Transport

How to get around Kraków – a guide

Kraków is a city with a rich history and easy access to public transport. Below you will find practical information on how to reach conference venues and city attractions quickly and conveniently.

Public Transport in Kraków: trams and buses

Krakow has a developed system of public transportation. Modern fleet of trams and buses makes it very easy and comfortable to travel around the city. Trams and buses operate on the majority of city routes. 

• Trams provide fast transport in the city centre and main districts. 
• Buses reach farther parts of the city.

Tickets

• The same tickets are valid for trams and buses.
• Time-based tickets are available (15, 30, 60, 90 minutes) as well as daily tickets (24, 48, 72 hours). You can switch between different means of transport and different tram/bus lines but when the time runs out please remember to buy another ticket and validate it again.
• Tickets can be purchased in ticket machines, mobile applications, or machines installed on vehicles (payment by card only) or at stationary machines at stops (payment by card or cash).
• Detailed fare information can be found on the website of the Public Transport Authority in Kraków at the following link: https://ztp.krakow.pl/en/kmk-public-transport/kmk-ticket-guide.

Tip: You can plan your journey around Kraków on the website mpk.krakow.pl or using mobile applications to check schedules and connections in real time.

Regional and International Bus Transport

Located in the city centre, The MDA Bus Station in Krakow offers a wide range of regional, national and international bus connections. You can obtain more information about bus lines, timetables, and details of transportation companies providing their services by using the MDA website: Home - MDA.  

Train connections

Poland has a well-developed railway network. Krakow and the Lesser Poland Voivodship offer convenient rail connections to other cities across Poland as well as to many international destinations. In the city centre, there is an underground station – Krakow Główny PKP – which also functions as a major transport hub. From there, you can easily change to a tram or take a short walk to the Main Square. Taxis are also readily available at the upper level of the station’s car park.

Kraków Główny railway station is the main hub in the city center, located near Galeria Krakowska and close to major tourist attractions. Trains also provide comfortable connections between Krakow and other Polish cities.

From Kraków Balice Airport to the city centre, it is best to take the SKA1 train operated by Koleje Małopolskie, which takes about 20 minutes and runs approximately every 30 minutes.

Taxis and private transport

Taxis are available 24/7, and the fare from the airport to the city centre is about 90–110 PLN. Private rideshare applications are also popular in Kraków and often provide a more convenient and faster option. 

Tip: it is best to order a ride through an app to avoid unofficial offers and unexpected costs.

Kraków Airport

John Paul II International Krakow Airport is the closest airport to Krakow, located just outside the city in Balice. The Airport offers a wide range of international connections. You can find more detailed information about the airport itself and the passenger path on the airport`s official website: Krakow Airport - Homepage.

The SKA1 train provides a fast connection to Kraków Główny (approx. 20 minutes) – note that a special ticket is required. Buses include lines 300 (express) and 209, with a ticket costing around 6 PLN, and night line 902 after 23:00. 

Taxi or rideshare rides take 25–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting to the ICE Congress Centre

The conference will take place at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre. The easiest way to get there is by public transport, with the nearest stop at Rondo Grunwaldzkie where trams and buses regularly stop, or by taxi/rideshare, which is a fast and convenient option, especially if traveling from the airport or with luggage.

Practical tips

Always validate or activate your ticket before traveling, as inspectors check tickets regularly. 

Newer trams are low-floor and accessible for people with reduced mobility. 

Mobile applications are invaluable for planning routes in real time.