Driving from Krakow to Auschwitz is a convenient option for visitors who want flexibility and control over their departure time. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is located in Oświęcim, around 70 km from Krakow, and paid visitor parking is available near both former camp sites. For most visitors, the visit starts at the former Auschwitz I site and the Visitor Services Center at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street.
Table of Contents
- Can you drive from Krakow to Auschwitz?
- How far is Auschwitz from Krakow by car?
- How long does it take to drive from Krakow to Auschwitz?
- What address should you use for Auschwitz Museum?
- How to drive from Krakow to Auschwitz
- Where to park at Auschwitz Museum?
- What happens after you park at Auschwitz?
- Can you leave luggage in your car at Auschwitz?
- Is parking at Auschwitz free?
- Plan your visit
- Is car the best option?
- Car vs bus vs train
- FAQ: Krakow to Auschwitz by car
- Prefer not to drive?
Can you drive from Krakow to Auschwitz?
Yes. Auschwitz-Birkenau can be reached by car from Krakow, and there are paid car parks near both former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The main Visitor Services Center and the entrance to the Museum are at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street in Oświęcim.
Important: the Museum visit starts at Auschwitz I
If you are visiting the Memorial as an individual visitor, plan to arrive first at the Auschwitz I site. The Museum’s Visitor Services Center and main visitor parking are at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street.
How far is Auschwitz from Krakow by car?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is approximately 70 km from Krakow by road. The exact driving distance and route depend on your starting point in Krakow and the route selected by your navigation system.
How long does it take to drive from Krakow to Auschwitz?
The drive from Krakow to Auschwitz usually takes around 1.5–2 hours, but travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions and your departure point in Krakow. Allow additional time for parking and reaching the Visitor Services Center.
If you have a reserved Museum entry time, do not plan your journey around the shortest possible driving time. Traffic delays and time needed to park can make the actual journey longer.
What address should you use for Auschwitz Museum?
For the main visitor entrance and parking, use:
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
Więźniów Oświęcimia 55
32-600 Oświęcim, Poland
How to drive from Krakow to Auschwitz
The Auschwitz Memorial is located on the outskirts of Oświęcim, along provincial road 933 (DW 933). The Museum recommends accessing Więźniów Oświęcimia Street from Legionów Street.
Driving tip
When using GPS navigation, check that it is directing you to the Visitor Services Center at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55 rather than simply to the town of Oświęcim.
Where to park at Auschwitz Museum?
There are paid visitor car parks near both former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The Museum visit starts at Auschwitz I, so visitors with a standard visit should normally first go to the Visitor Services Center and parking at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55.
| Location | Best for | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Auschwitz I | Starting your Museum visit | Visitor Services Center and main entrance |
| Auschwitz II-Birkenau | Visitors continuing or arriving at the second site | Paid parking is available |
The Museum provides a free shuttle bus between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau during visits.
You do not need to use your car to travel between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The Museum operates a free shuttle bus connecting the two sites.
What happens after you park at Auschwitz?
After parking, allow enough time to reach the Visitor Services Center, pass security and prepare for your visit. The Museum recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of your reserved tour because of security procedures.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
The Museum recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of your tour. Security checks take place before entering the Memorial.
Can you leave luggage in your car at Auschwitz?
If you arrive by car, larger luggage should be left in the vehicle rather than taken into the Museum. The Museum also provides paid luggage storage, subject to its current rules and size restrictions.
As with any public car park, avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle.
Is parking at Auschwitz free?
No. Visitor car parks at Auschwitz are paid parking areas. The Museum’s current parking regulations state that parking fees apply to users of the car park.
See the current Auschwitz Museum parking regulations
Plan your visit
How to plan a driving trip to Auschwitz?
- Book your Museum entry in advance.
- Check the address of the Visitor Services Center.
- Plan around 1.5–2 hours for the drive from Krakow, plus extra time for traffic.
- Allow time to park and reach the entrance.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your reserved entry or tour.
- Leave larger luggage in the vehicle.
- Do not plan to drive between Auschwitz I and Birkenau — use the Museum shuttle instead.
If you’re still deciding how to travel, see our complete guide to visiting Auschwitz from Krakow
Is car the best option?
Driving can be a good choice if you value flexibility, are travelling with family or a group, or are combining Auschwitz with other destinations in southern Poland. It also means you do not need to coordinate your journey with a public transport timetable.
However, driving means that you need to plan parking, navigation and your arrival time yourself. If you prefer to have transportation and the Museum visit organised for you, an organised tour may be easier.
Car vs bus vs train
| Option | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Families & groups | Flexibility | Parking and driving |
| Bus (Read our bus guide) | Independent travellers | Some services reach Museum area directly | Timetable dependent |
| Train (Read our train guide) | Independent travellers | Railway connection from Krakow | Station is about 1.5 km from Museum |
| Tour | Convenience | Transport and visit arrangements | Less flexibility |
FAQ: Krakow to Auschwitz by car
Is there parking at Auschwitz?
Yes. Paid visitor car parks are available near both former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The main visitor parking and Visitor Services Center are at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street.
Is parking at Auschwitz free?
No. Visitor parking is paid. Check the current parking regulations and price information before your visit.
What address should I use for Auschwitz Museum?
For the main entrance and Visitor Services Center, use Więźniów Oświęcimia 55, 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland.
How far is Auschwitz from Krakow by car?
Auschwitz is approximately 70 km from Krakow by road. The exact route and travel time depend on your starting point and traffic.
Can I leave luggage in my car at Auschwitz?
Yes. The Museum advises visitors with larger luggage to leave it in their vehicles. Paid luggage storage is also available, subject to the Museum’s rules.
Do I need to arrive early if I drive to Auschwitz?
Yes. The Museum recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of your tour because of security procedures. Allow additional time for traffic and parking.
Do I need to drive from Auschwitz I to Birkenau?
No. The Museum provides a free shuttle bus between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
Prefer not to drive?
An organised Auschwitz tour from Krakow can take care of transportation and visit arrangements, so you don’t have to plan the journey and parking yourself.
