Yes — it is possible to visit Oświęcim (Auschwitz‑Birkenau) and see Kraków’s main sights in one day, but it will be an intensive day. Key factors are: booking a personalized entry card for the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial (mandatory), arranging transport (car or train), and allowing realistic time for the museum visit (about 3–3.5 hours).
Important for families: the Auschwitz museum is a memorial site and needs emotional preparation. The museum does not recommend visits for children under 14 — discuss this with your family and consider alternatives if you are traveling with younger children.
If you prefer comfort and a relaxed pace, consider staying overnight — then you can dedicate a full day to Oświęcim and another full day to Kraków.
Road distance between Kraków and Oświęcim is about 66–69 km; driving usually takes around one hour depending on traffic.
Trains run regularly between Kraków Główny and Oświęcim: there are faster IC/TLK services (about 45–75 minutes depending on the train) and regional connections. Train travel is a convenient option if you want to avoid parking.
Entry to the State Museum Auschwitz‑Birkenau is free, but you must have a personalized entry card. Reservations are made online through the museum reservation system. Plan a minimum of about 3.5 hours to visit the sites; arrive at least 30 minutes before your entry time for security checks.
Large luggage is not allowed on the museum grounds (there are strict size limits for bags). Dress and behave respectfully while on site.
6:30 — depart from Kraków (or wake up if you stayed near the station).
around 8:00–8:30 — arrive in Oświęcim, time for quick errands, coffee and preparing for entry.
9:00–12:30 — visit the State Museum Auschwitz‑Birkenau (time depends on the chosen program; allow at least 3–3.5 hours).
12:30–13:30 — light meal in Oświęcim (cafés or restaurants; popular options include Café Bergson, Ogród Smaków, La Rossa — check current opening hours).
13:30–15:00 — travel back to Kraków (about 1 hour by car; trains have several departures throughout the day).
15:00–19:00 — stroll through the Old Town: Wawel (external views or a short visit to the Cathedral), Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica. Finish with dinner at a family‑friendly restaurant such as Pod Wawelem, Wierzynek, or Charlotte.
This option uses the cooler morning hours for the memorial visit and leaves a lighter, more relaxed program for Kraków in the afternoon and evening.
7:30–11:30 — morning walk along the Planty, a quick visit to Wawel, a short tour of the Market Square and a quick lunch.
11:30–13:00 — travel to Oświęcim; check train timetables or book a private transfer.
13:30–17:00 — visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum (if you book a later entry time, verify the entry rules for personalized cards).
Note: museum hours and availability of entry cards can make morning visits easier to arrange — Option B is possible but often less comfortable.
Car/private transfer: the most convenient for families with small children or for flexibility. Driving time is about 1 hour depending on route and traffic.
Train: there are faster IC/TLK trains and regional services between Kraków and Oświęcim. Trains are a good choice if you want to avoid parking and city traffic — check timetables for the day of your visit.
Bus/group transfer: available but usually less flexible than car or train. Hiring a mini‑bus increases cost but can be practical for larger groups.
Entry cards must be reserved in advance via the museum’s official reservation system. Slots are released in advance, so book as early as possible.
A common mistake is arriving without a reservation and hoping for walk‑in availability — this is risky, especially in high season. The museum emphasizes booking through its official system rather than third‑party resellers.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time for security checks and registration. Remember to bring the personalized entry card and photo ID.
The museum does not recommend visits for children under 14 — consider this carefully. If you decide to bring younger children, prepare them gently in advance: explain in simple terms what they will see and stress the need for quiet and respect.
With very young children, consider splitting responsibilities — one adult stays with the children nearby while another visits the museum — or plan an alternative activity (for example, visiting nearby educational sites or a park).
Allow breaks — after visiting the memorial, schedule a calm meal and time for conversation, as the experience can be emotionally heavy.
In Kraków choose well‑rated, family‑friendly places: Pod Wawelem (hearty Polish cuisine), Wierzynek (historic, pricier option), Charlotte (bakes and quick lunches), Café Camelot (cozy café in Kazimierz). Pick restaurants used to serving groups for smoother service.
In Oświęcim there are pleasant options for a calm meal after the visit: Café Bergson (by the Jewish Museum), Ogród Smaków (modern Polish cuisine), La Rossa (hotel restaurant). Check opening hours and consider reserving a table on weekends.
If you prefer simplicity, pack light sandwiches or a takeaway lunch — this can keep your schedule on track and avoid hunting for a restaurant during a tight day.
Bring a small bottle of water and tissues — they will be useful after a long and emotional visit.
The museum has baggage restrictions; leave large bags in your car or in luggage storage facilities. Check the permitted bag dimensions before you travel.
A common error is an overambitious schedule. Leave time buffers for travel, queues, security checks and emotional breaks.
Birkenau’s grounds are extensive and open — expect outdoor walking and variable weather. Good shoes and a rain jacket can make the day much more comfortable.
Not booking in advance for the museum — the most important and frequent mistake. Book early through the museum’s official reservation system.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — quality of experience matters more than quantity of checkboxes.
Lack of emotional preparation for children and adults — visiting a memorial can be draining. Plan time to talk and decompress after the visit.
Do I have to reserve entry to Auschwitz? Yes — a personalized entry card is required and it’s best to reserve it through the museum’s official reservation system well in advance.
How many hours does the Auschwitz‑Birkenau visit take? To see both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) plan at least 3–3.5 hours so you can take in the grounds and exhibitions.
Can I come with children? The museum does not recommend visits for children under 14; decide carefully and prepare any child you bring.
How do I get from Kraków to Oświęcim? By car is the fastest option (about 1 hour); trains also run frequently, including faster IC/TLK services and regional trains.
If you’re planning this day, start by reserving your personalized entry card for the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum and checking train timetables or private transfer availability. Good planning will let you combine a meaningful memorial visit with enjoying Kraków’s highlights.
For a calm, well‑organized and personalized visit, consider booking a private guided experience with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a guide who leads tours with empathy and attention to the group’s pace, an excellent choice for families who want to see a lot without rushing.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. We wish you a thoughtful, well‑planned visit — seeing memorial sites and historic landmarks is a special experience worth preparing for.
