Krakow city center (Stare Miasto / Main Market Square) is about 11 km east of the airport.

About Krakow City Center

Kraków's city center is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval urban landscapes, anchored by the magnificent Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), the largest medieval town square in Europe. The square features the iconic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary's Basilica with its famous trumpet call played hourly, and the Town Hall Tower.

The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the Royal Route from St. Florian's Gate through the Main Square to Wawel Castle. The district is filled with historic churches, museums, restaurants, and the Planty Park ring that replaced the old city walls.

Just south of the Old Town lies the Kazimierz district, the former Jewish quarter now transformed into Kraków's most vibrant neighborhood for nightlife, art galleries, and restaurants. Nearby, the Podgórze district across the river houses the Schindler's Factory Museum and remnants of the WWII ghetto.

Nearby Landmarks

Rynek Główny (Main Square) Wawel Castle Kazimierz District Cloth Hall

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $12-18
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $8-13
Time 20-30 min

Arrivals level exit, follow ride-hailing signs

Train (Koleje Malopolskie)

Cost $4
Time 18 min
Frequency Every 30 minutes (peak), every hour (off-peak)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs to Kraków Balice train station (lower level of terminal). 2. Buy ticket at machine or counter. 3. Take train to Kraków Główny (main station). 4. Journey takes 18 minutes. 5. Main Market Square is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $12-18 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $8-13 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $4 18 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The airport train runs until approximately 11:30 PM. Night bus N902 connects the airport to the city center between midnight and 5:00 AM, running roughly every 40-60 minutes. Taxis from the airport at night cost 80-100 PLN ($20-25). Uber and Bolt are also available and typically cost 50-70 PLN.

Luggage Tips

The airport train has open luggage areas near the doors suitable for large suitcases. Kraków Główny station has left-luggage lockers (12-25 PLN per day) on the lower level and a staffed luggage storage facility. The Old Town has cobblestone streets, so rolling suitcases require some effort on certain streets.

Accessibility

Kraków Airport has full barrier-free access. The airport train is wheelchair accessible with a ramp deployed by staff. Kraków Główny station has elevators connecting all levels. However, the Old Town's cobblestone streets can be challenging for wheelchair users, though main routes are maintained. Most hotels in the center have accessible rooms.