John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK) is located 21 kilometers away from the fabulous city of Krakow. To make the journey from Krakow Airport to the city center, you have six options depending on your preferences: taxi, private airport transfer, train, or a few buses. 

Taking a Krakow Airport taxi to the city center is the most convenient method because you won’t have to navigate public transport. Krakow Airport transfers take things a step further by adding meet-and-greet services and pre-selected vehicles for your journey. 

As for public transportation, the bus and train services from Krakow Airport are quite reliable and economically friendly. The train is the fastest route, clocking in at around 20 minutes to Krakow Train Station, though it does not run 24/7. The 209 and 300 bus routes are the cheapest way to travel, but the journeys are much longer; around 30-40 minutes.

6 transport options from Krakow Airport to Krakow

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€25 30min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€27 30min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus No. 300
€2.60 30min 05:30–23:50
Convenience
Read more
Bus No. 209
€2.60 45min 05:00–22:30
Convenience
Read more
Night Bus 902
€2.60 30min 00:00–16:00
Convenience
Read more
Train
€8 20min 04:17–00:17
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Krakow Airport to the city center by taxi

Taking a Krakow Airport taxi from Krakow Airport to the city center is one of the most convenient ways to travel. You can expect a taxi to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. Having said that, there are fewer taxis available after 21:00. It takes around 25-30 minutes to get from Krakow Airport to the city center in normal traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Krakow Airport to city center

Krakow Airport taxis operate with fixed fares. The city is split into zones and your fare will correlate with whichever zone your destination is located. With that in mind, you can expect the Krakow Airport to city center taxi cost to be around €27 (PLN 109). 

The zone fares are as follows: 
Zone 1 (up to 2.9 km) – €7 (PLN 29)
Zone 2 (3 km – 4.9 km) – €12 (PLN 49)
Zone 3 (5 km – 7.9 km) €17 (PLN 69)
Zone 4 (8 km – 11.9 km) €22 (PLN 89)
Zone 5 (12 km – 14.9 km) €27 (PLN 109)
Zone 6 (15 km – 18.9 km) €32 (PLN 129)
Zone 7 (19 km – 22.9 km) €37 (PLN 149)
Zone 8 (23 km – 27 km) €42 (PLN 169)
Consult with your driver to see the most updated rate card. 

If you’re traveling further than 27 km, you can negotiate a fare with your driver. However, they cannot charge you more than €1.80 (PLN 8) per km. If you have two stops, your taxi fare will be calculated according to the taximeter. 

You can normally pay for your taxi fare by cash or card, although it’s worth checking with your driver before you enter the taxi in case their machine is broken.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The Krakow Airport taxi stand is conveniently located undercover next to the Arrivals Hall exit. Official taxis are blue or silver sedans with the Krakow Airport Taxi logo on the side of the vehicle and an illuminated ‘Taxi’ sign on top. During the day, you should have no problem jumping into a cab, however, in the evening it isn’t always so easy.

It’s important to note that transport options, including taxis, become limited after 21:30. If you’re arriving after then, you may prefer to arrange a private transfer.

Convenience

Traveling by Krakow Airport taxi is extremely convenient. Not only will you receive a door-to-door service, but you’ll also benefit from the fixed fare system. This protects travelers from getting overcharged by deceptive drivers. Moreover, taxis offer privacy and safety that public transportation lacks. The only drawback to this option is having to queue and wait for an available taxi, though this shouldn’t take long at this airport. Surprisingly, pre-booking a private transfer with zero wait time often costs less than a standard taxi at Krakow Airport. 

Useful Tips

The fixed taxi fares are valid only from Krakow Airport. Taxis in the city use taximeters and fluctuating rates depending on the distance traveled and time of the day.
Tipping your Krakow taxi driver isn’t expected nor customary, however you are welcome to do so.
We recommend writing down your destination to help ease any language barriers you may have with your driver.
All journeys from Krakow Airport must use the fixed rate system or the taximeter for second journeys.
Most Krakow Airport taxis can carry up to 4 passengers.
You can pay for your taxi fare in Polish Zloty by cash or card.

