John Paul II Airport Kraków-Balice Layover Guide (KRK)

What are you looking for in KRK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kraków Airport (KRK) is an international airport located in Balice, about 11 km (7 miles) west of Kraków’s city center. It officially opened in 1964. Kraków is Poland’s second-largest city and a major cultural and academic hub. The city is known for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Kraków offers a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity, attracting both tourists and business travelers year-round.

Can you leave Kraków Airport (KRK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Kraków Airport (KRK), travellers with visa-free status or a valid Schengen (C-type) visa can pass passport control and leave the airport for up to 90 days. Others requiring an Airport Transit (A-type) visa must remain airside and cannot enter Poland without authorization or leave security zone. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Wawel Royal Castle Explore the medieval Wawel Royal Castle complex, including State Rooms, Crown Treasury and Cathedral, offering panoramic Vistula River views, lush courtyards and rich Polish royal history dating back to the 11th century. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Take the train from Airport to Kraków Główny (17 min), then a 10-minute tram to Wawel stop.)
• Main Market Square Stroll through Europe’s largest medieval town square, marvel at the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall, street performances and lively cafés, surrounded by colorful merchant houses and Gothic churches reflecting Kraków’s vibrant cultural heritage. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then a 10-minute walk.)
• St. Mary’s Basilica Admire the stunning wooden altarpiece crafted by Veit Stoss inside St. Mary’s Basilica, listen to the hourly trumpet call (Hejnał), and enjoy intricate Gothic architecture and stained glass windows illuminating the sacred interior. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then a 10-minute walk.)
• Kazimierz District Discover Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, wandering atmospheric streets lined with synagogues, art galleries and hip cafés. Sample street food at Plac Nowy and admire vibrant murals celebrating the district’s multicultural past. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then tram 3 to Dajwór stop.)
• Oskar Schindler’s Factory Visit the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum to explore immersive exhibits detailing Kraków under Nazi occupation, personal stories of survival and heroic rescues, offering powerful insights into World War II history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then tram 9 to Lipowa stop or a 15-minute walk.)
• Planty Park Take a leisurely stroll along Planty Park’s shaded green belt encircling the Old Town, pausing to admire historic monuments, fountains and flowerbeds, offering a peaceful retreat from urban bustle and superb photo opportunities. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then a 10-minute walk.)
• Barbican & Florian Gate Explore the cylindrical Gothic Barbican and adjacent medieval Florian Gate guarding the Old Town entrance. Walk along preserved defensive walls, learn about fortifications and enjoy views of surrounding streets and gardens. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then a 10-minute walk.)
• Zakrzówek Lagoon Escape to Zakrzówek Lagoon, a former limestone quarry turned crystal-clear water park. Hike scenic trails, peer over cliffside viewpoints and relax by emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Train to Kraków Główny (17 min), then bus 124 to Zakrzówek stop.)

Things to Do in Kraków Airport (KRK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Passengers at Kraków Airport can unwind in the Business Lounge on the first floor, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, newspapers, charging points, and shower facilities. For VIP travelers, exclusive Fast Track and dedicated lounges provide personalized services in a quiet environment before departure and high-speed Wi-Fi access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Nearby the terminal, the four-star Hotel Senacki and Vienna House Easy serve passengers seeking rest within two kilometers, offering shuttle transfers, breakfast buffets, fitness centers, 24-hour reception, and soundproof rooms. For ultra-convenience, the onsite ibis Styles Balice provides easy terminal access via a covered walkway, free high-speed internet, and complimentary parking. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Free rest zones feature ergonomic recliners, quiet pods, and reclining benches beyond security in both departure halls. Power outlets, dimmed lighting, and charging stations offer a peaceful midjourney pause. Noise-cancellation headphones are rentable at customer service desks, and vending machines for drinks and snacks are nearby for traveler comfort needs.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Kraków Airport provides complimentary unlimited KRK Free WiFi throughout the terminal. Simply select the network, accept terms, and begin browsing. Wireless coverage spans check-in, security, lounges, and boarding gates, with average speeds up to 50 Mbps. Charging stations and free phone booths are available for additional connectivity and printing services.

SIM/eSIM Card: Passengers can purchase prepaid SIM and eSIM cards at mobile operator kiosks in the arrivals hall. Major Polish providers such as Orange, T-Mobile, and Play offer data packages with local calling and roaming. Activation is instant, and kiosk staff assist with setup. eSIM top-ups are available online via operator apps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: An official taxi rank stands directly outside the arrivals terminal, offering metered services to Kraków city center in 20 minutes. Licensed taxis feature fixed airport-to-center rates (around 80–100 PLN), card payments, and air conditioning. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and FreeNow also operate with standard surge pricing and GPS-enabled.

Train: The railway station adjoins the terminal via a covered walkway, served by Koleje Małopolskie trains to Kraków Główny and Wieliczka Salt Mine every 30 minutes. Journey to city center takes about 20 minutes. Tickets are purchasable from vending machines or mobile app. Discounted fares for children and seniors apply. realtime (more info)

Bus: Several city bus lines (208, 209, 300) and night service 902 connect the airport with Kraków’s Main Station and central districts. Buses depart from the ground transport area, platforms 1–4, every 10–30 minutes. Tickets bought at machines or driver. Real-time updates via MPK Kraków app, contactless payments accepted, audio announcements. (more info)

Shuttle: Private shuttle coaches and minivans offer direct transfers to major hotels and Kraków Airport’s busiest routes. Services operate on fixed schedules with online reservation. Vehicles include luggage storage compartments, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and door-to-door drop-off. Shared ride options reduce fares for groups. Pick-up points are clearly marked outside arrivals 24/7.

Car rentals: Major international car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) maintain desks in the arrivals hall, offering economy to premium vehicles. Drivers must present a valid license, credit card, and passport. Online booking secures better rates and guarantees availability. Vehicles are delivered and returned to the airport car park the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking (P1, P2) sits next to the terminal, offering eight free minutes and then 5 PLN per 10 minutes. Long-term parking (P4, P6) features daily and monthly tariffs with shuttle service to departures. Online booking provides guaranteed space and discounted rates. Electric vehicle charging stations operate in all lots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A staffed left-luggage office in the arrivals hall stores suitcases and bags for short or long durations. Rates start at 20 PLN per day, with hourly options available. Secure locker banks near check-in accept coins or cards. Lost property inquiries are handled at the information desk, open 24/7 for convenience. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kraków Airport (KRK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks