1 Day Trip Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mines with Hotel Transfer
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit former Nazi concentration Camp in Auschwitz which was the largest camp of Nazi Germany. See one of the oldest Salt Mine in the world. Discover both of these places on our full day trip from Krakow. In Auschwitz you will join licensed guide who will bring you closer to the history of this place. The memorial tour in Auschwitz begin at the entrance gate by the ironic slogan - “Arbeit macht frei” Next you will see prisoners’ barracks and railroad track that transported people to gas chambers. Auschwitz tour takes around 2 hours and Birkenau tour around 1-1.5 hour. After that our driver will drive you to Salt Mine. Tour in Salt Mine takes around 2.5h and during the tour you will see St Kinga’s Chapel - 54 m long and 12 m high chapel resembles interiors of medieval wooden churches and is a real underground wonder with breathtaking chandeliers made of salt crystals, underground corridors and landscapes thatcannot be seen on the surface saline lakes and beautiful underground chambers.
Available options
Guided Tour to Salt Mine Only
From meeting point<br/>Duration: 4 hours: The tour takes 4 hours, as it covers only the Wieliczka Salt Mine.<br/>Option Description: Choose this option for a half day guided tour to Wieliczka Salt Mine Only with hotel pick up.
Last Minute Guided Tour
Duration: 11 hours: Full day tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine
<br/>Option description: This option is a Last Minute ticket for a guided tour to Salt Mine and Auschwitz Museum with transportation from MeetingPoint
Auschwitz & Salt Mine MP
From meeting point<br/>Duration: 11 hours: Full day tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine<br/>Option description: Choose this option for a ticket for a one day guided tour to Salt Mine and Auschwitz Museum from meeting point.
Auschwitz & Salt Mine HP
With hotel pick up<br/>Duration: 11 hours: Full day tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine<br/>Option description: Choose this option for a ticket for a one day guided tour to Salt Mine and Auschwitz Museum with hotel Pick Up.<br/>Pickup included
Discounted guided tour
Duration: 11 hours: Full day tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine<br/>Option description: This option is a ticket for a one day guided tour to Salt Mine and Auschwitz Museum with transportation from meeting point
What's included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Documentary movie "Liberation of Auschwitz" (for the option with Auschwitz)
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Transportation to Auschwitz and Wieliczka from Krakow and back (for the option with Auschwitz)
Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance tickets
Professional and licenced guide
Insurance
Transportation to Wieliczka from Krakow and back (for the Wieliczka only option)
Entry/Admission - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (only for the Auschwitz option)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow, either from the hotel you specified or a designated meeting point of your choice. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in Oswiecim, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away (65 km). All drivers we work with have the necessary EU certifications for passenger transport. You will be accompanied by a friendly, English-speaking group leader who will assist you whenever needed. Upon arrival in Oswiecim, you'll have a brief break to grab a coffee or explore the outdoor exhibitions. Afterward, you’ll be introduced to your local, professional guide, who is officially licensed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
2
Stop 2
Begin your tour by walking through the gate of Auschwitz I, the first camp, initially established as a concentration camp for Polish citizens arrested after Germany annexed the country in 1939. You'll pass under the infamous sign "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free). This portion of the tour typically lasts two hours, during which you'll use a headset to hear your guide clearly. The group size is limited to 30 people, as per the Museum's regulations, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all participants. Explore the original wooden barracks, fortified walls, barbed wire fences, gas chambers, and crematoria, which together leave a haunting impression and allow visitors to grasp the immense scale of the Holocaust.
3
Stop 3
After visiting the first camp, you'll have a short break of up to 15 minutes. Following this, we will take you to the second part of the tour—Birkenau (Auschwitz II), located just 3 minutes away. Birkenau, the largest camp, was built and operated with the sole purpose of making Europe "Judenrein" (free of Jews). Your guide will continue the powerful narrative at Birkenau, located in the village of Brzezinka. Constructed in 1941 under the orders of SS commander Heinrich Himmler, the camp could hold around 90,000 prisoners. You’ll hear harrowing accounts of the brutal living conditions, the cruel selection process, and the pseudo-scientific medical experiments carried out by Nazi doctors, including Josef Mengele. The tour concludes with a story of liberation when soldiers from the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, leaving you with a profound understanding that such genocide should never have occurred—and must never happen again.
4
In a second part of the day, you will be transferred to Wieliczka Salt Mine, which happens to be one of the oldest working salt mines in the World. Before Salt Mine Expirence you will have about 1 hour break for a coffe, grocery or just rest.
5
Stop 5
Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest working salt mines in the World: it has been producing salt for over 700 years. You will be attending an English guided tour at 4pm or 5pm (depending on road conditions). Your guide will take you up to 140 meters underground for a 2.5-hours journey through over 2.5-km tourist route full of chambers with amazing salt carvings and statues
6
Stop 6
At the end of the tour you well have about After another 40 minutes of travel, you will be taken to Krakow.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
142 reviews
5★
100
4★
18
3★
11
2★
6
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.7
416 reviews
5★
344
4★
39
3★
16
2★
4
1★
13
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
IMPORTANT: Option Guided Tour to Salt Mine Only includes: entrance only to Wieliczka Salt Mine, round transportation to Wieliczka, professional and licenced guide in Salt Mine, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, guaranteed skip-the-line entrance tickets only to Salt Mine.
VISIT: While in the camps, visitors are required to behave appropriately and respectfully.
VISIT: There are no restrictions regarding the age of children in Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum, but they should be either capable of walking unassisted or carried in baby slings or baby carriers. Baby pushchairs are not allowed underground (salt mine)
VISIT: Visitors are generally allowed to take pictures with a few, clearly indicated exceptions.
LUGGAGE: The maximum size of your carry-on can not exceed the following dimensions: 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can leave your larger luggage in the car.
CLOTHING: Temperatures in Wieliczka Salt Mine are around 59ºF (15ºC). Also, it should be taken into account that narrow paths may seem claustrophobic, and once underground there is no possibility to shorten your visit and turn back. At the entrance, visitors descent 400 steps down and the whole tourist route features over 800 stairs
ENTRANCE: As it is mandatory in Auschwitz Birkenau museum to confirm your personal details, you are required to take with you passport or ID to be presented at the entrance to museum. Please do not forget it, otherwise you may be not allowed to enter museum.
Meeting point
Please await for the driver on the bus stop in front of the entrance to Raddison Blu hotel.
Important notes
• IMPORTANT: Option Guided Tour to Salt Mine Only includes: round transportation to Wieliczka, professional and licenced guide in Salt Mine, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, guaranteed skip-the-line entrance tickets only in Salt Mine.
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
• As per the requirements of Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, all participants are required to provide their full name and contact details as part of the booking
• Entrance may be refused if the name provided on the booking is not identical to the name on the ID provided when entering
• The maximum size of your carry-on can not exceed the following dimensions: 11.8 x 7.8 x 3.9 inches (30 x 20 x 10 cm). You can leave your larger luggage in the car
Wieliczka Salt Mine stays around 59ºF (15ºC). The one-way tour winds through narrow, potentially claustrophobic passages and involves descending more than 800 steps.
• Your pickup time might be slightly adjusted and in such case you will be informed by the activity provider via email and/or What's App (only if a change is necessary)
• A lunch break is usually arranged between the visits and its duration is determined by road traffic conditions and an exact time spent at the first tour site
• The pace and duration of the guided tours are determined by the museum regulations so the duration of the trip should be considered as approximate
• The offer is written in English so the organizer is not responsible for any inaccuracies in translation into another language
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund
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
