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Day Trips from Krakow

From Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine to Zakopane and the thermal baths, see the key places of southern Poland on a private day trip with hotel pickup, then back in Krakow by evening.

Licensed local guides Pay in cash or by card Hotel pickup included Private tours

Two trips to book first

★ Most popular Tickets Included

Auschwitz-Birkenau

History & remembrance

A guided visit to the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, known around the world as a symbol of genocide and of the destruction of the Jews. Visit led by a Museum educator; entry tickets and hotel pickup included.

6-7 h 70 km · 1 h 20 min Hotel pickup
from 500 PLN/ person

Why take a day trip from Krakow?

Krakow is the best base in southern Poland. Here is what makes a day trip worth it.

Everything is close

Most major sites, from Auschwitz to Zakopane, are within about two hours of the city centre.

World-famous in one day

See a UNESCO salt mine or Zakopane at the foot of the Tatras, or visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, without staying overnight.

Private and easy

Door-to-door hotel pickup, your own licensed guide and vehicle, and no crowded coaches.

Back by evening

Spend the whole day exploring and return to Krakow the same night, ready for dinner in the Old Town.

YourKrakow

Explore more in one day

Day trips from Krakow are the easiest way to reach southern Poland's key places, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane and the thermal baths, and return to the city the same evening.

Krakow sits within about two hours of most major sites, which makes it a practical base. Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional licensed guide and door-to-door pickup from your hotel.

Auschwitz, Wieliczka, Zakopane, Wadowice and more, all in one place, booked directly with the local team that runs them.

Tatra Mountains near Krakow

Popular Day Trips from Krakow

★ Most popular 6-7 h

Auschwitz-Birkenau

History & remembrance
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

A guided visit to the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, known around the world as a symbol of genocide and of the destruction of the Jews. Visit led by a Museum educator; entry tickets and hotel pickup included.

from 500 PLN/ person View tour
★ Most popular 4 h

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Everyone & families
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

Descend into a UNESCO World Heritage salt mine of underground chapels, lakes and carved chambers. An awe-inspiring half-day trip for all ages, with a lot of stairs on the way down.

from 400 PLN/ person View tour
About 10 h

Zakopane & Thermal Baths

Town, cheese & thermal baths
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

Krupówki and the Zakopane style, a tasting of highland cheeses and an afternoon in thermal pools, tickets included. A private full day with hotel pickup.

from 850 PLN/ person View tour
4 h

Wadowice (John Paul II)

Pilgrims & history
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

Visit the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, his family home museum and the basilica where he was baptised. A meaningful trip into Polish heritage and faith.

from 480 PLN/ person View tour
7 h

Częstochowa (Black Madonna)

Pilgrims & history
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

See the Jasna Góra Monastery and the famous Black Madonna icon, Poland's holiest pilgrimage site. A moving day trip through faith, art and history.

from 850 PLN/ person View tour
2.5 h

Nowa Huta

Half day & history
Private Licensed guide Hotel pickup

Explore the Soviet-era planned district of Nowa Huta, Cold War architecture, grand socialist-realist squares and a story most visitors never see. The perfect half-day trip.

from 300 PLN/ person View tour

Why book directly with us?

Cash or card

Pay in cash or by card.

Hotel pickup

We pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel.

Private transport

Your own vehicle, driver and guide, never a crowded bus.

Licensed guides

Professional, friendly and fully licensed local guides.

Flexible departure

Choose your start time. We build the day around you.

No hidden costs

Clear prices, agreed upfront. Book direct and save.

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned transport
  • Licensed local guide
  • English-speaking driver
  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Support before your tour

What's not included

  • Entrance tickets (where applicable)
  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)

Where will you go?

Every destination within about two hours of Krakow.

  1. Auschwitz-Birkenau 70 km · 1 h 20 min
  2. Wieliczka Salt Mine 15 km · 25 min
  3. Zakopane & Thermal Baths 110 km · 2 h
  4. Wadowice 55 km · 1 h
  5. Częstochowa 130 km · 1 h 45 min
  6. Nowa Huta 8 km · 20 min

Best day trips by season

Every trip runs all year. These are the ones that suit each season best.

