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KRAKOW AIRPORT
A HUB OF CONNECTIVITY AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
KRAKOW AIRPORT: LOCATION & SCOPE
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Krakow Airport stands as the prominent gateway to south-eastern Poland, serving as the largest regional airport in the country. Nestled in the scenic landscape just 11 km west of Krakow, this vital transport hub plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to the rest of the world.
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The operational scope of Krakow Airport extends over the bustling south-eastern part of Poland, home to approximately 7.9 million people residing within a 100 km radius of the airport. This strategic positioning not only facilitates convenient access for the local population but also enhances the airport's significance as a key transport hub for the region.
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COMPACT SIMPLICITY & LOGICAL DESIGN
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One of the standout features of John Paul II International Airport lies in its compact design. Both Arrivals and Departures seamlessly coexist within the confines of a single terminal building, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency for passengers. This unique layout not only simplifies the travel process but also enhances the overall airport experience. Navigating through the airport is a breeze, thanks to a thoughtful design that prioritises simplicity and user-friendliness
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COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
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Krakow Airport takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, evident in its adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The sustainability reports crafted by the airport align with GRI guidelines, providing a comprehensive overview of the management foundations, achieved results, future plans, and social responsibility initiatives. These reports are instrumental in showcasing how Krakow Airport integrates sustainability into its business strategy.
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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For those planning their travel or seeking detailed insights into Krakow Airport's services, the official website is a valuable resource. The Krakow Airport Website, offers a wealth of information, ensuring that passengers can easily access essential details about the airport's facilities, flight schedules, and other relevant information.
NAVIGATING KRAKOW AIRPORT: A SEAMLESS ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE
Arriving at Krakow Airport promises a hassle-free experience, with a strategic layout prioritizing passenger convenience. From efficient shuttle services to well-marked signage, this guide walks you through the seamless journey from touchdown to the Arrivals Hall.
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL TO KRAKOW AIRPORT
Unlike airports where planes dock at the terminal, Krakow Airport employs a unique approach. Passengers are swiftly ferried to Passport and Immigration via shuttle buses, reducing the need to navigate through a maze of corridors. While this speeds up the process, it's essential to note that busier periods may lead to occasional logjams, even though the shuttle service typically takes a mere 2-3 minutes.
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Once inside the terminal, clear signage in both Polish and English guides passengers to designated queues (EU or non-EU) and facilities like toilets. The waiting area is pristine and modern, with passport processing typically taking a smooth 15 minutes.
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The passport hall seamlessly leads to the baggage claim area, equipped with five carousels. Be sure to check the information screen hanging from the ceiling, indicating the carousel for your plane's luggage. The spacious baggage hall provides seating, toilets, ATMs, vending machines, trolleys, and assistance counters for lost luggage.
Exiting through Customs on the left-hand side, the entire process, assuming no declarations, should conclude within 30 minutes.
Emerging into the Arrivals Hall, this area rarely gets overly crowded, making it easy for those awaiting pickups to navigate (if you’ve arranged a private transport, someone to pick you up, will be waiting in this area). Ticket machines, ATMs, currency exchange, and an information point are conveniently located. An escalator leads to the train station, a bank, and car hire outlets on the first floor, with a separate exit for taxis and buses.
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The information point to the left of Arrivals, open from 8 am to midnight, serves as a helpful resource for questions about airport facilities and city transportation. Between 9 am and 7 pm, it doubles as tourist information, offering assistance with accommodation and providing materials such as guidebooks and KrakowCards. Another information desk in the Check-in Hall, open from 4 am, ensures assistance is available for early arrivals, covering transport details, currency exchange (Polish Zloty; tip: conduct thorough research and remember to check against the buying price rather than the selling price of the currency, make sure there is no hidden commission before you make the transaction, you can find updated rates in our article: KRAKOW ESSENTIALS - USEFUL INFORMATION), ATMs, and other pertinent information.
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TERMINAL PLAN
KRAKOW CARD
We recommend considering the purchase of a Krakow Card before your arrival in Krakow. With a 1-, 2-, or 3-day card, you can easily access 40 museums and explore the city at your own pace. You have the option to choose between a City Card with or without public transportation. It's important to note that the Krakow City Pass - Museums and Transport (1, 2, or 3 days) allows you unlimited use of public transport, (including buses and trams), throughout the day and night. This ensures that with the Krakow Card, you can take a bus to Wieliczka or travel to the airport. Access all the necessary information by clicking HERE and determine whether any of the options suit your needs.
FROM KRAKOW AIRPORT TO KRAKOW CITY CENTER
Nestled just 11 kilometres west of Krakow, John Paul II International Airport provides excellent transport links to the city. Whether you prefer public buses, trains, private transport, or taxis, we will share useful tips and details below to help you find the best transportation option that aligns with your needs, budget, and expectations.
