Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a somber and profound experience. This day trip from Krakow provides an opportunity to explore the haunting history of the Holocaust. Participants can expect convenient transportation, self-guided tours, and a reflective break, all within a comprehensive itinerary. The tour offers an educational and impactful way to engage with one of the most significant human tragedies of the 20th century.
Key Points

- A comprehensive day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, lasting 7-11 hours and costing €5.96 to €11.92 per person.
- Shared roundtrip transportation provided by air-conditioned bus with pickups at two locations in Krakow.
- Self-guided tours with informative brochures, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities.
- Includes a 1.5-hour break at a local restaurant during the tour.
- Not suitable for children under 2 years old or those with mobility impairments, and passports or ID cards are required.
Tour Overview
The Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow is a comprehensive day trip that takes visitors to the former Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
The tour lasts 7-11 hours and costs €5.96 to €11.92 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Shared roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus from Krakow is provided. The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the sites at their own pace, with an informative brochure.
Highlights include seeing the Judenrampe, remnants, and personal artifacts from the Holocaust. A tour leader is available for assistance throughout the trip.
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Pickup Locations
Two pickup locations are offered for the Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow.
The first is at Pawia 18a, the Kiss & Ride Lane (Bus Stop) in front of the Mercure Hotel.
The second is at Wielopole 2, the Kiss & Ride Lane (Bus Stop).
Both locations provide shared roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau sites.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the pickup point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The tour leader will be available at the pickup locations to assist with ticket collection and provide guidance throughout the trip.
Tour Path

The tour begins with a 105-minute bus/coach travel from Krakow to the Judenrampe.
At Auschwitz I, guests embark on a self-guided tour for 2 hours, exploring the remnants and personal artifacts from the Holocaust.
Next, they travel 10 minutes by bus/coach to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where they spend 1 hour on a self-guided tour.
After the tours, there’s a 1.5-hour break at a local restaurant before the 105-minute return journey to Krakow.
Throughout the trip, a tour leader is available to assist with ticket collection and provide guidance.
Self-Guided Tour
After the guided bus travels, guests embark on a self-guided tour at Auschwitz I.
Using an informative brochure in their chosen language, visitors can explore the camp at their own pace.
The self-guided experience allows them to:
Allows for personal exploration, providing a deeper understanding and impactful connection to the site’s history and victims.
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See the remnants and personal artifacts from the Holocaust.
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View the Judenrampe, where prisoners were selected.
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Gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities that occurred.
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Reflect on the somber history in a respectful manner.
This independent exploration provides a personal and impactful way to connect with the site’s history and commemorate the victims.
More Great Tours NearbyHighlights
The tour offers visitors a chance to see remnants and personal artifacts from the Holocaust, including the Judenrampe where prisoners were selected.
At Auschwitz I, travelers can explore the original camp and see the remnants of the gas chambers and crematoriums.
The tour then moves to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger extermination camp, where visitors can witness the scale of the Nazi’s atrocities.
Throughout the experience, travelers have the opportunity to reflect on the profound historical significance of these sites and the immense human tragedy that occurred there during the Holocaust.
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Participant Information
To participate in the Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow, travelers must provide a passport or ID card, as no large bags or luggage are allowed on the tour.
Travelers must provide a passport or ID card for the Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow, as no large bags or luggage are allowed.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
The tour offers:
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Self-guided exploration at your own pace using an informative brochure.
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Assistance from a tour leader for ticket collection and guidance throughout the trip.
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Private or small group tour options available.
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A break time at a local restaurant during the tour.
Customer Feedback
According to customer reviews, the Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 4,814 reviews.
Guests rated the tour guide quality at 4.4/5 and the transportation at 4.3/5. Value for money received a 4.1/5 rating.
Travelers praised the knowledgeable guides and smooth operations. The tour provided an opportunity to visit the largest Nazi camps in Poland and see remnants and artifacts from the Holocaust.
While the experience can be powerful, the tour may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, there may be designated areas or breaks provided where you can consume your personal items. Check with the tour provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Will There Be Restroom Breaks During the Coach Travel?
Yes, there will be restroom breaks during the coach travel to and from Auschwitz-Birkenau. The tour itinerary includes a scheduled break time at a local restaurant where participants can use the restroom facilities.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Sites?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau sites, but they’re advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the somber atmosphere. However, flash photography and filming are typically prohibited to preserve the historical integrity of the sites.
Are There Guided Tours Available as an Alternative to Self-Guided?
Yes, there are guided tour options available as an alternative to the self-guided tour. The tour includes a professional guide who provides in-depth information and insights throughout the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length or Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, there are options to extend the tour length or visit additional sites. Customers can choose private or small group tours that offer guided visits to supplement the self-guided experience at Auschwitz and Birkenau.
The Sum Up
The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow provides a profound and educational experience, allowing visitors to explore the somber remnants of the Holocaust. With convenient transportation, self-guided tours, and reflective breaks, the tour offers a comprehensive and impactful visit to these historical landmarks. The comprehensive package and participant feedback make this an informative and meaningful day trip for those interested in understanding this tragic history.
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