Kraków’s Old Town sits inside the Paid Parking Zone — the zone usually operates Monday to Saturday (roughly 10:00–20:00) and the central subzone (A) has the highest rates. When planning a trip by car, decide in advance whether to leave the vehicle in a city/P+R lot or at a cheaper parking area on the outskirts and continue by tram, bus or long‑distance coach to Wadowice and Zakopane.
If you want to explore the Old Town a bit before you leave, allow extra time for parking and transfer to public transport so you won’t feel rushed. Mobile parking apps make paying fast and reduce the risk of fines.
Check the parking zone map before you travel and keep a payment app or card ready — it speeds up paying and helps avoid tickets.
If you want to start your route with a walk around the Old Town: the closest spaces are inside the Paid Parking Zone (subzone A) — convenient for short stops but expensive for long stays. Cost‑saving alternatives include public multi‑storey car parks a little further away and Park & Ride (P+R) lots or neighborhood parking outside the center that connect to the Market Square by tram or bus.
Practical examples: P+R facilities such as P+R Kurdwanów or municipal car parks like Stare Podgórze often cost less than leaving your car right next to the Old Town. Park on the edge (P+R or a municipal lot outside subzone A), take the tram to the Market Square, and drive on after your sightseeing — this saves on fees and avoids some return‑time traffic.
Bring a parking app or small change for parkomats, and double‑check the local rules (hours, maximum stay). Many P+R lots allow free or discounted entry if you have a valid public transport ticket loaded on a city card or mobile app.
Wadowice is a small town known for its Basilica and the famous ‘papal cream cake’ (kremówka). There are municipal parking spaces and several private lots near the market and the shrine. Paid short‑term parking is available around the Market Square; some private lots offer a full‑day rate that can be cheaper than hourly fees.
If you plan to leave your car for the whole day, look for parking offering a daily rate — in some locations a full‑day fee is significantly cheaper than the sum of hourly charges. There are occasionally free spaces at the town edges and park‑and‑ride options near the bus station.
Remember that in high season the market area can be crowded — for larger groups, arrive early in the morning or park a bit farther away and walk in. Visit the Family Home of John Paul II Museum for a quick, meaningful stop.
The easiest direct option from Kraków to Zakopane is a coach from the Main Bus Terminal (MDA) — there are many departures during the day, travel time is typically about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic on the Zakopianka, and the fare is often competitive with fuel and parking costs.
Driving gives full flexibility (you can reach trailheads and remote valleys), but keep two things in mind: 1) the Zakopianka road is often heavily congested, especially on weekends and holidays; 2) parking in Zakopane is limited — private lots and guarded fields near Krupówki can be expensive.
A good compromise: leave the car in Kraków at a P+R or secure long‑term lot, take a coach to Zakopane for the main sightseeing, and use a car only if you plan to visit smaller valleys or places off the main routes.
Public municipal lots in Zakopane are heavily used and it can be hard to find a free space in the center during the season. Private parking near Krupówki and trailheads often charge a fee — sometimes in cash, sometimes by card — and signs or prices can be unclear. Before you park, make sure the rules and the price are clearly displayed.
Avoid problems by: arriving early (best before noon), choosing an official or well‑reviewed parking lot, asking for a receipt when you pay on site, and checking the hours when fees apply. Consider public transport — trains or coaches to Zakopane remove parking stress.
If you must use a private lot at a trailhead, ask about the rules and any free grace period (sometimes the first 10–15 minutes are free). If in doubt, choose an official lot or park a short distance away and use local transport.
In Wadowice, visit the Basilica and try local kremówkas at bakeries near the Market Square — sampling a couple of different patisseries is part of the fun. The Family Home of John Paul II Museum provides context about the town’s special role in recent Polish history.
In Zakopane, stroll Krupówki, take the funicular to Gubałówka, visit the Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery, or hike into Kościeliska Valley. For food, look for restaurants with strong local reviews — off the main promenade you can often find better value and more authentic menus.
In Kraków, start with a good breakfast near the Market Square — popular spots include Café Camelot or Charlotte — and reserve tables for weekends. A relaxed morning and a full stomach make a busy travel day much more pleasant.
Not checking the Paid Parking Zone hours — that can end with a fine. Always confirm zone hours and pay at a parkomat or in a parking app.
Parking “quickly” in Zakopane without a clear regulation — you risk unclear charges or overpricing. Always ask for a receipt and confirm the rate before leaving your car.
Assuming driving will be faster during peak times — the Zakopianka often stands still on weekends; either leave very early or take a coach.
Can I park in the Old Town for the whole day? Yes, but it’s expensive. Consider parking outside subzone A or using a P+R and taking the tram to the Market Square.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Zakopane from Kraków? A coach from the Main Bus Terminal (MDA) is usually cost‑effective and convenient — journeys typically take about 2–2.5 hours in normal traffic.
Where can I leave the car overnight if I’m going to Zakopane? In Kraków you can leave it in a secure paid lot outside the strict center or on a private long‑term car park; in Zakopane look for well‑rated lots that allow overnight stays.
Many people don’t realize Kraków’s P+R system includes several lots outside the center that offer subscriptions or lower rates for longer stays — these are often better value than parking right by the Market Square.
In Zakopane, restaurants a few streets off Krupówki usually offer better quality and prices — walking a little off the main strip often rewards you with highly recommended local spots.
In Wadowice try kremówkas from a few bakeries — recipes and taste can vary, and local patisseries sometimes have their own distinguished versions.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d rather save time and feel totally relaxed while sightseeing, you can book a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and trouble‑free parking!
