Yes — but it requires a conscious plan. If your priority is that the whole family goes down the Tourist Route in the mine, a full-price adult ticket can take a big bite out of the budget. If instead you focus on a stroll around Wieliczka’s market square, visiting the brine graduation tower, surface museums, and only one parent goes underground in a carrier (or the little one goes free — children under about 4 years usually don’t pay), a day trip from Krakow can be organized for under 100 zł per person. Below you’ll find a concrete day plan, logistical tips and a list of common budget mistakes to avoid.
If you dream of a full tour of the Tourist Route, keep in mind that the mine’s ticket prices often significantly affect the budget. For families, the best approach is to check current family discounts and exemptions (for example family cards or child-group rates) and to consider surface alternatives that are cheaper and more stroller-friendly.
Everyday essentials: pick economical transport (train or regional bus), plan a picnic or eat at a well-reviewed local cafe, avoid peak times and pricey city parking.
The cheapest options are public transport — the regional train on the Krakow–Wieliczka line and the commuter buses. The train takes about 20–25 minutes, the bus 30–40 minutes, depending on your departure point in Krakow and traffic. Ticket costs vary by type, but with the right choice (single tickets or a 24-hour public transport pass) you can optimize expenses.
If you drive, remember parking costs by the Mine can add up. For families with a small child the train is worth considering: comfortable, fast and often the cheapest option; the 'Wieliczka Rynek – Kopalnia' station is a short walk from the attraction entrance.
A simple transport plan that usually keeps the budget in check: return train/bus tickets + a short local transfer or walk. That leaves plenty for food and small extras.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is beautiful, but underground you face a lot of stairs. At the start of the Tourist Route there are often hundreds of steps (on some popular entrances the descent is several hundred steps), and the whole route includes several hundred stairs. For that reason, a stroller is not a comfortable way to move on the Tourist Route.
A good practice is to come with a stroller, leave it at the cloakroom or a designated spot near the entrance (the attraction usually provides a place to leave strollers or luggage) and take the child in a sling or carrier for the actual underground tour. That way the person touring doesn’t struggle with the stroller on stairs, and the rest of the family can take care of collecting the stroller on the surface after the tour.
If you don’t want to give up both the stroller and the underground visit, talk to the site staff — sometimes they help with storing the stroller and point out the most convenient solutions. The alternative is to enjoy only the surface attractions of Wieliczka, which are fully stroller-accessible and very enjoyable for little ones.
Wieliczka’s market square and the immediate surroundings are great for stroller walks: atmospheric townhouses, small souvenir shops and cafes. It’s just a short walk from the train station to feel the town’s local atmosphere.
The brine graduation tower and the recreational areas by the mine are perfect for resting with a child. There you can sit, change the baby or spread a blanket and enjoy the salty microclimate. On hot days this stop adds comfort to the whole outing.
The surface museum (the Krakow Saltworks Museum — Muzeum Żup Krakowskich) and some exhibitions near the entrance are accessible and easy to explore with a stroller. They let you learn about the history of salt and the mine without going underground.
A standard walk around the market plus a short visit to the graduation tower and a few museum rooms takes a relaxed pace of 2–4 hours — ideal for a half-day trip from Krakow. If you plan to go underground, add 1–2 hours for the descent, the tour and returning to the surface.
Plan breaks every 1–1.5 hours to change the child, feed and give them time to move. Morning hours outside weekend peak times or late afternoons on weekdays are best — there are fewer crowds at the square and entrance, making stroller storage and moving on the surface easier.
Bring extra water and small snacks. Underground you won’t always have easy access to a cafe, and the stairs on the way back can require extra energy.
Example economical day plan from Krakow for a family (approximate prices): return train/bus tickets: about 8–30 zł; picnic or lunch at a local bistro or homemade sandwiches: 15–30 zł; coffee and dessert or ice cream at the square: 10–20 zł; small parking or stroller storage fees: 0–15 zł. With this calculation, the whole trip can fit into a 100 zł per person budget if you skip expensive underground tickets or use discounts/exemptions for the youngest.
If you do want to visit the Tourist Route underground, calculate in advance: an adult ticket can considerably raise the cost of the day. One practical solution is to divide duties — one parent goes underground with the child in a carrier, the other stays with the stroller on the surface and organizes time at the graduation tower. That way the family doesn’t miss the attraction and the budget is distributed sensibly.
If you plan to visit several attractions in Krakow the same day, consider a 24- or 72-hour public transport ticket — in some cases it’s cheaper than many single tickets.
Wieliczka has small family cafes and restaurants around the market serving simple, home-style dishes — pierogi, soups, meat dishes and local specialties. It’s safest to pick places with good reviews and quick service, especially when traveling with a small child.
For a quick and inexpensive option consider local bakeries and cafes at the square, where you can buy sandwiches, cakes and coffee. For families on a tight budget a picnic in the park area by the graduation tower is a great solution — you’ll save on restaurant costs and the child will have space to run.
Before you go, check reviews on local listing sites — choose a place with many positive comments and mentions of fast service.
Trying to take the stroller down the underground route without a plan — it’s tiring and sometimes impossible. Instead arrange stroller storage or bring a carrier/sling.
Not checking opening hours and transport timetables — this is important especially during holidays or off-season when local schedules can change. Always verify current hours and ticket availability before you leave.
Not having a plan B for meals — popular places can be busy on weekends. Always have alternatives: picnic, a nearby bakery or a cafe with takeaway service.
Underground the temperature is steady and pleasant — about 17–18°C, which makes the visit comfortable year-round. A light layer is usually enough even if it’s very hot or cold above ground.
The Tourist Route features many sculptures and elements carved in salt — often made with great artistry. This detail frequently delights both adults and children.
In town, just a few steps from the market, you can feel a calmer local vibe than in central Krakow — take time for a quiet walk and watch local life.
Can I leave a stroller at the mine entrance? Yes — near the entrance there is usually a cloakroom or a place to leave a stroller. It’s still a good idea to confirm in advance by phone or at the ticket desk.
Do children enter for free? Children up to a certain age (often up to 4 years) in many attractions do not pay — check the specific attraction’s rules.
How should I dress my child for the underground visit? A moderate layer — underground is cooler than summer outdoors but not cold; comfortable non-slip shoes and an extra layer for when you return to the surface are a good choice.
Documents and tickets (check current prices and availability online).
A carrier or sling for the child if you plan to go underground; the stroller can be left in storage.
A bottle of water, small snacks, diapers, a spare shirt.
A backup plan in case of crowds: alternative surface attractions, a cafe or a market stroll.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan better trips. If you want to explore Krakow and the surroundings with comfort and a personalized approach, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and her offer are available on her site. Good luck planning and have a safe, pleasant trip with your little one!
If you’d like, I can prepare a tailored day plan based on your arrival time, child’s age and where you’re staying in Krakow. Just tell me where you’re coming from and how much time you have.
