Yes — you can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine and see the main highlights of Kraków in a single day if you plan the logistics in advance. The key is choosing the right place to leave your car: conveniently outside the deepest Old Town zone or at a Park & Ride (P+R), from where you can quickly reach the sights by public transport or on foot.
This article gives a concrete hourly plan, parking options near the Old Town, alternatives for getting to Wieliczka and practical tips to avoid the most common tourist mistakes. At the end there is an FAQ and suggestions for places to eat and relax. You can adapt the schedule to your own pace if you prefer.
Wieliczka is about 13 km from central Kraków — by train it takes roughly 25–30 minutes, by bus 30–40 minutes and by car 20–30 minutes (depending on traffic).
The Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine usually takes 2–3 hours. The route includes about 800 steps (mostly down) and around 3.5 km of underground passages — wear comfortable shoes and bring something warmer, because underground it is cooler (about 17–18°C).
Kraków’s Paid Parking Zone (SPP) operates in the city centre — during its hours the rates in the most expensive subzone are higher, and street parking can cost more than multi-storey car parks or P+R.
Galeria Krakowska (by the Main Railway Station) — the most convenient car park, very close to the Main Market Square. Good if you want to park and start exploring the Old Town on foot right away. Downsides: higher fees and busy weekends.
P+R Czerwone Maki — a cheap option on the city outskirts with good tram connections to the centre. Ideal if you plan to leave the car for the whole day and avoid the paid parking zone in the centre. Pros: lower cost and less parking stress.
Car parks near Starowiślna Street, Autosave or municipal multi-storey car parks — a compromise between price and distance. From these places it usually takes 10–20 minutes on foot to the Market Square or a short tram ride.
Avoid driving unnecessarily deep into the Old Town — many streets have restricted access and the paid parking subzone A has high rates and controls. If you must enter, check signs carefully and use parking payment apps.
6:30–8:00 — Arrival in Kraków and parking: if you plan to start with Wieliczka, leave the car at P+R Czerwone Maki or at Galeria Krakowska. This helps avoid manoeuvring and fees in the SPP.
8:30–9:00 — Get to Kraków Główny and go to the platform. If you take the train, choose the service to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia (about 25–30 minutes). Buy mine tickets in advance online — especially in season.
9:30–12:30 — Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Tourist Route) and possibly visit the Żupny Castle or the graduation tower. Allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit and a short coffee after coming back to the surface.
12:30–13:15 — Return by train to Kraków or drive back (if you prefer flexibility) and return to where you parked the car.
13:30–17:30 — Walk around the Old Town: Wawel, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, walk down Floriańska Street and through the Planty. Lunch at a recommended restaurant and a coffee break.
17:30–19:00 — Time for lesser-known sights or an easy finish to the day: a short visit to Kazimierz or a brief seasonal river cruise on the Vistula. In the evening return to your car and depart.
This is a template — you can swap the order (Kraków first, then Wieliczka), but remember to check train schedules and the mine entry times.
Train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia — the fastest and most reliable option during rush hours. Trains run regularly and the station is close to the mine entrance.
MPK bus — suburban lines run from the city centre; it’s an alternative but can be slower and affected by road traffic.
Car — gives flexibility (you can park in one of the larger parking lots in Wieliczka), but remember parking in central Wieliczka is limited and often paid. During busy weekends spaces fill up quickly.
Taxi / ride-hailing — comfortable but more expensive; consider a taxi for the return trip if your schedule is tight and you want to save time.
A paid parking zone operates in Wieliczka centre and there are several large car parks near the mine (for example the Daniłowicz parking by the shaft), which are the most convenient option for visitors. In season it’s better to arrive early because spaces disappear fast.
Don’t expect many free spots on Wieliczka’s market square. If you want a cheaper option, consider parking further away and walking a short distance or using local transport.
Some places offer staffed parking and private guarded lots — check opening hours and prices before arrival.
In Kraków around the Main Market Square you’ll find both regional restaurants and modern bistros. If you want a highly rated, classic experience, consider Wierzynek (a historic restaurant). For coffee and cake try Café Camelot or bakeries like Charlotte on Plac Szczepański.
After leaving the mine in Wieliczka it’s nice to stop for something local around the Wieliczka Market — choose places with good reviews. If you’re traveling with children, look for restaurants with space and family-friendly menus.
If you’re short on time, a convenient option is to have lunch in central Kraków after returning from Wieliczka — then you can continue sightseeing on foot without rushing.
Not booking Wieliczka tickets in advance — in season entries sell out quickly. Buy tickets online and choose a specific entry time.
Parking “by eye” near the Old Town in the afternoon — this can lead to long circling and high fees. Better to park at P+R or in a large guarded car park and use public transport.
Trying to cram too many attractions into one day — plan realistically: allow time for transport, ticketing and rest between points.
To save time, park at Galeria Krakowska and use the train to Wieliczka — it means fewer steps with luggage than walking to a more distant tram stop.
Wieliczka has zones where the salt microclimate is noticeable after leaving the route — it’s a pleasant spot to rest and recover after the tour.
Bring a small power bank and a water bottle — there can be longer gaps between stops and not all attractions have phone-charging points.
Can I leave my car near the Old Town for the whole day? - Technically yes, but it’s likely to be more expensive due to the paid parking zone. A better and cheaper option is P+R or the multi-storey car park at Galeria Krakowska.
Do I need to book my visit to Wieliczka? - Yes, especially in the tourist season. Online booking guarantees your place and entry time.
What if I have limited mobility? - Some attractions in Wieliczka and Kraków offer facilities, but the mine route involves stairs. Contact the mine staff in advance to check accessibility for specific parts of the route.
Kraków (Old Town): Wierzynek — a classic historic restaurant with long tradition; Café Camelot — a cosy café near the Market; Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — generous Polish portions and an atmospheric spot by Wawel.
Wieliczka: after exiting the mine choose a well-reviewed café or restaurant by the Market to rest and taste local dishes. In season, places near the Daniłowicz shaft are convenient to avoid extra travel time.
Book a table if you plan to dine at a popular venue — on weekends it’s hard to get a table without a reservation.
The Kraków + Wieliczka day plan is realistic but needs a thoughtful parking choice and advance mine reservations. The safest approach is to park outside the deepest Old Town zone (P+R or Galeria Krakowska) and travel by train or tram.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to discover Kraków at a relaxed pace with a private guide, consider booking a walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the official site. Good luck and have a great trip!
