I got several emails regarding my last posts and people were wondering about how easy it is to get to Auschwitz, things they should know etc. So here are a few tips for visiting the concentration camps for those who may find themselves in the region and interested in going.
Also if you want to read more about the visit there, please free to also check out my posts on Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II – Birkenau as well.
Of note, I’ve been working on a longer Visitor Guide Post to Auschwitz that is worth checking out too. Let me know what you think.
Tour Options & Transportation Options
There are many options for getting to Auschwitz, you can take an organized tour at one of the tourist agencies in Krakow or take the bus or train on your own.
If you decide to take an organized tour, note the cost and how much time you are going to have at the camps. Remember that it takes about 1.25 – 1.5 hours each way to and from Auschwitz. Generally, these tours include the museum tour although you are still going to pay significantly more than you would pay to do it independently (and you’ll have to adhere to the tour company’s schedule). But if you feel more comfortable with an organized option there are tons available and easy to book while in Krakow. A good place to book tours is the tourist info booth in the Cloth Hall in the old market square.
Visiting Auschwitz Independently
If you decide to go independently, I would recommend taking the bus. The bus and train station are near each other in Krakow and the will drop you near the entrance to the museum (while the train station is 2km away). Look for buses that say Auschwitz or Oświęcim (the polish city name).
The buses are also really cheap. It cost us 10 zł one direction and 12 zł the other.
Buses
You can get bus schedules at the tourist info booth explained above in the Cloth Hall. Make sure to get to the bus early, as they fill up pretty quickly. We got aboard about 20mins before departure and we were full about 10minutes before departure (and they even let extra people in the bus for standing, but who wants to stand for 1.5 hrs.). There are both mini-buses and regular buses and they go at different schedules so the bus at your preferred time might not have a lot of room. There are generally buses and mini-buses about every half hour (less frequently with the large PKSiS buses) until about 8pm in the high season and less frequently in the low season.
All buses back to Krakow arrive and leave from Auschwitz I. So please do keep that in mind if you are in Auschwitz II and it is getting late in the day. You still need to get back to Auschwitz I to catch your transportation back.
Buy a one-way ticket. There are multiple bus companies that service the Auschwitz route and each has a different cost (about 10-12 zł) so not buying a return ticket up front gives you some options with your return times. Also works out well in case you need to take the train back to Krakow.
Trains
There is a train option too if it is too long between buses (the train and bus stations in Krakow are near each other), but the Oświęcim train station is 2 kilometers from the museum. You should plan for the added time in your schedule.
The train costs about 15zł for each way and has a fair bit of options in terms of getting between the sites. Check here to see the latest schedule and book your train ticket.
By Car
Driving is certainly an option to Auschwitz. It takes about 1 – 1.5 hrs from Krakow to get to Oświęcim (the Polish name for the city). There is parking near Auschwitz I. You could also park in various areas on the street.
Visiting the Camps
If you want to visit the museum by yourself unguided during peak season (April 1 – October 31) you need to enter the museum before 10 am or after 3 pm. These days however you need to book through the official website for the free ticket. Select “Tour for individuals without an educator”. I understand the reason for the change but it is a bit of an annoyance (since people often book and don’t show up since it’s free).
The entrance to the museum is free, although the guided tour of the museum is 85 zł (75zł for students) and includes the film. For Polish it’s 75zł (65zł for students). Supposedly you can pay for the film separately although I swear I saw nowhere to do that. They just ended up letting us in when we asked about buying tickets for it.
Tickets can be booked up to 3 months in advance. So if you know your dates, it is recommended to book your slot as soon as you can. Times fill up regularly.
The guided tours run several times during the day. They seem to change a bit depending on the peak season, but officially the English tours run at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, and 13:20. Polish tours run at 11:00 and 13:30. French, German, Italian, and Spanish tours run at 12:30. The film screens every 30 minutes but does alternate to different languages, so verify the language before going in.
