Kraków John Paul II International Airport (Balice) (KRK) to Krakow
The airport train runs from a station next to the terminal to Kraków Główny, beside the Old Town, in about 20 minutes. City buses are cheaper but slower, and taxis or Uber/Bolt take 20–30 minutes.
Best for most people: Train. It is quick, cheap and drops you at the main station a short walk from the Old Town.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Koleje Małopolskie airport train from the airport station (covered walkway from the terminal) to Kraków Główny | about 18–20 min | about every 30 min | about 10–20 zł | about 04:00–24:00; check last departures | Buy from the machine at the station or on board (sometimes with a small surcharge). |
| bus MPK Kraków city buses from the stop in front of the terminal, e.g. 208 and 252 during the day, 902 at night | about 35–45 min | about every 20–30 min | about 6 zł for a time-based ticket | day routes plus a night route | Buy tickets at the machine or on board with a contactless card; validate on boarding. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside Arrivals | about 20–30 min | about 80–120 zł to the Old Town | 24 h | Use the airport's official partner taxis at the rank. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and Bolt, with pick-up from the marked area | about 20–30 min | often about 50–90 zł | 24 h | Usually cheaper than the rank, with prices shown in advance. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Katowice Airport (KTW), about 100 km away, is used by some low-cost flights and has coach connections to Kraków
Tips
- Kraków Główny station is next to the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre and a 5–10 minute walk from the Main Square.
- Cars are restricted in the Old Town, so taxis may stop at the edge of the pedestrian area.
- Validate paper bus tickets as soon as you board; inspectors fine passengers without a valid ticket.
- The airport train may be replaced by buses during engineering work; check notices at the station.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Kraków Airport to the Old Town?
Expect about 80–120 zł from the official rank, depending on the exact address and the time. Uber and Bolt are often cheaper, roughly 50–90 zł, with the fare shown before you book. The ride takes about 20–30 minutes outside rush hour. Taxis may stop at the edge of the car-free Old Town.
Is there a train from Kraków Airport at night?
The airport train runs from very early morning until around midnight, with the exact times varying by timetable, so check last departures. After that, the MPK night bus 902 runs to the city, and taxis and ride-hailing are available around the clock.
How long is the train from Kraków Airport to the city?
About 18–20 minutes to Kraków Główny, the main station, plus a 5–10 minute walk to the Main Square. The station at the airport is linked to the terminal by a covered walkway, so the whole trip is usually under 40 minutes.
Can I pay by card for airport transport in Kraków?
Yes. Ticket machines at the airport station and city bus stops accept cards, many MPK buses have contactless ticket machines on board, and Uber and Bolt are paid in the app. Most taxis accept cards, but confirm with the driver first.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.