Wondering where to pull up with a coach to drop off a group as close as possible to the Main Market Square, while staying within the rules and without blocking traffic? That’s a common question — and good news: Kraków has designated short-stop places for coaches (tourist stops marked K+R BUS), plus longer-stay coach parking facilities. Below I’ve gathered practical tips that will save time and nerves for drivers and tour organisers.
Tourist stops (marked with the B-35 sign plus a plate such as “Does not apply to tourist coaches up to 10 min.” and horizontal marking K+R BUS) are intended only for short drop-offs or pick-ups of organised groups. The stop is usually limited to 10 minutes — after that you must move on so as not to obstruct traffic.
While stopped, turn off the engine, supervise passengers while they get on and off, and check that the place is indeed for coaches (read the signs and road markings). Ordinary traffic rules still apply — do not enter pedestrian-only zones or closed squares, do not block tram tracks or shoulders.
Kraków has several K+R spots around the inner city — they vary by walking distance to the Market, ease of access and traffic. The most commonly used are Pawia Street (by the Main Railway Station), Plac Matejki, Wielopole Street, Warszawska Street (by the Cracow University of Technology) and designated places on Dietla Street (note: locations sometimes change temporarily). Check the map of tourist stops before arrival because the layout and some temporary relocations do happen.
Pawia (by the Main Railway Station) is often the first choice for drivers bringing visitors by train — several bays and a comfortable walk to the Planty and the Market. Plac Matejki is handy if Wawel and the Planty area are the first stops. Wielopole and Pawia can be the closest for groups that want to walk straight along Szewska and Floriańska streets to the Market. Warszawska is often used for academic groups and visitors to the university area. Remember actual walking times vary with crowds and possible detours.
Choose the stop based on your group’s first destination: if they’re heading straight to the Market — Pawia or Wielopole are convenient; if Wawel is first, consider Plac Matejki or a coach parking near Wawel. Make sure the person responsible for the group (guide or tour representative) is present at disembarkation — the city requires organised groups to be accompanied by a responsible person.
Avoid dropping off in narrow streets and directly in front of museum or restaurant entrances or on tram lines — a quick, safe drop-off reduces stress and the risk of fines. If you have luggage or passengers with reduced mobility, plan for a shorter walk or arrange to stop closer to the entrance after contacting the venue in advance.
After a short drop-off, drive the coach to a dedicated coach parking area — leaving a coach in the city centre all day is usually not permitted and can result in fines. A popular option near the Old Town is the coach parking commonly called “Parking pod Wawelem”; it’s adapted for coaches and often accepts reservations, with an easy walk to Wawel and the Market. I recommend booking a parking space in advance, especially in high season.
The city publishes locations of coach parking and recommends using them instead of long stays in the centre — check official municipal information and maps before your planned route.
Leaving a coach on a central street all day instead of using a coach parking area — this leads to fines and traffic problems. Better option: perform a short drop-off and go to a dedicated parking lot.
Not checking K+R signage or confusing places — always read the plates and road markings, and if a clear sign is missing, do not stop in an assumed spot.
Choosing an unsuitable drop-off for passengers with reduced mobility — contact the museum or venue before arrival to arrange the best disembarkation point and any accessible entry.
Check the route and K+R signs before entering the centre; have an alternative ready in case of detours.
Keep the contact details of the group leader (phone/guide) and the parking reservation information for the lot outside the centre.
Turn off the engine while stopped, respect the 10-minute limit and leave immediately after drop-off/pick-up.
If you plan to stay longer, reserve coach parking in advance (for example, Parking pod Wawelem) and confirm height limits and parking conditions.
Can a coach drive onto the Main Market Square? No — the Main Market Square and most directly adjacent streets are pedestrian and historic zones. Coach access is generally prohibited; use the designated tourist stops instead.
How long can I stay at a tourist stop? Usually up to 10 minutes — enough time for a safe drop-off and to gather the group.
Do I need a guide with the group? The city requires organised tourist groups arriving by coach to be accompanied by a person representing the organiser or a guide; it’s always wise to have someone responsible on site.
Kraków sometimes temporarily relocates tourist stops (for example, during roadworks) — even a permanent location can be shifted seasonally, so check current municipal notices before every arrival.
Some museums and larger historical venues have their own arrival rules for coaches — agree a drop-off point in advance, especially for large groups and people with reduced mobility.
Weekends and the holiday season bring heavy foot traffic around the Market — arriving outside peak hours makes manoeuvring and finding a free K+R bay much easier.
If you’d like, I can recommend reliable logistical solutions and help plan your route around Kraków. For comprehensive assistance, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — Małgorzata can advise on itinerary planning, lead museum and city tours, and assist with transport organisation, parking reservations, accommodation and restaurant bookings. Contact details for Małgorzata are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with colleagues or on social media — it’s the best way to help other drivers and tour organisers learn how to reach the Market safely and legally. Thank you, and I wish you a smooth drive and a great visit to Kraków!