SpringMarch to May
Wieliczka and Wadowice

Mild weather and smaller crowds make spring ideal for the salt mine and gentle heritage trips.

SummerJune to August
Zakopane and thermal baths

Long days for a stroll along Krupówki and highland cheese, then an afternoon in the thermal pools.

AutumnSeptember to November
Auschwitz and Częstochowa

Comfortable temperatures for days with a lot of walking, much of it outdoors.

WinterDecember to February
Zakopane and Wieliczka

Snowy highlands above ground and warm chambers all year below it.

Sample Krakow itineraries

How our guests combine Krakow with day trips. Tell us your dates and we will tailor it.

2 days in Krakow

City highlights plus one big trip
  • Day 1: Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz
  • Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau, visit led by a Museum educator
Book on WhatsApp

3 days in Krakow

History, culture and the mountains
  • Day 1: Old Town, Wawel and the Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial
  • Day 3: Zakopane and thermal baths
Book on WhatsApp

4 days in Krakow

The complete southern Poland trip
  • Day 1: Old Town and Kazimierz
  • Day 2: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Nowa Huta
  • Day 3: Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Day 4: Wadowice and Częstochowa
Book on WhatsApp
5000+Happy guests
10+Years of experience
7Day trips
30Audio languages
5.0 ★Google rating

What our guests say

★★★★★

We highly recommend this electric golf cart tour of Kraków! We booked it as part of a bachelorette party, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Everything was well organized, and our driver was friendly, professional and very accommodating.

M Malgorzata Google review
★★★★★

Our guide, Pavel, was exceptional! Very professional, kept perfectly on schedule and incredibly knowledgeable throughout the tour. Patient, hospitable and always smiling. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great guide!

D Dannah Google review
★★★★★

We were looking for an activity for a company retreat for more than a dozen people and found YourKrakow. The organisation was genuinely effortless. Many of us called it the highlight of the whole trip.

B Bartlomiej Google review

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Krakow?
The most popular day trips from Krakow are Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane and the thermal baths, followed by Wadowice, Częstochowa and Nowa Huta. Most are within about two hours of the city and can be done as a private tour with hotel pickup.
How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is about 70 km west of Krakow, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car. With a private transfer you avoid public-transport connections and travel door to door.
Can I visit Auschwitz and Wieliczka in one day?
Yes, you can visit both in one day, starting from Krakow. Message us on WhatsApp (+48 503 966 687) or write to hello@yourkrakow.com with your date and group size; we will work out the timing and quote a price.
Do you offer private day trips?
Every day trip we run is private: your own vehicle and driver from your hotel, and no shared seats on a big bus. At Auschwitz-Birkenau the visit is led by a Museum educator.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. All of our day trips include door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your Krakow hotel or apartment at no extra cost.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and your ID or passport. For Auschwitz, large bags are not allowed inside the memorial. For mountain trips, bring a jacket and water.
How long are the tours?
Half-day trips such as Wieliczka or Nowa Huta take around 2.5 to 4 hours; full-day trips to Auschwitz or Zakopane take 6 to 10 hours including travel.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Wieliczka and Zakopane are great for families. Auschwitz is recommended for ages 14 and over, in line with the memorial's own guidance.
Do tours operate in winter?
Yes, our day trips run year-round. Mountain trips depend on conditions, and we will always advise the best option for the season when you book.
Can I customise my trip?
Absolutely. Because every tour is private, you can adjust the start time, pace and stops, or combine destinations. Tell us what you would like on WhatsApp and we will build it around you.

Day trips from Krakow at a glance

The most popular day trips from Krakow are Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane and the thermal baths. Every trip is private and includes hotel pickup, lasts between 2.5 and ten hours, starts from 300 PLN per person, and is booked directly with YourKrakow.

Best overallAuschwitz-Birkenau
Best in the mountainsZakopane and thermal baths
Best half-dayWieliczka Salt Mine
Best for familiesWieliczka Salt Mine
Hotel pickupIncluded on every trip
Tour typePrivate, your group only
PaymentPay in cash or by card

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Written by licensed Krakow guides at YourKrakow, a local tour operator since 2016. Last updated: October 2026.