old Town. If you want budget-friendly and atmospheric options, look for milk bars and popular local pubs that students often like.
If you return from Oświęcim in the late afternoon, many restaurants near the Market and in Kazimierz stay open late — consider booking ahead if you travel with a larger group.
Underestimating travel time — poor time estimates are the most frequent mistake. Allow extra time for traffic and unexpected delays.
Not booking museum entry in advance — especially in high season there may be limited available slots at desirable times. Book early or arrive for the first morning hours.
Parking “at the last minute” in central Kraków — an expensive fine or towing is a stressful and costly outcome. Choose a safe P+R or a reliable multi-storey car park.
Can I visit Auschwitz on my own or is it better with a guide? - You can visit independently, but many choose a guide or an audio guide to better understand the context.
Are there student discounts? - Check discount policies when buying tickets and for P+R parking — some university cards or electronic student IDs may offer privileges for city parking.
Can I leave luggage at the museum car park? - The Visitor Service Centre offers luggage storage; this is convenient for visitors with backpacks or larger bags.
A special line M operates in Oświęcim — a short connection between the train station and the Visitor Service Centre running at set times to ease transfers.
Park & Ride facilities at Oświęcim station and city P+R sites in Kraków are designed to reduce traffic in the historic centre — often faster and cheaper than searching for a spot near the Market.
When planning a group trip, check coach parking spaces in advance in both Kraków and Oświęcim — some positions are free for a limited time, others require reservation or payment.
Visiting Kraków and organising a short trip to the Auschwitz–Birkenau Museum in one day is possible, especially if you book ahead, choose sensible parking and count realistic travel time. For students and Erasmus visitors key elements are P+R sites, multi-storey car parks and using public transport to save time and money.
If you found this guide helpful — share it on social media or send it to a friend. If you would like a more personalised Kraków route or a trip adapted to a student group, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are shown on the site. Good luck with planning and safe travels!
