Wieliczka is closer than you think — it’s not a long excursion but an easy, often short trip that can really brighten up student life in Kraków. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO site, full of underground chambers, salt sculptures and chapels that leave a strong impression and make a great idea for bonding with fellow exchange students. From central Kraków it’s usually 20-30 minutes by train or a comfortable bus ride — ideal for an afternoon or weekend getaway.
On Erasmus, convenience and budget matter — fortunately the Kraków–Wieliczka connection is well served, and students can often use concessions on public transport. The combination of a short journey, a unique attraction and the chance to save money makes Wieliczka a must on every student’s list in Kraków.
This article gives practical tips: how to get there cheapest and fastest, what to see in the mine, how to prepare physically and what to bring, plus recommended spots for coffee and an inexpensive meal before or after your visit.
The simplest and often fastest option is the Koleje Małopolskie train (SKA1 line). Trains run regularly every 20-30 minutes, and the trip from central Kraków to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes about 20-25 minutes. It’s a convenient choice, especially when roads are busy.
An alternative is the suburban MPK bus number 304 - it departs from the area around the Main Railway Station and stops near the Daniłowicz shaft and Regis in Wieliczka. It’s a good option if you prefer to stay close to the station or plan to combine the trip with an onward bus departure.
Students should use municipal discounts and mobile ticket apps (for example mKKM). Check whether your student ID grants a reduced fare and consider period or metropolitan tickets if you plan frequent trips outside Kraków. Always check timetables before you leave — weekends and holidays can be busier.
The Tourist Route is the main attraction: the impressive St. Kinga’s Chapel, chambers with salt sculptures, brine lakes and fragments of historic mining infrastructure. Tours are guided and usually last 2-3 hours, often extending to about 3.5 hours if you add a visit to the Museum of the Krakow Saltworks.
For visitors seeking stronger sensations there is the Miners' Route - a more active experience with challenging sections, miners’ overalls and equipment. This is aimed at people above a certain age and those prepared for physical activity underground.
The mine has a stable temperature (about 14-18°C) and high humidity, so bring a warm sweatshirt and comfortable shoes. You’ll climb a lot of stairs — from the very start there are several hundred steps on the full route. The return to the surface is by elevator, which makes getting back up easier for many people.
The mine operates on hourly entry slots, so the best practice is to buy a ticket online for a chosen time slot — this avoids long queues and the risk of no availability in peak season. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry.
Students (with a valid student ID) usually qualify for a reduced ticket up to a certain age - check current rules before buying. Prices can vary by season (low/mid/high) and by route type (tourist vs miners' route).
When planning for organized groups, reserve well in advance — larger groups need earlier reservation of a guide and confirmation of participant numbers. If you want to visit the Museum of the Krakow Saltworks or use the graduation tower, check combined ticket availability.
Choose an early afternoon on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds — weekends and peak season are the busiest. Schedule your classes so you have buffer time for travel and possible waiting at the ticket office.
Bring: a valid student ID (for discounts), comfortable closed shoes, a light jacket or sweatshirt (the underground temperature is stable and cool), a water bottle and a small backpack. Phones and cameras are allowed — make sure your battery is charged, because there are great photo opportunities underground.
If someone has claustrophobia or circulatory issues, check contraindications before buying a ticket — some sections of the route can be demanding. For a multilingual group, consider the language of the guided tour — the mine offers guides in several languages, but language slots can be limited, so verify availability beforehand.
In Wieliczka, right by the exit from the tourist route, Bistro Posolone is a convenient and reliable spot for a post-tour meal, with tasty dishes at reasonable prices and easy access to the Daniłowicz shaft. It’s practical when a group wants to sit down quickly and compare impressions from the underground.
In Kraków choose tried-and-true places friendly to students: cozy cafes ideal for meeting before the trip and the food stalls at Plac Nowy - the famous zapiekanki are quick, cheap and iconic. If you’re looking for a laptop-friendly spot or an English-speaking atmosphere, consider Massolit Books & Cafe - a bookstore-cafe combination popular with students and travelers.
If you want a well-rated meal before or after the trip, pick places with many reviews and a high average rating to reduce the risk of disappointment. When in doubt, ask local students or your dorm reception — they often have fresh, subjective recommendations.
Not reserving a specific time slot - in season this can lead to long waits or no availability. Buy a ticket online for a chosen slot and arrive early.
Underestimating the number of stairs and the temperature change - don’t wear flip-flops or light sandals; comfortable closed shoes and an extra layer are essential.
Assuming everything is accessible for people with limited mobility - check accessibility details in advance; not all parts of the mine are suitable for wheelchair users or those who have trouble with stairs.
Trying to see everything in one day without a plan - combining the mine visit with a longer Kraków walk is great, but plan routes and transport times so you don’t spend half the day on logistics.
Do students get discounts on mine tickets? Yes - people with a valid student ID usually qualify for a reduced ticket up to a certain age; bring your document and check current conditions before purchase.
How much time should I reserve for the visit? Plan 2-3 hours for the Tourist Route; if you want to add the Museum of the Krakow Saltworks or other surface attractions, reserve 3-4 hours.
Is the route safe for people with claustrophobia? Some people with claustrophobia may feel uncomfortable - if in doubt, consult the mine staff before buying a ticket. Tours are guided and supervised, but they require going underground and climbing stairs.
How to avoid crowds? Pick weekdays and earlier time slots, book in advance and consider visiting outside the summer season if possible.
There is a stable microclimate underground, so regardless of surface weather many chambers remain pleasantly cool - a surprise for summer visitors.
Wieliczka is more than the Tourist Route - there are also therapeutic chambers and venues for concerts, weddings and conferences. The site serves many functions beyond regular sightseeing.
The Miners' Route and the Tourist Route offer different experiences - choose the Miners' Route to feel the working life of miners, or the Tourist Route if you prefer history and salt sculptures.
If you’re planning a trip: check ticket availability online, plan your journey by train or bus, bring your student ID and wear comfortable shoes. It’s a simple but rich-in-experience day that fits student budgets and schedules.
Share this article with your exchange friends - they might be looking for an idea for a group outing. If you prefer to explore with comfort and in Polish, consider booking a tour with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the guide’s page. Good luck and enjoy your visit!