How to get from Krakow Airport to the city center by (Bus No. 300)

Though there are no official Krakow Airport to city center shuttles, there are three reliable public bus services. The most reliable is the 300 express bus. It runs from 05:32 to 22:52 every day including holidays and weekends. 

Between 09:00 and 21:00, the bus departs every 15 minutes. Before 09:00 and after 21:00, the service drops to one bus every half hour. 

This express bus has just six stops. The most popular for tourists is the National Museum which is located in the city center. The journey to the National Museum takes just 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Despite the National Museum being the main central stop, we recommend checking the address of your destination to ensure you get off at the nearest stop.

How much is the bus from Krakow airport to city center?

A single bus ticket from Krakow Airport to the city center costs €1.30 (PLN 6) per person. This ticket can also be used for up to 60 minutes of travel on any other bus or train service after you get off the bus. 

You can purchase a ticket from the machines in the Arrivals Hall or by the airport bus stop using your card or cash. 

Cost
€1.30 (PLN 6)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Waiting time is 15 minutes for the 300.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The 300 is available from 05:32 to 22:52 every day including holidays and weekends.

Where do I get this bus from?

The bus stops are located just outside of the airport’s main terminal. As you exit the Arrivals Hall, follow the signs to the bus stop or consult a staff member to help find it.

Convenience

The 300 bus service is one of the most popular ways for travelers to get from Krakow Airport to the city center because it’s fast and departs frequently. However, there is limited space for luggage and you’ll still need to arrange transport to the door of your hotel. 

The lower availability of buses before 09:00 and after 21:00 also means you’ll have a longer wait if you’re traveling in the early morning or late evening. You’ll need to factor in these delays when planning your travel.

Timetables

300

Bus Timetable

Useful Tips

The 300 bus is the most value for money. However, if you want a door-to-door service, taking a taxi or transfer is the best way to go.
It is possible to book your bus ticket online. However, the website is tricky to navigate for non-Polish speakers.
If you’re traveling as a family on the weekend, take advantage of the weekend family ticket, which costs €5.80 (PLN 25) for up to 2 adults and 5 children.
Luggage space is limited on public buses. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, the train or taxi are better options.
Your ticket expires within one hour. You can use it for multiple journeys across the city during that time. If you’d like a longer multi-journey ticket, there are options available for 90 minutes, 24 hours and one week.
Buses from Krakow are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.

How to get from Krakow Airport to the city center by (Bus No. 209)

The second day bus service available from Krakow Airport to the city center is the 209. You can consider the 209 as the slow bus. It takes around 45 minutes to get to the city center as it takes a much longer route. There are over 20 stops on the way to Old Town as it winds around the Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park. This is the scenic route but not the most efficient for most.

Regarding timetable, the 209 departs every two hours from 05:00 to 22:30 on weekdays, and 05:00 to 22:00 on weekends and holidays.

How much is a bus from Krakow Airport to the city center?

The bus fare for the 209 is the same as the 300 bus. A single bus ticket costs €1.30 (PLN 6) per person and can be used up to 60 minutes after the ticket if validated on board. 

There are no extra charges for carrying luggage though there is a limited amount of storage space.

Cost
€1.30 (PLN 6)
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The 209 departs every two hours from Krakow Airport.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The 209 is available from 05:00 to 22:30 on weekdays, and 05:00 to 22:00 on weekends and holidays.

Where do I get this bus from?

You can catch the 209 from outside of the Arrivals Hall. Simply follow the signs from the terminal building to locate the bus stop. You’ll also find a row of machines to purchase your bus ticket.

Convenience

The 209 bus is the least convenient way of getting from Krakow Airport to the city center in terms of efficiency. While the cost is low, this is the slowest route. You’ll also likely need further transport when you arrive at your chosen stop.

