If you want the group to get off close to the Market Square or the Old Town, look for marked “K+R BUS” spots — short stopping zones intended only for dropping off or picking up passengers. In practice, the most commonly used places in central Krakow are: Straszewskiego Street (by the Maltański Hotel), Wielopole Street (near the Main Post Office), Jan Matejko Square (behind the Barbican) and Pawia Street by Galeria Krakowska. On Kazimierz the usual drop-off point is Dajwór Street (one bay).
Tourist stops in the centre are usually time-limited (standardly up to 10 minutes) and are meant exclusively for organized tourist groups. After dropping off passengers, the coach must leave so it doesn’t block traffic — that is the basic rule of city traffic organization and using tourist stops.
It’s worth telling the driver exactly where you will get off and agreeing how you will move through the narrow streets of Kazimierz — driving too far into Dajwór or other side streets can lead to a fine or trouble turning around.
When the tour lasts longer and the driver wants a certain, safe place to park, head to dedicated coach parking areas or lay-bys outside the very centre. Near the Old Town there are, among others: Kopernika Street (by the PTTK Tourist House — several coach bays), Podgórska Street by Galeria Kazimierz (a lay-by with 2–3 bays) and parking lots by the Reymont stadium or Kamienna Street.
There are also private coach parking lots in the centre (for example parking areas near Miodowa/Kazimierz) where you can pay for a full day — prices and rules depend on the operator, so it’s worth checking by phone. If the driver doesn’t want to pay, there are informal spots “out of the way” outside the centre (for example by the Kościuszko Mound), but there the driver usually needs to stay in the vehicle or the stop is informal and less safe. I strongly recommend choosing an official parking — peace of mind and no risk of towing are a big convenience.
When planning a stop remember about weight and height restrictions for entry to some parts of the city and check whether the chosen parking operates 24/7 and if it requires prior reservation.
Tourist stops (marked with signs and the inscription K+R BUS) are for quick drop-off and pick-up of passengers. Stopping outside designated places, blocking public transport stops or dropping off at a regular bus stop risks a fine and vehicle towing. Fines for parking-related offences in Poland range from small sums to significant penalties if you create a danger or block traffic. It’s not worth the risk — stick to the designated zones.
Don’t accept situations where the driver is asked to drop the group “quickly” in some random, illegal spot. It’s dangerous and can end with a fine. The organizer (or tour leader) must ensure the driver reaches the proper drop-off point; if the driver doesn’t know the city, it helps to explain the route and meeting point in advance.
If the city has introduced temporary traffic changes (e.g., roadworks) — check this before departure; sometimes the usual spots are out of service and you must plan an alternative.
In recent years Krakow has seen many renovations and traffic reorganizations; for example: Grunwaldzki Bridge underwent repairs/restrictions in 2025. Such works can disable planned drop-off points or change access to the centre — so always check current notices from municipal services before bringing a group.
Planning the coach route the day before and again the morning of arrival will help avoid unpleasant surprises. If you expect traffic jams, warn the guide — the sightseeing time may be shortened if the group arrives late.
Many venues in Krakow have different ticketing rules. Some (e.g., interiors of Wawel Royal Castle) require group reservations in advance and using a castle guide inside certain areas; therefore, when planning a visit with a larger group you must book an appropriate time. Other sites (e.g., some churches) sell tickets at the box office, but queues can be long in high season.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Rynek Underground are high-demand sites — online tickets often sell out weeks ahead. In recent years ticketing procedures have changed to limit resales (for example introducing named tickets or sales with specific advance windows). If you want to guarantee entry for a large group, book tickets in advance and check prepayment requirements.
In practice the guide often helps with buying and reserving tickets on site (together with the organizer or teacher), but some tickets (Auschwitz, Wieliczka, and sometimes Schindler’s Factory) require formal reservation and prepayment by the organizer — remember this in advance.
Wawel is a complex site: a ticket for the cathedral often includes additional elements (e.g., entry to the Cathedral Museum, descent to some crypts). Many people don’t realize that a cathedral ticket can allow visiting the Cathedral Museum and certain crypts — check what a given ticket covers and whether ringing the Sigismund Bell requires an extra ticket or is included.
Organized groups visiting the castle interiors usually must reserve times and use a castle guide; individual tourists can buy tickets at the box office but availability is limited. New rules sometimes oblige groups to use headsets (tour-guide systems) or audio systems — keep this in mind when planning.
