If you arrive in Kraków with a group, the most important thing is to separate two needs: a short passenger drop-off (drop-off) and a longer stop where the driver waits. In the centre most spaces "for coaches" are short-stay zones - so-called Kiss&Ride. A coach may pull in for a few minutes, drop off the group and drive away, because longer parking is forbidden.
On the Old Town the usual drop-off points are Kiss&Ride spots: Strażewskiego Street (near the Maltański Hotel) and Wielopole, right by the main city attractions. These are the places most often used both to let people off and to pick them up again. Other central spots include the area near Jana Matejko Square (behind the Barbican) and Pawia Street by Galeria Krakowska. In Kazimierz you can drop off on Dajwór Street - note there is a short time limit and only one bay, so you must plan the order of drop-offs and be punctual.
In short: plan to use dedicated K+R (short-stay) zones, watch the allowed parking time (usually 3–10 minutes depending on signage) and never drop the group in an unregulated place, at a bus stop or where it’s not allowed. You risk putting the group in danger and the driver receiving a fine - in practice fines range from about 100 PLN to several hundred PLN; in extreme cases they can reach around 500 PLN, so it’s better to avoid the risk.
There are few places in the centre for longer coach parking. The most reliable are official coach parking lots: at the Dom Turysty (Kopernika Street) there are several bays (about 7 spaces) for coaches and that is one of the most central places to leave the vehicle for a longer time.
Other coach parking bays and pull-ins are located further from the strict centre - for example on Podgórska Street by Galeria Kazimierz (2–3 bays) or larger parking areas by 3 Maja Avenue (near the Reyman stadium) and Kamienna Street. The city publishes a list of parking places intended for coaches, so it’s useful to have it on hand when planning your route.
In practice many drivers choose cheaper or more convenient options outside the strict centre: shopping-centre car parks, hotel parking (if the hotel provides a space) or dedicated parking areas. If the organiser does not want to pay for parking, the driver sometimes parks in a less formal spot (for example near the Kościuszko Mound), but this often requires the driver to stay on the bus and is a compromise that is not always comfortable or safe.
Always agree the exact drop-off and pick-up locations in advance and give the driver a precise address (even the bay number if it’s a coach parking area). If you have a tour leader, don’t leave this "for a moment" - the leader should help the driver reach the right place.
Do not drop off the group at a tram/bus stop, on pedestrian crossings or in any other prohibited place. It’s not only dangerous but also punishable. Even a short stop near a public transport stop can lead to a fine and delays.
If you are going to Wawel or have a specific starting point for the tour (for example Wawel, Sukiennice, a synagogue), coordinate it with the guide. If you start from Wawel, drive directly to Wawel because otherwise you will waste time and energy walking from another meeting point.
Dom Turysty (Kopernika Street) - one of the few central places with designated coach bays (around 7 spaces). This is the closest longer-term parking to the Old Town.
Podgórska Street (by Galeria Kazimierz) - a stopping bay for 2–3 coaches; city parking fees apply. A good solution if you want to be near the centre but not right in its core.
Larger coach parking areas and parking lots: 3 Maja Avenue (near the Reyman stadium) and parking lots indicated by the city - these are safe places to leave a bus for the whole day. They are usually cheaper and easier to find space in than the strict centre.
Kiss&Ride are short-term bays (often marked with a K+R sign or a special plate) intended for quick drop-off or pick-up of passengers. The parking limit is short - usually up to 3 minutes, sometimes up to 10 minutes depending on signage. In Kraków the most popular K+R zones are around the Old Town and at main transport hubs.
When planning a drop-off use only marked K+R spaces. If a coach stays longer than allowed it may result in a fine and inconvenience for other road users. It’s worth agreeing who gets off and when to avoid blocking the bay and unnecessary delays. Dajwór on Kazimierz has only one K+R bay, so for large groups include that in your schedule. As municipal infrastructure develops there are occasional new solutions (for example planned spots near Wawel or in front of the Grunwald Bridge), so it’s a good idea to check current information before arrival.
An AudioGuide (transmitter + headphones or neck-worn receivers) is an easy way to make a tour comfortable, loud and clear for the whole group. For groups larger than about 25 people it is practically essential - without sets the guide would have to shout or split the group, which prolongs the visit.
Smaller groups (10–15 people) also gain from audio sets - participants don’t have to crowd close to the guide, they can move at a comfortable pace and people with hearing difficulties can use personal hearing aids. In places with heavy foot traffic (the cathedral, the Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica) audio sets reduce confusion caused by many simultaneous tours.
Rental prices vary by provider and length of rental - you will find offers from a few PLN to a dozen PLN per person for several hours. Some museums and institutions also offer their own audioguides included in or available for an extra fee. The guide usually handles distribution and collection of the devices, so the organiser does not need to worry about it.
