How To Get From Krakow To Tatra Mountains And Zakopane – Costs

I can tell, many adventurers visiting Krakow, after exploring the city’s popular sites, extend their journey to the alluring mountains of Podhale. And Zakopane is a favorite stop. If you’re one of them, the question „how much is a ticket to Zakopane?” or „how to get to Zakopane?” might be swirling in your mind. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with this short article on getting to Zakopane from Kraków without your own wheels and what it’ll cost.

Ways to Get from Krakow to Zakopane

Let me assure you that if you’re contemplating a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane, you’re on the right track. This city, the capital of the Tatra Mountains, offers a welcoming nature retreat, even if it’s just for a day. And once you’re there, be sure to study my „Zakopane” section on this blog. I have written a plenty of articles about Zakopane, so You definitely find best attractions and ways to spend your time best you can.

From Krakow to Zakopane, the trip can be taken by train or bus, if a private car or taxi isn’t your thing. Conveniently, both the bus and train stations in Krakow are neighbors, located right by Galeria Krakowska. Here are the details:

Krakow to Zakopane by Bus – Costs and Details

Interesting Fact: Buses in Kraków are all blue

As I said earlier, I believe the most convenient way to reach Zakopane is by bus. Your journey begins at the MDA bus station in Krakow, the city’s main bus station. Buses to Zakopane zip off every 30 minutes, or even more frequently, from early morning till late evening. So, if you’re an impromptu traveler, you should easily buy a ticket for the same day.

↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide

  • Travel Time: Around 2-2.5 hours (traffic-dependent)
  • Ticket Price: Approximately 25 PLN
Worth noting, tickets can be purchased either at the station or directly from the bus driver.

Krakow to Zakopane by Train

Train in Kraków Main Railroad Station

Although it’s possible to travel from Krakow to Zakopane by train, it’s less ideal. Trains depart from Kraków Główny station to Zakopane fairly infrequently, compared to buses, and the journey is considerably longer. The travel time ranges from about 3 hours 20 minutes for Inter City and TLK trains to nearly 4 hours for regional ones.

Ticket Costs:

  • Inter City: 25 PLN (second class), 50 PLN (first class)
  • TLK: 25 PLN (second class), 49 PLN (first class)

You may also read about safety in trains in this article.

Most Convenient Way Getting From Kraków to Zakopane

Let me tell you about another way to get from Krakow to Zakopane. If you need a convenient and personalized trip, hire a private driver with his car. He won’t just take you to Zakopane; there are organized tools that will show you the best things you can do there. And at the end of the day, he will take you back home. It is worth to say that this service is quite comprehensive.

Now, being there, you need to know that these companies usually pick you up from the hotel or wherever you’re staying in Krakow. They’ll ensure you get back safely when you’re done with the trip. If you want to know the cost, well, it varies depending on the chosen package.

Prices and Options

Allow me to explain the price range. The prices start from €25 per person and can go up to more than 100 euros. I can tell you that the higher prices are for giuded tours, like the ones to the Tatra Mountains, hot springs, hiking trips, biking trips, or even quads.

Here’s a quick overview:

  • €25 and up: Basic transportation
  • More than €100: Includes activities such as:
    • Guided tours to Tatra Mountains
    • Hot springs visits
    • Hiking trips
    • Biking trips
    • Quad adventures

I believe this option provides an easy and fun way to explore Zakopane, and I am convinced that it could make your journey much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Summary

So, if you need a quick mountain escape after a weekend in Krakow, and you don’t have a car, the faster and cheaper bus route is your best bet. There’s a constant stream of buses, and if one slips by, the next isn’t far behind. The travel situation to Zakopane is quite similar to the journey from Krakow to Oświęcim and the Auschwitz museum.

References:

  • https://www.busradar.pl/rozklad-jazdy-pks/krakow/zakopane/
  • https://www.flixbus.pl/polaczenia-autobusowe/krakow-zakopane

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