Whether you are travelling from Berlin, Dresden or Vienna, Krakow is within comfortable reach at distances of approximately 600, 520 and 450 kilometres respectively. Modern road, rail and air connections make the city suitable for either a spontaneous weekend break or a longer journey of discovery.
The A4 motorway, part of European route E40, connects the German border directly with Krakow, Poland’s former capital. Travellers from Dresden join the A4 near the former Jędrzychowice-Ludwigsdorf border crossing at Zgorzelec/Görlitz, while the route from Berlin initially follows the A18, which joins the A4 near Bolesławiec at the Krzyżowa interchange.
The section of the A4 between Katowice and Krakow is subject to tolls. The maximum permitted speed in Poland is 130 km/h for passenger cars and 100 km/h for coaches.
The journey takes approximately six hours from Berlin and five hours from Dresden. From Vienna, the fastest route follows the international E75 through the Czech Republic and also takes around six hours.
Important information: Poland has a strict blood-alcohol limit of 0.2‰, and driving under the influence can result in significant penalties. Dipped headlights must be used throughout the year, and vehicles must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
Coaches travel directly to Krakow every day from numerous German cities. Prices vary by departure point and date, typically ranging from EUR 25 to EUR 75. Although the journey is longer, it can be an economical and comfortable option.
Operators have included Eurolines Polska, Sindbad, Eurobus and Interbus. Groups arriving with their own coach should check the current availability and rules of coach parking facilities in Krakow, including:
A daily direct train has connected Berlin and Krakow, while convenient connecting services operate from Munich, Regensburg, Dresden and Leipzig. Direct rail connections have also operated from Vienna. Early booking may provide lower fares.
John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport is approximately 11 kilometres west of the city centre, around 30 minutes away by road. It is Poland’s second-largest airport after Warsaw and serves numerous connections from Germany and Austria.
Flights from Germany generally take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the departure city. Services are operated by both low-cost and traditional airlines.
Direct connections have included Berlin, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn, Munich, Stuttgart and Vienna. Current schedules and information are available on the official airport website: www.krakowairport.pl.
The journey from Krakow Airport to the centre takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Public transport: buses and night services connect the airport with the main railway station. Tickets can be purchased from machines, and stops are located beside the terminal entrance.
Train: a frequent rail service links the airport directly with Kraków Główny railway station. The airport station is within walking distance of the terminal and can also be reached by shuttle.
Taxi: use licensed taxi services to avoid unexpected charges.
International car-rental companies also operate at the airport.
Passengers arriving by train or coach reach a centrally located transport complex. The Main Market Square is approximately 15 minutes away on foot. The railway station, regional coach station and Galeria Krakowska shopping centre are connected by underground passages.
