Ever thought how airports near Krakow could change your trip to Poland? This guide will give you the lowdown on Polish airports that link to Krakow. It will also cover the flight options Krakow airport has.
These airports make getting around easy and add to the culture of your visit. Get ready to find out how to easily explore Krakow’s best spots!
Introduction to Polish Airports
Poland has a wide range of airports that are key for both tourists and business travellers. Warsaw Chopin Airport is a major hub with many flight options. It served almost 20 million passengers in 2023, connecting Poland to many European cities.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa and Wrocław Airport are vital in their areas, serving both domestic and international flights. Poznań-Ławica Airport and Katowice International Airport also see a lot of passengers. These airports have the facilities for smooth travel planning.
More people are flying, showing a big demand for air travel. In 2021, Polish airports moved a lot of cargo, showing their role in logistics. With projects like the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, Poland’s airports will get even better, offering more capacity and connections.
| Airport | Location | Passenger Volume (2023) | Destinations | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw Chopin Airport | Warsaw | Nearly 20 million | 78 | 40 |
| Kraków John Paul II International Airport | Kraków | 9.4 million | 52 | 12 |
| Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport | Gdańsk | Over 5 million | 40 | 10 |
| Wrocław Airport | Wrocław | 4.5 million | 30 | 8 |
| Katowice International Airport | Katowice | 3 million | 60 | 9 |
Kraków-Balice Airport: The Gateway to the City
Kraków-Balice Airport, also known as John Paul II International Airport, is located about 11 kilometres west of the city centre. Being Poland’s second busiest airport, it is handling many international and domestic flights every year.
Since 1964, the airport has grown, offering modern services to visitors. In 2019, it saw around 8.4 million passengers. Airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair offer many flights to Krakow, making it easy for visitors to explore.
There are many ways to get to and from the airport. Buses run all day and night, connecting to Krakow’s main spots. Trains are quicker, taking about 17 minutes to the city centre. Taxis take around 25 minutes and cost about 90 PLN.
| Travel Option | Duration | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 45 minutes | Variable (Public transport prices) |
| Train | 17 minutes | Variable (Public transport prices) |
| Taxi | 25 minutes | 90 PLN (approximately 22€) |
At Kraków-Balice Airport, VIP services are available for a better travel experience. These services are for all passengers and need to be booked 24 hours ahead. They offer personal greetings and luxury amenities, making your journey unforgettable.
Kraków-Balice Airport is a great hub for both fun and business trips to Krakow. It has many flights, good transport links, and focuses on making customers happy. This airport connects visitors to Krakow’s lively culture and history.
Airports Near Krakow: Exploring Nearby Options
Kraków-Balice Airport is the main airport for flights to the city. But, there are other airports near Kraków that are good for travellers. Katowice International Airport and Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport offer cheaper flights and different routes.
Katowice International Airport (KTW) is about 106 kilometres northwest of Kraków. It’s a big airport for low-cost flights. This makes it a great choice for those watching their budget. Katowice has many flights to various places, making it a good alternative to Kraków.
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE) is another good option, about 171 kilometres from Kraków. It serves around 770,000 passengers a year, mainly in the Subcarpathian region. It’s not as busy as Katowice but is a good choice for trips to southeastern Poland.
The following table shows details about airports near Kraków:
| Airport Name | Location | Distance to Kraków (km) | Annual Passengers | Main Operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK) | Kraków | 11 | ~7 million | Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT |
| Katowice International Airport (KTW) | Katowice | 106 | ~4 million | Wizz Air, Ryanair |
| Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE) | Rzeszów | 171 | ~770,000 | LOT, Ryanair |
| Łódź W. Reymont Airport (LCJ) | Łódź | 278 | ~350,000 | Wizz Air |
There are many airports near Kraków for those wanting different routes or cheaper flights. These airports can help travellers find the best way to get where they need to go.
Transportation Options from Airports to Kraków
When you arrive at Kraków-Balice Airport, you have many ways to get to the city centre. The transport options make it easy to get to Kraków Główny, the main train station. Here are the ways you can travel:
- Public Buses: Regular bus lines 209 and 300 run every day. Line 300 goes straight to the Congress Venue.
- Night Bus: Line 902 is great for late-night arrivals.
- Shuttle Trains: A fast shuttle train takes you to the city centre in about 17 minutes.
- Taxis: Taxis cost between 100-150 PLN (25-30 EUR) to the city centre.
- Rental Cars: You can rent a car at the airport for more freedom.
At Katowice Airport, you can find shuttle services for about €3. These shuttles make getting to Kraków easy. Public transport tickets from the airport to the Main Train Station are 14 PLN (3 EUR). You might also get a free pass for some dates.
Here’s a quick look at the transport options from Kraków Airport:
| Transport Mode | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus (Line 300) | Approx. 45 mins | 14 PLN (3 EUR) |
| Shuttle Train | Approx. 17 mins | 14 PLN (3 EUR) |
| Taxi | 20-30 mins | 100-150 PLN (25-30 EUR) |
| Rental Car | Varies | Varies |
Air Travel Tips for Visiting Kraków
Getting ready for your flight to Krakow can make your trip better. Arrive at the airport 120 minutes early to get through everything smoothly. Check-in opens two hours before and closes 40 minutes before the plane leaves.
This gives you time for security checks and going through customs. Remember, you need a clear, plastic bag for liquids, gels, and aerosols, all under 100 ml. Try to get through Customs and Immigration an hour before your flight.
Security checks can be slow, so coming early is a good idea. Don’t wear metal to avoid extra checks. Show your ticket or e-ticket and ID at the check-in counter to speed things up.
Knowing the best times to visit Kraków is key. March to May and September to November are great months. June to August is busier, so plan ahead.
Getting around Kraków is easy, with no subway. Taxis, buses, and trams are available. Kraków is also more affordable than many places in Western Europe. The currency is the złoty (PLN), not the Euro, and many speak English.
Don’t miss the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, 42 miles west of the city. It’s open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For nature lovers, Ojców National Park is a 40-minute drive north.
The UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine and Zakopane are also close by. They’re great places to visit from Kraków.
Local Attractions Accessible from Kraków Airports
Visitors flying into Kraków-Balice Airport can easily check out many attractions. The city is full of cultural spots, like the historic Old Town and its famous Main Market Square. Wawel Castle is close by, showing off Polish royalty’s history. The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz is also there, full of history and great places to eat.
For day trips, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a key spot. It’s a deep look into World War II history. You can get there by public transport or tours. The Tatra Mountains are also close, perfect for those who love the outdoors. They have many hiking trails to discover.
Getting to these places from Kraków Airport is easy with public transport. Buses go often to the city centre, and taxis are also easy to find. So, whether you want to explore the city’s history or enjoy nature, there’s something for everyone near Kraków Airport.