Step into a city that is compact, walkable, and surprisingly easy to navigate.
Kraków offers one of the most tourist-friendly transport systems in Central Europe, combining historic streets, an efficient tram network, and smart digital tools that help visitors move around like locals.

Whether you’re exploring the Old Town, heading to Kazimierz, or venturing further to Nowa Huta or Podgórze, you don’t need a car. With a few essential apps and basic tips, getting around Kraków is simple, affordable, and stress-free.

Public Transport in Kraków

Kraków’s public transport system is based on trams and buses, operating from early morning until late night, with night lines after midnight.

• One ticket works across all public transport within city limits
• Trams are the fastest and most reliable option in the city centre
• Buses connect outer districts, recreational areas, and suburbs

Ticket System – How It Works

Tickets in Kraków are time-based, not distance-based.
You can change lines freely as long as your ticket is still valid.

Most common ticket options:

• 20-minute – short rides within central areas
• 60-minute – longer journeys or transfers
• 90-minute – ideal for cross-city travel
• 24h / 48h / 72h passes – perfect for sightseeing
• 7-day ticket – best for longer stays

Tickets are available via:

• 📱 Mobile apps
• 🎫 Ticket machines at stops
• 🚋 Onboard vehicles (card payment only)

Local tip:
Always activate your ticket immediately after boarding (or inside the app).
Inspections are frequent, and fines apply even if the ticket was purchased but not activated.

Essential Apps to Install

Installing just a few apps will make your stay in Kraków much easier.

Jakdojade (must-have)

• Door-to-door journey planning
• Real-time tram & bus schedules
• Ticket purchase and activation

💡 Local tip:
Search by landmarks (Rynek Główny, Kazimierz, Wawel) instead of full addresses.

Google Maps

Perfect for:

• Walking routes in the Old Town
• Public transport directions
• Distances & travel times

Works well offline with saved maps.

iMKA / mPay / SkyCash

• Buy & activate tickets digitally
• No paper tickets needed
• Fast and reliable

Uber / Bolt / Free Now

• Transparent pricing
• Widely available
• Ideal late at night or with luggage

Walking & Cycling

Kraków’s historic core is best explored on foot.

Nearby attractions:

• Old Town
• Planty Park
• Kazimierz
• Wawel Castle

For longer routes:

• Scenic Vistula Boulevards
• Seasonal bike rentals
• Flat terrain in central and riverside areas

✈️ From the Airport to the City

• Train – fastest option (~20 min to Main Station)
• Bus – regular connections to central districts
• Taxi / Uber – convenient, especially at night

Did You Know?

• Kraków’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Trams often move faster than cars in the city centre
• Most tickets are valid on all lines, including night buses
• You don’t need a car to explore Kraków comfortably

Practical Tips from Locals

• Check the final stop name on trams & buses
• Night buses operate after midnight and usually start with 6
• Apps and machines are quicker than buying tickets onboard
• During rush hours, trams > buses
• Most machines and apps support English

🌿 Green Air Zone – Vehicles Not Allowed

To improve air quality, Kraków restricts entry for high-emission vehicles.

Vehicles NOT allowed:

• Petrol cars registered before 2000
• Diesel cars registered before 2006
• Vehicles without confirmed Euro emission standards
• Heavily polluting or poorly maintained vehicles

🚗 Good to know:
Most rental cars, electric vehicles, hybrids, and modern petrol or diesel cars comply with the rules.

💡 Tip:
If unsure, check with your rental company — visitors rarely face restrictions when using rental cars.