If you’re driving to Kraków and your destination is the Old Town, it’s worth planning your parking in advance — the city centre is covered by the Paid Parking Zone, with specific hours and rates, and spaces are usually limited.
The most convenient and often fastest option is parking in nearby multi-storey car parks or shopping centres close to the Main Railway Station. The Galeria Krakowska car park is practically within reach of the Market Square — a good choice if you want to walk to the Old Town in a few minutes or take a short tram ride.
An alternative to leaving your car in the centre is to use Park & Ride (P+R) facilities located at tram terminals and transport hubs. Leave your vehicle at a P+R (for example Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów, Swoszowice and others), take a tram or train and in a matter of minutes you’ll be in the heart of the city.
Park & Ride is a network of car parks placed at public transport junctions, designed to ease congestion in the centre. These sites often offer hundreds of spaces, CCTV, bike racks and sometimes electric vehicle chargers.
The main advantage is saving time and reducing stress — you avoid searching for a spot among the narrow streets of the Old Town and the higher fees and zone restrictions. At many P+R sites you can enter free or cheaply if you have a valid public transport ticket stored on a city card or in a mobile app (terms vary by facility).
Keep in mind that space at the most popular P+R locations can fill up during peak hours — if you arrive at rush hour it’s wise to check availability or come earlier.
Kraków’s centre is included in the Paid Parking Zone; fees usually apply Monday to Saturday during set hours (check current hours before you arrive). In recent years the city adopted progressive tariffs that differ by subzone (A, B, C).
Residents with a Kraków Card (Karta Krakowska) can get discounts by registering their vehicle registration number in the card system. This is useful if you plan longer stays in the Old Town area.
Watch road signs and parking meters — payments can also be made via mobile apps. Weekend rules and some holidays may differ (for example certain Sundays can be exempt), so always verify the latest municipal notices before travelling.
Galeria Krakowska’s car park is one of the most convenient options by the Main Railway Station — it’s an indoor garage with many spaces and opening hours adapted to tourist flows. Short stays are sometimes very cheap (the first 10–15 minutes can be free), while several hours are charged according to the car park’s price list.
When choosing a garage, check opening hours for the indoor sections, pricing and whether you can pay by card or mobile app. If you plan to explore all day, look for a daily rate to avoid fines for overstaying.
The Kraków–Wadowice route is popular, especially for visitors to the museum and family home of John Paul II. If you plan to visit both places the same day, consider leaving your car outside the strict city centre (P+R) and continuing by train or public transport, or start your drive to Wadowice from a convenient southern exit — this reduces the risk of parking problems in the afternoon.
If you prefer to sightsee the Old Town first and then drive to Wadowice, plan your route so you leave the centre outside peak traffic hours and use one of the main southbound exits from the city.
In Wadowice, close to the market square and the John Paul II museum, there are municipal car parks with varying rates. A few of the nearest options are: the parking at Plac T. Kościuszki (about 200 m from the centre), the lot on Trybunalska Street (about 300 m), the parking at M. Wadowity Street and the lot on J. Słowacki Street (near the former prison).
Hourly rates at municipal lots differ: for example one central parking charges around 6 PLN/hour, other nearby places charge approximately 4–5 PLN/hour or offer a daily fee. Some private lots set their own prices and rules.
Pay attention to opening hours — some car parks operate 24/7, while others have limited hours or different rules at weekends.
After you park near the Old Town you’ll have plenty of dining choices — from historic restaurants to cosy cafés. For a taste of tradition consider Wierzynek (historic dining), for a charming café atmosphere try Cafe Camelot, and for friendly bakeries and coffee spots look around Plac Szczepański where places like Charlotte are popular.
A few tips: cafés around the Market Square are great for a break during a walk; at lunchtime it’s wise to reserve a table in popular venues. If you plan to eat before driving to Wadowice, choose reliable places that serve quick meals and are conveniently located for leaving the centre.
Arriving "at the last minute" to the centre and expecting to find free parking — in the high season this is risky. Better to park earlier or use a P+R facility.
Ignoring signs and parking restrictions — check vertical and horizontal signage and the parking meter before leaving your car. A fine can spoil your whole day.
Assuming weekends are free — Prague-like assumptions don’t apply here: Kraków’s Paid Parking Zone has specific hours and exceptions; not all Sundays are free, so always check current information.
Is it worth parking at Galeria Krakowska? Yes — it’s a convenient option for short visits to the Old Town or to avoid the stress of street parking. Check the garage rates because full-day parking can be more expensive than parking outside the centre.
Are there free parking spaces in the centre? Free spots close to the centre are rare and usually occupied. If you find a free short-term spot, confirm whether it has time limits or other conditions.
What’s the cheapest way to combine sightseeing in Kraków and a trip to Wadowice? Consider leaving the car on a P+R lot and getting into the centre by public transport, then continue to Wadowice by car outside peak hours — or leave the vehicle at a parking area near a southbound route out of the city.
Kraków uses progressive parking fees in the Paid Parking Zone — rates can increase with the length of stay to encourage turnover in high-demand areas.
At selected P+R sites entry can be free for people who have a valid public transport ticket recorded on a city card — a cost-effective option for combining car and tram or train travel.
Some car parks near railway stations provide direct, barrier-free access to platforms (for example through underpasses) — very handy when you travel with luggage.
Check the city’s current information about the Paid Parking Zone and any tariff changes before you leave. That helps avoid surprises related to rates and payment hours.
If you plan a busy day of sightseeing, consider combining parking outside the centre (P+R), public transport and a short stay in a city garage — this is often the fastest and cheapest way to see the sights efficiently.
If you like, I can help plan a route and parking spots tailored to your itinerary. Feel free to share this guide with friends or on social media to help others travelling around Lesser Poland.
If you found this article useful, please share it with friends or on social media — it will help other travellers avoid parking troubles.
If you need a personalised Kraków tour or practical help planning logistics (parking, route, best time for sightseeing), consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find details on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
