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Organised trips and tickets
Most day trips from Krakow are easier booked as a package with transport included, and the busier sites restrict independent entry during peak hours.
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What it is
Wieliczka is one of the Royal Salt Mines of Wieliczka and Bochnia, inscribed on the first UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. Rock salt was mined here from the 13th century. The visit most people make is the Tourist Route, which ends with exhibits from the Cracow Saltworks Museum.
The Tourist Route
The mine gives these figures for the route: about 3.5 km long, a maximum depth of 135 m, more than 800 steps, and an average of 2 to 3 hours including the museum exhibition. The temperature underground is 17 to 18 degrees C, so a light layer is enough in any season. The mine describes the route as suitable for all ages and not needing exceptional fitness.
The best-known chamber on the route is St Kinga's Chapel. The route also passes saline lakes and displays of old mining tools and machines.
Tickets and hours
The Tourist Route is open from 8:00 to 18:00. Tickets start at 131 PLN per person, with discount, standard and family fares, and are sold on the mine's own website. Tours from Krakow that include transport are sold separately and cost more than the ticket alone.
Written from Wieliczka Salt Mine, Tourist Route, read on 27 September 2026.
Before you go
Quick answers
- How far is Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow?
- 14 km southeast of Krakow.
- How do you get from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine?
- Bus 304 from Krakow, minibus from Galeria Krakowska, or train.
- How long should you allow for Wieliczka Salt Mine?
- Half day (3-4 hours).
- How much does a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine cost?
- Tourist Route tickets from 131 PLN per person (discount, standard and family fares).
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