Timetables

209

Bus Timetable

Useful Tips

The 209 might be the best bus for you depending on the location of your final destination. We recommend looking up the exact location of your destination before you decide between the 300 and the 209.
You can book your bus ticket online or purchase a ticket from the machines at the airport.
Students and teens under 16 years old are entitled to discounted bus fares.
Kids under 7 years old travel free on Krakow buses.
WiFi is unavailable on Krakow public bus services.
Disabled and visually impaired people can also travel for free.

How to get from Krakow Airport to the city center by night (Bus No. 902)

The 902 is the only night bus from Krakow Airport to the city center. Although it has multiple stops, it shouldn’t take longer than 25-30 minutes to get to the city center as fewer people are riding the bus at night. 

The first bus departs at 23:07. After that, it departs every hour from 00:07 to 04:07 every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.

How much is a bus from Krakow Airport to the city center?

The rates for night buses are the same as day buses. Therefore, you can expect your bus ticket to cost €1.30 (PLN 6) per person. Children up to 7 years old ride for free. You can also purchase special family tickets at a discounted rate. You can purchase your tickets from nearby the information desk in the Arrivals Hall or using the machines at the bus stop.

*We recommend factoring in the cost of your onward journey after reaching Krakow city on top of your bus fare. If you can take another night bus to your destination, your ticket will be valid for 60 minutes.

Cost
€1.30 (PLN 6)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
The 902 night bus from Krakow Airport departs every hour.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

This service runs from 00:07 to 04:07 every day.

Where do I get this bus from?

The bus stop at Krakow Airport is easy to find outside of the Arrivals Hall. As you approach the main exit, read the signs above the doors to direct you. You can also see a live departure board for the buses by the information desk in the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

As the only public transportation option after midnight, the 209 bus is quite convenient for those with late flights. However, buses are not temperature-controlled and the journey time can vary depending on the number of stops. If you want a direct, door-to-door service, taking a taxi or private transfer is best.

Timetables

902

Bus Timetable

Useful Tips

Make sure you validate your ticket when you board the bus by tapping it on one of the sensors. You can ask your driver how to do this if you’re unsure.
Elderly passengers over 70 years old can travel for free.
Public buses in Krakow are not very temperature-controlled. Therefore, we recommend wearing warm clothing if you’re traveling on the night bus in the colder months.
Bus ticket fares are the same regardless of the time of day or day of the week.
The night bus timetable from Krakow Airport to the city center is the most consistent across the seasons. However, it’s worth checking the website for the latest updates.

How to get from Krakow airport to city center by train

In terms of public transport, the train from Krakow Airport to the city center is reliable and fast. It takes just 20 minutes to get to Krakow Train Station and 45 minutes to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (which is the end of the line). 

It departs every hour from 04:17 to 00:17 every day. 

The train ride is known to be comfortable, with ample seating, power outlets, and free WiFi.

As this is the only train line running from Krakow Airport, it’s simple to navigate. Once you get to Krakow Train Station, there are plenty of Krakow taxis available outside to take you to your final destination.

How much is the train from Krakow airport to city center?

Taking a train from Krakow Airport to the city costs €4 (PLN 17) per person. You can take your luggage onto the train free of charge, though there is a €0.70 (PLN 3) surcharge for pets. 

To purchase a ticket, you can head to the machine on the ground floor of the airport Arrivals Hall or at the entrance of the train station. You can also purchase a ticket from the train conductor on board. Card and cash payments are accepted in all cases. 

Cost
€4 (PLN 17)
Trip Duration
20 Min.
Waiting time is 30 to 60 minutes for the train.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The train is available from 04:17 to 00:17 every day.

Where do I get the train from?

The all new Kraków Airport train station is located near the passenger terminal, at the rear of the multi-storey car park.

