Book Flights to Krakow, Poland
Krakow — Poland's former royal capital, second-largest city, and most visited destination — stands as one of Central Europe's great medieval cities and one of the few major Polish cities to survive World War II essentially intact. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, Wawel Castle and Cathedral (the seat of Polish kings for five centuries), the vast Rynek Główny market square, and the historic Kazimierz Jewish quarter together make Krakow's centre a living 1,000-year urban museum. Beyond the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO) and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (50 km) are among Poland's most visited sites. Krakow is also the city of Pope John Paul II (born 1920 in Wadowice, 50 km west), and his influence — as priest, bishop, and Pope — permeates the city's cultural life.
John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK) is served by Ryanair (100+ European cities including London, Dublin, and Manchester), LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw hub with transatlantic connections), British Airways (London LHR), KLM (Amsterdam), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), and Air France (Paris). FareOptic compares all fares to find the cheapest flights to Krakow.
Cheap Flight Deals to Krakow
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Krakow, Poland?
Wawel Castle, Rynek Główny, Kazimierz, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Schindler's Factory, and a UNESCO Old Town that survived WWII intact — Krakow is Central Europe's most complete medieval city.
Wawel Castle and Cathedral
The Royal Seat of Polish Kings — Millennium of Polish History on Wawel HillWawel Castle — a Renaissance royal castle on Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, the residence of Polish kings from the 11th century until 1596 when the capital moved to Warsaw — is Poland's most symbolically important monument and one of Central Europe's finest Renaissance complexes. The adjacent Wawel Cathedral (construction began 1320) is the coronation and burial church of Polish kings and queens; the Cathedral treasury holds the crown jewels, coronation sword (Szczerbiec, 1320), and royal tombs including those of Casimir the Great (1310–1370) and King John III Sobieski (the victor at Vienna, 1683). The Dragon's Den (Smocza Jama) beneath Wawel Hill is a natural cave with a fire-breathing mechanical dragon statue — Krakow's most-photographed icon.
Sigismund Bell
The Sigismund Bell (Dzwon Zygmunta) — cast in 1520, weighing 11 tonnes, with a clapper weighing 365 kg — hangs in Wawel Cathedral's Sigismund Tower and is rung only on the most important occasions in Polish national life: major religious feasts, funerals of heads of state, and national celebrations. Touching the bell's clapper is said to bring good luck; a queue of visitors does so daily. The bell was cast in 1520 on the order of King Sigismund I the Old, whose reign (1506–1548) is considered the golden age of the Jagiellonian dynasty
Rynek Główny — Krakow's Main Market Square
One of Europe's Largest Medieval Market Squares — 40,000 sq m at the Heart of the Old TownKrakow's Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) — 200 metres × 200 metres, laid out in 1257, one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe — is surrounded by Renaissance townhouses (kamienice), the Gothic St. Mary's Basilica (with its hourly trumpet call played from the taller tower, a tradition dating to the 13th century), and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice, 1555), Poland's oldest shopping centre. The square's underground levels house the Rynek Underground Museum, where medieval market stalls and 11th-century wooden pipes were excavated intact. Krakow's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed 1978, one of the first 12 sites on the list).
The Hejnał Mariacki
The Hejnał Mariacki — a short trumpet fanfare played from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica every hour on the hour, broadcast live on Polish national radio (Polskie Radio, since 1927) — is one of Poland's most recognised national symbols. The melody always cuts off abruptly mid-phrase, commemorating a medieval trumpeter who was shot through the throat by a Tatar arrow while raising the alarm for the 1241 Mongol invasion. The tradition has been maintained continuously since the 13th century, making it one of Europe's longest-running public musical performances
Kazimierz — Krakow's Historic Jewish Quarter
One of Central Europe's Most Intact Jewish Heritage Districts — Schindler's List LocationKazimierz — a district south of Krakow's Old Town, founded by King Casimir the Great in 1335, one of the most important centres of Jewish culture in Europe before 1939 — contains seven historic synagogues (including the Remu'h Synagogue of 1553, still active), the Old Jewish Cemetery (one of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in Poland), Jewish museums, kosher restaurants, and art galleries. After the Holocaust (Krakow's Jewish population fell from 68,000 in 1939 to under 6,000 by 1945), Kazimierz fell into disrepair; Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), filmed largely in Krakow and Kazimierz, sparked its revival. The district is now one of Krakow's most vibrant cultural areas.
