Yes — absolutely. This is a popular itinerary for people who only have one day in Krakow or who arrived late the day before and want to make the most of their time. You do need to plan the order of visits, tickets and transport: start early, reserve a spot for the salt mine, and allow realistic time for each attraction. Rather than rushing from exhibit to exhibit, choose what interests you most (for example the cathedral and courtyard at Wawel and the Tourist Route at Wieliczka) and keep a relaxed pace — especially if you’re traveling with friends and want breaks for photos, coffee and conversation.
A few practical rules that make the day easier: agree on a start time, buy Wieliczka tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket for the underground part of the mine (the temperature there is stable and lower than on the surface). Also allow travel time — the suburban train between Krakow and Wieliczka takes about 25 minutes, which makes it a very convenient option for groups of friends.
Here’s an example, balanced schedule for a group of friends that leaves time for sightseeing, a meal and small pleasures:
- 08:30 — Start at Wawel: walk the courtyards, take in the external viewpoints, take photos.
- 09:00–10:30 — Wawel Cathedral and royal tombs (if you want to go inside and see the displays, allow 1–2 hours).
- 10:30–11:30 — Short visit to selected castle exhibitions (if you’re interested in interiors) or relax on the Vistula boulevards and grab a coffee.
- 11:45 — Transfer to the Main Railway Station / change to the SKA train or another transport to Wieliczka.
- 12:15–12:45 — Arrival in Wieliczka (by train approx. 25 minutes, by bus 40–50 minutes).
- 13:00–15:00 — Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine (about 2–2.5 hours underground; add time for walking to and from the entrance and stairs).
- 15:15–16:00 — Lunch in Wieliczka (local restaurants at the Market Square or near the mine entrance).
- 16:30 — Return to Krakow; evening stroll around the Main Market Square or dinner with a view of Wawel.
This plan is a suggestion — always check the available entry times for the mine and adjust the Wawel start time if needed. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting Wawel very early (right after opening) and scheduling a later entry to the mine.
The most convenient and fastest option is the suburban train (SKA / regional trains) that runs between Krakow Main Station and the Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia stop. The ride takes roughly 25 minutes and trains are quite regular — a great choice for a group of friends because it’s quick and predictable.
A bus (for example a regional line) will take you directly to Wieliczka town center and can be an alternative if the train timetable doesn’t suit you; the trip usually takes longer, around 40–50 minutes, but may be more convenient depending on your starting point in Krakow.
If you prefer comfort and are short on time, a taxi or rideshare is faster but more expensive — with a group of several people the per-person cost can be comparable to public transport and you get greater flexibility. Keep in mind peak hour delays — allow extra time between Wawel and the train departure to Wieliczka.
For larger groups (4–6 people) a taxi or car can be comfortable, but don’t forget about parking fees in city centers. If you plan to return late, check the return schedules so you aren’t surprised by limited services.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground museum with long corridors, many stairs and a stable temperature of about 16–18°C. Even in summer bring a light jacket or an extra layer, because it’s noticeably cooler below ground.
The Tourist Route is usually a 2–2.5 km walk underground (depending on the route and chosen highlights) and involves more than 800 steps in total. The descent and ascent require a degree of mobility — if someone in your group has difficulty walking, plan in advance or consider available accessibility options.
Buy tickets online in advance, especially during the high season and on weekends. Group visits may have different booking rules and prices, so if you are traveling with several people check the group offers. Visits on the Tourist Route are guided, so do not attempt to explore on your own.
Watch your luggage: only small bags (approximately 35x20x20 cm) are allowed underground; larger bags should be left in the cloakroom. Bring a water bottle — although the air is humid, drinks aren’t always easy to buy along the route. Comfortable shoes are essential because sections of the route require steady walking.
At Wawel:
- Wawel Cathedral — the site of coronations and royal tombs; allow time for the interior and monuments.
- Castle courtyards and cloisters — great photo spots and perfect for a short historical overview.
- Views of the Vistula and the boulevards — relaxed walking and group photos.
At Wieliczka:
- The Tourist Route with its major chambers and the Chapel of St. Kinga — a highlight often called the mine’s 'pearl'.
- Viewpoints near the entrance and the Wieliczka Market Square — good places for a post-tour break and lunch.
If time is limited, pick one or two priorities at each site and enjoy them calmly — focused visits are better than rushing with tired feet.
- Book tickets in advance: entries in the salt mine are limited, and parts of Wawel may require separate tickets.
- Agree on a meeting point and leave a 30–45 minute buffer between finishing at Wawel and the planned departure to Wieliczka — it’s better to have extra time.
- Dress in layers: it’s cooler underground, so a light jacket helps.
- Charge phones and bring a powerbank — lots of photos are guaranteed!
- Keep the mood relaxed: with friends plan shorter sightseeing blocks rather than trying to see everything. Leave room for spontaneous moments: coffee, a souvenir or a short walk around Wieliczka market.
- If someone has mobility issues, check accessibility and special conditions in advance — some parts of the attractions may have limitations.
Around Wawel and the Main Market you’ll find many cafes and small restaurants — great places for breakfast before a busy day. After the salt mine in Wieliczka, sit down for lunch at the Market Square or near the mine entrance — there are several restaurants serving regional dishes and quick group-friendly meals. Karczma Górnicza (the miners’ tavern) is a classic choice connected to the mine and offers a traditional atmosphere.
If you want something lighter between exploring Wawel and catching the train to Wieliczka, small cafés in Kazimierz or along the river boulevards make a pleasant stop with a view.
- Comfortable shoes — expect a lot of walking and stairs.
- Light jacket or sweater — lower temperature in the mine.
- Phone and powerbank.
- Small backpack or bag (not too large since the mine has size limits).
- Printed or app tickets (if booked online).
- ID for discounts (for example student reductions).
- Cash and card — some small shops or vending points may accept only one form of payment.
Do we need to buy tickets for Wawel? — Some parts of Wawel, like the courtyard, are open to the public, but specific exhibitions and the cathedral interior may require separate tickets. If you plan to enter museum interiors, check ticket options and book online.
Do we have to reserve a ticket for Wieliczka? — Yes, especially in the high season and on weekends. The Tourist Route has limited entries and is guided, so buying tickets online helps secure your plan.
How long does the Wieliczka visit take? — The tourist route typically takes about 2–2.5 hours, including descent, the route itself and ascent. Add time for walking to the entrance and possible queues.
Are Wawel and Wieliczka suitable for everyone? — Both sites include stairs and a fair amount of walking. For visitors with mobility limitations, check accessibility and available options in advance.
Is this a good plan for a trip with friends? — Definitely. It’s a classic mix of history and an extraordinary underground experience — even more fun in a group. Plan a pace so nobody gets too tired and leave room for meals, coffee and long conversations.
If you’d like, I can help tailor the day plan to your exact arrival time at Krakow Main Station, include group preferences (whether you prefer more time at Wawel or deeper time in the mine) and suggest ticket time slots. From experience, a few small choices (early reservation for Wieliczka, comfortable shoes and extra time between attractions) make the day enjoyable, calm and full of great memories.
Wishing you a wonderful day full of discoveries and great photos. If you want a personalized plan for a specific date and arrival time — tell me when you’ll be in Krakow and how much sightseeing energy you have, and I’ll help arrange the details.
Good luck and enjoy your trip! (Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
