John Paul II Airport Kraków-Balice serves Kraków, the ancient Polish capital and university city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located approximately 15 km from the city center.
Gateway to the magnificent Old Town, Wawel Castle, and with an hour's excursion, the Wieliczka Salt Mines and the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial.
How to get to John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to KRK
Parking near John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport
Next to the terminal is a multi-level parking structure.
Rates are in line with those of a European tourist hub.
How to get to Kraków from KRK
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Krakow: Private Transfer to/from Krakow Airport (KRK)
Kraków Airport Private Transfer - Kraków City Center
Krakow: Private Transfer to or from Krakow Airport
Krakow: Private Transfer from/to Krakow Airport (KRK)
Car rental at John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport
In the arrivals area, the major car rental companies are represented.
Those arriving from the European Union do not need an IDP: only a driver's license, passport and credit card are required.
Hotels near John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport
At Balice Airport
The Hilton Garden Inn is the only hotel linked to the terminal by a covered underpass, reachable on foot in about a minute (40 metres); the same underpass also leads to the railway station and the multi-storey car park.
Best for: Dawn flights and layovers of a few hours, when you want to stay a step from the terminal.
- Walk to check-in in under a minute, with no bus or taxi
- The same covered underpass also leads to the train station for the centre
- Only terminal and car parks around: for dinner you stay in the hotel
- For an evening in the centre you still need 17-20 minutes by train or a taxi
Old Town and the Rynek
Direct train from Balice to Kraków Główny in 17-20 minutes (12 zloty), every 30 minutes; from the station the Rynek is 10-15 minutes on foot or a short tram ride.
Best for: Those who want the Market Square, Wawel Castle and the restaurants of the historic centre within walking distance.
- Rynek Główny, Wawel and the Kazimierz district within walking distance of the hotels in this area
- Direct train to the airport with no changes, even in the early morning hours
- Centre alleys crowded with tourists, so higher prices at the venues near the Rynek
- From the station to the Rynek you still need a walk or a tram
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Saski Krakow Curio Collection by Hilton Historic palazzo a few steps from Rynek Główny, with a rooftop pool and panoramic spa; among the best-reviewed hotels in the centre. View availability
- Sheraton Grand Krakow On the riverside next to Wawel Castle, with Vistula views from the upper floor rooms; one of the most central locations the chain has in Poland. View availability
- Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow A few minutes' walk from Wawel and the Vistula, on the southern edge of the historic centre; a frequent choice for those who want the Radisson brand without Rynek prices. View availability
Station area
The train to Balice leaves from Kraków Główny station, 17-20 minutes, every 30 minutes; the Rynek is another 10-15 minutes on foot from the station.
Best for: Those who want to spend less than in the historic centre but stay a few minutes' walk from the airport train.
- More accessible prices than the hotels on the Rynek, at the same distance from the airport train
- Station and the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre a few steps away
- A less picturesque area than the historic centre streets, with more traffic around the station
- The Rynek is still a 10-15 minute walk away
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, among the busiest in Poland after Warsaw, handles intense cultural tourism throughout the year.
It is good practice to arrive with 2.5-3 hours buffer for international flights.
Map of John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Krakow airport connected by train?
Yes, the regional train links the airport directly to Kraków Główny central station in about 20-25 minutes.
Q. How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?
About an hour's journey from the airport or the city: an organised tour or a direct transfer is recommended to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial.
Q. How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown Krakow cost?
A pre-booked transfer for 4 passengers costs indicatively 26 EUR; always check the taximeter for unbooked rides.
Q. Is Krakow a good base for the Wieliczka salt mines?
Yes, the historic salt mines, a UNESCO heritage site, are about an hour from the city centre.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
