Are you planning one intense day: a bit of Kraków and a visit to the Memorial Site in Oświęcim? It can be done wisely and respectfully — so you won’t be rushing like in a blender, but will see the key places and set aside enough time for Auschwitz-Birkenau. Below you’ll find a practical, friendly step‑by‑step plan, transport options, important rules and a checklist to finish the day calmly and without surprises. I don’t mention companies or competing tour guides — I focus on the plan and practical tips.
If you want, I can adapt the route for a school group, a family with children, or for people who prefer a slower pace — tell me who you’re bringing and I’ll refine the plan.
The text is based on commonly applied rules and practices at the Memorial Site and on the experience of people who combine Kraków and Oświęcim in one day. Everything is in plain language — without unnecessary formality.
Shall we start? Here’s a plan that works.
- Morning: classic Kraków — Wawel, the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, a short walk along the Royal Route and a quick espresso. (approx. 3 hours)
- Midday: travel to Oświęcim (train, bus or car; approx. 1–1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum — plan at least 3.5 hours for a calm visit of both parts (Auschwitz I + Birkenau).
- Evening: return to Kraków, dinner and rest.
This is a realistic rhythm: Kraków in the morning, Oświęcim in the afternoon, or the reverse — depending on available entry times at the Museum.
Option A — Kraków in the morning, Oświęcim in the afternoon (most popular):
- 07:30–10:30 — Walk around the Old Town: Wawel (outside and a short visit to the courtyard), then follow the Royal Route via Grodzka and Kanonicza to the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (outside/inside if time allows). Quick breakfast or sandwich.
- 10:30–11:30 — Travel to Oświęcim (train/regio/intercity or car/bus).
- 11:30–15:30 — Visit the Memorial Site: touring Auschwitz I and Birkenau — minimum 3.5 hours to see main places and pause at exhibitions.
- 16:30–18:30 — Return to Kraków, dinner.
Option B — Oświęcim in the morning, Kraków in the afternoon (good if you can book an early Museum slot):
- 07:30–11:30 — Early entry to the Memorial Site; after the visit have a short lunch in Oświęcim and travel back to Kraków.
- 13:00–17:00 — Afternoon walk around the Old Town and Kazimierz, coffee and dinner.
Option C — for those who want more Kraków and a shorter Museum visit: still allocate at least 3.5 hours to Auschwitz (even if you shorten Kraków). I do not recommend skimping on time at the Memorial Site — it requires calm and space.
- Train: regional and InterCity connections link Kraków and Oświęcim. Travel time depends on the train type: roughly 40–45 minutes on the fastest InterCity services, up to about 1 hour 15 minutes on regional trains. Trains are often the most reliable option — comfortable and not affected by road congestion.
- Bus: bus services usually take about 1 hour 20–1 hour 30, depending on the route and number of stops. Useful if you want a direct transfer with parking near the Museum.
- Car: the distance is about 66–70 km one way; driving typically takes around 1 hour in smooth traffic, but can stretch to about 1.2 hours in peak times. Parking is available near the Museum, but arrive with some extra time.
Which option to choose? For school groups or larger teams, a car or hired coach can be convenient; for individuals and couples, the train is often the best compromise.
Remember: always check current timetables on the day of travel — train and bus schedules change seasonally.
- Reservations: entry slots are limited — entry passes and guided visits must be booked online. Book as early as possible; slots for individuals and groups can fill up well in advance.
- Visit length: to cover Auschwitz I and Birkenau it is recommended to reserve at least about 3.5 hours.
- Arrival: arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time (security checks, collecting materials, etc.).
- Luggage: large backpacks and suitcases must be left in the bus or car — only small bags are allowed into the Museum (size restrictions apply).
- Dress and behaviour: this is a place of remembrance — please wear appropriate clothing and behave respectfully. Photography is mostly allowed but without flash and tripods; there are also areas where photos are forbidden.
- Children: the Museum does not recommend visits for very young children; check the Museum’s educational guidance if you come with teenagers.
- Book Museum entry in advance and, if needed, your train or bus ticket. This minimizes stress on the day.
- Plan meals: eat lightly during the day — there are food points in Oświęcim and near the Museum, but they may be busy on high‑attendance days. Packed sandwiches are a good option if you want to maximize time.
- Time for Kraków: if this is your first visit, focus on the classics (Wawel, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, a short Kazimierz walk). This is enough to feel the city’s atmosphere and save energy for Oświęcim.
- If you drive: allow time for parking in Kraków before departure and possible congestion on the A4 in the evening.
- When entry slots are unavailable: try to book another day or consider an early morning visit (first entries). As a last resort, explore the Memorial’s online educational resources — a worthwhile backup if dates are inflexible.
- Respect above all: this is a place of remembrance — speak quietly, avoid jokes and loud behaviour.
- Phone and photography: silence your phone; avoid taking selfies in the most important places of remembrance. Photograph discreetly and sensitively.
- Clothing: you don’t need formal wear, but avoid provocative slogans and extremely casual outfits.
- Children and teenagers: briefly prepare them beforehand — explain that this is a difficult place and that silence is appropriate. The Museum offers educational resources to help with preparation.
- Time for reflection: allow yourself and the group a moment of silence after the visit — it’s natural to have a short debrief, not a carefree chat.
- Pedagogical preparation: consider a short classroom introduction before the trip. Students experience the visit better when they are prepared academically.
- Group bookings: school groups follow specific reservation procedures — sign up well in advance and review available educational programmes.
- Introductory film: the Museum sometimes provides films or materials for schools — ask at booking about an introductory option.
- Chaperones: plan the minimum required number of supervisors; remember logistics for lunch and breaks.
- Student behaviour: agree on a few simple rules (silence, listening to the educator, no running) so the visit stays educational rather than recreational.
- Kraków: if you only have the morning, choose a quick breakfast near the Market or on Grodzka Street — central cafés offer fast options. If you return after the visit, Kazimierz is a great area for dinner.
- Oświęcim: there are dining places near the Museum, but they can be crowded on busy days — bring a light snack or plan a meal in a quieter restaurant after the visit.
- Breaks: plan short pauses to rest and reflect, especially after leaving the Museum.
If you’re counting time, remember: visits and transfers take the most minutes, so schedule meals to be quick and energizing or move them to the evening.
- ID (sometimes required for group reservations).
- A small backpack or bag that fits the allowed dimensions (leave large luggage in the car).
- A bottle of water and a light snack.
- Phone on silent, powerbank.
- Comfortable shoes — expect a lot of standing and walking.
- For school groups: attendance list and supervisor contact number.
- Respect and an open mind — the most important items.
- If you can’t combine both places in one day without rushing: consider leaving Oświęcim for a separate day — this is best if you want a thorough visit to the Memorial Site.
- For limited time: choose a shorter visit in Kraków and prioritise the Memorial Site (or vice versa, if early Museum slots are unavailable).
- Online education: the Memorial offers remote programmes and materials — a good Plan B if you cannot secure an entry pass.
Important: don’t save time on the Memorial visit — it’s not a mere sightseeing stop but a place to be visited at an appropriate pace.
- Book your Museum entry in advance.
- Allow at least 3.5 hours for Auschwitz.
- Give yourself 2–3 hours in the morning in Kraków for the main highlights (Wawel, Market Square, the Royal Route).
- Choose transport that fits your group: train for couples and individual travellers, car or hired transfer for larger groups.
- Behave with respect and prepare your group if travelling together.
- If you have questions about dates, schedules or reservations — I’m happy to help personalize the plan.
