Fancy a one-day trip from Kraków to Zakopane but unsure what to book first, how much it will cost, or where the public toilets are in Kraków city centre and on Wawel Hill? This practical guide will help you plan a stress-free, enjoyable day trip.
I write this as a Kraków guide — plain, friendly and practical: what to buy ahead of time, the typical attractions in Zakopane and how to avoid being surprised by a lack of toilet access when time is tight.
I used official sources and organisers’ information when preparing this, but everything here is presented in my own words — concise and easy to use, without links.
Let’s get started!
The most common one-day options are: coach or minibus transfers (organised shuttles), travelling by train, or driving your own car. Travel time is usually about 1.5–2 hours one way, depending on road conditions and the season.
A standard one-day program usually includes: a walk along Krupówki, a ride on the Gubałówka funicular (short viewpoint), possibly a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch (for high-altitude views), and for those who want — thermal baths or a shorter walk in one of the valleys (for example, Strążyska Valley). In season many trips also include local cheese tastings or quick visits to major attractions.
In practice, decide ahead whether your priority is views (Kasprowy), longer walks (Dolina Kościeliska / Morskie Oko — these need more time) or relaxation in the thermal baths. Each option takes different time and money, so plan realistically.
Key tickets to consider: Tatra National Park entry and permits, Kasprowy Wierch cable car tickets, and thermal-bath (termy) entries. In high season (summer holidays, school breaks, long weekends) cable cars and thermal complexes can get crowded — booking online saves time and nerves.
Tatra National Park — entrance to the marked trails requires an entry fee. Typical prices are around 10–11 zł for a full-price ticket and around 5–6 zł reduced (there are also 7-day and group tickets). Some routes and parking areas (for example near Morskie Oko) have separate fees or require transport/parking tickets. Check in advance how you will reach your chosen trailhead.
Kasprowy Wierch cable car — this is an attraction worth planning. Tickets have limited capacity and sell out quickly in season, especially for morning departures. If you want the panoramic views from Kasprowy, buy your ticket online in advance and schedule the departure time to fit your day plan.
Thermal baths and pools — if you plan to visit thermal complexes (for example Bukovina, Chochołowskie Termy or others), book entry ahead — popular afternoon hours are often full with families and organised groups.
Organised day trips/transfers — if you choose a ready-made trip with transfer from Kraków, check what the price includes (free time, guide, attraction tickets) and whether you can add a thermal-bath option. Prices and programs vary, so compare offerings and reviews.
Public toilets in Kraków city centre are available but opening hours and locations vary — you’ll find the most near the Main Market Square (Sukiennice), on the boulevards along the Vistula and at larger squares (for example Plac Szczepański). In high season the city tries to extend hours, but it’s a good idea to check current rules before you head out.
Toilets on Wawel Hill — there are sanitary facilities for visitors on Wawel. Using toilets on Wawel is sometimes paid (usually a small fee of a few zł), and during big events or busy periods access can be limited. If you plan to visit Wawel before heading to Zakopane, use the toilet before starting the castle route or stop at a nearby café to freshen up.
A few practical tips: - carry some small change (for paid toilets), - use facilities in large service points (stations, shopping centres, petrol stations) if public toilets are limited, - bring tissues and hand gel — sometimes paper or soap may be missing.
In Zakopane most public toilets are around Krupówki, at the funicular and cable car stations (Gubałówka, Kasprowy) and near larger attractions and shopping areas. Many facilities (museums, thermal baths) have their own restrooms for visitors. However, on popular mountain trails toilet access is often limited to mountain huts or facilities near parking areas.
On the trails — especially on longer routes — follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out what you bring, and if you must relieve yourself outdoors do so discreetly and away from water sources and marked paths. It’s sensible to carry biodegradable tissues and a small waste bag.
Paid toilets — in Zakopane and near main attractions there are often small fees (a few zł). Keep some change handy and plan short stops at places that provide sanitation (cable car stations, tourist service points, larger guesthouses).
07:00 — depart from Kraków (eat breakfast beforehand or bring a packed breakfast). 09:00–09:30 — arrival in Zakopane (time depends on traffic).
09:30–11:00 — walk Krupówki, quick coffee and local snacks. This is a good time to use a toilet before the rest of the day.
11:00–12:00 — ride the Gubałówka funicular (if you want quick views and photos) or prepare for the Kasprowy cable car (if you have tickets and more time).
12:30–14:00 — lunch / local cheese tasting / rest. If you plan a thermal-bath visit, reserve a 2–3 hour afternoon block.
14:30–16:30 — optional: Kasprowy (with reserved ticket) or a walk in one of the valleys (for example Strążyska or Kościeliska). If you’re going to Morskie Oko you’ll need significantly more time — that is a longer trip.
17:00–18:30 — relax in thermal pools (optional) or enjoy a leisurely walk around Zakopane. 19:00 — depart back for Kraków. Around 21:00 return (depending on traffic).
This is only an example — adapt the schedule to your priorities and pace. To avoid crowds, start as early as possible and plan popular attractions for the morning.
- Bring layered clothing — mountain weather changes quickly. - Carry small change for paid toilets and parking. - Buy cable car / thermal bath tickets in advance if you need specific time slots. - Check Tatra National Park entry fees and rules before you go — those fees affect part of the plan. - Respect nature: don’t leave litter, stay on marked trails and follow safety rules. - If you’re returning to Kraków in the evening, remember public toilet availability in the city centre — it’s best to plan a stop ahead of time.
If you like, I can prepare for you: - a personalised one-day plan with exact times and transport options from Kraków, - a list of useful contacts and places (parking, cable car stations, thermal baths), - a short packing checklist for the trip.
Good luck and safe travels! If you already have travel dates, tell me when — I’ll help tailor the plan and advise what to book first.