In most cases the guide assists the group with ticket purchases on site and can make reservations on the group’s behalf (especially for museums and places that accept group bookings). There are exceptions: some sites require prepayment or reservations made only by the trip organiser. These include classic examples (for instance Wieliczka or some special group reservations at institutions with restrictions) and places that require the tourist to pay online in advance - in such cases the guide can help, but usually the organiser makes the advance payment.
When buying reduced-price tickets have the documents that prove eligibility for discounts. In practice, for larger school or senior groups ticket sellers often ask for a list with details (sometimes PESEL numbers or dates of birth) to verify entitlements. Prepare that list in advance to avoid problems at the ticket office.
For some popular attractions (for example the Market Square underground or the Oskar Schindler Factory) tickets sell out in advance. If it’s important to enter at a specific time, book tickets ahead - you can’t always buy them "on the spot".
Wawel is a complex site - some interiors and exhibitions require tickets while other parts (for example the courtyards) are free to enter. When planning a visit note that tickets for cathedral areas often include access to the Cathedral Museum and, within the ticket, entry to some crypts or the option to climb the tower with the Zygmunt Bell. Some of these elements have limited capacity and sometimes require reservations.
From the organiser’s perspective: groups with bookings and a guide have it easier - group reservations reduce the risk of long queues. Interiors of the Royal Castle often require advance reservations for groups and internal guides (castle staff), so planning ahead is crucial.
Climbing to the Zygmunt Bell is an extra attraction, but remember the narrow, steep stairs and capacity limits. For elderly visitors or those with limited mobility it is better to keep this as an optional extra.
Optimal tour length depends on the group profile: preschool children and pupils in grades 1–2 usually tolerate 1–1.5 hours on foot; primary school classes typically do 3–4 hours with one short visit inside an attraction; seniors often prefer 4–5 hours at a calm pace with breaks; for adult tourists a two-hour walk is a quick overview while 3–4 hours allows entry into one or two interiors.
If you plan a long tour with a lunch break lasting several hours - agree with the guide whether they will stay and wait (often the guide joins the group for lunch and this is included in the calculation), or whether you treat it as two separate services (morning tour, then the guide returns for the afternoon part). Always agree terms in advance. Don’t plan sudden, long breaks "on the fly" without prior arrangements.
Organisers often forget to coordinate the drop-off point with the guide and driver - result: chaos, delays and nerves. Solution: give the exact location (street + nearby landmark) and a phone number for the tour leader/guide.
A frequent mistake is agreeing to a "quick" drop-off in a prohibited place. Even if it seems more convenient, it risks a fine or towing. Stick to designated K+R zones and official coach parking areas.
Avoid hiring the first person offering a tour at Wawel’s gate - they are often unlicensed and the price may not reflect the quality. It’s better to book a licensed guide in advance; that guarantees peace of mind and full service for the group.
Does the guide buy tickets for the group? Usually yes - the guide helps reserve and buy tickets on site, but for attractions that require prepayment (for example some museums or special reservations) the organiser may need to make an online prepayment.
Can I order an audioguide for a small VIP group? Yes. Many companies rent sets from just a few units, and even single receivers are available - ask when booking.
What happens if the coach is late because of traffic? Good manners mean informing the guide about the delay. The tour time is usually not extended because of lateness - the programme is shortened unless you agreed otherwise in advance.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds at Wawel come as early as possible (before opening or immediately after) or in the afternoon after 14:00 - many school groups finish their visits by then and sites become less crowded.
When buying a ticket to Wawel Cathedral check whether it includes the Cathedral Museum - it often does and the museum can be pleasantly quiet while holding an interesting collection.
In the centre, if you want to have coffee with a view after visiting Wawel, there are cafés with terraces and museum cafés nearby offering good coffee and a view of the Cathedral - a convenient place for a short break and to regroup the group.
1) Decide the drop-off point (Kiss&Ride) and the coach parking place. Give the driver exact coordinates or an address. 2) Book a licensed guide and discuss the route, duration, breaks and the need for audioguides. 3) Reserve tickets in advance for attractions that require it (Oskar Schindler Factory, Market Square underground, some exhibitions). 4) Prepare a list of people entitled to reduced tickets (PESEL number or date of birth) - this speeds up discounted ticket purchases. 5) Make sure communication on the travel day is clear (contact numbers for driver, tour leader and guide) - this reduces stress and minimises delays.
If you have questions or would like help planning your route and logistics for a group in Kraków, please contact us. You can share this article with friends who plan to visit Kraków - helpful tips often save a trip! More information and contact to private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can be found at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
