The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is in Oświęcim, about 70 km west of Krakow. Entry is free, but every visitor needs an entry card booked online in advance at visit.auschwitz.org, because cards are not available at the entrance. The easiest way to get there is the direct bus from Krakow. A guided visit to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau takes about 3.5 hours, so plan the whole day.
In short
- Booking: free entry cards, online only, at visit.auschwitz.org.
- With or without a guide: individual visitors can visit on their own or join a guided tour. Groups must visit with a Memorial guide.
- Time needed: about 3.5 hours for a guided tour of both sites, and at least 90 minutes for each of them.
- Getting there: Lajkonik buses from Krakow to the Memorial car park, or the train to Oświęcim, about 1.5 km from the Memorial.
- Bags: no larger than 35 × 25 × 15 cm.
- Closed: 1 January, 25 December and Easter Sunday.
Book your entry card first
Entry to the Memorial is free, but you need an entry card for a specific time, booked online at visit.auschwitz.org. Cards are not available at the entrance. Popular times go quickly in summer and at weekends, so book as soon as you know your date.
You can visit on your own or join a tour with a Memorial guide, which is paid. If it is your first visit, a guided tour helps you understand what happened in each place. Groups must always visit with a Memorial guide.
Opening hours by month
| Month | Entry hours |
|---|---|
| December | 7:30 to 14:00 |
| January, November | 7:30 to 15:00 |
| February | 7:30 to 16:00 |
| March, October | 7:30 to 17:00 |
| April, May, September | 7:30 to 18:00 |
| June, July, August | 7:30 to 19:00 |
You can stay on the grounds for 90 minutes after the last entry hour. Arrive 30 minutes before your entry time, because there is a security check. The Memorial is closed on 1 January, 25 December and Easter Sunday, and it can also close during official ceremonies.
Getting there from Krakow
- By bus: Lajkonik buses go from Krakow directly to the Memorial car park. In Krakow they leave from the MDA bus station next to Kraków Główny. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- By train: trains go from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim. The Memorial is about 1.5 km from the station.
- By car: there are paid car parks near both sites.
- Between Auschwitz I and Birkenau: the two sites are 3.5 km apart. A free Memorial shuttle bus runs between them, and it is accessible for wheelchair users.
Before you go
- Bags: the largest bag you can take inside is 35 × 25 × 15 cm. Leave bigger luggage at your accommodation.
- Respect: this is a place of remembrance. The Memorial asks visitors to behave with dignity and to dress appropriately.
- Your day: with the journey there and back, plan about 7 to 8 hours in total.
- Children: the Memorial does not recommend visits by children under 14.
Where to stay in Krakow for an early start
Buses and trains to Oświęcim leave from around Kraków Główny. If you want an early start, stay within walking distance of the station. Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity on Zacisze Street are a few minutes away on foot, and Flower Residence in Kleparz is five minutes by tram.
If you check out on the day of your visit, you can leave your luggage in four of our buildings: Bagel Residence, Art of Serenity, Barbakan Residence and Grace Apartments.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Auschwitz free?
Yes. Entry is free, but you must book a free entry card online in advance at visit.auschwitz.org.
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide?
Individual visitors can visit on their own or join a guided tour. Groups must visit with a Memorial guide.
How long does a visit to Auschwitz take?
About 3.5 hours for a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Birkenau. With the journey from Krakow and back, plan the whole day.
How do I get from Krakow to Auschwitz?
By Lajkonik bus from Krakow directly to the Memorial car park, or by train from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim.
How far is Birkenau from Auschwitz I?
3.5 km. A free Memorial shuttle bus runs between the two sites.
What size bag can I take into the Memorial?
No larger than 35 × 25 × 15 cm.
Still choosing an area? Read our guide on where to stay in Krakow. Flying in? See how to get from Krakow Airport to the city centre.
Staying in Krakow? See the apartments →
Sources: Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (visiting rules, opening hours, getting there), In Your Pocket (bus departures and journey time). Photo: Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash. Updated: October 2026. The Cracow Travel team, hosting guests in Krakow for 15 years.