Is it possible to combine a walk around Kazimierz with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and at the same time avoid parking chaos? Yes — provided you plan your route and timing. Idea: spend the morning around the Old Town and Kazimierz (including a short visit to the Tempel Synagogue at 24 Miodowa Street), and dedicate the afternoon to the drive to Wieliczka and the mine visit. This way you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and reduce the risk of not finding parking at either attraction.
In the article you’ll find concrete parking spots in Kraków and Wieliczka, a suggested order of visits, public transport options and practical tips — from booking tickets to things people often forget when planning such a trip.
The Tempel Synagogue stands on the corner of Miodowa and Podbrzezie streets (Miodowa 24). It’s a beautiful neo‑Renaissance–Moorish building with unique stained glass and richly decorated interiors; it is open to visitors in season, although opening hours can vary because of events and religious holidays. Visiting the synagogue is a great complement to a Kazimierz walk — the architecture and history of the Tempel show a different, lesser‑known side of Kraków’s past.
Practically speaking, check current opening hours before you go, because on Saturdays and religious holidays the building may be closed to visitors for religious reasons or special events. If you want a guided visit or a specific time slot, consider contacting the synagogue’s administration in advance.
Kazimierz is a historic district with a limited number of parking spaces — so it’s better to plan parking in advance. The most convenient options are official paid lots or private parking facilities nearby (for example multi‑storey or guarded parking on the edges of Kazimierz). A good reference point is Plac Wolnica — from there you can walk to the Tempel in a few minutes.
If you want to park on the street, remember Kraków’s Paid Parking Zone (SPP). Prices and subzones vary by location; around the Old Town and the nearest Kazimierz the rate is higher. During paid hours you must pay at a meter or via a mobile app. Alternatives are private parking lots on Miodowa or Dajwór streets, which can be more expensive but guarantee a spot and save time.
A few practical tips: arriving early in the morning is the easiest way to park stress‑free; if you plan to stay late in Kazimierz, choose a guarded garage/parking lot from the start — you’ll avoid long circling on narrow streets.
You have three convenient choices: train, city bus or car. The train from Kraków Main Station to Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia station takes about 25–30 minutes and is quick and comfortable — after leaving the station you’ll reach the mine entrance in a few minutes. This is a very convenient option for tourists who want to avoid parking issues in central Wieliczka.
City buses (for example lines 304 and 314) will take you directly from Kraków to Wieliczka; this is a good choice for people who want more flexibility in schedule and don’t carry large luggage. By car you take national road 94 — a straightforward route, though it can be congested at peak times. Driving usually takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Immediately around the entrance to the Salt Mine (Daniłowicz entrance) there are several parking lots: a private 24‑hour parking close to the entrance, and Parking No. 3 on E. Dembowskiego Street, which is popular with visitors (about 200–300 m from the entrance). In season (especially weekends and summer months) spaces fill up quickly, so arriving early gives you a big advantage.
Parking fees near the mine are higher than in more distant parts of town — roughly you can expect to pay a few dozen zloty (often around 20–30 PLN, depending on the lot and how long you stay). The town also offers short‑term spaces and parking meters in the centre of Wieliczka; if you want a cheaper option, consider a P&R at a Park & Ride and a short walk or a train ride from there.
Best strategy: book your mine ticket in advance, arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your entry time and have a backup parking option ready (for example near the graduation tower or at a nearby restaurant recommended to tourists).
For the Wieliczka Salt Mine it’s best to buy tickets online ahead of time — popular time slots can sell out several days in advance, especially in the high season. The standard Tourist Route usually lasts about 2–3 hours, while the Miners’ Route is longer and requires special preparation (helmet, torch) — if you’re considering the miners’ route, check the requirements before buying a ticket.
There are a lot of stairs underground — expect to climb several hundred steps (published materials often quote around ~800 steps for the whole route). Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring a warm sweater (temperatures underground are lower than on the surface) and a bottle of water. Families with small children should plan a shorter route or check in advance for attractions suitable for the little ones.
In Wieliczka, near the mine and around the town square you’ll find several well‑rated places. If you want a tasty, local meal or a quick bite after visiting, consider restaurants and cafés on the walking route from the mine entrance to the market. Examples mentioned in local guides include Warzelnia Smaków and Beztroski Pomidor Włoski — both offer parking and family‑friendly menus.
In Kraków, after your visit to the Tempel Synagogue, Kazimierz offers a wide variety of restaurants — from traditional Polish cuisine to places with Jewish specialties and modern twists. If you want reliable, highly rated places, aim for restaurants with good reviews on gastronomic services and book a table at the weekend.
Thinking “first Kazimierz, then straight to the mine at time X” without booking mine tickets is a common mistake — you may waste time in queues or have to change plans. Book tickets online, especially in season. Another mistake is counting on finding a free parking space at the Synagogue or right by the mine entrance during peak hours — have an alternative and be ready to pay for parking.
Avoid driving into narrow, one‑way streets without checking signs — this often causes stress and the need to reverse. For longer stays it’s better to park in a guarded lot or use P&R and travel by public transport in Kraków centre.
Wieliczka is not just the mine — the town also has small museums, a saline graduation tower and a charming market square worth visiting even if the mine is your main goal. The Tempel Synagogue was a site of progressive and reform practices in its era — services and sermons were sometimes held in Polish and German, which distinguished it from other Kraków houses of worship.
A small tip: many visitors skip a short visit to Wieliczka’s centre after descending from the underground route — a 10–15 minute walk around the market and to the graduation tower can be a lovely way to round off the day.
Is it worth doing both in one day? Yes, if you plan your time well and book a ticket to Wieliczka in advance. It’s best to start early and avoid afternoon peak traffic on the roads.
How to park cheapest? The cheapest option is often leaving the car on the outskirts (Park & Ride) and taking the train or bus to the centre; in Wieliczka a short walk from a municipal parking lot is frequently cheaper than the private lots closest to the entrance.
Is the Tempel Synagogue accessible for people with limited mobility? Some historic museum sites have architectural barriers — check accessibility and available accommodations in advance by contacting the venue directly.
What if Wieliczka parking lots are full? Have alternatives ready: Parking No. 3 on Daniłowicza Street, parking by the graduation tower or a Park & Ride plus a short walk. Arriving earlier gives the best chance of finding a spot.
Plan your trip with some time buffer, buy mine tickets online, have a parking app ready and keep the phone number of a private parking lot as plan B. If you travel with children or seniors, consider the shorter tour in the mine or spreading the visit over two days.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help them plan a stress‑free day in Kraków and Wieliczka. If you’d like to explore with a local guide, I invite you to use the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and have a safe trip!
