Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is located in Balice, 11 km west of the Old Town. The single terminal handles all flights (both Schengen and non-Schengen) and is modern, compact, and easy to navigate.
Arrival: after passport control and baggage claim, exit into the arrivals hall where you'll find ATMs (use the bank ATMs, not Euronet), a currency exchange, and car rental desks. A SIM card shop is available but overpriced — buy in the city instead.
Getting to the Old Town — ranked by value:
1. Train (best option): walk to the railway station connected to the terminal. Direct trains to Krakow Glowny (main station) run every 30 minutes, take 18 minutes, and cost 12 PLN. From Glowny, walk 15 minutes to the Old Town or take a tram.
2. Bus 208: runs to the Old Town (Jubilat stop near Wawel), takes 40-50 minutes, costs a regular transit ticket (6 PLN). Runs every 20-30 minutes.
3. Bolt/Uber: approximately 50-70 PLN, 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. The most convenient option for groups or heavy luggage.
4. Official taxi: fixed rate of approximately 89 PLN to the Old Town. Use only the official taxi stand — avoid approaches from unofficial drivers inside the terminal.
Departure tips: arrive 2 hours before Schengen flights, 2.5 hours for non-Schengen. Security lines can be long in summer. The departure lounge has limited food options — eat before you clear security. The duty-free shop has good prices on Polish vodka (cheaper than city shops for Belvedere and Zubrowka).
The train to the airport from Krakow Glowny is the stress-free departure option — 18 minutes, reliable, runs until 11 PM.
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