Looking for the quickest way to get to the Sukiennice and soak up the atmosphere of the Main Market? The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) stand in the very heart of the Old Town, so you have lots of options — from a pleasant walk from the Main Train Station, to trams and buses, to a fast rail link from the airport. This guide lists concrete routes, stop names, helpful apps and practical tips so planning your visit is simple and stress-free.
How to get around the centre — quick overview
The Main Market and the Sukiennice are very well connected. Tram and bus stops ring the Planty (the green belt around the Old Town); from those stops it usually takes 3–8 minutes on foot to reach the centre of the Market. If you arrive at Kraków Główny (Main Train Station), walking is often the fastest option and a lovely way to start your visit — the pedestrian route via Floriańska Street leads you straight to the Market.
There are many tram and bus lines that stop near the Market. You can also reach the centre from the airport by regional train. For planning, use route-planning apps (for example Jakdojade) and mobile ticketing apps so you have your ticket ready before you board.
The distance between the Main Train Station and the Sukiennice is about 1.5–1.8 km — roughly a 20–25 minute walk at a comfortable pace. For many visitors this is the best option: the walk through the Old Town streets gives you an immediate feel for Kraków and takes you along Floriańska straight to the Market.
If you prefer public transport or travel with heavy luggage, there are trams and buses serving stops around the Planty. Common stops near the station include Poczta Główna, Teatr Bagatela and Stary Kleparz; get off at one of these and it’s only a few minutes on foot to the Sukiennice.
If you have limited mobility, consider taking a tram to the nearest stop by the Planty and choosing a short, flat route onto the Market. Be aware that the very centre can be narrow and heavily pedestrianised, especially in high season.
The fastest public option from Balice Airport is the regional train (SKA / Koleje Małopolskie) to Kraków Główny — the journey takes about 17–20 minutes. Trains are frequent (roughly every 30 minutes) and bring you to the main station; from there you can walk to the Market or take a short tram ride to the Planty.
You can also use airport and city buses, taxis or private transfers. Express bus lines connect the terminal with key city hubs and may be cheaper, though slightly slower in traffic. For comfort with luggage, the train plus a short walk or tram is often the best balance between speed and cost.
Check timetables and ticket options before you travel — buying tickets from machines in the arrivals hall or via apps saves time at the station.
From the city’s coach station (MDA) you can reach the Sukiennice on foot in about 10–15 minutes, or by tram/bus. Many international and long‑distance services finish near the Main Train Station, which makes onward planning straightforward.
If you arrive late in the evening, check night service schedules and taxi availability. On busy nights and in high season there may be queues for taxis, so have a backup plan such as a ride‑hailing app.
There are several stops around the Planty from which the Sukiennice are just a few minutes’ walk. Useful stop names to remember: Teatr Bagatela, Poczta Główna, Stary Kleparz, Teatr Słowackiego and stops near Plac Wszystkich Świętych or Hala Targowa.
Tram lines serving the Planty run frequently and make it easy to reach the Old Town from many parts of the city. When choosing a stop, look at the Planty map and pick the one closest to your planned Market entrance (for example Floriańska, Szewska, or from the Barbakan side).
If you come by car, consider using Kraków’s Park & Ride (P+R) system. P+R sites are located at tram termini and major interchange points: you park and then take a tram to the centre — the tram ride typically takes 10–25 minutes depending on the P+R location.
P+R saves time and spares you the trouble and high costs of searching for parking in the centre. Examples of P+R locations include Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów, Mały Płaszów and Górka Narodowa (all linked to tram or bus connections). From the nearest stop you’ll usually walk 3–6 minutes to the Sukiennice.
If you must drive into the centre, remember the paid‑parking zones and restricted streets — access in the immediate Old Town is limited and many streets are pedestrianised.
You can buy city transport tickets in several mobile apps and at ticket machines or from some ticket sellers. Popular options include Jakdojade (route planning and tickets), iMKA, moBiLET, SkyCash and similar services. Make sure to check current availability before your trip.
If you have a paper ticket, validate it after boarding where required — ticket inspections are common. With apps, buy your ticket before boarding and have it ready to show if asked. If you plan a busy sightseeing day, consider a time‑based ticket (24–72 hours) or a day pass depending on your itinerary.
There have been occasional changes to partnered apps or ticketing options in recent years — it’s a good idea to have a backup app or an alternative payment method in case of problems.
Ticket checks: inspectors operate regularly, including in the centre. Don’t risk travelling without a valid ticket — fines can be steep.
Rush hours: trams and buses can be crowded in the morning and late afternoon. If possible, travel early in the morning or later in the evening outside peak times to avoid crowds and delays.
Luggage and strollers: boarding with large luggage during peak times can be difficult. If you have heavy suitcases, a short walk from the Main Train Station is often easier than a packed tram.
Accessibility: not all stops and vehicles are fully step‑free. If you need accessibility features, check availability for the specific line or contact the Sukiennice museum staff who can advise on accessible visiting options.
The Main Market and the area around the Sukiennice are packed with cafés, restaurants and places serving Polish and international cuisine. Well‑known spots on or very near the Market include the historic Wierzynek and Restauracja Sukiennice; there are also many cafés with Market views where you can rest and enjoy a coffee or a local dessert.
A great place to relax after touring is the Planty — the green belt encircling the Old Town, perfect for a short break on a bench. If you want a cultural follow‑up, check whether there are temporary exhibitions or guided tours at the Sukiennice or nearby museum branches.
When choosing a restaurant near the Market, look for places with good recent reviews — that helps avoid tourist traps and ensures a better experience.
Thinking 'I'll park right by the Sukiennice' — driving and parking in the immediate centre is difficult and expensive. Use P+R or one of the parking facilities by the Planty instead.
Not preparing for ticket checks — some visitors board trams hoping to buy a ticket later. Buy your ticket in advance via an app or at a machine.
Underestimating time — Kraków's centre offers many attractions close together, but queues and walking time add up. Allow extra time for museum queues, walks and breaks.
How long does it take to walk from the Main Train Station to the Market? About 20–25 minutes on foot, depending on your pace.
Is there a direct tram to the Market? Trams reach stops around the Planty (for example Teatr Bagatela, Poczta Główna); from those stops it’s a short walk to the Market.
How do I get from the airport? The fastest public option is the regional train to Kraków Główny (about 17–20 minutes), then a walk or tram to the Sukiennice.
Where can I buy a ticket? Use mobile apps (Jakdojade, iMKA, moBiLET, SkyCash and similar), ticket machines, or (in limited cases) buy from the driver/conductor.
The Sukiennice were historically Kraków’s commercial centre — cloth trading here dates back to the Middle Ages. Today you’ll find craft stalls on the ground floor and a 19th‑century painting gallery on the upper floor.
Under the Market Square there is an archaeological and historical exhibition (the Market Underground) that shows the medieval structure of the Market — it is accessible on a short tour from beneath the Sukiennice.
If you'd like help planning a route, booking museum tickets, finding the best places to stay or reserving a table at a recommended restaurant, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata offers personalised tours of Kraków, guided visits to museums and assistance with logistics, transport and reservations.
Contact details and availability are listed on the article page for booking a tailored itinerary. If you prefer, tell me your arrival point and time and I can suggest a step‑by‑step route for that day.
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If arriving by plane: check the SKA/regional train timetable and have a small change or app ready for a ticket.
If driving: note P+R locations such as Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów, Mały Płaszów and Górka Narodowa and the typical tram travel time from them.
Apps to install: Jakdojade for planning, one ticketing app (e.g. iMKA or SkyCash) and your preferred rideshare app for convenience.
