J. Paul II International Krakow-Balice (KRK) Airport Transfer
J. Paul II International Krakow-Balice Airport is the primary airport serving Kraków and the surrounding Lesser Poland region. Located about 11 km west of Kraków’s city center, this modern international airport provides convenient access to one of Poland’s most historic and cultural cities. It operates numerous domestic and international flights, connecting Kraków with major destinations across Europe and beyond.
The area around the airport features a mix of residential zones and green spaces, with easy highway access to Kraków’s Old Town, Wawel Castle, and the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz. Visitors can enjoy Kraków’s rich heritage, vibrant nightlife, and world-class museums just a short drive or train ride from the airport.
Krakow-Balice Airport features a well-equipped terminal with modern passenger facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and efficient ground transportation options such as buses, taxis, and a dedicated train station linking directly to the city center.
About the Airport
Official Name: John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice
IATA Code: KRK
Location: Approximately 11 km west of Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Airport Facilities: A modern terminal with check-in counters, baggage handling, customs and security services, restaurants, cafés, retail shops, lounges, car rental desks, and direct train access. The airport serves both domestic and international flights.
So, how do you get from Krakow Airport to the city center? As Krakow Airport is located only about 21 km from the city center, there are several convenient transfer options including train, bus, taxi, and private transfers. You can book a private Krakow Airport taxi to avoid queues and enjoy a comfortable ride directly to your hotel.
Please note that Uber and Bolt both operate in Krakow and are commonly used by locals and tourists alike. FreeNow is also available and tends to have good coverage in the city, offering standard taxis and ride-hailing options with minimal waiting times.

Krakow Airport Transfers
Private Transfers at Krakow Airport
Distance: Krakow Airport (KRK) is located about 21 kilometers from Krakow city center. A private transfer from the airport to central Krakow typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
A private Krakow Airport transfer via AirportTransfer.com offers direct and comfortable transport to hotels, apartments, and attractions across the city and surrounding areas. When you pre-book, you skip taxi queues and avoid surge pricing. It’s especially useful during busy seasons and late-night arrivals.
You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before your pick-up time and get a 100% refund. Booking is easy through the AT mobile app, available on both AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.
Krakow Airport express service is as good as traveling in your private vehicle. AirportTransfer.com gathers Krakow's most reliable transfer companies on a single platform. It's easy to book your airport transfer on airporttransfer.com. Make your reservation in just 3 steps, don't worry about Krakow Airport transfers to the city centre, to Balice Airport, to Bialka Tatrzanska or to Zakopane anymore!

Krakow Balice Airport Bus Rental for Group Travel
Group Bus Transfers at Krakow Airport
For group travel to Krakow, booking a private coach or minibus directly from the airport is a convenient and affordable option. A professional driver meets you at the arrivals area and guides your group to your vehicle. The service offers direct transfers to hotels, business venues, the main train station, or tourist areas like Kazimierz or Wawel Hill—without unnecessary stops. Group bus transfers from Krakow Airport are perfect for family reunions, business teams, school groups, or tour groups. Pricing is fixed, with no hidden fees.
Contact us to book your group transfer from KRK to anywhere in Krakow or southern Poland.
Krakow Hotel Transfers
AirportTransfer.com provides door-to-door hotel transfers from Krakow Airport to accommodations across the city and nearby areas. Your driver will greet you at the terminal, assist with luggage, and take you directly to your hotel—no waiting, no confusion.
Pre-booking ensures a smooth arrival and saves time, especially if you're unfamiliar with local transport or arriving during peak tourist hours. From hotels in Krakow’s Old Town to resorts in Zakopane or the Wieliczka Salt Mines area, we offer reliable transfer options suited to your trip.
Hotels Near Krakow City Center
Some popular hotels within 20–30 minutes of Krakow Airport include:
Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow, Hotel Stary, PURO Kraków Kazimierz, Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, Hotel Unicus Palace, and Sheraton Grand Krakow.
Other Hotels Near Tourist Areas
Hotel Grand Ascot, Balthazar Design Hotel, Galaxy Hotel, and Hotel Copernicus are top picks close to major sights like the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. These are all easily reachable by private transfer.
Taxi from Krakow Airport
Taking a taxi from Krakow Airport to the city center is a straightforward option. The airport is located approximately 21 kilometers from central Krakow, and the journey usually takes 30 - 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Official airport taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. These taxis are metered and operate under fixed rate zones.
It’s worth noting that some drivers—whether through apps or taxi stands—may not speak fluent English. Also, surge pricing can occasionally apply in both taxi queues and ride-hailing apps during high-demand periods.
Taxi fare from Krakow Airport
A standard fare from Krakow Airport to the city center typically costs between around 40–50 EUR, including luggage and basic fees.
While ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are widely available in Krakow, their pricing for airport-city center routes is often very similar to regular taxi fares, especially during peak hours or bad weather. Price differences are usually minor and don't guarantee faster service.
Bus from Krakow Balice Airport
Transfers from Krakow Airport to the city centre are done by public buses and train services. There are bus lines 208, 209, and 252 scheduled during the day and line 902 overnight from Krakow Airport to the Old Town and Krakow city. You can check the departure times and stops of the buses next to the information desk in the main hall passenger terminal. You can buy your ticket from the ticket machines in the level 0 arrivals hall, bus stops, or buses 252 and 208.
Bus Fare from Krakow Airport
The public buses connecting Krakow Airport (KRK) to the city center (including the Old Town) are affordable and efficient.
Standard single ticket (valid for 60 minutes, with transfers): 6 PLN (approx. €1.40)
Reduced fare (students, seniors): 3 PLN
This ticket allows you to change between buses and trams within 60 minutes of validation.
Popular bus lines from the airport include:
208 and 252 (daytime)
902 (night service)
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Ticket machines inside the airport terminal (Arrivals level)
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Ticket machines at the bus stop outside the terminal
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On board some buses (contactless card only)
Train from Krakow Airport
Reaching Krakow Airport (KRK) by train is fast, reliable, and budget-friendly. The airport has a dedicated train station located just behind the multi-level car park (Parking P1)—about a 5-minute walk from the arrivals terminal via a covered walkway.
The SKA1 (Koleje Małopolskie) regional train line connects Krakow Airport with:
Kraków Główny (Krakow Main Train Station – city centre), Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia (Wieliczka Salt Mine), Intermediate stops including Kraków Łobzów and Kraków Złocień.
Krakow Airport → Kraków Głowny: approx. 17–20 minutes Trains run every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening (typically 05:00–23:00)
Krakow Airport Train Fare
Single ticket: 17 PLN (approx. €4)
Children, students, and seniors may be eligible for reduced fares with valid ID.
Tickets can be purchased:
At ticket machines inside the terminal and on the train platformOnline via Koleje Małopolskie or mobile ticketing apps Directly on the train (payment by card only; no cash accepted)The best Krakow-Balice Airport transfer reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!