If you want to book a guided tour at the camps, particularly during the high season, you need to book these ahead of time through the Auschwitz Museum Website. The tours can fill up fast (particularly English), so this is a good way of guaranteeing your spot. I’ve seen them start more tours (if guides are available), but this is not guaranteed.
To get between the camps there is a free shuttle bus. It runs generally twice an hour and takes visitors to the gates of both camps. You can alternatively walk between the camps if you prefer.
Also, remember that traveling to Auschwitz from Krakow is a full day affair. Expect to spend a total of 6 – 8 hours for the visit. It takes about 1.25 – 1.5 hrs. each way to and from the camp, and then expect to spend at least 4 – 6 hours visiting the camps. It is an exhausting day both mentally and physically, so plan accordingly. Several people, I had met thought they would try to do several things in one day (like the camps and the salt mines) only to later realize how impractical that is.
While in the Camp
Photography
Photography is allowed in the camps. But please do be respectful. There are several places where they ask you to refrain from taking photos, and please do. Remember this a place where millions of people suffered and died, so tread carefully.
How to Dress
There is no specific dress policy for Auschwitz. However, in terms of what to wear it is recommended to dress respectfully for the location. It is a place for many people lost their lives.
Be sure to wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking around a lot, particularly on uneven ground. Birkenau can be especially muddy, so plan for that as well. Your shoes may get pretty dirty.
Be sure to also dress season and weather appropriately as you will be outdoors much of the time.
What to do with your Bags?
Small bags are permitted to be carried with you. But larger bags will need to be stored. There are lockers on-site, although they can fill up. Price for luggage lockers are 5 zł.
Other Things of Note
Food options do exist at Auschwitz I (there are no options by Auschwitz II). The cafeteria at the museum that serves some hearty (and what I thought heavy) meals. There is also a hotel nearby that also does lunch (and breakfast if you get there before the museum opens).
There are hotels in Oświęcim and at least one very close to the museum (Hotel Olecki). Although honestly, there isn’t much to do in the town in the evenings, so I would recommend staying in Krakow instead. But it is an option if you prefer to stay here or are stopping here on your way to somewhere else.
The weather in Auschwitz varies a lot throughout the year. Winters are really cold (and days short) and the summers are quite hot. Be sure to dress weather appropriately as you’ll be spending the majority of the time outdoors.
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I hope this makes someone else’s trip a bit easier when trying to plan a visit to Auschwitz while in Poland. It is a tragic and emotional place, but one that I was very glad to have had the opportunity to see and experience first hand. Also recently many folks have emailed me about recommendations on guidebooks for Poland/Auschwitz. I really like the one by [amazon asin=1631216236&text=Rick Steves]. It has a great deal of info on Auschwitz and does a good job of taking you on a self-guided tour.
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P.S. Did you find the information useful? Please feel free to share (social links at left) so others can benefit as well. If there is information you are still seeking please contact me or leave a comment below. Any other recommendations (format, additional info, changes) please let me know as well so I can continually improve the information. Also, consider supporting this site by booking through our various affiliate links here. It costs you the same and helps defer hosting costs.
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jacques slabbert says
Wow! What a great blog you did here. Me and my partner (from South Africa) are planning to visit Krakow during 2018. As we are not ones for tagging along any type of guided tours we like to explore a new city / site at our own pace. I tried to read all the comments you received on this posting but somehow wish to ask your opinion on the self guided tours. I know you book upfront for the tours. That is all fine but what time in the morning do you suggest we take a bus from Krakow to be at A1 (and later A2).
I do not mind travelling twice to the sites from Krakow as we also would like to see the salt mines (is that also a couple of hours for visiting?)
Anwar says
I personally like traveling to the sites early so I try to generally leave Krakow (via bus) but about 7 or 730 in the morning.
I recommend doing the salt mines and auschwitz on different days.
Budi says
I plan to visit the site some times in end of this month. I have a doubt, in case if we fail to get the slot to enter the museum with educator, Can we still walk around in both camps without entering the museum?
