Yes - it is doable and can be enjoyable if you plan the order of visits well and include comfortable breaks. Wieliczka sits just outside Kraków and offers a unique underground experience with its chambers and St Kinga Chapel carved in salt, while Kraków’s center gives you quick but meaningful stops: the Main Market Square, Wawel or the atmospheric Kazimierz district. For Erasmus and student groups the key is pace, ticket reservations and finding places where the group can relax - parks, cafes with good desserts, and open-air spaces. Read on for a practical day plan and a list of recommended spots for curious, social, and selective groups.
08:15-09:30 - Start in Kraków: meet at the agreed meeting point, take a short walk along the Royal Route or snap quick photos on the Main Market Square. For student groups it’s smart to limit Old Town sightseeing to the highlights so you leave time for the underground visit.
09:30-10:00 - Transfer to Wieliczka: regional train or bus - the trip usually takes about 20-30 minutes by train and around 30-35 minutes by bus (line 304 from the center). Choose connections that drop the group close to the mine entrance (stop named Wieliczka Salt Mine or Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia).
10:00-13:00 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: the Tourist Route typically takes about 1.5-2 hours and covers the main chambers including St Kinga Chapel. Allow extra time for descending and climbing stairs and for any short breaks - comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended because underground temperatures are cooler.
13:00-14:00 - Lunch in Wieliczka or return to Kraków for a meal: for school and student groups it can be practical to eat near the mine at one of the cafes or restaurants by the Market Square in Wieliczka; alternatively return to Kraków for lunch in a well-reviewed cafe or bar.
14:30-16:30 - Afternoon in Kraków: walk through Kazimierz, stop for coffee or dessert on the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) where there is plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere for group conversations.
16:30-17:30 - Easy finish: optional visit to Wawel or time in a cozy café with a bookish vibe to sum up the day and take a group photo.
Notes - transfer and booking times vary by season. During summer and long holiday weekends book Wieliczka tickets well in advance.
Wieliczka has special conditions for groups: group tickets are available, and there are discounts for youth and students (usually with a valid student ID). Often one ticket for the group leader/pilot is offered free of charge - check terms when booking. During high season you should reserve dates and language options with sizeable lead time.
If you organize an Erasmus or student group, make sure everyone using a discount has a valid student ID or other required document. Group-guided tours are convenient and for larger groups they may be mandatory - watch for limits on number of participants per tour departure.
Check the mine calendar for closures and exceptions before you plan - some public or religious holidays can affect availability of the Tourist Route.
Students and Erasmus groups value space - both indoors and outdoors. The Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) are excellent for a break: lots of room, deckchairs in season, and a relaxed riverside vibe that encourages conversation. Kazimierz offers intimate cafes and places with international menus, great for mixed-nationality groups.
Recommended types of spots - choose well-rated cafes that combine good coffee with seating for larger groups. Plan a short break in a place where ordering for a dozen or more people is easy and where the staff are used to serving groups.
In Wieliczka around the Market Square you’ll find classic cafés and restaurants - practical if you don’t want to return to Kraków immediately. The graduation of options (from miner’s tavern-style places near the mine to quieter cafés in Kazimierz) helps tailor the mood of the break.
The easiest option is regional connections or organized transport - the train or bus typically takes about 20-30 minutes between Kraków center and Wieliczka. For large groups consider hiring a coach to take the group directly to the entrance and back without transfers.
If you plan to return to Kraków after the mine, pick connections that avoid long waits. To save time, pre-order lunches or reserve a table - this simplifies coordination and helps you stick to the day plan.
Always have a plan B for delays - schedule breaks in flexible places (a roomy café or a park) so the group stays comfortable while you adjust the plan.
Not booking tickets in advance - the most frequent issue in season. Book entry to the mine and a table for lunch early, especially for bigger groups.
Forgetting student IDs - students using discounts must carry valid ID and identification documents.
Pacing mistakes - trying to see too many attractions in one day makes the trip exhausting. It’s better to pick 2-3 places and enjoy them properly than to race through a long list.
St Kinga Chapel in Wieliczka is not only a visual highlight - many sculptures and details were carved from salt, making it unique on a global scale.
Underground the mine has a stable microclimate - lower temperature and steady humidity - which is why parts of the mine and the surface graduation tower are sometimes used for respiratory therapy.
In season the mine hosts special events, concerts and exhibitions in underground chambers - these make memorable additions to the standard tour for groups seeking something different.
Can an Erasmus student get a discount? Yes - most youth and student discounts require a valid student ID; check specific age and document rules before buying tickets.
How long does the mine visit take? The standard Tourist Route takes about 1.5-2 hours plus time for stairs and walking to/from the entrance - allocate at least 2-2.5 hours including transfers and short breaks.
Does the group leader enter for free? Often one free ticket for the group leader/pilot is provided for organized groups; rules vary so confirm during reservation.
Kraków and Wieliczka in one day is a great choice for Erasmus and student groups - with a good plan, advance booking and a few well-placed breaks the day will bring memories, not fatigue. For a polished and comfortable experience I recommend booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - she organises tailored days for student groups and can adapt the plan to your needs. If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media so other students and Erasmus participants can benefit from a well-planned day.
If you need a version of this plan adjusted to a specific group size, season or preferences (for example vegan menus or accessibility for people with limited mobility), write and I will help refine the details.
