Yes — it’s possible, but you need to plan the day realistically and comfortably. For a small group (2–6 people) the keys are reliable transport connections, advance reservations and factoring in breaks (toilets, food and rest). This gives you flexibility: you handle formalities faster, parking is simpler and you can react quicker to any changes in the plan.
In practice the drive from central Kraków to Oświęcim is about 65–70 km, typically around one hour by car (depending on route and traffic). At the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum you should allow at least 3.5 hours for the visit and entrance procedures. If you also plan to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, add another 2–3 hours for the underground walk and travel time. Altogether this makes for a long, intensive day — doable, but requiring prior preparation.
Plan conservatively so the day stays respectful and comfortable for everyone.
Reservations are mandatory for visiting the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum — tickets or admission passes must be bought in advance and you often need to provide the full names of visitors. The Museum asks that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour time because of security checks.
Many attractions (for example Wieliczka) also work with timed tickets — having a set entry time helps avoid long queues and frantic rushing between sites. In a small group it’s easier to coordinate bookings, but make sure you keep track of time slots.
There are limits on the size of larger bags in museums — the maximum size for backpacks/bags is usually around 35 x 25 x 15 cm. Larger luggage must be left in the car or in a left‑luggage facility if available.
Double‑check opening hours and arrival guidelines a few days before your visit to avoid surprises.
Auschwitz: the Visitors’ Service Centre (Centre for Visitors) at the entrance has toilets, a luggage storage and a small refreshment point. There are also sanitary facilities near the parking areas. A free shuttle bus runs between the two main parts of the site (Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau), which helps when moving between the exhibitions.
Wieliczka: the Salt Mine has toilets on the surface (near the shaft) and underground on the Tourist Route at roughly 40 and 90 minutes into the tour; the Museum Route also includes sanitary points. This is very practical, especially if your group includes children or people who need more frequent breaks.
Kraków (city centre): there are public city toilets in the Śródmieście and Market Square area (including near the Cloth Hall/Market Square and several points along the Planty). Don’t forget toilets in shopping malls, stations and cafés/restaurants — for a small group a quick stop in a café is often the simplest solution.
Option A — Oświęcim in the morning, back to Kraków in the afternoon: depart Kraków around 7:00, arrive at the Visitors’ Service Centre in Oświęcim around 8:00–8:30, guided visit 9:00–12:30 (about 3.5 hours), short coffee/toilet break, return to Kraków around 14:00; possible afternoon sightseeing in the city or a quick visit to Wieliczka only if tickets and time allow.
Option B — Wieliczka + Kraków: start early at Wieliczka (2–3 hours), then head to Kraków for a short Old Town walk and lunch; this option is much calmer timewise than trying to combine both Wieliczka and Oświęcim in the same day.
Combining Wieliczka and Oświęcim in one day is technically possible, but requires a very tight schedule and fast transfers — it becomes a long, demanding day for 2–6 people and isn’t recommended unless you have prior logistical experience.
A private or rented car with a driver gives the most flexibility — you can stop when needed, adapt the route and stick to the plan. There is parking available for cars and coaches near the Museum.
Train + taxi: there are rail connections to Oświęcim (about 1 hour), and from the station you can take local buses or taxis to the Visitors’ Service Centre. For small groups this is often economical, but remember to allow time for walks and possible waits for transfers.
Private transfer (minivan, taxi) booked in advance is a compromise between comfort and cost — the driver can pick you up at your hotel, handle luggage and help you arrive on time at each site.
In Oświęcim there is a refreshment point at the Visitors’ Service Centre with snacks (including kosher options). In Wieliczka the Karczma Górnicza on the mine grounds is a recommended place for a comfortable break after the underground walk.
In Kraków, small restaurants and cafés around the Market Square are great for a quick lunch or coffee. A few reliable choices include Café Camelot and Charlotte, and there are several places serving traditional Polish cuisine — perfect for a restful meal after a day of sightseeing. In a small group it’s usually easy to find seating, but during high season it’s wise to reserve a table.
If you have dietary needs, consider calling venues in advance or choosing places that advertise vegetarian, vegan or kosher options.
Not booking in advance — especially for the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum. Without a ticket for a specific entry time you may not be able to enter when you prefer.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day without time buffers — this leads to rushing and skipped breaks. It’s better to drop one item than to run between places.
Thoughtless packing — large backpacks are not accepted on some museum routes; bring a small daypack with essentials and leave the rest in the car or cloakroom.
The Visitors’ Service Centre at the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum is more than just a ticket office — it usually includes baggage storage, an information point and toilets, so it’s worth starting your visit there.
At Wieliczka the Tourist Route has toilets placed at convenient intervals underground (about 40 and 90 minutes from the start), which makes the visit easier for people who need regular breaks.
In Kraków public toilets around the Market and the Planty operate during specific hours and can be located on the official city map. Restaurants and cafés are often the fastest solution in an urgent situation.
Are there toilets at Auschwitz? Yes. The most convenient options are the toilets at the Visitors’ Service Centre and those near the parking areas; a shuttle bus runs between parts of the Memorial which helps with movement around the site.
Can I combine Wieliczka and Oświęcim in one day? You can, but it will be a long and tight schedule. Prioritize what matters most to you and book tickets in advance.
What if there’s a small child in the group? Plan for more frequent breaks and choose age‑appropriate routes. Check availability of seating and accessibility at entrances in advance.
If you need help planning around children, mobility needs or special dietary requirements, ask when you book — most places can advise or accommodate with prior notice.
Visiting Oświęcim and sightseeing in Kraków or Wieliczka in one day is achievable for a small group of 2–6 people, provided you plan reservations, transport and breaks for toilets and meals. Comfort and respect for the site (especially in Oświęcim) should be priorities.
If you’d like, I can help design a detailed day plan tailored to your pace and interests — and if you prefer a private guided visit, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, the guide behind zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (contact details are available on that site).
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Have a safe trip and peaceful sightseeing!