Anwar says
The Camp is what they call the museum.
Allie says
Hello! This is a wonderful tip article, I’ve decided to make my way there via public transport then have booked a tour through the official site (not a tour company). Unfortunately the ONLY tour left was 1 spot on my last day in Krakow at 3pm. Is this enough time to see everything? Does the 3.5 hour tour include all the things one needs to see? Or is there some way to go in early to see parts that are not included in the tour or that you might need more time at? Unfortunately there aren’t any unguided times available that morning either,
Or would it be worth booking a different tour time with a tour company for more time there?
Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to your reply!
Anwar says
The tours do cover a lot of stuff. Does it cover everything? well no… You do need more than 3.5 hrs to see everything. They have the study tours. The issue with going in early is that its restricted timewise in terms of going in w/o a tour so you’ll be up against those restrictions. One of the disappointments is that generally, the tours don’t cover the front blocks which to me were worth seeing (especially if you are interested in the ones dedicated to certain countries). As visits to Auschwitz have increased in numbers there certainly have been more and more restrictions on visit times and such which is just a necessary fact for the preservation of the area.
Barbara says
Hello Anwar, how are you?
Thank you for this perfect guide. Very clear and full of good information!! Hope you can help me with a doubt. I’m going to visit Auschwitz in a tour without an educator next month. I’ve already made the reservation for the visit and my pass is for 9:40. I’ve seen that the bus that would be the best for me arrives at 9:30 at the museum. Do you think I’ll be able to be at the entrance at 9:40? How far is the bus stop from the entrance? Do you have any idea? My doubt is: should I take an earlier bus or not? What do you think?
Thank you for this amazing work!
Best regards
Barbara
Anwar says
Generally, the buses drop you off near the entrance of Auschwitz 1 which you can easily walk to the entrance in a few minutes. However, that is really cutting it close and I would e worried more about the bus running late or other issues perhaps.
Barbara says
Thank you Anwar!
Anita Wahlstrom says
Hello,
I am so glad I found your blog! I am visiting Auschwitz and Krakow this August. I have been to Warsaw a couple of times – My mother was born in Zelwagi, Poland (was Selbongen, East Prussia when she was born) so we have traveled to her home town with her twice and now a third time. But this time we are expanding our trip to include Auschwitz and Krakow and Prague.
I have booked my no cost individual tickets for Auschwitz. That does include both camps correct?
A couple of other questions. We will have a car and will probably drive to the camps. Is that a problem?
Do you have any information about Krakow or Prague I could read?
Thanks again and I appreciated your comments. They were very well written, informative and thoughtful.
Anwar says
Yes you will be able to access both camps. Car is fine. You’ll generally find parking. At least the times I’ve been there. I found the shuttle between camps convenient though but then again I hate driving.
You know what. I have draft posts for both places that maybe this comment will motivate me to complete.
Anita Wahlstrom says
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I hope you get those completed 🙂 I would love to read!!! You’ve done such a great job with your writing. We are also going to Amsterdam. My daughter has some friends there, so they will show us around. Of course we will see Anne Franks home. But, if you have info on Amsterdam I would also love to read that as well.
Best wishes,
Anita
Anwar says
I haven’t been to Amsterdam in many years…actually well before I even had a blog. I’ll have to make a trip again someday to cover the city. Enjoy your travels in Europe. Sounds like an amazing trip.
Anita Wahlstrom says
Hello again,
I am once again looking for advice. This time I have questions about Krakow – we have one full day and night there. I plan to see the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Do you have any other suggestions of must see attractions?
Thanks for your time!
Anita
Anwar says
Yes Wawel castle and cathedral are must see. Be sure to spend some time in the market square. There are sights to see there too. Be sure to spend time in the square in the evening too as it’s so lovely. The old Jewish quarter is worth wandering. You can visit the old Schindler factory if you want. I really liked wandering the neighborhood. You can also visit the Wieliczka salt mines if you want but that takes at least a half day.
