Yes — it's a great idea. The distance between Kraków and Wadowice is about 50 km, and the drive usually takes around 45–60 minutes in normal traffic. For 2–6 people the most comfortable option is traveling by your own car, a rental or a private transfer - it gives the most flexibility, saves time, and per-person costs are often reasonable. In this article you’ll find concrete tips on where to leave the car near the Old Town in Kraków, how to park in Wadowice and a sample one-day itinerary.
If you want, I can help tailor the plan to your visit date, museum opening hours or book a private guide — tell me when you plan to travel.
Wadowice is a small, pleasant town best known as the hometown of John Paul II — the Family Home and Museum are the most visited sites. For people spending a few days in Kraków, a trip to Wadowice is an easy and rewarding add-on: a short journey, a relaxed walking pace and a local atmosphere that contrast nicely with the bustle and scale of Kraków. For small groups it also offers flexibility — you can leave early in the morning or in the afternoon, adapt the program to participants’ preferences and enjoy an authentic, well-rated lunch in a local restaurant.
Keep in mind that in the tourist season and on holidays the museums and ticket offices in Wadowice can be busy — I recommend planning your arrival time and, if possible, buying tickets online to avoid queues.
Own or rented car - the most convenient solution for small groups. It provides full independence, the possibility of quick stops along the way and using local parking. With 2–6 people the cost of fuel and any rental is shared and often reasonable.
Private transfer or taxi - a comfortable alternative if you don't want to drive. A good option for groups that prefer not to worry about parking in Kraków or the route. When booking, agree on an exact pick-up point near the Old Town (see below).
Public transport (buses/regional connections) - there are bus and minibus connections between Kraków and Wadowice, but for a small group with limited time this is often less convenient because you must follow schedules and possibly change vehicles. If someone prefers this option, check timetables in advance.
Parking immediately next to the Main Market Square is very limited — the center is a paid parking area with restricted-access zones and many streets are residents-only. For small groups I recommend the following as the most convenient starting points for a walk in the Old Town:
P+R Czerwone Maki - a large Park & Ride parking lot at the tram loop. A good solution if you arrive from outside Kraków and want to continue by tram into the center. The lot has many spaces, good connections and is often free with a valid public transport ticket or certain cards. It's an eco-friendly, convenient option if you want to avoid driving into the center.
Galeria Krakowska - the shopping center car park, about an 8–15 minute walk to the Main Market Square. The car park is open long hours and easy to use — ideal if you plan a short stop before strolling through the Old Town.
Multi-storey car parks and the Wawel underground car park - listed as options closer to Wawel and the Castle; consider these if you plan to start exploring from the Wawel area or Old Podgórze.
Note about the Paid Parking Zone (SPP) - remember the fees and operating hours. The center has paid parking during set hours, and using mobile apps (e.g., ePark, Pango, SkyCash) makes paying easy. Also pay attention to changing subzones and tariffs — check current information before you travel.
If someone in the group is dropping off others — agree on a fixed meeting point, e.g., the entrance to Galeria Krakowska or Grodzka/Kanonicza Street (the ends of Grodzka are sometimes available for a short stop to drop off passengers). Avoid attempts at long unpaid stops close to the Market — enforcement and fines are common.
Plan a spot for loading/unloading luggage outside the Old Town and leave the car at one of the recommended car parks — this will make moving on foot around the historic center easier and save time hunting for a free space.
If using a taxi or transfer, confirm with the driver the exact pick-up place and time — this avoids searching for the vehicle across the center.
The John Paul II Family Home Museum in Wadowice does not have its own parking next to the building. In the immediate area you'll find several public car parks — for example the parking on Kościuszko Square or municipal lots a few minutes' walk from the market. Some offer short-term rates while others have hourly or all-day fees.
I recommend planning your arrival so you can park in one of the city-designated lots and walk to the market; the walk is short and the area is pleasant. If someone in your group has reduced mobility, check availability of disabled parking near the entrance — information about accessible parking is available at the museum.
Buying tickets online for the museum saves time — during busy periods queues at the ticket office can be long, and a full visit usually takes about 1.5 hours.
08:30 - meet at the agreed spot near the Old Town (for example Galeria Krakowska or a designated car park). Quick plan recap and depart by car or transfer.
09:30–10:30 - arrive in Wadowice, park and take a short walk around the market. Option to buy coffee and a local kremówka as a symbolic break before sightseeing.
10:30–12:00 - visit the John Paul II Family Home Museum (visit time approx. 1.5 hours). If you wish, a guide can focus the story on the family's history and local context.
12:15–13:30 - lunch at one of the recommended, highly rated restaurants in Wadowice (local bistro or well-reviewed restaurants around the market).
14:00 - short walk around the area: the basilica, the market surroundings and a possible quick photo stop at the John Paul II monument.
15:00 - return to Kraków; estimated arrival in Kraków center around 16:00–16:30 (time depends on traffic).
This plan is flexible — shorten or lengthen it depending on interests, group energy and whether you want to add stops (e.g., Kalwaria Zebrzydowska on the way).
Kraków: around the Old Town it's worth choosing places with good reviews and tradition — restaurants such as Wierzynek (classic regional cuisine and historic interiors) or eateries on Kanonicza Street and around the Market offer high quality and group-friendly service. If you want a café for a morning coffee before departure — Cafe Camelot or Charlotte (for a French-style atmosphere) are tried-and-true spots with good reputations.
Wadowice: after sightseeing try local restaurants and popular cafés around the market — local bistros and well-rated restaurants offer solid lunches. Don’t forget to try a kremówka as a local specialty.
If you want precise suggestions with current ratings and reservations, I can prepare a short “top 5” list tailored to your group’s preferences (vegetarian, quick lunch, restaurant with a view).
Trying to park “right next to the Market” — in practice it costs time and nerves. Better to leave the car at one of the recommended lots and walk.
Not planning return times — on weekends and in season roads and car parks can be crowded; allow extra time for travel and return.
Not buying museum tickets in advance — leads to long queues. We recommend buying online when possible.
Forgetting about parking fees and enforcement in paid zones — check the zone and use a mobile app or parking meter to avoid fines.
Do I need to reserve parking in advance? - In most cases no, but if you travel in the high season or with a group near the upper limit (6 people with lots of luggage) it's worth arriving earlier or choosing a P+R lot.
How long does it take to visit the John Paul II Family Home? - A full visit typically takes about 1.5 hours. If you want a guided commentary or linger longer at exhibits, add extra time.
Are there parking fees in Wadowice? - Yes, the town has both paid and free parking. Near the market you'll find short-stay options and municipal lots with hourly fees; free spots are available a bit further from the center.
Is it worth combining Wadowice with other attractions (e.g., Kalwaria Zebrzydowska)? - Yes, the route between Kraków and Wadowice passes near Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, making it an attractive addition if you have more time.
Kremówka — it's a symbol of Wadowice, but the best kremówki are often found in small local bakeries, not necessarily in the most touristy spots. Ask locals or check recent reviews before entering.
Assistance for people with reduced mobility — the Wadowice museum provides information on support and accessible parking near the town office; notify the museum in advance if you need assistance.
Booking transport - if you plan a return transfer at a specific time (for example after lunch), reserve the driver in advance — availability can be limited on weekends.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends on social media or send it to family planning a trip. If you want, I can prepare a personalized plan for your group: time-matched, with specific stops, restaurant recommendations and help booking tickets.
If you are considering a guided visit — I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details of contact and the full offer are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website; I will happily help choose the route and date.
Good luck with the planning — wishing you a successful and stress-free trip!
