Wieliczka is about 14 km from Krakow city centre; driving usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Local trains (SKA1 of Koleje Małopolskie) connect Kraków Główny with Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia in roughly 25 minutes, and the station drops you within a short walk of the mine entrances. The most important tip: buy your Salt Mine ticket in advance, plan your transport and decide whether you want to leave your car in Wieliczka or use a Park-and-Ride and public transport from Krakow.
Expect a route that includes about 800 stairs during the standard tourist visit (around 380 steps to start with) and a stable underground temperature of about 17–18°C. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a warmer layer.
The main car parks by the mine are near Daniłowicza and Dembowskiego streets, closest to the Daniłowicz shaft. In high season these fill up fast, so arriving early or taking the train is often the smartest option.
Train: the most convenient and fastest option — SKA1 trains from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia. Travel time about 25 minutes and the station is a short walk from the Daniłowicz shaft. A single ticket is inexpensive and often quicker than searching for parking or sitting in traffic.
Bus: municipal buses (for example line 304) link the Main Station area with Wieliczka; trips take longer than the train and depend on road traffic. Useful when train timetables don’t suit your plans.
Car or taxi: driving takes around 25–40 minutes. Taxi services or ride-hailing apps are convenient if you prefer not to worry about parking; cost and travel time vary with the time of day.
Mine parking (Daniłowicza and Dembowskiego streets) — the largest and nearest parking areas to the visitor entrance; from there it’s usually only a few minutes’ walk to the Daniłowicz shaft. The most convenient choice for direct access to the tourist route.
Parking by the Graduation Tower (ul. Dembowskiego) — an alternative a little farther away, good if the main mine lots are full.
Wieliczka town centre — there is a paid parking zone around the market square. Pay attention to the hours and fees; weekday restrictions and charges may apply during peak times.
Note seasonality and weekends — in summer months and long holiday weekends parking spaces fill quickly. If you come by car, plan an earlier arrival or consider leaving the vehicle in one of the lots outside the busiest areas.
Krakow’s Park-and-Ride system is a convenient alternative to driving into the centre. Several P+R lots exist (for example Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów, Mały Płaszów, Nowy Bieżanów) and are connected to the tram and bus network. This is a good solution if you plan to spend part of the day in Krakow and then travel by train or bus to Wieliczka.
P+R can be cheaper and faster than hunting for a spot near the Main Market, especially during peak hours. Check the rules for each lot — some operate with entry tickets or barrier systems.
If you plan to start your Old Town walk on foot, leave the car at P+R and continue by public transport or train to Wieliczka.
Option A — Old Town in the morning, Wieliczka in the afternoon: Begin with a morning walk around the Main Market, Wawel and the Old Town streets, have breakfast in a café, then head to Kraków Główny and take the train (about 25 minutes) to Wieliczka. Return to Krakow in the evening for dinner.
Option B — Wieliczka in the morning, Old Town in the evening: Arrive early in Wieliczka, complete the tourist route before crowds build up, then come back to Krakow and spend the evening in the Old Town or Kazimierz. This works well in high season when you want to avoid ticket lines.
Allow time buffers: the Salt Mine route can take several hours depending on the option you choose, and walks or meal breaks add to the schedule. Plan realistically.
Buy tickets online in advance — in high season and on weekends the most popular time slots sell out fast. Booking saves you from long queues at the ticket office.
Types of tickets and routes — the mine offers different routes and options (standard tourist route, more active routes, special tours). Check which route you want to visit and whether there are age or health restrictions.
Accessibility and limitations — the route involves many stairs and long walks; some sections may be unsuitable for people with mobility issues. The mine provides information and assistance at entrances regarding accessibility.
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing — underground temperatures are roughly 17–18°C, so a light sweater or jacket is useful. There are many stairs on the route, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Small backpack and water bottle — there are resting points, but it’s handy to have water, a camera and an extra layer.
Documents and e-tickets — keep your booking confirmation with you. If you leave a car, remember parking payments and vehicle documents.
In Krakow there are classic spots for every budget and moment of the day: for breakfast or coffee try cafés on the Old Town such as Café Camelot; after returning from Wieliczka consider restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes or inns near Wawel, for example Kompania Kuflowa Pod Wawelem, known for hearty portions and a cosy atmosphere.
In Wieliczka, around the market and near the mine you’ll find inns and restaurants serving regional dishes — a great way to taste local flavours after touring. For something quicker there are cafés and snack stands near the mine entrances.
Check current opening hours and recent reviews on the day of your visit, as the local dining offer is updated regularly.
Arrive earlier — especially on weekends and in summer. The earliest mine entries are usually less crowded and give more freedom for photos.
Check train and bus timetables before you leave — schedules can change, especially during track works or seasonal adjustments. If you drive, verify the rules of the parking you plan to use.
Secure baggage and pets — animals are not allowed in the mine, and baggage rules may apply. If you travel with children, verify route length and any age restrictions.
Can you see the Old Town and Wieliczka in one day? — Yes, it’s doable: either Old Town in the morning and Wieliczka in the afternoon, or the reverse. Plan realistic times for travel, touring and meals and book your Salt Mine ticket in advance.
Where is best to park for a short visit to the mine? — The most convenient places are the car parks on Daniłowicza or Dembowskiego streets, close to the mine entrance. If those are full, consider parking near the Wieliczka market or by the graduation tower.
Does the train stop close to the mine entrance? — Yes, Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is about a 5-minute walk from the Daniłowicz shaft, which makes the train a very convenient option.
Krakow and Wieliczka make a great combination of history, architecture and unique experiences — from wandering the Main Market and atmospheric streets to visiting underground salt chapels and halls. When planning your visit, stay flexible: book tickets, arrive early and leave yourself a margin for unexpected discoveries. If you’d like, I can prepare a personalised day plan for you — tell me where you’re starting from, how much time you have and whether you’re coming by car.
Good luck and enjoy your visit! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide)