TRAIN
We recommend passengers to consider the most convenient, reasonable price, and sustainable option of using the train for travel to/from our airport. The Krakow Airport train station is situated close to the passenger terminal, at the rear of the multi-storey car park, and is connected to the terminal building by a footbridge (accessible on Level 1, there is an escalator that leads to Level 1 and a footbridge that leads directly to the train station). Operated by Koleje Małopolskie, a regional railways company in the Małopolska Region (Lesser Poland), these trains offer amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, WiFi, and ticket machines. Additionally, all trains are equipped with designated spaces for disabled passengers and individuals with reduced mobility (PRM). This train service provides a quick and eco-friendly public transport link connecting the airport with the Krakow Main Railway Station, conveniently located in the heart of Krakow Old Town. Krakow Airport serves as the ultimate destination on the line, and all trains departing from here proceed to the main station - there is no risk of boarding the wrong train. A clear English markings are displayed on the departure boards. The train service operates every half-hour or hourly, running from 4.25 am to 12.20 am. This reliable and convenient schedule ensures smooth connectivity throughout the day.
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Timetable:
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Train/rout number SKA1 | Wieliczka Marketplace Salt Mine - Krakow Main Station - Krakow Airport
The timetable is available on the Koleje Małopolskie website - here.
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Tickets and fares:
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Krakow Airport - Krakow Main Train Station: PLN 17,00
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Krakow Airport - Wieliczka Salt Mine: PLN 21,00
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luggage: free of charge
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dogs: PLN 3,00
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Where to buy a ticket:
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ticket machine in the passenger terminal, level 0 (cash payment or payment with credit/debit card)
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ticket machine at the train station (cash payment or payment with credit/debit card)
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train conductor on board (cash payment or payment with credit/debit card).
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Disabled passengers and persons with reduced mobility (PRM).
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Krakow Airport train station is fully adapted to the needs of passengers with disabilities
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disabled person / PRM may receive an assistance provided by the airport stuff from the exit of the train, to take a seat on the plane
PRIVATE TRANSPORT
The private transfer stands out as the most convenient choice for someone arriving in a foreign country, especially for the first time. You can organize everything in advance, and a representative will be ready at Arrivals to transport you directly to your accommodation, regardless of the time of day. These transfers can be reserved through GetYourGuide at a previously agreed reasonable cost.
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Upon booking, you will receive instructions, and any pre-arranged pickup service will likely be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, just outside the Customs exit. They will display a board with your name on it for easy identification. The journey to central Krakow typically takes about 25 minutes. Opting for this private transfer ensures a seamless and stress-free arrival experience.
TAXI
According to information available on the official Airport website, Krakow Airport Taxi is the sole authorized taxi service at the airport. Upon exiting Customs into the Arrivals Hall, if you turn slightly left towards the street exit, you will spot Krakow Airport Taxi cars. The airport's 'official' taxi drivers not only have a designated rank but also their own dedicated lane of traffic, positioned directly in front of the building. This lane will be the first thing you notice upon stepping outside. The fares are provided here. You can find useful online booking or phone booking options (call center is open daily from 6:00 to 22:00) to secure your transportation in advance: +48 12 258 0 258; +48 668 307 307.
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However, while Krakow Airport Taxi provides reasonably priced fares, it's worth noting that the service may be slightly overpriced compared to alternative options. To maximize cost-effectiveness and ensure convenient booking, tourists may want to explore other choices. Uber, in particular, offers competitive rates and the added convenience of app-based bookings, making it a financially savvy and user-friendly alternative for transportation from the Krakow Airport.
PUBLIC BUSES
Krakow Airport is served by three regular bus lines: two day lines, 209 and 300, and one night line, 902. These are AGGLOMERATION BUS LINES. Current departures of the city buses are presented on the screen located near the information desk in the main hall. Expect the trip to take approximately 20 minutes on line 300 to the "Jubilat" bus stop or 30 minutes on line 209 to the "Rondo Grunwaldzkie" bus stop. Ticket prices are more affordable than the train, and with the KrakowCard, the journey to central Krakow is complimentary. Buses travel in the direction of the central part of Krakow but do not make stops at the railway station. Depending on your chosen accommodation, you may need to consider a more convenient connection, such as a train, taxi, or private transport. The night line 902 terminates at Dworzec GÅ‚ówny Wschód – the main bus station, but it's better to get off at the Teatr SÅ‚owackiego stop at the top end of the Old Town.
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Tickets can be purchased from:
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the ticket machine at the passenger terminal, arrivals hall, level 0
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the ticket machine at the bus stop (payment in cash or with credit/debit card)
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Note: The ticket must be validated upon boarding the bus using one of the small yellow or orange machines on board.
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More information about bus connections and tickets - click here
Web-site of MPK S.A. in Krakow (bus operating company) - click here