Anita Wahlstrom says
Thank you for your advice! I really appreciate it. One question: we are going to Auschwitz one day (arriving early) and the only day I could reserve the Schindler Factory was the same day at 3:30 pm. Is this even a possibility? I wonder with the travel time and time spent at Auschwitz if we will be back in time. Unfortunately the Factory is closed the other day we are in Krakow.
Any thoughts?
Best,
Anita
Anwar says
It’s not really practical to try to get back to Krakow for a 3:30 reservation. Actually, I generally don’t advise people to try to schedule other things on the same day they go to Auschwitz, beyond being far away and taking a long time it is also very draining both physically and mentally.
If you need to, I would say skip the factory. It is a good thing to see, but actually, the museum focuses mostly on the Holocaust in general and not as much on the factory specifically (if I had to complain about an aspect of the museum). Of which you’ll get a better grasp of from going to Auschwitz.
Anita Wahlstrom says
Thanks for your help. Yes that does make sense. I will cancel those reservations. I really appreciate your help!
Nicole says
My sister and I are planning on doing a Europe trip but we’re not sure where to go. This is something we discussed but I’m not sure if we can swing it with all the other places we want to visit as well. What are your suggestions for getting to and from Poland in general out to the rest of Europe?
Anwar says
Hi Nicole
Well, I suppose that depends on which areas of Europe you’ll be coming from. You can certainly travel to Poland via bus, train, or airplane depending on how far away you’ll be.
In terms of air travel, you could look at flying into Katowice, Krakow, or possibly even Ostrava.
Matt says
Hi,
I am looking to go to Auschwitz next week- I read your advice and wondered when you said best of both by travelling independently and then booking a guided tour- can that be done at the camp itself on the day? I’m just worried if I turn up and they have no tours available or something similar?
Thanks,
Matt
Anwar says
Completely understandable! You can reserve a group tour at the camp ahead of time through the website. http://visit.auschwitz.org/rezerwacja/termin.html?idg=1 Click Visits for Individual and then select the tour you want to take and the time.
Matt says
Thanks for this- I have another question though i’m afraid! I like the look of the study tour and have seen there is a bit of a difference between that and the basic tours- could you elaborate on the differences if possible? Thanks so much for your help!
Matt
Anwar says
Unfortunately, I don’t have personal experience in the study tours, only the general tour. I know they go more in-depth and they visit more places. I also have experience in going myself to more of the locations as well that were not covered by the general tour.
The official website mentions where they go, here. http://auschwitz.org/en/visiting/guides/
Stuart Griffiths says
Hi, we’re going to Krakow in February 2017, just wondering if we were to book the guided tour trip how much time are we allowed at the both camps? As we would like to spend as much time as possible there before returning to Krakow.
Thanks Stuart and Andrea.
Anwar says
Hey Stuart. I found the visit time seems to depend on the tour you book. If you book a tour from Krakow be sure to ask that question as there is also the travel time between Krakow and Auschwitz. Many tours only stay for a couple hours in total and don’t visit everything. If you travel to Auschwitz independently. You could do the guided tour there and then spend extra time at the unguided areas before returning to Krakow but you’ll have to handle more of those logistics yourself.
Rachael says
I’m just wondered are u allowed to sit down places at the museum as I’m going with the school on a school trip
Neil Armstead says
Hello,
Thank you for this guide, it is very helpful! Only question I have is whether you find a bus to the site and pay on the bus or if you buy a ticket from a ticket desk? I’ve looked online but there seem to be so many different companies and ways of getting there I can’t figure it out!
Many thanks
Neil
Agata Szreter says
Hi there,
Even thou I’m polish myself I use your post as reference every time my friends ask me about Krakow. Your info is spot on. Well done Thank you
Anwar says
Thank you so much! Appreciate the feedback. If you have any extra advice too would love it.
