Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow with Transport
Active
7h - 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 the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, a haunting reminder of history, with seamless transport from Krakow. This 3.5-hour guided tour allows you to reflect on the somber legacy of the Holocaust while exploring the memorial and museum. Witness significant sites, including the notorious 'Arbeit Macht Frei' gate, original barracks, and gas chambers, and gain insights into the lives of the 1.3 million victims through period photos and artifacts. Each step taken here offers a profound understanding of the past, ensuring a respectful and informative experience.
- Includes pick-up from your accommodation in Krakow for convenience
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to the site for comfort
- Guided tour lasting 3.5 hours, providing deep historical context
- Visit impactful locations within the memorial and museum
Available options
Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow with Transport
Pickup included
What's included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Professional assistance in case of any issue
Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed local guide
Highly qualified, helpful and friendly customer service
Entry fees (Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II Birkenau), insurance and taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour begins with transportation from your hotel in Krakow. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in the town Oswiecim, about 1h15min in one way (65km).
2
Stop 2
Your tour begins as you pass through the gate of Auschwitz I – the first camp, established by the Germans in 1940 as a detention site for Polish citizens after the annexation of the country. Above the entrance stands the infamous sign Arbeit Macht Frei (“Work Makes You Free”), one of the most recognizable symbols of the camp.
This part of the visit lasts about two hours, with each participant using a headset to follow the guide’s commentary clearly. According to the Museum’s regulations, groups are limited to a maximum of 30 people, ensuring a more personal and accessible experience.
During the tour, you will see original wooden barracks, watchtowers, barbed wire fences, as well as gas chambers and crematoria. These powerful sites leave a lasting impression, providing a harrowing glimpse into the scale of the Holocaust.
3
After a short break, you will continue to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, located just a few minutes away. This largest part of the camp, built in 1941 on Heinrich Himmler’s orders, could hold up to 90,000 prisoners and became the main site of mass extermination.
Your guide will explain the harsh living conditions, cruel selections, and experiments conducted by Nazi doctors such as Josef Mengele. The tour concludes with the story of the camp’s liberation on January 27, 1945 – a powerful reminder that such tragedy must never be repeated.
4
Stop 4
When the tour ends, you are not rushed by us. There is at least a 20 minutes break which you can spend in a bookstore, grocery store or just rest. After another 1h15min on the way, you will be taken to a predetermined address in Krakow.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
The driver will give you the correct tickets on site.
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