Oskar Schindler and the Enamel Factory
Schindler's Factory Museum (Fabryka Schindlera) — at ul. Lipowa 4, the former Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik where Oskar Schindler employed 1,200 Jewish workers, saving them from deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau — is one of Poland's most visited museums, documenting Krakow under Nazi occupation (1939–1945). Schindler's list (the actual document) saved 1,200 lives; the museum displays original period artifacts, detailed personal histories, and reconstructed occupation-era interiors. The museum is 1 km south of Kazimierz and can be walked from the Jewish quarter
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The World's Most Important Holocaust Memorial — 50 km from KrakowAuschwitz-Birkenau — located at Oświęcim, 50 km west of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was the largest Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, where approximately 1.1 million people (90% of them Jewish, from across German-occupied Europe) were murdered between 1940 and 1945. The Auschwitz I main camp (preserved largely intact, with the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei gate, gas chambers, and crematoria) and the vastly larger Birkenau camp (Auschwitz II, 2 km away, with its iconic red-brick gatehouse and 300 wooden prisoner barracks) together form the most visited Holocaust memorial in the world. The site received 2.3 million visitors in 2019.
Visiting Responsibly
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires advance booking (free guided tours fill months in advance in summer; self-guided visits also available). The visit typically takes 3.5–4 hours. Day trips from Krakow are available by bus (PKS Oświęcim direct buses, 90 minutes) or organised tour. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and the Polish government jointly manage the site as a place of remembrance, documentation, and education, not a tourist attraction; the dress code and rules of conduct should be respected absolutely
Wieliczka Salt Mine
700 Years of Underground History — A UNESCO World Heritage Site 10 km from KrakowThe Wieliczka Salt Mine — 10 km southeast of Krakow, operational since the 13th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — contains 300 km of underground tunnels across 9 levels (to 327 metres depth), including the extraordinary St. Kinga's Chapel: a full-size underground chapel entirely carved from rock salt (walls, floors, chandeliers, altarpieces, and bas-relief sculptures of biblical scenes) by miners over 67 years, with acoustics used for underground concerts. The mine is one of Poland's most visited attractions with over 1.5 million annual visitors. Visitor tours cover approximately 3 km of tunnels at around 15°C year-round.
St. Kinga's Chapel
St. Kinga's Chapel (Kaplica Świętej Kingi) — 101.4 metres long, 18 metres wide, 12 metres high, at 101 metres below ground — is the largest underground religious site in the world. Every surface including the floor is carved from grey-green rock salt by miners (the last major sculptural additions were completed in 1963 by sculptor Mieczysław Kluzek). The chapel's chandelier is made from salt crystals; the Last Supper relief carving near the entrance took 12 years to complete. Regular Catholic masses are celebrated in the chapel
How to Find Cheap Flights to Krakow
Ryanair from London Stansted or Gatwick — Europe's Cheapest Fares to Krakow
Ryanair consistently offers Europe's lowest base fares on UK–Krakow routes from London Stansted (STN) and Gatwick (LGW), often from £20–40 one-way when booked 2–3 months in advance. Limit yourself to one small personal item (under seat) to avoid bag fees entirely — Ryanair's fares are genuinely competitive at zero bags, but become expensive quickly with checked luggage. Book directly on Ryanair's website for the lowest fares.
LOT Polish Airlines for Transatlantic Connections to Krakow via Warsaw
North American travellers should check LOT Polish Airlines' fares from New York JFK, Chicago ORD, Toronto YYZ, and Los Angeles LAX to Warsaw (WAW) with a domestic connection to Krakow (KRK) — LOT often prices these as a single through-fare competitive with or cheaper than Lufthansa, KLM, or Air France connections. LOT's Boeing 787 Dreamliner transatlantic product is competitive with European rivals.
Book 3–4 Months Ahead for June–August — Krakow's Peak Summer Season
June, July, and August are Krakow's most popular months: the Wianki Midsummer Festival (June), the Jewish Culture Festival (June–July), and the Opera Rara Festival draw large numbers of visitors, and Auschwitz-Birkenau tours must be booked months in advance. Fares and accommodation prices rise sharply in summer. April–May (spring) and September–October (autumn) offer good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Krakow Is a Budget-Friendly City — Plan for Low Daily Costs Once You Arrive
Krakow is one of Western Europe's most affordable city-break destinations: restaurant meals cost £5–10, accommodation is 50–70% cheaper than equivalent Western European cities, and most Old Town sites have modest admission fees (Wawel Castle main state rooms: 35 PLN / ~$9 USD). Wieliczka Salt Mine (100 PLN / ~$25 USD) and the Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour (free, but book months ahead) are the main paid attractions.
Airlines Flying to Krakow (KRK)
Ryanair
Europe's Largest Low-Cost Carrier — London, Dublin, and 100+ European Cities to KrakowRyanair operates the most extensive low-cost network to Krakow (KRK), connecting John Paul II International Airport to over 100 European destinations including London Stansted (STN), London Gatwick (LGW), Dublin (DUB), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and numerous continental European cities. Ryanair's ultra-low base fares make Krakow one of the cheapest city-break destinations in Europe from the UK and Ireland. Book well in advance, carry only cabin baggage, and avoid checked-bag fees for the lowest fares.
