From central Krakow to Wieliczka it's about 10–16 km depending on your starting point and the route you choose. A standard commuter train ride usually takes around 20–30 minutes. The bus (line 304 and other connections) takes roughly 30–40 minutes, while by car you can reach Wieliczka in about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The tourist route inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine typically lasts 2–3 hours and includes descending stairs and walking through a number of underground chambers and corridors. Underground temperatures are steady and pleasant — usually around 16–18°C.
If you plan to walk from Krakow center to the mine at a normal walking pace, expect the journey to take between 2.5 and 4 hours one way — so walking there plus the full mine tour is definitely more than a "half day." The most sensible option for most visitors is to combine a short city walk with a quick transfer to Wieliczka (SKA train or bus).
Practically speaking: if you only have a "half day" (about 4–5 hours) and really want to visit the Mine, book an entrance for a specific time and use the fastest transport — SKA train or a taxi. That way the actual time you spend underground won't be too heavily reduced.
While walking around Krakow, keep the main city sights on foot: the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the Royal Route, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz — these are short, enjoyable stretches that won't take the whole day. However, the distance to Wieliczka means a city-to-town walk is only for seasoned hikers and will become an all-day or many-hours challenge.
If your goal is to see the salt mine and still do "something else" in Krakow the same day, I strongly recommend taking the SKA commuter train — fast, cheap and not affected by traffic jams. The bus is an alternative, and a taxi makes sense if you care about time and comfort. For families with children, older visitors and most tourists, combining the visit with transport is more practical.
In short: walk only if you enjoy long walks and have the time; otherwise choose public transport or a car.
Start in Krakow in the morning: a quick city walk (30–60 minutes) around the Main Market Square to soak up the atmosphere and make your way to the station. From Kraków Główny take the SKA train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia — the trip takes about 25 minutes. From Wieliczka station it’s only a few minutes on foot to the mine entrance. Book your ticket online for a specific time slot (the tourist route lasts 2–3 hours).
After exiting the mine allow 30–60 minutes for a quick lunch or coffee at one of the nearby restaurants (recommended: Karczma Halit right by the entrance, Restauracja Kopalnia Smaku or Bistro Posolone). If time allows, take a short walk around Wieliczka Market Square or visit the graduation tower (tężnia solankowa). Return to Krakow by train or bus.
This schedule is tight and in practice will take most of the day, but it’s the fastest way to see the mine in a short time without spending the whole day walking there.
Book a morning entrance to the mine — early visits often mean smaller crowds. After the tourist route, return to Krakow and spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town, Wawel or Kazimierz. Alternatively, visit other nearby attractions (for example Bochnia if you're interested in another salt mine).
If you want to avoid crowds, visit Wieliczka on weekdays or outside the busiest season (May–September). Keep in mind that tours in foreign languages sell out quickly — reserve ahead.
If comfort matters, consider booking private transport for the day — it simplifies logistics and gives you flexibility to adjust the plan.
The main highlights of the tourist route are salt chambers with sculptures, salt lakes and the Chapel of St. Kinga — a unique interior carved in salt and often cited as the visit's highlight. Wieliczka Salt Mine is also part of UNESCO World Heritage and has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages.
The tourist trail includes a large number of steps (in total over 700–800 stairs on the descent and return), and part of the visit finishes with a lift or by climbing back to the surface. The underground temperature is stable (around 16–18°C), so even in summer it’s good to bring a light layer.
Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant underground — Karczma Górnicza — and shops selling souvenirs made of salt. It’s an unusual experience: dining literally "in a salt setting."
Buy tickets through the mine’s official sales channels or trusted booking systems; during the season time slots and tours in foreign languages sell out well in advance. Check the exact entrance time, the language of the guided tour and what the ticket covers (Tourist Route vs. special routes).
If you have a reduced/senior ticket, carry an ID confirming your entitlement to the discount. On holidays and weekends arrive earlier at the entrance — even with online reservations there can be a short wait. To avoid queues at the ticket office, bring a printed ticket or an e-ticket on your phone.
If you plan to combine several attractions in one day, leave at least 1.5–2 hours of buffer between bookings — travel, lines and unforeseen delays can shorten your schedule.
Comfortable, closed shoes with good grip are essential — some corridors and stairs can be slippery. Bring a light sweater or jacket — it’s cooler underground than on the surface regardless of the season. A small backpack with water and documents is enough; large luggage will make the visit difficult and is often impossible to store.
A charged phone and memory card — the mine is a great place for photos, but remember to respect the space and other visitors. If you have health issues, check the trail profile — some sections require good fitness and stable movement. If you have mobility limitations, contact the mine staff beforehand to learn about available options.
Tell children simple rules: stay with the group, don’t touch exhibits and listen to the guide.
Near the mine entrance you’ll find tourist-favorite places: Karczma Halit (right by the entrance) serves regional dishes and meals linked to local mining tradition; Restauracja Kopalnia Smaku and Bistro Posolone offer more contemporary options like pizzas, burgers and menus for younger guests. Inside the mine there’s also Karczma Górnicza where you can eat underground.
If you plan to stay in Wieliczka — choose well-reviewed hotels and guesthouses near the Market Square or next to the mine for an easy link to Krakow. Book accommodation in advance during the tourist season or long holiday weekends.
In Krakow pick neighborhoods close to the city center (Old Town, Kazimierz) if you want to walk to the sights before or after your Wieliczka visit.
Planning a "half day" to walk from Krakow to Wieliczka and do the full mine tour is the most common mistake. It's wiser to plan transport between the towns or dedicate a full day to the trip.
Not reserving tickets and leaving too little time between attractions — give yourself extra time for travel and unexpected events.
Inappropriate shoes and clothing — many people regret not bringing a light jacket or comfortable shoes; underground can be cool and you’ll climb many stairs.
Can you visit Wieliczka in half a day? Yes, if you spend the half day mostly on the mine and use quick transport (SKA train or taxi). If you also want to tour Krakow the same day — prepare for a longer, more intense schedule.
How long is the tourist route? About 2–3 hours. Depending on route and group pace this may be slightly longer.
Is it worth booking tickets in advance? Definitely — especially in season and if you need a guide in a specific foreign language.
Is the mine accessible for people with limited mobility? The tourist route includes many stairs; people with severe mobility restrictions should contact mine staff before visiting to learn about available options.
To avoid crowds choose a morning entrance on a weekday. After the tour try a local saline drink or a dessert at one of the cafés on Wieliczka Market Square — a pleasant contrast after your underground adventure. Always check the SKA train timetable before you travel — it’s the most reliable and fastest connection between Krakow and Wieliczka.
If you want to enrich your visit with an unusual extra, ask about special events in the mine (concerts in the Chapel of St. Kinga, temporary exhibitions) — sometimes you’ll find something really special.
You can find contact and help from guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — if you want a private guided tour or help planning the route, that’s a useful option.
If you found this text helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’re thinking about a more personalized visit to Krakow and Wieliczka, consider contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offers are available on the site. Have a great trip and happy discoveries underground and above!
