Yes — it’s doable, but it requires sensible planning. A visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial Site usually takes at least about 3.5–4 hours (including walking to the site, security checks, the guided route through both parts of the site, and short breaks). Add travel time Krakow–Oswiecim (approx. 1–1.5 hours by train or car) and basic sightseeing in Krakow (1.5–3 hours). For small groups of 2–6 people the best approach is to start very early or to split the programme so that you can spend enough time in Oswiecim and focus only on the main highlights in Krakow. If you prefer a relaxed visit, consider a two‑day option, but below you’ll find a practical, realistic one‑day plan.
Important: entry to the Memorial Site is free, but timed, named entry passes and a reservation are required. Organized groups must visit with a museum educator (guide); individual visitors also book entry online. I recommend booking well in advance, especially in high season.
This article offers two day variants (Auschwitz in the morning or Krakow in the morning), transport tips, a priority list for Krakow and practical advice on what to bring and how to behave.
This text was written to help small groups — it is friendly, practical and written in plain language. If you want, I can prepare a personalized hourly plan for your specific date and accommodation.
Variant A — OSWIECIM in the morning, Krakow in the afternoon (recommended if you want to give Auschwitz enough time):
- 6:00 — depart from Krakow (car/private transfer) or arrive at the rail station if you’re taking the train; allow time for travel and some buffer for unexpected delays.
- 7:30–8:30 — arrival in Oswiecim, pick up entry passes, time for security checks; remember to be at the site about 30 minutes before the start of your reserved tour.
- 8:00/9:00–12:00/13:00 — visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial Site with a museum educator (the route takes roughly 3.5–4 hours).
- 13:00–14:30 — return to Krakow (car ~1–1.5 hours, train usually ~1–1.25 hours). Short rest and lunch in Krakow.
- 15:00–18:00 — shortened Krakow sightseeing: Wawel (outside or enter the cathedral), walk the Royal Route via Grodzka to the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (optionally the tower instead of the interior), short walk in Kazimierz or along the Planty.
- evening — dinner and relax.
Variant B — Krakow in the morning, OSWIECIM in the afternoon (for those who prefer a city morning):
- 7:30–11:30 — concentrated morning in Krakow: Wawel Hill, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, and a short part of Kazimierz.
- 11:30–13:00 — quick lunch and depart for Oswiecim.
- 14:30–18:30 — visit the Memorial Site (note that afternoon tours can be limited; check availability).
- 18:30–20:30 — return to Krakow.
Car / private transfer - advantages: greatest flexibility with timing, often shorter road travel (approx. 1–1.25 hours in good conditions), easy to carry luggage and to leave larger items in the car (the museum limits bag sizes). For groups of 2–6 people this is often the most comfortable option, especially if you want a quick return to Krakow after the visit.
Disadvantages: fuel/toll and possible parking fees; risk of traffic jams during peak hours.
Train - advantages: relaxing, no driving stress, usually steady travel time (around 1–1.25 hours), possible regional group discounts (for 2–6 people check carriers’ offers).
Disadvantages: less flexibility with exact times, you need to get from Oswiecim station to the museum entrance (local transport/taxi may be needed), luggage limits. Check specific connections and times for your travel day.
Practical tip: if you must arrive at a specific museum entry time — choose car/transfer or book a train with plenty of spare time. Reserving entry passes for Auschwitz is mandatory, so be sure about your arrival time.
Reservations: entry to the Memorial Site requires booking a named entry pass — it’s the only way to guarantee access at a specific time. Book well in advance, especially during the tourist season and school holiday periods.
Admission and guide: entry to the site is free, but organized groups are required to visit with a museum educator. Individual visitors may also join guided tours. The route covers both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau; visiting the whole site usually takes several hours.
Arrival and security: the museum asks visitors to arrive about 30 minutes before the reserved time because of entry procedures and security checks. Large luggage should be left in the car or a luggage storage; only bags within specified dimensions are allowed on site (bring a small backpack or handbag).
Respect and dress: this is a place of memory — a serious, calm manner is expected. Do not disturb the silence, smoke, or use loud devices. Before visiting, familiarise yourself with the museum’s visiting rules.
Practical note: due to high demand, confirm reservation rules and opening hours before you travel. In season specific time slots can sell out quickly, so the earlier you reserve, the better.