For visitors’ comfort there are audio guides at Wawel (and other major sites) — the rental cost is small and allows comfortable touring without a guide.
Tour-guide sets (receivers with headphones for participants and a transmitter for the guide) greatly improve touring with large groups — there’s no need to shout, everyone hears clearly and it’s easier to follow the guide even while walking. This is especially helpful for school groups, seniors and anywhere it’s noisy or cramped.
Who should use them? From about 20–25 people it’s worth considering equipment, although smaller groups (10–15 people) also benefit. For groups of 60–80 people you typically split into two groups with separate guides and two sets (about 30–40 receivers each).
Rental cost depends on the company and the rental period — in practice prices range from a few to a dozen złoty per person depending on duration and operator. Some organizers quote rates like 4–8 PLN/person for several hours; ask for a detailed price list and conditions (delivery, deposit, pickup).
Tour duration should match the group type: for preschoolers aim for 1–1.5 hour routes, for schools 3–4 hours (standard maximum 4 hours without longer breaks), and for senior groups plan well-structured 4–5 hour tours with breaks. Always plan a short toilet and coffee break on routes lasting 3 hours or more.
For VIPs and small private groups I recommend flexibility: a slower pace, places to sit, and the option to visit lesser-known corners. For school groups clear meeting rules and punctuality are crucial. If the group is delayed for reasons beyond your control (traffic jam, accident), remember it’s usually impossible to “make up” lost sightseeing time without changing the whole schedule — so plan a fallback scenario before departure.
If you plan a long lunch and will resume sightseeing after a break longer than an hour, treat it as two separate guiding services — or agree with the guide in advance on waiting conditions. Always set these terms before the tour begins.
Can I ask the driver to drop us at a tram stop? No — coaches must not stop at regular public transport stops. Use marked tourist stops or parking areas.
The driver doesn’t know Krakow — is it a problem? The driver’s duty is to drive the coach and reach the agreed place; the pilot or organizer should indicate the meeting point and route and help by phone if needed. Don’t leave this to chance.
Will the guide buy our tickets? The guide usually helps with purchasing and booking, but if an attraction requires prepayment or named booking (e.g., some museums) the organizer must handle that beforehand. Check the specific requirements of each site.
1) Not checking drop-off points in advance — leads to chaos and fines. Solution: mark the place on a map and inform the driver, share the guide’s contact number. 2) Not booking tickets to popular sites (Schindler’s Factory, Rynek Underground, some Wawel routes) — result: denied entry. Solution: book ahead and check refund rules. 3) Assuming the driver will “park somewhere unofficial” — result: unsafe parking, fines, towing. Solution: plan an official, paid parking. 4) No audio set for a large group — result: chaos and poor tour quality. Solution: rent a tour-guide system for at least 20–25 people.
Around Wawel and the Market there are many well-rated cafés and restaurants — if you need a quick coffee and toilets for a group, Wawel hosts museum cafés with terraces and views of the cathedral (for example the café at Wawel). Around Galeria Kazimierz and Pawia Street you’ll also find places of various standards and capacities.
When booking lunch for a group it’s best to choose restaurants with a set group menu and confirm time and price conditions before arrival — this makes organization smoother and helps the guide or group leader keep to the schedule.
- If you plan to visit the cathedral and climb to ring the Sigismund Bell, remember the steep stairs and that only those willing should go up; seniors usually manage but warn the group in advance. - A cathedral ticket often includes entry to the Cathedral Museum and a crypt — check the ticket’s scope because some visitors don’t realize they have more to see included. - In high season morning hours are best to avoid crowds (for example an early visit to Wawel) — for large groups plan to start right at opening or go in the afternoon when foot traffic eases a bit. - Check current traffic restrictions and roadworks before arrival (especially Grunwaldzki Bridge works in 2025) — they can completely change the route to the centre.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends organizing trips — you’ll make their life easier and protect them from fines and unnecessary stress.
If you want a calm, comfortable and well-organized visit to Krakow, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We will gladly help plan the route, reserve tickets and audioguide equipment, organize coach logistics and take care of your group’s comfort. Good sightseeing is above all good organization — it’s worth trusting a specialist.
Wishing you a great trip and safe travels!
