Since 1 January 2026, Krakow has a Clean Transport Zone (Strefa Czystego Transportu, SCT), the city’s low emission zone. The good news: most cars can enter without any formalities. Petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standard or be made in 2005 or later, and diesels must meet Euro 6 or be made in 2014 or later. If your car is registered outside Poland, you must register it in the SCT system before you drive in, even if it meets the standards.
In short
- The SCT covers about 60% of Krakow, including the whole city centre. See the official map of the zone.
- Petrol and LPG: Euro 4 or made in 2005 or later. Diesel: Euro 6 or made in 2014 or later.
- Foreign number plates: you must register the car in the SCT system yourself, even if it meets the standards.
- Car does not meet the standards: 2.50 PLN per hour, and a full day costs the same as two hours.
- Entering without permission: a fine of up to 500 PLN.
Can my car enter the Clean Transport Zone?
Check the Euro emission standard and the year of manufacture in your registration document. Your car only needs to meet one of the two conditions: the standard or the year.
| Engine | Standard | or year |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol / LPG | Euro 4 | 2005 or newer |
| Diesel (cars up to 3.5 t) | Euro 6 | 2014 or newer |
How to register a foreign car for the Clean Transport Zone
Vehicles registered abroad must be registered in the SCT system before entering the zone, even if they meet the standards. You do it online:
- Open the city’s SCT system. It is in Polish, but your browser can translate it.
- Enter your country code and number plate, twice, and click Sprawdź pojazd (check vehicle).
- If your car is not in the system yet, fill in the application: make, model, year of manufacture and emission standard, plus a scan or photo of your registration document.
All the rules are in the official city guide to the SCT (in Polish, your browser can translate it).
Our guests from abroad often ask us about the zone. So far nobody has had any problem with it. If you are unsure, message us before your arrival and we will send you everything you need.
What if my car does not meet the standards?
- Entry fee: in 2026 it is 2.50 PLN per hour. A day pass costs the same as two hours. There is also a monthly pass for 100 PLN. From 1 January 2027 a day pass will cost 15 PLN and a monthly pass 250 PLN.
- Park and Ride (P+R): leave the car at a park and ride car park and take the tram to the centre.
Parking in Krakow city centre
The city centre is a paid parking zone. There are few spaces on the streets of the Old Town and Kazimierz, and much of the very centre is closed to cars. You pay at the parking meter or in an app, and the paid hours are shown on the meter.
The least stressful option is to leave the car in a car park and get around on foot or by tram. In central Krakow you can walk everywhere anyway.
Where to park at our apartments
This is the question drivers ask us most often. Two of our buildings have their own parking:
- Łagiewniki Apartments Free Parking: a free parking space for every apartment, on a fenced property.
- The Apartment near the Arena: an underground garage space included in the price. For getting to a concert and parking at the venue itself, see our TAURON Arena guide.
At our other buildings you can park in the public spaces on the street where the apartment is, or in the nearest private car park. Message us before you arrive and we will tell you the most convenient place to leave your car.
If you are coming by car for a longer stay, consider Łagiewniki. The parking is right outside, and the tram takes you to the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Do tourists have to register their car for the Krakow SCT?
Yes, if the car is registered outside Poland. It must be registered in the city’s online SCT system before entering the zone, even if it meets the standards.
Is there a map of the Krakow Clean Transport Zone?
Yes. The city publishes the official map of the zone. It covers about 60% of Krakow, including the whole centre.
How much does it cost to enter the SCT with a car that does not meet the standards?
In 2026 it is 2.50 PLN per hour. A full day costs the same as two hours.
What is the fine for entering the SCT without permission?
Up to 500 PLN.
Which Cracow Travel apartments have parking?
Łagiewniki Apartments Free Parking (free parking) and the Apartment near the Arena (garage space included). For the others, we will point you to the nearest parking.
Where can I park in Krakow for a few days?
At a guarded car park, a P+R car park or in an apartment with its own parking.
Still choosing an area? Read our guide where to stay in Krakow.
Coming by car? Book direct on cracow.travel.pl. With the code CT231974 you pay 50 PLN less for stays of 2 nights or more. See the apartments →
Sources: Kraków City Hall, Kraków Public Transport Authority. Photo: Tamara Bitter, Unsplash. Updated: October 2026.