Are you looking to visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau camps, but you find searching for important information bothersome? Whether you want to join an Auschwitz tour with a guide, or go on a combined Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, we gathered everything you need to know in one article to help you plan your journey to Poland.
Important tips for visiting Auschwitz
- Auschwitz-Birkenau is a former Nazi concentration camp in Oswiecim, Southern Poland.
- Visiting Auschwitz is a very somber and harrowing experience, make sure to be emotionally ready for the exhibitions found there.
- The sightseeing in Auschwitz last approximately 3.5 hours and it is divided into two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau;
- First part of the tour takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and second about 1 hour and 30 minutes;
- There is a break organised by the guide between first and the second part of the tour;
- The Museum toilets are free of charge;
- There are some restaurants in close distance from the Museum;
- There are free buses shuttling from Auschwitz to Birkenau. In the season between April and October it departs every 10 minutes, between November and March every 30 minutes. For your convenience, we’ll drive you directly between the two after the break;
- A visit there requires a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes, water and head cover in the summer are advised;
- It is possible to rent a wheelchair in the museum;
- There are bookstores in both parts of the museum.
How to get from Krakow to Auschwitz
The distance between Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau is approximately 65 km and the journey takes around 1h 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. There are few options available.
Car
There are two comfortable ways to get to Auschwitz Museum. First through provincial road 780 and the second through A4 highway with a 15 PLN highway toll to pay.
If you’re using GPS, the address is: 55 Wiezniow Oswiecimia Street, Oswiecim, Poland.
Parking: There are parking facilities available near the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Follow the signs for parking areas once you arrive at the site.
Park & Ride: Recently, the city of Oswiecim has created a large parking lot next to the train station. From there, you can take the “M” bus line straight to the Museum entrance.
Train
Krakow Główny is the main train station in Kraków. There are direct trains to Oświęcim. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train and stops.
Oswiecim Train Station is relatively close to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum. The distance is about 2-3 kilometers.
Bus
Lajkonik buses go directly from Kraków Bus Station to Oświęcim with the final stop in Auschwitz Museum.
The buses departure Krakow Bus Station at hours between 06:20 am to 07:20 pm
Parking
There are parking facilities available near the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Follow the signs for parking areas once you arrive at the site.
Park & Ride: Recently, the city of Oswiecim has created a large parking lot next to the train station. From there, you can take the “M” bus line straight to the Museum entrance.
Flights from your city near Auschwitz
Unless you live in a neighbouring country to Poland, the best option to go there is most likely by plane. The nearest airports to Auschwitz are:
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK): Located in Balice, Poland (right outside Krakow city limits), this is the closest major airport to Auschwitz. It is approximately 65 km away from the museum, and the journey by car or public transportation takes around 1 hour. Find out if there’s a plane arriving to Krakow from your city via Balice Airport’s official website.
Katowice International Airport (KTW): Also known as Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport, it is situated in Katowice, Poland. The distance from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz is approximately 72 km, and the travel time by car is around 1 hour. Read about the Katowice Airport arrivals on their official website.
Both of these airports offer international and domestic flights, making them convenient choices for travellers coming from various locations. From either airport, visitors can easily access Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum by rental car or taxi.
First time in Poland? Book a tour and visit Auschwitz from Krakow
Undoubtedly Krakow tourist city offer is very rich, however Auschwitz is one of the most important museums in the world and it is only little bit more than 1 hour from the city. Krakow also serves as an excellent hub between the two most famous Polish UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. We offer a combined day trip – check it out at the link below.
Auschwitz-Birkenau opening hours
| Months | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| December | 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM |
| January, November | 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM |
| February | 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| March, October | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| April, May, September | 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| June, July, August | 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM |
Auschwitz Museum is open every day except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday. Learn more about Auschwitz timings by reading our dedicated article on the topic.
Visit Auschwitz Museum on a guided tour
There are two types of general tours available for groups and individuals. The first tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes a visit to the permanent exhibitions and buildings at Auschwitz I-Main Camp, as well as the important original camp buildings in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, such as prisoner barracks and the unloading platform (ramp).
The second general tour, lasting around 3.5, covers the same as the first tour but also includes a visit to the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria II or III at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
For those interested in a more in-depth study, there are one-day and one-or-two-day study tours available. The one-day study tour, lasting about six hours, offers a specialist tour of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, enhanced with selected national exhibitions, the “Central Sauna,” and the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria IV and V.
In which languages are the Auschwitz tours available?
Visitors arriving in groups are required to hire a licensed guide-educator from the Museum. Guide-educators are available in following languages:
- Croatian,
- Czech,
- Dutch,
- English,
- French,
- German,
- Hebrew,
- Hungarian,
- Italian,
- Japanese,
- Korean,
- Norwegian,
- Polish,
- Romanian,
- Russian,
- Serbian,
- Slovak,
- Spanish,
- Swedish.