If you have 1.5–3 hours in Krakow, focus on a few icons: Wawel — walk the hill, visit the cathedral and courtyard (entry to interior depends on time), Main Market Square — Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (consider a short interior visit or the tower), and the Royal Route (Florian Gate and Floriańska Street) — a short walk to feel the city’s atmosphere.
Alternatively, for the Jewish Krakow vibe: Kazimierz — a short walk along Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and the synagogues (exterior viewing), and a cafe break to rest. For families with children add a quick, engaging task: a mini city game, hunting for dragon motifs or a Wawel legend — a fast way to involve younger visitors without long lectures.
If you want to enter something, choose one attraction (for example Wawel Castle or the Rynek Underground) rather than trying to visit everything. That gives a more pleasant impression and less time stress.
Practical tip: walking is the best way to see the historic center — most points are close to each other.
6:00 — depart Krakow (from your accommodation or agreed pickup point).
7:15 — arrive in Oswiecim, quickly gather documents and entry passes; aim to be at the site about 30 minutes before the tour start time.
8:00–12:00 — visit with a museum educator at the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial Site (duration varies; plan a minimum of 3.5 hours).
12:00–13:00 — lunch nearby or en route back to Krakow (many groups prefer a quick lunch after the visit).
13:00–14:15 — return to Krakow (car/transfer) or take the train; short rest and coffee.
14:30–17:00 — walk in Krakow: Wawel (outside/short interior), Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, coffee on the Planty or a short Kazimierz visit if time allows.
17:30 — dinner and end of the day.
Documents: named reservations (for Auschwitz‑Birkenau entry), ID — have the same personal data you used for booking.
Baggage: bring a small backpack or handbag — memorial museums often limit bag sizes (make sure your bag fits the museum’s specified dimensions). Leave larger luggage in the car or a storage facility.
Clothing: neat, appropriate to the nature of the place; comfortable shoes — lots of walking, often on uneven surfaces and in variable weather.
Food and drink: do not plan a long picnic on the former camp grounds. After leaving the site you’ll find cafes and restaurants; best strategy is to carry a small water bottle and plan a main meal after the visit. Krakow has many eateries for every budget.
Respect and emotions: a visit to the Memorial Site can be emotionally intense. Allow time to be quiet, rest briefly and talk afterwards. For younger participants give a short explanation beforehand about what to expect.
Small groups have a big advantage: it’s easier to keep pace, move quickly between places and enter/leave attractions faster. That means you can cover longer routes in a similar time to larger groups. However, at the Memorial Site the pace is set by the character of the place and the museum educator — this is not a race; understanding the message and keeping a respectful atmosphere is what matters.
If you want flexibility in Krakow — a small group is ideal for booking a table at a specific time or arranging a short, dedicated entry to a chosen attraction.
If you have special requests (a thematic historical tour, a focused route in Kazimierz or family activities) — tell me in advance and I will adapt the plan.
1) Do we need a guide in Krakow? - You don’t have to. In a small group you can explore on your own, but if you want stories and historical context — I can guide you and adjust the pace to your needs.
2) What if Auschwitz passes are sold out? - That happens often in season. Check different times on the same day, and as a last resort consider moving the visit to the next morning or leaving Krakow earlier. A flexible plan (Krakow first, then Oswiecim) can help — but if you choose that, check afternoon tour availability at the museum.
3) Should children go on the full Auschwitz tour? - It depends on age and maturity. The museum provides educational materials and special school introductions; for younger children consider shorter preparations or alternative educational formats. Always consult caregivers and the museum educator.
4) How long will the walk around the Market and Wawel take? - Usually 1.5–2 hours is enough for a basic walk: Wawel (outside), Main Market Square, Cloth Hall and a short coffee.
- Book the Memorial Site visit well in advance and write down the exact personal data used for the reservation (first name and surname).
- Give yourself buffer time for travel — it’s better to feel calm than to rush to the entrance.
- For small groups I recommend combining a private transfer (especially if you plan to return the same day) with a short but focused walk around Krakow.
- Remember respect during the Memorial Site visit — silence, muted clothing and no loud photography in designated areas are essential.
- Want a ready, detailed plan for a specific date and accommodation? Tell me your arrival date, preferred start time and how much time you want to spend in Krakow — I’ll prepare a tailored proposal for your group.
