Getting around Kraków — practical guide
Kraków is a compact city — most things in the centre are within walking distance. When distances grow, you have four sensible options: tram, bus, Bolt/Uber, or walking. Here is the short version of when to use which.
Updated: 2026-04-14
Trams and buses (MPK)
MPK is the city operator. 24 tram lines, ~150 bus lines, one ticket zone covering the whole city and the surrounding municipalities (Zone I+II). A 20-minute ticket is 4 zł, 60 minutes is 6 zł, 24 hours is 17 zł. Full ticket guide → MPK guide.
Trams are faster than buses in rush hour because most routes have dedicated track. The jakdojade.pl app works better than Google Maps for planning routes in Kraków.
Bolt vs. Uber vs. taxi
Bolt is the dominant taxi app in Kraków. It works exactly like Uber, prices are comparable, and there are more drivers. Uber works too but with longer wait times. Traditional taxis at the ranks (Rynek, train station, hotels) are more expensive and more likely to play games with the meter — best avoided. Full taxi guide →
Airport
Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK) is 11 km west of the centre. The train reaches Kraków Główny station in 20 minutes for 17 zł, no traffic jams. The other options (bus 300, taxi, Bolt) are covered in the full guide → airport guide.
On foot and by bike
The Old Town, Kazimierz and Wawel can all be walked in one day. From Rynek to Wawel is 700 metres; Wawel to Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is another 1.2 km. The Wavelo city bike works, but it is rarely the fastest option — many parts of the centre still lack dedicated bike lanes.
Intercity trains
From Kraków Główny, PKP Intercity trains reach Warsaw in 2 h 15 min, Wrocław in 3 h 15 min, Gdańsk in 5-6 h. Buy tickets online at intercity.pl, in the Koleo app, or via Omio (English interface, small markup).