Michael Gregory says
This is a very helpful short guide on transport to auschwitz. THANKS for taking the time. Dr Mike Gregory, from Felixstowe, UK
Erin says
Thank you so much for the comprehensive information. I am planning a trip this summer and these tips make the trip seem much more manageable.
Rebecca says
We took your travel advice and put it to use in September. We chose to go independently but booked the museum tour in advance so we didn’t have to wait in line upon arrival. Your tips were super helpful! Thank you!
Rebecca
SK, Canada
Mark Bradshaw says
Cheers
Going nov 4-7 and your advice is thorough and kind.
Thanks
carissa Murillo says
Thanks so much for writing these tips!
I’m going to Auschwitz this Saturday and to be honest before reading your review I was stressed out and confused.
I wrote down all of your tips in my phone and I’m sure I will be ahead of the game by reading this!
Kevin says
How was your trip? Did you book a tour?
Alexia says
Thank you for a great comprehensive review. I just visited in sept 2016 and the info is spot on. A few personal recommendation for other who may be considering to visit- going independently is easy, inexpensive and gives you the most flexibility. The bus is really easy and you just need to buy a ticket, ether online, at the booth or from the driver. We bought it online since it was peak season and gave us re assurance in case we got lost at the station. The website is in polish but it easy to guess
The tour with an educator is definitely worth it. The guide provided great historical background and context and was able to answer questions. They also will take you to II and speak about this place too. You do need to make Reservation online or at the ticket booth. It was very easy to book online. Educator tours do take place between 10-3pm during peak season. Afterwards, it must be free since there was a huge and long line in the afternoon. I would definitely plan to spend most of the day there. We left Kraków about 10:15am and returned by late afternoon. Keep in mind my travel party enjoy to take our time, walk around, read plaques, and take in the experience.
kevin says
I have been to Auschwitz some years back.Now would like to take my family..Thank you for your informative website and the assistance you have provided to many interested people..All the best. .
Mohammed didarul alam says
Hi i am bangladeshi . Now i am in united arab emirates. 20 years i am UAE. I want to see Auschwitz … i want visit visa for see the Auschwitz. I want help for poland visit visa …
Phil says
Thank you. Great information.
Taya says
Really helpful hints thank you! It’s like you read my mind and had the answers!
Maria says
Hi! Do you know if there are audio guides that you can borrow at Auschwitz?
Lindsey says
Thanks so much for the info! I’ll be traveling to Poland in August and this post was more informative than anything else I’ve read so far on Auschwitz.
Rhonda says
H Lindsey, please can you tell me how you found this information and your visit to Auschwitz. I have recently booked a hotel in Kraków and been told that I need to book in advance online to visit Auschwitz. Going independently apparently no longer an option. Is tthis what you found.
Kind regatds
lea Jellinek says
Did you get an answer to how we book online. I am having a lot of difficulty …I want to go independently and without a guide. Do we have to book online – [email protected]
Jerry Mitchell says
You need to book online for Auschwitz 1 in the town. It is free, and you can choose either guided or self tours. There is a times schedule on their website. A2/Birkenau is walk in, no ticket required. You can walk from A1, or there is a free shuttle pretty frequently. A2 is HUGE, there is a LOT to see, so allow a lot of walking time. I broke my visit into 2 days, there was so much to see.
Geogina Downings says
Hi.
We are visiting Auschwitz in 23 days in August. We are getting there by train but not having a tour as we want to go at our own pace. Could you tell me if there is a taxi ouside we could get back to Krakow. and do you know how much it would be there will be 4 of us.
Anwar says
Sadly I don’t have much experience in pricing or taking a taxi between Auschwitz and Krakow, it was not in my budget and the frequency of the buses/trains was certainly enough for me.
C Kirk-hayes says
Thank you. This has been most helpful.
Christopher Pert says
I will stay in the town situated next to Auschwitz, so I need information on that.
I want to just go as early as I can and enter. I don’t want a guide and I don’t want to register.