If you’re looking to organise a tour in a different language, we can also arrange a translator. For that, send us a message at office@krakowdirect.com.
For individual visitors, there are set times to join a group and hire a guide-educator, available in Polish, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. This provides a comprehensive experience and valuable insights into the history of Auschwitz.
Auschwitz tour from Krakow
The regular tour organised by the private company is a comfortable way to visit Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camp. Guests are picked up by the buses from the hotel. It takes around 75 minutes to get to the Auschwitz museum. After arrival some short brake is set and then the group meets the guide and enters the museum. Inside tourist collect their headsets as the guide speaks to the microphone to improve the quality of the sightseeing. After the first part visitors have some time to rest and then they are taken by the bus to Birkenau car park. It takes around 5 minutes to get to the museum site from the car park. The tour ends after another hour and a half of sightseeing in Birkenau. Tourists have some free time and then come back to Krakow. The total duration of such tour is approximately 7 hours.
Book your tour now and grab a free Walking Tour
Book NowImportant rules at Auschwitz-Birkenau
In an effort to maintain a calm and respectful environment, the Auschwitz State Museum enforces a list of rules on the premises. Here’s our easy to understand rundown of the regulations.
How to behave in a concentration camp memorial
Firstly, visitors must dress respectfully and behave solemnly on the grounds.
That means you shouldn’t wear offensive symbols or overly revealing clothing. Carry yourself with calm and respect befitting a Holocaust memorial. Don’t have phone conversations indoors – go to an outside area if you have to make a call.
Follow the instructions of Educators and Museum staff and stay in designated areas.
On a guided tour, don’t split off your group. When visiting alone, follow the signs and the instructions of Staff and Museum Guard.
What you can bring to the Auschwitz Museum
The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the Museum is 30 x 20 x 10 cm.
Yes, they are going to check this. They can also look inside of your bag for items prohibited on the grounds.
You can’t bring and consume food, alcohol, narcotics, or cigarettes.
Electronic devices that replace cigarettes are also prohibited. You can’t enter while under influence, either. Water is fine, so make sure to take a small bottle.
Everything else you’re not allowed to bring:
- Weapons and dangerous materials;
- Instruments, radios, speakers and similar musical equipment;
- Camera flashes, light fixtures and tripods;
- Drones and similar remote-controlled vehicles.
Guidons, flags, and banners are allowed only during ceremonies and with prior approval. For everything else, the Museum still has the right to not allow you to enter with items they would deem detrimental to the reputation or atmosphere at the grounds. Please use common sense.
There’s a luggage storage area next to the ticket booths.
It’s available to visitors during Museum opening hours, 30 minutes before opening and 2 hours after closing. Access costs 5 PLN. Though if you’re on one of our tours, you can just leave your bags in the car for free. Prohibited items in the lockers include dangerous substances, perishable goods, narcotics, and live animals. The museum does not supervise the lockers, and lost tickets may result in a loss of belongings.
Photography in Auschwitz
You’re allowed to take photos in the majority of locations in Auschwitz. As mentioned before, you can’t bring tripods, and external light sources. Photos can only be used for private purposes, if you wish to use them commercially, you must ask the Museum staff for permission. Contact press@auschwitz.org for more info.
The locations where taking photos is strictly prohibited are: the room with the hair of victims in Block 4 and the basements of Block 11.
The Museum Guards may intervene and request violators to leave without claims against the Museum. Video and photocell systems are in place for safety and property protection.
FAQ
Is there any age limit to visit Auschwitz?
There is no age limit, however it is not recommended to visit Auschwitz below 14 years old.
Is photography allowed during my visit to Auschwitz?
Photos without flash are allowed, except the part of block no 4, and the basements of block 11.
Is there a dress code to be followed when visiting Auschwitz?
It is required that visitors dress in a manner that reflects the significance of the location.
How big is Auschwitz?
Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau cover in total the area of 191 hectares.
How long do I need to spend at Auschwitz?
The basic tour which lasts around 3.5 hours in both parts of Museum is sufficient.
When is the best time to visit Auschwitz?
Months before and after holiday are usually less crowded and have appropriate weather.
What are the different ways to reach Auschwitz?
Auschwitz may be reached by car, train, bus, taxi and organized tour with transportation provided.
Are there any refreshments offered during my visit to Auschwitz?
There is a short 15 minutes break between Auschwitz I and Birkenau part, when it is possible to have some snack. There are restaurants in the area of Auschwitz, but regular meals should be consumed before or after the tour.
Where is Auschwitz?
Auschwitz is located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55 street in Oświęcim, 70 kilometres from Kraków.
Are there toilet facilities inside Auschwitz?
There are toilets inside both Auschwitz I and Birkenau parts. They are free of charge and may be used before or after the tour.
Can you take food inside Auschwitz?
It is forbidden to eat and drink alcohol during the tour.
Can tourists visit Auschwitz?
Yes, Auschwitz is a museum visited by tourists from all around the world everyday.