Key Routes
London STN, London LGW, Dublin DUB, Manchester MAN, Edinburgh EDI — all nonstop to Krakow KRK
LOT Polish Airlines
Poland's National Carrier — Transatlantic and European Connections via WarsawLOT Polish Airlines is Poland's flag carrier, connecting Krakow (KRK) through Warsaw Chopin (WAW) to North America (New York JFK, Chicago ORD, Toronto YYZ, Los Angeles LAX) and across Europe. For transatlantic travellers, LOT's Warsaw hub offers some of the most competitive fares from North America to Krakow. LOT operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners on transatlantic routes and Embraer regional jets on shorter European sectors. LOT is a member of Star Alliance.
Key Routes
Warsaw WAW hub; onward connections to New York JFK, Chicago ORD, Toronto YYZ, Los Angeles LAX
British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa & Air France
Western European Flag Carriers — Full-Service Connections from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and ParisBritish Airways serves Krakow from London Heathrow (LHR), offering full-service connections to the UK's largest hub. KLM connects Krakow through Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), providing seamless onward connections to North America, Asia, and Africa via KLM's OneWorld-partner hub. Lufthansa connects via Frankfurt (FRA) to its extensive global network, while Air France links Krakow with Paris CDG. These carriers are preferred for business travellers and those connecting from outside Europe.
Key Routes
London LHR (British Airways); Amsterdam AMS (KLM); Frankfurt FRA (Lufthansa); Paris CDG (Air France)
Things to Do in and around Krakow, Poland
Important Information Before You Fly to Krakow
Currency
Polish Zloty (PLN) — 1 USD ≈ 3.9 PLN; Euro not accepted in shops
Language
Polish (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Country Code
+48 (Poland)
Airport Code
KRK — John Paul II Intl Kraków–Balice (11 km from centre)
US Entry
No visa required for US citizens (Schengen, up to 90 days)
Power Plugs
Type C/E — 230V / 50Hz (European round-pin plugs)
Emergency Number
112 (EU universal); 997 (Police); 999 (Ambulance); 998 (Fire)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Krakow
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Krakow, Poland
What airport serves Krakow, Poland?
John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK) — named after Pope John Paul II, who was born in nearby Wadowice — is located 11 km west of Krakow city centre. It is served by Ryanair (London STN/LGW, Dublin, Manchester, Edinburgh, and 100+ European cities), LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw WAW), British Airways (London LHR), KLM (Amsterdam AMS), Lufthansa (Frankfurt FRA), Air France (Paris CDG), Wizz Air, and easyJet. A railway line (Krakow–Balice rail link) connects the airport to Krakow city centre in approximately 20 minutes.
How do I get from Krakow Airport to the city centre?
The easiest option is the Krakow–Balice rail link (direct train, ~18 minutes, 9 PLN / ~$2 USD, runs every 30 minutes). Bus lines 252 and 902 also connect the airport to the city centre in 40–60 minutes. Licensed taxis from the airport rank (do not take unlicensed touts) cost approximately 60–80 PLN ($15–20 USD) to the Old Town. Uber and Bolt are both available and typically cheaper than traditional taxis.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Poland?
No — US citizens do not need a visa to visit Poland. Poland is a member of the Schengen Area and EU; US passport holders may visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN); the Euro is not accepted in regular shops. Credit cards are widely accepted. Emergency: 112 (EU-wide emergency number, works in Poland).
What is the best time to visit Krakow?
May–June and September–October offer the best combination of mild weather (15–22°C), fewer crowds than peak summer, and lower prices. July–August is Krakow's peak season with festivals, crowds, and higher prices; December has a celebrated Christmas market on Rynek Główny (one of Europe's best). January–February is cold (−5 to 5°C) but very budget-friendly with few tourists. Auschwitz-Birkenau tours must be booked months in advance in summer.
How far is Auschwitz from Krakow, and how do I get there?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is 50 km west of Krakow (Oświęcim city). Direct PKS buses from Krakow Główny bus station take 75–90 minutes (10–12 PLN one-way). Organised day tours from Krakow Old Town are available from approximately 60–80 PLN and include transport, guide, and admission. Advance booking (especially for guided tours) is essential in summer — the memorial requires online registration and the busiest periods sell out weeks or months ahead.
What is Krakow famous for?
Krakow is famous for its remarkably intact medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the first listed in 1978), Wawel Castle and Cathedral (the seat of Polish kings), the Rynek Główny (one of Europe's largest market squares), Kazimierz (the historic Jewish quarter, setting for Schindler's List), Jagiellonian University (founded 1364, one of the world's oldest universities), and its proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Krakow was the only major Polish city not systematically destroyed in World War II, preserving 1,000 years of architectural heritage.
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