Yes — many families combine a short walk around Krakow with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine in a single day. You need to plan the route sensibly: limit the number of stops to the most important ones, book tickets in advance and choose comfortable transport. Realistic expectations are key: the Mine requires time and is not stroller-friendly underground, so prepare alternatives for the child (baby carrier, plan for a short break on the surface).
This article gives a detailed day plan, travel information, stroller tips, a list of rest spots and recommended restaurants — all with families with small children in mind. If you want the short version: focus on the Old Town in the morning, go to Wieliczka around midday, leave the stroller if you plan to go underground and return in the evening — that is the simplest option.
7:30–9:00 - quick breakfast and stroll around the Main Market Square: a short stop at the Cloth Hall, the Wawel Dragon statue and nearby sights. Choose a café with space for a stroller (for example, cafés around the Market Square with larger entrances).
9:00–11:00 - Wawel (outside and maybe a short visit to the Cathedral). Note: some parts of Wawel have stairs and narrow passages - check the route in advance.
11:30–12:00 - transfer to Wieliczka (regional train ~25 min, bus ~30–40 min or car ~20–30 min).
12:00–15:00 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: the Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours. The underground route is not adapted for strollers - plan a baby carrier or a caregiver to look after the child on the surface. After exiting the mine you can have lunch and visit the Museum of the Krakow Salt Works and the Żupny Castle.
15:30–17:00 - return to Krakow, short rest (playground, café) or a walk around Kazimierz if you still have energy.
17:00–18:30 - dinner at one of the recommended family-friendly restaurants and return to your accommodation.
Remember: this is only an example — adapt the pace to your child's rhythm, schedule breaks and have a plan B for tiredness or rain.
Krakow to Wieliczka is a short route: by car about 20–30 minutes, by regional train about 20–25 minutes, by MPK bus 304, 224 or 244 about 30–40 minutes depending on departure point and traffic. The train is often the most time-reliable and comfortable with a stroller — stations usually have ramps and platforms that make boarding easier.
Trams/buses in Krakow: trams and most buses have low floors and spaces for strollers, but during rush hours it can be crowded. Choose departures outside the busiest times or take a taxi if you need comfort with the stroller and children.
Car: if you drive, check parking near the Wieliczka Mine — it can be busy in peak season. Always have a quick plan for parking and entering the site, especially with a child and luggage.
The Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Mine is not suitable for standard baby strollers. You will encounter many stairs, narrow corridors and uneven surfaces. Because of this most parents choose one of the following solutions: bring a baby carrier/sling for the child or leave the stroller and have one person stay on the surface.
On the surface near the ticket offices and the mine entrance there are places where you can safely leave a stroller during the tour (ask at the ticket office in advance). It is also worth checking the mine's current rules for people with reduced mobility and small children — occasionally there are special arrangements, but the standard Tourist Route runs over stairs and paths that are not comfortable for strollers.
If you want to avoid going underground: there are interesting sights above ground in Wieliczka — the Museum of the Krakow Salt Works, the Żupny Castle and local cafés. These are good alternatives for little ones and families with strollers.
The Old Town is primarily a walking area, but cobblestones and paving are common — for a stroller, a model with larger wheels works better. The route from the Market Square to Wawel goes over small bridges and sidewalks that can be uneven, but distances are short and manageable at a moderate pace.
Wawel has family-friendly spots, however some castle entrances include stairs. If you plan to visit chambers or the tower, be prepared to leave the stroller or switch to another way of transporting the child.
Kazimierz is a family-friendly district: many cafés and places where you can sit with a stroller. Plan a break there — Plac Wolnica and its surroundings have benches and often nearby playgrounds.
Bring a lightweight but sturdy stroller with large wheels — it is easier to handle cobblestones and kerbs. Other useful items: baby carrier or sling, a small backpack with spare clothes, snacks and drinks, diapers, wet wipes, a blanket, and a powerbank for your phone.
Buy Wieliczka Mine tickets in advance online to avoid queues. Check train and bus times on the day of travel. Reserving a table at a popular Krakow restaurant for the evening is a good idea if you plan to dine after returning.
Plan breaks: schedule 2–3 short stops for feeding, nappy changes and stretching legs — this will help keep the child calm and make sightseeing easier for you.
In Krakow choose venues that are well rated and family-friendly. Around the Old Town and Kazimierz you will find cafés with easy stroller access and space — for example Café Camelot, Charlotte or many bakery-cafés near the Market Square. On Plac Nowy you can grab an obwarzanek or a zapiekanka as a quick snack for little hungry travelers.
In Wieliczka after leaving the mine look for restaurants offering local home-style meals near the market square — they are usually convenient for families with children. When possible, pick places advertised as family friendly and with a changing facility.
For specifics — before your trip check current reviews and rankings and choose a place with above-average ratings and the option to reserve, especially on weekends.
Trying to do 'too much' in one day — planning too many stops leads to rushing and tired children. Avoid this by limiting to 2–3 major points (e.g. Old Town + Wawel + Wieliczka).
No alternative for the stroller in the mine — if you plan to go underground, have a baby carrier ready or someone to look after the child on the surface. Do not try to take a stroller underground — it is inconvenient for you and for other visitors.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially in high season tickets to Wieliczka and some attractions in Krakow sell out quickly. Book ahead and plan your transfers.
Can you take a stroller into the mine? No - the Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Mine is not suitable for strollers; plan a baby carrier or leave the stroller on the surface.
How long does Wieliczka take to visit? The standard Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours. In practice, with breaks and travel time, allow 3–4 hours.
Are there changing facilities and places to feed? Larger public buildings and shopping centers have changing tables; in restaurants facilities vary — choose venues listed as family friendly or ask when booking.
Wieliczka has interesting surface exhibits and monuments — if the little one cannot go underground, the above-ground attractions (Museum of the Krakow Salt Works, Żupny Castle) are excellent alternatives and often less crowded.
On regional trains between Krakow and Wieliczka it is often easier to travel with a stroller than on a crowded bus. Trains can be faster and more comfortable, especially with a small child.
Recommended stroller type is one with larger wheels and easy folding — it makes riding over cobbles easier and speeds up boarding transport.
I hope this guide helps you plan a successful day combining Krakow and Wieliczka — you can sightsee with a stroller, but it requires some compromises and good preparation. If you liked this article, share it with friends or on social media — you'll help other parents plan a pleasant trip.
If you prefer to explore with personal support and a calm pace, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details and contact information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and have a great trip with your little travelers!
