Krakow is a city full of history, student life and great places to eat - an ideal spot for a morning walk through the Old Town and a quick lunch in Kazimierz. Oswiecim (the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum) is a place of remembrance with enormous educational importance - visiting it gives you a chance to gain a deeper understanding of World War II history. Combining both in one day is intense but doable if you plan your trip well, make reservations and keep an eye on the pace of the day. For many student groups this day becomes one of the most meaningful experiences during their stay in Poland. Remember, though, it is also an emotional challenge - it’s worth preparing for that.
In this article you will find: a practical schedule, transport options, the most important rules for visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, suggestions for quick and budget-friendly meals and a short FAQ answering common doubts.
-This text is friendly and practical - I wrote it with Erasmus students and university groups in mind, to help you make the most of a day while preserving respect for places of remembrance.
Yes - but with two key notes: booking for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is mandatory or strongly recommended, and the day will be tight.
Travel time from Krakow to Oswiecim is usually about 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or car depending on the route and traffic. There are direct bus connections and private carriers running from central Krakow.
For a full visit of both parts of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) you should reserve at least 3-4 hours - this is a place that requires time to absorb its history and reflect.
06:45-07:30 - Wake up and a quick breakfast (sandwiches, coffee to go). Departure from the dorm/hotel.
07:30-09:00 - Travel to Oswiecim (bus/train/car). Arrival and brief group organization.
09:00-12:30 - Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum (pre-booked slot; time allowing a walk through both parts).
12:30-13:00 - Break, quick meal or sandwich (there are places near the museum for a fast lunch).
13:00-14:30 - Return to Krakow.
15:00-17:00 - Intensive walk through the Old Town: Floriańska Gate, Floriańska Street, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or visit if you have time and a reservation).
17:00-19:00 - Kazimierz: Plac Nowy (zapiekanki), narrow streets, a short coffee break. This is a good part of the city for a more relaxed end to the day.
19:00 - Dinner at a student-friendly place (suggestions below).
Practical note: This pace is intensive. If you want more time in Krakow (museums, Wawel), consider splitting the program over two days or shortening one of the visits.
Options to travel from Krakow to Oswiecim:
- Bus: direct connections are available (operators and timetables change) - the trip usually takes about 1 h 15 to 1 h 40. Buses are often the cheapest option for larger groups.
- Train: there are regional connections that may require transfers; travel time varies, so check current timetables from Krakow Glowny.
- Car / car-sharing / taxi: using the A4 motorway can shorten the trip to about 1 hour in good traffic; remember possible tolls and fuel costs.
Reservations and tickets:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: book entrance cards in advance and, if you plan to visit with an educator/guide, reserve a guided tour slot early. Entrance cards can be personalized and ID may be checked on arrival. Prepare the participant list at booking time; name changes can be difficult.
- Transport: for large groups it’s worth booking transport in advance or buying bus tickets ahead of time. For smaller groups check carriers like FlixBus and local operators.
Practical tips:
- Travel early to avoid morning traffic and to have a time buffer for the return to Krakow.
- If you're using bus or train, have a plan B for delays (allow an extra 30-45 minutes).
This is a site of remembrance - respectful behavior is absolutely essential. Prepare the group mentally for a serious, often emotionally heavy message. A few practical rules:
- Booking: tickets can be personalized - when booking, prepare the list of participants and be ready to show ID on site.
- Time: set aside at least 3-4 hours to walk both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau).
- Luggage: the museum limits bag sizes (small backpacks/bags are acceptable); if you have large luggage it’s better to leave it in the coach/car or in storage in Krakow.
- Dress and behavior: dress modestly; avoid jokes, loud conversations and inappropriate 'photo sessions'. Photography is allowed in certain areas but always use sensitivity.
- Emotions: after the visit give the group a moment of quiet and an opportunity to talk; suggest a short debrief in groups of 3-5 people or arrange a meeting point for reflection.
If you’re looking for quick, budget options in Krakow, here are places popular with students:
- Plac Nowy (Kazimierz) - the iconic zapiekanki for a fast bite. Perfect for a lunch on the go.
- Milk bars and cheap lunches - many milk bars in the center serve a full daily meal at low prices - a good option for larger groups.
- Cafes and quick snacks: Cafe Camelot (Old Town) - a cozy spot for coffee and cake; Singer Cafe (Kazimierz) - atmospheric and good for a short break.
- For a larger, communal dinner after a long day: Restauracja Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish cuisine, large portions) or the small zapiekanka stalls and informal bars around Plac Nowy for a more casual ending to the day.
Tip: for large groups it’s worth reserving lunch or arranging packed meal sets so you don’t waste time waiting.
Before departure:
- Inform participants that the program includes a site of remembrance; ask for an appropriate mindset and attire.
- Give a checklist: ID, water, comfortable shoes, a light snack for the road, powerbank, plasters/first-aid items.
- Behaviour guidelines: silence and respect during the visit, no loud music and no inappropriate jokes.
Do we need a guide at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum? - Not always; you can visit independently, but for educational groups it is often recommended to use an educator or guide, especially if you want a deeper historical context.
Are tickets personalized and is ID required? - Yes, entrance cards can be personalized and ID verification may be required. For group bookings pay attention to name-entry procedures.
How much does transport cost? - Transport prices vary by season; budget bus connections can cost from a few to a few dozen zloty one way. Plan your budget including return fares.
Can we talk about our emotions after leaving the museum? - Yes, and you should. Plan a few minutes for a calm wrap-up and an optional conversation in small groups.
- Reserved Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum entrance cards (check booking method and participant list).
- ID documents for all participants (ID card/passport).
- Plan B for transport (carrier numbers, alternative connections).
- Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
- Water and a light snack for the trip; money for possible meals and tickets.
- Phone with charged battery and powerbank, group first-aid kit, emergency numbers and contact for the trip coordinator.
