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Transport in Krakow 

 Getting around Krakow in one’s own car can be frustrating at times – obviously because of the traffic, and also because parking in Krakow is a pretty difficult – and costly – business. The taxis, buses and trams don’t need a place to park, and have their own special lanes on the more busy streets so they don’t get stuck in the jams.

Plus, public transport in Krakow has recently been awarded a place in the world’s top 10, and it is in fact quite comfortable, cheap and easy to use. Although there is no subway, the trams and buses, with trains to help you reach the destinations farther away, are usually fast and dependable.

If you want your tour to be on the fancy side, try the Krakow Horse Cabs. Those who prefer absolute freedom should try the Krakow Bike Rental Service, and you can always go on a small tour of Krakow in one of the electric carts with a taped guide available on the Main Square.

Taxis in Krakow

More than a dozen taxi corporations are on the other end of the phone line in Krakow. The cabs are relatively cheap and usually arrive in no time. To get a taxi in Krakow, it is best to either call one or have the hotel staff do it. Hailing a cab rarely works. There are also the taxi stands, with a line of cabs waiting for your choice. A yellow sticker on the right back window contains all the important prices, and be sure to check it out before getting in, or you might be in for an unpleasant surprise. The taxi prices in Krakow are usually about 7 zloty of initial fare, then about 2,50 per kilometer. At night and on the weekends the taxi prices go up about 50%, and trips outside the boundaries of Krakow are also more expensive.

Trams and Buses in Krakow

Public transport in Krakow is fairly comprehensive and cheap and tickets can be bought in any newspaper stand and machines scattered around Krakow. A single ticket costs 2,50 zloty, for 3,10 you can ride around for an hour. The night fares are twice as high. A 24-hour ticket costs 10,40, a 48-hour is 18,80 and a 72 hour one costs 25zl. You can also buy a ticket valid for a week in all trams and buses for 38 zloty. Once you’re inside the vehicle you should punch the ticket and have it with you until it expires in case of ticket control. The Krakow trams and buses can transport you to most of Krakow’s landmarks, and there’s a nice chance that the name of the tram or bus stop you should get on will be the name of the landmark.

Train Trips

If you want to take a trip to one of the tourist destinations outside Krakow, like Wieliczka, Auschwitz or Czestochowa, taking a train is probably the easiest choice. The Krakow Train Station is virtually in the city center, and the trains are quite quick and comfortable. The only exception may be the trip to Zakopane, which is better taken by bus, unless you have a lot of spare time – the views on the train are much more interesting. There is also the special “Papal Train” (“Pociąg Papieski”) that will take you around some places linked to John Paul II, starting from the Krakow Train Station to the Lagiewniki Sanctuary in Krakow, then the towns of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Wadowice, the Pope’s hometown.