Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine 1 Day Tour
Active
11h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ideal for time-tight travelers, this comprehensive day trip ticks off two key sights in a day—Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Avoid the hassle of organizing car rental, and instead, benefit from having round-trip transfers from Krakow included. First, visit a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Nazi-occupied Poland, then see the salt sculptures, lakes, and chapels of Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Save time and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a day
• Travel with ease from Krakow: Round-trip transfers are included
• Learn about Poland’s history and the events of World War II
• Explore underground salt chambers with a guide so you don’t get lost
Available options
Near Hotel Pickup
Near Hotel Pickup - : Provide your accommodation place address, we will find and provide you with the nearest possible pickup point<br/>The Tour Start Time: The tours at Auschwitz typically start between 6:00 am and 10:00 am.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Starowiślna 65, 31-052 Kraków, Poland
Near Hotel Pickup & Lunch
Duration: 11 hours<br/>Lunchbox Vegetarian/Ham/Hummus<br/>Near Hotel Pickup -: Provide your accommodation place address, we will find and provide you with the nearest possible pickup point
Last Minute Guided Tour
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up (if option selected)
Lunchbox (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
• Start your tour by visiting the museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial
• Visit the three concentration camps housed in the complex with a guide
• Guided tour of the Wieliczka salt mines
• Return to Krakow on the same day
Spread over 191 hectares of land, the museum is symbolic of the atrocities suffered by the victims living in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. With ruins of gas chambers and the crematoria being a part of the museum grounds, your visit can help you imagine the carnage that took place on the same grounds less than a century ago.
The rest of the complex offers equally poignant experiences and deep insight into the unfathomable pain and horrors of the 1.2 million people who led their fateful lives in these concentration camps.
During the course of this guided tour, an experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you through the complex sharing important information about various parts of the camps and helping you better understand the significance of these camp relics.
2
Stop 2
Located not very far from the Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mines were excavated since the 13th century for its rock salt and had been used by the Nazis as an armament factory. The tour covers a 3km stretch of the mines where you will come across chapels, shafts, lakes, sculptures carved in rock salt and mining technology used centuries ago.
The salt mines require visitors to take a staircase consisting of 700 steps which takes you down to the level of mines. An elevator ride will bring you back to the ground level once the tour ends.
Tour duration – 10 - 12 hours
• Auschwitz I – 2 hours
• Auschwitz II – Birkenau – 1 hour
• Salt mines – 3 hours
All above times are approximate, time may vary slightly.
What's not included
Food and drinks (optional Lunchbox)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
208 reviews
5★
132
4★
43
3★
23
2★
9
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
281 reviews
5★
241
4★
26
3★
6
2★
5
1★
3
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tickets for children (3-11) includes entrance ticket without the receivers and headphones in Auschwitz. If you want your child to visit with headset please book "Youth tickets"
Youth tickets discount is only with valid student ID card, in the day of the tour. Please ensure to take student ID card with you, otherwise you will need to pay an extra fee for an adult ticket
Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed on the museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 centimetres (roughly 12 x 8 x 4 inches). You can always leave your belongings inside the vehicle, or in the luggage store in Auschwitz.
Regarding Terms of Use at the Auschwitz & Birkenau Museum, it is mandatory to provide full names of all participants of the tour.
Exact pickup time will be sent the day before, after 5 pm; pickups may be very early (even 3:00–4:00 AM) and depend on the museum’s schedule. While you can select a preferred time, it is not guaranteed; entry depends on ticket and guide availability, and refunds for time changes are not possible.
To make sure, that you'll be picked up from the nearest meeting point, make sure to sound your accommodation details to the supplier no later than 24 hours prior to the tour.
If you chose an option with lunchbox make sure to let us know about any diet restrictions by 5 PM the day before. Otherwise, you will receive a regular lunchbox with ham.
Please dress for the weather and respectfully, as this is a memorial site; waiting before entry can be long, so warm clothing, rain protection or sun cover may be needed. The tour pace and duration are set by the museum.
With so many people wishing to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum each day, there may be a waiting time before entry. This is a chance to relax before the tour begins, and you won’t be alone. Our friendly team and guide will be with you the whole time, making sure you feel comfortable and well taken care of until your unforgettable journey through history begins.
Before start we measure the temperature of every participant
We may refuse to attend on the tour for customers having temperature over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Important notes
1. The exact pickup time will be confirmed the day before after 5 PM. Pickups may start very early (3:00–4:00 AM) and depend on the museum’s schedule. Preferred times are not guaranteed; admission depends on ticket and guide availability.
2. With so many people visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum each day, there may be a waiting time before entry. This is a chance to relax before the tour begins, with our team and guide by your side to ensure comfort.
3. Full names of all participants must be provided at booking; mismatched names and IDs may result in refused entry.
4. Breaks last 30–90 minutes depending on traffic and queues. Bring your own food and water or order a lunchbox (30 PLN / 7 €) payable on the day. Includes sandwich, pasta salad with chicken, cookie, water. Dietary requests must be made by 5 PM the day before; otherwise, a standard ham lunchbox is provided. Orders: select lunch option, call +48 737 663 333, or email email@atcracow.com.
5. Be prepared for walking: Auschwitz grounds and 3 km in the salt mine with 700 steps. Moderate fitness required.
6. Children’s tickets (3–11) exclude receivers/headphones; request a headset 24h in advance.
7. Student tickets require a valid student ID; otherwise, a 40 PLN adult ticket surcharge applies.
8. Return to the vehicle 5 minutes before departure.
9. Dress for the weather and respectfully for the memorial. Waiting may be long; warm clothing, rain protection, or sun cover may be needed. The museum sets the tour pace and duration.
About Krakow
Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Wawel Royal Castle
This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
30-50 PLN (€7-12)
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.
Historical/Adventure
4-5 hours
89-139 PLN (€20-32)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.
Historical/Educational
Full day
70-100 PLN (€16-23)
Kazimierz District
The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.
Cultural/Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Obwarzanek
A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.
Snack
Vegetarian
Zapiekanka
A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.
Snack
Can be vegetarian
Schabowy
A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Skiing in Zakopane
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Boating on the Vistula River
Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Getting there
By air
- John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center
By train
Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza
By bus
Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz
Nowa Huta
Zakrzówek
Day trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
14 km from Krakow • Full day
Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
70 km from Krakow • Full day
Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.
Zakopane
100 km from Krakow • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Festivals
Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual)
Krakow Film Festival • May (annual)
Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)
Pro tips
- Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
- Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
- Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
- Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
