John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice is located approximately 10 Km from the city of Kraków. The train connection from the airport is 200m from the main terminal; journey time is approximately 15 minutes to the city and the cost is 3,80 PLN. There is a bus service that runs from the airport, this is located outside the terminal and is operated by Municipal Transport Authority. Journey time is approximately 35 minutes; cost is 2,50 PLN.

Krakow & its region - let your free time blossom

Malopolska is a region in the south of Poland, the cradle of Polish culture. The region's capital city is Krakow, once the royal seat, today a centre of arts, intellect and entertainment. Krakow is, as once Pope John II put it, a synthesis of all that is Polish.

Eight sites included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage are situated in the region. These include Krakow's historical town centre, the Salt Mine in Wieliczka and the former Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Malopolska has a rich variety of landscapes. The only Alpine-type mountain range in Poland - the Tatras, extend over the southern part of the region. The main town in this part of the region is Zakopane, known as a "winter capital" of Poland.

The Ojcow National Park streches out over the North of Krakow. The characteristic features of the Park's landscape are it's limestone rocks, ravines and over 900 caves.

This is one of the few regions in which one can see the mountains and a real desert (Bledowska Desert). Local natural resources and climatic conditions are used as therapy for various medical conditions. There are many spas and sanatoria in the area.

Malopolska bustles with life. Cultural events attract visitors from all over the world. If you are one for active tourism and entertainment, you should not miss the invitation to come here. There will be opportunities for hiking, rafting down the Dunajec river, rock climbing, cave exploration, agro-tourism, skiing, or, last but not least, clubbing in pubs, restaurants and disco clubs. We welcome you!.

Krakow & its region

Entertainment in Krakow

Krakow - the capital city of Malopolska, is the centre for entertainment. On weekends and other holidays the city hosts thousands of tourists, in their quest for entertainment.

If you stop in Krakow's Main Market Square in the middle of a summer day, you might feel a little dizzy - not merely by the charms of historic sights but by the flopping wings of pigeons flying around the monument to the poet Adam Mickiewicz and the abundance of colorful outdoor cafés, pubs and restaurants which stay open till late at night in this largest square of contemporary Europe. As people pass by you can hear their laughter and nearly all languages of the world. You may linger in the shadow of a colorful parasol, sipping a drink and tasting traditional regional dishes, meeting interesting people.

Clubbing has become a very popular pastime recently. The city boasts the greatest number of pubs in Poland. They are centered around the Main Market Square and in the Kazimierz district. A vast array of restaurants, indoor and outdoor cafes and disco clubs will satisfy all tastes.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine

In Wieliczka, 10 km from Krakow, one of the oldest historic mines is still in operation, from which salt has been extracted since the 11th c. A Museum has been established in part of the Mine facilities. According to some visitors, the Salt Mine is Poland's greatest tourist attraction.

Particularly noteworthy elements of the Mine are its huge chambers and underground chapels hewn out of the salt rock with beautiful decorations, the remnants of mining works and diverse items of mining equipment, including a world unique collection of wooden hoist machinery (treadmills) for raising up the loads.

The Wieliczka Mine has been recognised as an underground wonder since the 15th c. The beginning of underground tourism dates back to the late 18th c., when the first level of the Mine was made available to visitors. The total length of the underground extraction galleries exceeds 350 km, and reaches more than 300m below ground level. At 100m below ground level one can enjoy a meal in an underground restaurant, or send a postcard from a subterranean post office. Even mobile phones still operate here.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as New Year's balls are the Mine's special attractions.

The Mine's microclimate is used for therapeutic purposes, with an underground sanatorium offering medical treatment.

In 1978 the Wieliczka Salt Mine was placed by UNESCO on its World Heritage List, in recognition of the site's special historical merit.

Zakopane - the mountain capital of Poland

Zakopane is a centre for active leisure. It is situated in the shadow of the Tatras, the highest mountains in Poland, at the foot of Mt Giewont with a cross on its top. Zakopane welcomes visitors both in winter and in summer.

It is a perfect starting point for interesting walks in the picturesque Tatra valleys and long hikes or climbs in the mountains. In the winter Zakopane and the Tatras are a skier's paradise. Zakopane welcomes visitors in all seasons, even if the weather is not at its best. A wide range of restaurants and cafes await guests, particularly on the well-known main street of Krupówki, where you can have a treat of dishes from the Tatra region. Numerous clubs, pubs and disco clubs offer evening entertainment. Lovers of more sophisticated entertainment are offered other attractions - a visit to the Witkacy Theatre or the Tatra Museum with a rich collection of ethnographic exhibits associated with the customs and culture of the Podhale Highlanders.

Zakopane Mountain

Krakow - Balice Airport - A New, Fast Train Connection

For an easier access from the airport to Krakow, tourists who arrive in Malopolska by plane are offered a new, regular train connection between the Main Railway Station in Krakow and the John Paul II Airport in Krakow-Balice. The Krakow Airport has been the first in Poland to have a train connection with the city centre. A train reaches Krakow within 15 minutes. It starts off from a stop situated some 200 metres from the passenger terminal. Passengers may take a shuttle bus at the terminal or they may also choose to go on foot to the station, as it is at a walking distance (only 330 steps). The fare is 3.80 PLN (1 Euro).

Krakow - Balice Airport by Train

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