John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice Airport: where to…

The Koleje Małopolskie train links the Balice terminal to Kraków Główny in 17-20 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes from 4:17 to 1:24 and a ticket costing 12 zloty: the historic centre therefore remains convenient almost always, even arriving or leaving at inconvenient times. Those with a dawn flight or a layover of a few hours can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, the only hotel linked to the terminal by a covered underpass; those travelling by car and wanting to spend less find cheaper lodging on the streets near the station, at the same distance from the airport train.

At Balice Airport

At the 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport: The only hotel linked to the international terminal by a covered underpass, about 40 metres and a minute's walk away; the same walkway leads to the railway station for the centre.

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Old Town and the Rynek

City centre · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.
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.

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Station area

Near the airport link · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow: A few minutes' walk from Kraków Główny station, with more modest rates than the Rynek hotels; a practical option for those taking the airport train without hurrying.

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