Krakow's historic center is compact and best explored on foot — the Old Town is roughly 800 meters across, and you can walk from the Main Square to Kazimierz in 15 minutes. However, for reaching outer neighborhoods like Nowa Huta, Podgorze attractions, or the airport, public transport is excellent and cheap.
The tram and bus network (run by MPK Krakow) covers the entire city. Buy tickets from machines at stops or on the vehicle using contactless payment. A single ride costs 6 PLN (valid 60 minutes with transfers), a 24-hour pass is 15 PLN, and a 72-hour pass is 42 PLN. Validate your ticket by holding it to the reader when you board — plainclothes inspectors regularly check and fine riders without valid tickets 300 PLN on the spot. Google Maps provides real-time tram and bus routing.
For the airport (Balice), the train is the best option — it runs every 30 minutes from Krakow Glowny station, takes 18 minutes, and costs 12 PLN. Taxis to the airport cost 80-100 PLN and take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Within the city, Bolt and Uber operate alongside traditional taxis and are usually 30-40% cheaper. For day trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine, take the 304 bus from Kurniki stop (40 minutes, 5 PLN). For Auschwitz, buses depart from Dworzec MDA bus station every 30 minutes.
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