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Located near the Polish town of Oświęcim, Auschwitz was the largest and most infamous concentration and extermination camp operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. Founded in 1940, initially, it was used as a prison camp for Polish citizens; soon it evolved into a central site for forced labor, medical experimentation, and mass murder. The entrance gate of the camp, bearing the chilling inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (that is, "Work Sets You Free"), has probably become one of the best-known symbols of the Holocaust. Inside, prisoners were subjected to conditions of imprisonment, starvation, forced labor, and merciless treatment.
Constructed in 1941, Auschwitz-II, or Birkenau as it's more popularly known, was constructed with the purpose of extending the main camp further, for the Nazis to carry on their systematic genocide. Larger than Auschwitz I, Birkenau had enormous gas chambers and crematoria, competent in killing thousands daily. It became the major center of the so-called "Final Solution," where more than one million Jews, not to speak of the innumerable numbers of other persecuted groups, lost their lives. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial and a museum today, paying respect to the victims of this camp-a grim reminder of the atrocities within the Holocaust.
Nearest Airports to Auschwitz
While Auschwitz is not having an airport of itself, there are two main international airports in Poland by which arrival is easily afforded to Oświęcim.
Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK): Located approximately 60 km (around 37 miles) from Auschwitz, Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK) is the closest and most popular airport for visitors heading to Auschwitz. From Kraków Airport, travelers can choose a private taxi, train, or a guided shuttle service to reach Auschwitz, with Kraków Airport Transfer being a convenient choice for a direct, comfortable ride.
Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport (KTW): Another option is Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport (KTW), situated around 70 km (roughly 43 miles) from Auschwitz. From Katowice Airport, visitors can choose between private taxis, bus transfers, or arranged shuttle services to reach Auschwitz, with Katowice Airport Transfer offering a straightforward, comfortable ride for those preferring direct travel options.
Kraków-Balice International Airport is a major entry point for southern Poland; it therefore has many international connections, making it highly suitable for those going to Auschwitz. The airport connects quite frequently with major European destinations, including cities like London with airlines such as Ryanair and British Airways, Paris with Air France, and Frankfurt, with daily connections by Lufthansa. Furthermore, seasonal routes arriving from European cities like Rome and Madrid make Kraków-Balice easily accessible to anyone interested in exploring Poland and visiting Auschwitz.
Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport, under its IATA airport code of KTW, offers the main airport for central Poland. It has numerous flights within Europe; most of these are made possible by low-cost carriers. For example, the following European cities have convenient flights: London via Wizz Air and Ryanair; Oslo in Norway, by direct flights from Norwegian Air; and Eindhoven in the Netherlands from Wizz Air. This gives travelers more options and leeway, especially if they hail from neighboring European countries.
How to Travel from the Nearest Airports to Auschwitz?
Several transportation options are available to get from Kraków or Katowice Airports to Auschwitz.
Train from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz by train. Key Points: Trains to Auschwitz depart from Kraków’s Main Train Station and head towards Oświęcim, the town nearest to Auschwitz. Upon arrival in Oświęcim, the Auschwitz Museum is within a 20-30 minute walk from the station. Direct trains to Auschwitz are infrequent,
Train Fare from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
A one-way adult ticket on the direct Kraków to Auschwitz train costs approximately €2.70.
Bus from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: Bus travel time from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. Key Points: Bus timetables may vary, so checking the schedule ahead of time can help avoid delays or confusion.
Bus Fare from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
The bus fare from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz generally costs around €3.20-€4.30.
Taxi from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to get from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz by taxi. Key Points: Taxis are available at Kraków Airport, although demand may make finding one challenging during peak hours or holidays.
Taxi Fare from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz
The taxi fare from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz ranges between €65-€85.
There are several transfer options from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz.
Bus from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: It takes approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes, involving both bus and train connections to reach Auschwitz from Katowice Airport. Key Points: There is no direct bus from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz, so travelers will need to combine bus and train options. Peak hours can make transfers more challenging, so plan accordingly.
Bus Fare from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
The total fare for bus travel from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz can range between €8.15 and €16.75.
Taxi from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: It takes around 56 minutes to get from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz by taxi.Key Points: Language barriers may arise as many drivers may not be fluent in English.
Taxi Fare from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
Fares for a taxi from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz range from approximately €150 to €200.
How to Travel from the Nearest Airports to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz-Birkenau, at Oświęcim, Poland, is among the most-visited historical sites in the world. When flying to it in Poland, you have a number of airport options.
1. Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Distance: The distance from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz-Birkenau is approximately 70 km (43 miles)
Travel Options:
By Private Kraków Airport Taxi: The quickest and most convenient option is to pre-book Kraków Airport Taxi transfer with %100 Refund and Easy booking options.
By Bus: There are buses that run from the airport to Oświęcim. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Look for direct services or buses that connect at Kraków Bus Station.
By Train: You can take a train from Kraków Glówny (the main train station) to Oświęcim. First, take a bus or taxi from the airport to the train station (around 30 minutes). Trains take about 1.5 hours, and from Oświęcim station, it's a short taxi or bus ride to Auschwitz.
2. Katowice Airport (KTW)
Distance: The distance from Katowice Airport to Auschwitz-Birkenau is approximately 120 km (74 miles)
Travel Options:
By Private Katowice Airport Taxi: Katowice Airport Taxi transfer offers a direct and hassle free drive to Auschwitz which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Bus: Bus services are available from Katowice Airport to Oświęcim or Kraków, and you can transfer from Kraków to Oświęcim by train or bus.
By Train: Take a bus or taxi to Katowice’s main train station (about 40 minutes). Then, board a train to Oświęcim. The whole journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Kraków and Katowice Airport Taxi
Private Transfers from Kraków or Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
Journey Time: The drive from Kraków Airport to Auschwitz by private transfer takes 1 to 1.5 hours, while from Katowice Airport, it takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour.
Key Point: With AirportTransfer.com you will have a quality, private transfer and a door-to-door service from Krakow and Katowice airports to Auschwitz. You will have a very convenient trip and you will not have to wait too long for public transport or take part in some annoying procedures connected with its arrangement.
Cost: The prices of Kraków Airport taxi to Auschwitz range from €60 to €100, while Katowice Airport taxi transfers cost between €100 and €190, depending on the vehicle type and amenities.
Booking: It is easy to book your private transfer with AirportTransfer.com. You may make your bookings online or through the AirportTransfer.com app, the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Thus, this booking system allows you in comfort to prepare for a smooth start to your visit to Auschwitz.
Group Transfers from Kraków or Katowice Airport to Auschwitz
There are also available Kraków or Katowice bus hire options for groups arriving, at AirportTransfer.com, directly from Kraków or Katowice Airport. This is a great way to transfer as a group, ideal for families, corporate travelers, or large tourist groups desiring to arrive in comfort together. Spacious coaches will be very comfortable for passengers and luggage on board. Contact us to arrange your bus rental for Auschwitz from Kraków or Katowice Airport.
Auschwitz Bus Hire
Hotel Transfers from Kraków or Katowice Airport
For those staying at popular hotels, AirportTransfer.com offers reliable hotel transfers at Kraków and Katowice Airport for acommodations near Auschwitz, including the Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim, Imperiale Hotel, and Hotel Galicja Wellness & SPA. With fixed pricing and 24/7 customer support, travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their transfer service is both dependable and convenient. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a larger group, AirportTransfer.com ensures that your hotel transfer is smooth and worry-free, allowing you to focus on your experience
The best Kraków Airport and Katowice Airport reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!
Kraków Airport Taxi