Krakow Airport Guide

Krakow Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about John Paul II Airport Krakow-Balice — the train to the city, transport options, facilities, and essential arrival tips

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice (KRK) is Poland's second-busiest airport and the gateway to Krakow. Located just 11 km west of the city centre in Balice, it is remarkably well-connected. The airport train reaches Krakow Glowny (main station) in just 18 minutes for 19 zl — making it one of the easiest airport-to-city transfers in Europe.

The airport is compact with a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights. Major carriers include Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, and many other European airlines. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth arrival and departure.

Airport Overview

Arrivals

Arriving at KRK

  • Terminal: Single terminal — no confusion between terminals
  • Passport control: EU/Schengen citizens use e-gates (fast). Non-EU citizens join the regular queue
  • Baggage claim: Usually 15-30 minutes after landing. Compact hall
  • Arrivals hall: Currency exchange, ATMs, tourist info, car rental, cafes
  • Train station: Follow signs to "Kolej/Train" — covered walkway from the terminal, 3-minute walk
  • Tip: Skip airport currency exchange — terrible rates. Use a bank ATM instead
Key Airlines

Airlines Serving KRK

  • Budget carriers: Ryanair (largest operator), Wizz Air — connect to major European cities at low fares
  • LOT Polish Airlines: Poland's flag carrier with domestic and international routes
  • Full-service European: Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss, Austrian, KLM, SAS
  • Other carriers: Norwegian, Eurowings, Transavia, Vueling, and seasonal charter airlines
  • Destinations: Direct flights to London, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, and 100+ destinations
  • Tip: Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the cheapest fares but charge for luggage — book bags in advance

Airport Layout

KRK is a compact, single-terminal airport. You will not need more than 30 minutes to navigate from arrivals to the train station or taxi rank. For departures, the check-in hall, security, and gates are all in one building. Duty-free shops and cafes are available after security. The airport is efficient — allow 2 hours for international flights and 1.5 hours for domestic departures.

Airport to City Transport

Train (Koleje Malopolskie)

Recommended
Price: 19 zl to Krakow Glowny
Time: 18 minutes

Pros

  • + Fastest option — 18 minutes to centre
  • + Cheapest reliable option — 19 zl
  • + Runs every 30 minutes
  • + Direct covered walkway from terminal
  • + Arrives at central Krakow Glowny station

Cons

  • - Runs every 30 minutes (not continuous)
  • - Last train around 11:30 PM
  • - Can be crowded during peak hours
  • - Limited luggage space during rush hour

Bolt / Uber

Convenient
Price: 50-80 zl to Old Town
Time: 20-30 minutes

Pros

  • + Door-to-door convenience
  • + Good for heavy luggage
  • + Available 24/7
  • + Transparent app-based pricing
  • + Can split cost with travel companions

Cons

  • - 3-4x more expensive than the train
  • - Surge pricing during peak demand
  • - Need data or Wi-Fi to book
  • - Pick-up point is outside arrivals

Bus (Lines 208 & 252)

Budget
Price: ~5 zl
Time: 35-45 minutes

Pros

  • + Cheapest option
  • + Regular service throughout the day
  • + Stops at multiple city locations
  • + Same ticket as city trams/buses

Cons

  • - Slowest option — 35-45 minutes
  • - Can be crowded with luggage
  • - Multiple stops before the centre
  • - Less comfortable than train or taxi

Official Taxi

Budget
Price: 70-100 zl to Old Town
Time: 20-30 minutes

Pros

  • + No app or data needed
  • + Available at official rank outside arrivals
  • + Fixed route pricing displayed
  • + Good for late-night arrivals

Cons

  • - Most expensive option
  • - Some drivers may take longer routes
  • - Cash preferred
  • - More expensive than Bolt/Uber

Airport Facilities

SIM Cards & Connectivity

  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal — connect to "KRK Free WiFi" and follow the registration steps
  • SIM cards: Available at airport shops but significantly cheaper in city shops. If you need data immediately, buy at the airport; otherwise wait
  • Providers: Play, Orange, T-Mobile, and Plus are the main Polish operators. EU roaming means many visitors do not need a local SIM
  • Tip: EU citizens — your home SIM works in Poland at no extra charge under EU roaming rules. Non-EU visitors should buy a prepaid SIM (20-30 zl for 10 GB)

Currency & Money

  • Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN / zl). Poland does not use the Euro
  • Airport exchange: Available but rates are poor — exchange minimum or skip entirely
  • ATMs: Bank-owned ATMs in arrivals offer better rates. Avoid Euronet ATMs (high fees). Always decline dynamic currency conversion
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere in Krakow. Contactless payments widely used
  • Tip: Use a travel card like Wise or Revolut for the best exchange rates. Carry 100-200 zl cash for small purchases and tips

Pro Tips for Arrival

Take the Train — It Is the Best Option

The airport train is genuinely the best transport option for most travelers. At 19 zl and 18 minutes, it is faster than a taxi in traffic and dramatically cheaper. The covered walkway from the terminal to the train platform means you never go outside. Trains run from around 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM every 30 minutes. Buy tickets from the machine on the platform (card accepted) or via the Koleo app.

Late Night Arrivals

If arriving after 11:30 PM when trains stop running, Bolt or Uber is your best option (50-80 zl). Have the app downloaded and your account set up before landing. The airport Wi-Fi works for booking. Alternatively, the night bus 902 runs to the city centre but has limited frequency. If arriving very late, some travelers book an airport hotel and take the morning train.

Skip the Airport Currency Exchange

Airport exchange offices offer significantly worse rates than city exchange offices (kantor) or bank ATMs. If you need cash immediately, withdraw a small amount (100-200 zl) from a bank-owned ATM in arrivals. Avoid Euronet ATMs — they charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. In the city, cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Departure Tips

For departures, the airport train from Krakow Glowny is the most reliable option — no traffic worries. Arrive at the airport 2 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic. Security is usually efficient but can queue during peak departure times. The duty-free shop has decent prices on Polish vodka — a great last-minute souvenir.

Krakow Airport FAQs

The fastest and cheapest option is the train (19 zl, 18 minutes to Krakow Glowny station). Trains run every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Buses 208 and 252 cost about 5 zl but take 40 minutes. Bolt/Uber costs 50-80 zl and takes 20-30 minutes. Taxis from the official rank cost 70-100 zl. The train station is directly connected to the airport terminal by a short covered walkway.
Krakow Airport (KRK) is located in Balice, approximately 11 km west of the city centre. By train, it takes just 18 minutes to reach Krakow Glowny (main station). By car or taxi, it takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The airport is well-connected and the journey is straightforward regardless of transport choice.
Yes, very reliable. The Koleje Malopolskie trains run every 30 minutes and take exactly 18 minutes to Krakow Glowny station. The train station is directly connected to the airport terminal via a covered walkway — follow the signs to "Kolej/Train" after exiting arrivals. Buy tickets at the machine in the station or on the Koleo app. It is the recommended option for most travelers.
Bolt or Uber is usually cheaper than the official taxi rank (50-80 zl vs 70-100 zl). However, the train at 19 zl is significantly cheaper than both. Take Bolt/Uber if you have heavy luggage, are traveling in a group (to split the cost), or arriving very late at night when trains are not running. The Bolt/Uber pick-up is outside the arrivals hall.
Krakow Airport has currency exchange counters, ATMs, a tourist information desk, car rental agencies, cafes and restaurants, a duty-free shop (departures), free Wi-Fi, and a business lounge. SIM card shops are available but buying in the city is cheaper. The airport is compact — one terminal handles both domestic and international flights. Allow minimal time for transfers within the airport.

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