Krakow Główny is the main railway hub, located 11 km from the airport.

About Krakow Główny Railway Station

Kraków Główny is the largest and busiest railway station in southern Poland, handling intercity services to Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and international routes to Prague, Vienna, and Berlin. The station underwent major modernization and now features a modern underground concourse connecting to the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall.

The station sits at the northeastern edge of the Old Town, directly adjacent to the Planty Park gardens. Exiting from the main entrance places travelers just steps from the Barbican fortification and St. Florian's Gate, the historic entrance to the Royal Road. The underground passage connects to local tram and bus stops.

For travelers, the station serves as both an arrival point and departure hub for day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (15 minutes by train), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (1.5 hours by bus), and the Tatra Mountains resort town of Zakopane (3.5 hours by bus or train).

Nearby Landmarks

Barbican St. Florian's Gate Galeria Krakowska Planty Park

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 exit

Train (Koleje Malopolskie)

Cost $4
Time 18 min
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take the train from Kraków Balice (airport) to Kraków Główny. 2. Direct service, no transfers needed.

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 last airport train arrives at Główny around 11:50 PM. Night buses connect the station to various city districts until early morning. The station itself closes between approximately 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. For late arrivals, the nearby Galeria Krakowska area has several hotels within a 5-minute walk.

Luggage Tips

Kraków Główny has luggage lockers in the underground concourse (12-25 PLN per day, various sizes) and a staffed left-luggage office. When transferring between the airport train and intercity services, all platforms are accessible from the underground level. Galeria Krakowska mall above the station also has luggage storage.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible with elevators to all platforms, tactile guidance strips, and accessible restrooms. PKP Intercity offers assistance for passengers with reduced mobility if requested 48 hours in advance through their website or call center. The underground passage to Galeria Krakowska is step-free.