Krakow is one of the cheapest major city transfers in Europe. Everything is affordable here.
Complete price comparison
| Transport | Cost (PLN) | Cost (EUR) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (292) | ~6 PLN | ~€1.40 | 40-50 min | Extreme budget |
| Train | 9 PLN | ~€2 | 18 min | Most travelers |
| Uber/Bolt | 50-80 PLN | ~€12-18 | 20 min | Door-to-door, cheap |
| Taxi | 80-100 PLN | ~€18-23 | 20 min | Convenience |
| Pre-booked transfer | 120-180 PLN | ~€28-42 | 20 min | Groups, late nights |
The train — absurdly good value
At 9 PLN (~€2) for an 18-minute ride to the main station, the Krakow airport train is one of the best deals in European airport transport. For context, that's the price of a coffee at the airport.
Trains run every 30 minutes from about 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Buy tickets at the machine on the platform (accepts cards and contactless), on the train (slightly more expensive), or via the Koleje Malopolskie app.
From Krakow Glowny (main station), you're a 5-minute walk from the Old Town. Most hotels in the Old Town and Kazimierz are within a 15-minute walk.
Uber/Bolt — the smart middle ground
Both ride-share apps are popular in Krakow and often 30-50% cheaper than official taxis:
| Destination | Uber/Bolt fare | Official taxi fare |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | 50-70 PLN | 80-100 PLN |
| Kazimierz | 55-75 PLN | 85-110 PLN |
| Nowa Huta | 70-100 PLN | 120-150 PLN |
Uber and Bolt are the sweet spot when you need door-to-door but don't want to pay full taxi rates.
Taxi tips
Krakow taxis are metered. The airport taxi stand has official, licensed cabs. The starting fare is about 7 PLN, then 2-3 PLN per km.
Watch out for: Unofficial taxis ("mafia taxis") that approach you inside the terminal. Always use the official rank or a ride-share app. Official taxis have clear markings, a company name, and a visible meter.
Cost to destinations outside Krakow
| Destination | Distance | Taxi | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wieliczka Salt Mine | 25 km | 130-170 PLN / ~€30-39 | 150-220 PLN / ~€35-51 |
| Auschwitz (Oswiecim) | 75 km | 280-380 PLN / ~€65-88 | 250-350 PLN / ~€58-81 |
| Zakopane | 110 km | 400-550 PLN / ~€93-128 | 350-500 PLN / ~€81-116 |
| Katowice | 85 km | 300-400 PLN / ~€70-93 | 280-380 PLN / ~€65-88 |
Money-saving tips
- Don't exchange at the airport. The airport kantor has bad rates. Use an ATM instead.
- Choose PLN when paying by card. If the terminal asks "pay in PLN or EUR?" — always choose PLN. Choosing EUR means the merchant picks the exchange rate (always worse).
- The train + walking gets you to most Old Town hotels for 9 PLN total.
- Bolt is often cheaper than Uber in Krakow — check both apps.
Our recommendation
The train at 9 PLN is the obvious choice for Old Town and Kazimierz. Use Uber/Bolt if you want door-to-door without paying full taxi prices. Official taxis are reliable but the premium over ride-share apps isn't justified for most trips.