Convenience

Taking a train to Krakow city from the airport is efficient and easy. However, it’s important to note that the timetable for the train from Krakow Airport to the city center is more limited than that of taxis and buses. Trains only run once per hour. So if you don’t want to wait up to an hour, or you’re arriving in the early hours of the morning, you’ll want to choose an alternative means of transport.

Timetables

Krakow regional train

Krakow airport - Dworzec Główny Timetable

Useful Tips

We recommend purchasing your train ticket from the machines in the Arrivals Hall, as the machines in the train station can get crowded.
If you’ll be taking a bus after your train journey, you can purchase an integrated ticket from the kiosk at the airport train station.
You can carry as many luggage items as you need free of charge.
The fixed train price from Krakow Airport to Krakow city only applies to airport journeys. When you’re exploring the city, the ticket price will depend on the zone you’re traveling to.
The train board offers free assistance for disabled passengers.
Free WiFi is available on board.

How to get from Krakow Airport to the city center by private transfer

While taxis are great, there’s an extra level of comfort and convenience when you book a Krakow Airport transfer from Krakow Airport to the city center. Not only do you receive a friendly meet and greet when you arrive, but you also don’t need to wait in the taxi queue. You’ll be escorted to your vehicle as soon as your driver meets you. 

Other benefits of booking a private transfer include: 

  • Guaranteed on-time pickups
  • Professional English-speaking drivers
  • Hand-selected vehicles
  • Reasonable fixed rates
  • 24/7 customer support

Booking a Krakow private transfer from a company like Welcome Pickups gives you the peace of mind that your transportation is taken care of. Additionally, your driver would be delighted to give you a mini tour of Krakow to help you get your bearings. 

How much is a private transfer from Krakow Airport to the city?

One of the best parts of booking a private transfer from Krakow Airport to the city center is that your fare is fixed in advance. Unlike taxis, you’ll get a custom quote when you book which includes your journey and any surcharges. 

You can expect a transfer from Krakow Airport to the city to cost €20 for up to four passengers, and €26 for up to seven passengers. 

The booking process is super simple. You can use our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play) to input your personal details, flight number, number of passengers, destination and estimated pickup time. 

Once we have your booking request, you’ll receive a fixed quote for your journey – no hidden fees or surprises.

Cost
€25
Trip Duration
30 Min.
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Krakow Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

When you book a private transfer, your driver will have all of your flight details to ensure they’ll be in the Arrivals Hall to meet you on time. This means that even if your plane is late, you can trust your driver will be waiting for you. 

The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it to help you identify them. They’ll then assist you with your luggage as they take you to your vehicle.

Convenience

Krakow Airport taxis are reliable and safe, but nothing beats the ease and comfort of a private transfer. With zero wait times and a professional English-speaking driver guaranteed, your journey will be much more relaxing and smooth. 

Useful Tips

When choosing a collection time from Krakow Airport, please allow yourself at least 20-30 minutes to get through baggage reclaim and passport control.
We offer four-seater sedans or minivans for up to eight passengers.
If you require a baby seat or booster, you can request one on the online booking form.
The day before your flight, we’ll send you an email with your driver’s photo, name and contact details to help you identify them.
You’re welcome to tip your Krakow taxi transfer driver via our app.
Our customer support is available 24/7 via our app or customer telephone line.

Krakow Airport private transfers

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Kraków Airport to city center?

You can get from Krakow Airport to the city center in six ways: taxi, private transfer, train, or a choice of buses. Taking a taxi or airport transfer is the most convenient method and will cost you between €27-30 (PLN 109) depending on your destination. It shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes. The train from Krakow Airport to city center takes 20 minutes and costs €4 (PLN 17) per person. Finally, there are 2 day buses and 1 night bus that runs from the airport to Krakow. The ticket price is €1.30 (PLN 6) per person. 

How far is Krakow Airport from the city?

How much is a taxi from Krakow Airport to the city center?

Transfer Options in Krakow