I looked on the website and there was no option to simply reserve a ticket to enter.
Can you let me know what I need to do to make this easier.
Chris
anne kim says
hello, when is the best time of the year to go there?
like when there are less tourist?
Is autumn or winter good?
Anwar says
I suppose there is really no “best time”, a lot depends on what your schedule is. I prefer going when there are far fewer tourists myself. I love the autumn in terms of the crowds and the weather in Poland.
Molly O says
Hi folks. Just did this trip yesterday june 16, 2016. You can buy tickets on line for the bus to Auschwitz from krakow bosacka bus station. I got my ticket from Lajkonik bus. Online the ticket there one way was 13 pln or $3.25. It was 14 pln or $3.50 from the bus driver for my return. The bus was easy to find and left right on time. It drops you off right infront of Auschwitz 1 and picks up just across the street. The schedule is posted there so you dont have to lock yourself into a time frame by buying your return right away.
The shuttle bus between camps runs every 10 to 20 min. It depends on what time it is. The shuttle bus picks up and drops off in the same spot the Lajonik bus does. The shuttle bus schedule is posted on the sidewalk by the path up to the museum entrance. There a sign on top that says taxi followed by taxi info followed by a sign that says bus. The shuttle bus is easy to identify as it has decal stickers of books written about Auschwitz. It also says on the front of the bus. It drops you right infront of Auschwitz II – Birkenau.
I didnt see lockers at the bus station. Its fairly small. They did have a luggage drop place for bigger bags at Auscwitz 1. Not sure how much it costs, but im sure not much. The luggage drop is a small building to the left of the entrance.
Also once you are inside the camps, there are free restrooms. The restroom in the building before the camp is paid. I used the restroom in block 18.
Its best to reserve your ticket online. You can get before 10am and after 3pm, but its first come first served so you may not get the time you want.
They say it takes about 3 hours. I was there from 8:20 to 2pm. I did not do a guided tour. The exhibits in Auschwitz 1 dont really open until 10am. And Auschwitz 2 is pretty massive if you see all of it. I took time to read a lot of the information plaques and really look at a lot of the photos, but still ended up pushing through a lot just to get over to the other camp.
All in all it is an astounding experience!!! Hope this helps.
Dom says
Does anyone know if there are lockers in Kraków to store our luggage while at auschwitz?
Many thx!
Emma Muller says
If you get there after 3pm, do you have to reserve a time?
Anwar says
It seems you can now reserve a spot for “individual tours without an educator” for times after 3pm. The price is still free but you can reserve it on the official site.
http://visit.auschwitz.org/index.html
Adrian says
Great Blog. But I think you need to clarify that to visit without a guide before 10:00 & after 3;00 you need to reserve a ticket for a “Tour for individuals” unfortunately all the morning ones have gone and I have to enter at 17:20.
Kevin Abela says
So do you mean that if you are not reserved they will not let you in without a guide? I need to clarify this since my intention is to go on my own.
Joe says
Just read your comments great help just got back from krakow I went on a organised trip hard work for me had to move on when the next the tour came going back in two weeks and doing it my self this time using the bus your comments helped a lot thanks
Alison Mcguire says
Leaving for Kraków tomorrow, my question is my husband is disabled and we are hiring a mobility electric scooter what’s the best mode is transport would you recommend to go on the tours.
Anwar says
Are you asking about transportation to the camps? Perhaps a tour company may be best since they will have their own bus/van.
robin says
where did you hire the mobility scooter from as we are in krakow and having trouble sourcing a place to get one from andy help would be much appreciated 😀
surendra says
Excellent for first time visitor.more guidence is required for individuals visiting without guide or on his own.thank u.
Anwar says
Let me know what questions you have and I can make sure to put in updates!
Anwar says
What info are you looking for?
Véronique says
Hi,
Thank you for the informations, I’m going there un July. I would like to know where do you buy bus tickets and where do you take the bus if you go by your own.
Thanks,
Véronique, Canada.