The quickest and most reliable way is the train. It takes about 20 minutes from the terminal to Kraków Główny, the main station, and trains run roughly every half hour. The city bus is the cheapest option, but the ride takes 40–60 minutes. A taxi, Bolt or Uber is the most comfortable choice, especially with heavy luggage or late at night.
In short
- Train: about 20 min to Kraków Główny, roughly every 30 min, ticket 20 PLN.
- City bus (MPK): 40–60 min, the cheapest option. Lines 209 and 300 during the day, line 902 at night.
- Taxi / Bolt / Uber: 25–40 min, usually 60–100 PLN per ride.
- From Kraków Główny you can walk to the Main Square in 10–15 minutes.
Our tip: We usually recommend the bus to our guests. During the day it leaves the airport about every 10 minutes and the ticket costs 8 PLN. The train is faster, but it runs less often, about every half hour.
Train from Krakow Airport to Kraków Główny: the best choice for most
Kraków Airport station is right next to the terminal. You reach it by a covered walkway, so you stay dry even when it rains. Koleje Małopolskie trains go to Kraków Główny in the very centre, next to the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. On the way they stop at Bronowice and Łobzów, among others.
Why the train:
- no traffic jams, so the travel time is predictable at any time of day,
- it runs from early morning until around midnight,
- you get off a 10 minute walk from the Main Square.
A standard ticket costs 20 PLN. You can buy it from the machine on the train, at the ticket point on the platform or in the KOLEO and Jakdojade apps. You can pay by card everywhere. Check the current timetable on the Koleje Małopolskie website.
Bus from the airport: the cheapest and most frequent
The MPK bus stop is next to the terminal. Lines 209 and 300 run during the day and line 902 runs at night. The ride to the centre usually takes 40–60 minutes, because the bus stops many times on the way. In return it runs often and it is the cheapest option. You can buy a ticket from the machine in the terminal, at the stop or on the bus. A 60 minute ticket costs 8 PLN.
Taxi, Bolt and Uber: door to door
The ride from the airport to the centre takes 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. It usually costs 60–100 PLN. Apps like Bolt and Uber are often cheaper than a taxi from the rank. During rush hour and big events, such as concerts at TAURON Arena, prices can go up to double.
When a car beats the train:
- you land after midnight,
- there are 3–4 of you, so the cost per person drops,
- you have a lot of luggage or travel with children,
- you are staying outside the very centre, for example in Łagiewniki or near TAURON Arena.
Be careful with people who approach you in the arrivals hall offering a “taxi”. Use the official taxi rank or an app.
Landing at night? You can still check in easily
This is the question our guests ask most often. We send the door codes on the day of arrival at 3:00 pm, together with step by step instructions. The code works at any hour, so you can check in safely even in the middle of the night, without having to meet anyone.
Comparison: Krakow Airport to the city centre
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | about 20 min | 20 PLN / person | most guests |
| City bus (MPK) | 40–60 min | 8 PLN / person | budget travellers, light luggage |
| Taxi / Bolt / Uber | 25–40 min | 60–100 PLN / car | night, groups, heavy luggage |
Flying into Katowice? Getting from Katowice Airport to Krakow
Many low cost flights land not in Kraków but at Katowice Airport (Pyrzowice). From there it is about 100 km to Kraków. The easiest way is a direct bus that drops you at the MDA bus station, right next to Kraków Główny.
- Matuszek: departures timed with arrivals, about 2 hours, ticket 90 PLN online (100 PLN from the driver).
- FlixBus: fewer departures, but a ticket bought in advance can be cheaper, sometimes around 40–50 PLN.
- Taxi or private transfer: about 1 hour 15 minutes on the motorway. Worth it at night or for a group.
The train from Katowice Airport requires a change in Katowice and usually takes longer than the bus.
From Kraków Główny to our apartments
Not sure yet which area to choose? Read our guide where to stay in Krakow.
- Old Town (Agnes, Barbakan Residence, The Old Town View, Palace Pod Baranami): a 5–15 minute walk through the Planty park.
- Kleparz (Flower Residence): about a 10–15 minute walk.
- Kazimierz (Sarah, Liv, Grace, Bagel Residence): a few tram stops or a 20–25 minute walk.
- Podgórze, Dębniki, Łagiewniki, Czyżyny: easiest by tram or taxi. We send you the exact route before arrival.
Check in is from 3:00 pm. If you land earlier, just message us. We have luggage storage in four of our buildings: Bagel Residence, Art of Serenity, Barbakan Residence and Grace Apartments. Your suitcases do not have to go sightseeing with you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Krakow Airport to the Main Square?
About 20 minutes by train to the main station, then a 10–15 minute walk to the Main Square. By taxi 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
When will I get the code to my apartment?
On the day of arrival at 3:00 pm. From then on you can check in at any time, including at night.
Does the airport train run at night?
The last trains leave around midnight. After that you can take night bus 902 or a taxi.
Can I buy a ticket on the train?
Yes. There is a ticket machine on the train where you can pay by card or cash. You can also buy tickets on the platform or in the KOLEO app.
How do I get to Krakow from Katowice Airport?
By direct bus (Matuszek or FlixBus) to the MDA bus station next to Kraków Główny. The ride takes about 2 hours.
How much is a taxi from Krakow Airport to the city centre?
Usually 60–100 PLN. It can be more expensive during rush hour and big events.
Stay in the centre, book direct. With the code CT231974 you pay 50 PLN less for stays of 2 nights or more. See available apartments →
Updated: September 2026. The Cracow Travel team, hosting guests in Kraków for 15 years.