In short: KRK (Balice) is 15 km from the Old Town. Train: 17 PLN (~€4), 20 minutes — fastest. Bus 300: 6 PLN (~€1.40), 30–45 minutes — cheapest. Bolt/Uber: 50–70 PLN (~€12–17). Official airport taxi: ~89–109 PLN (~€21–25) zone rate.
Your Options
Train (best): Koleje Małopolskie SKA1 from the station adjacent to the terminal to Krakow Główny in ~20 minutes. 17 PLN (~€4). Every 30–60 minutes. Last train ~00:20 — after that, use Bolt or taxi.
Bus 300 (cheapest): 6 PLN (~€1.40) for a 60-minute ticket. Runs every 30 minutes (04:53–22:25). 30–45 minutes. Slower but cheap. Night bus 902 runs after hours (goes to the main station).
Bolt/Uber: Designated pickup areas at the airport. 50–70 PLN (~€12–17) normal conditions. 25–30 minutes. Significantly cheaper than official taxis. Recommended over taxis for groups.
Official Airport Taxi (zone rates): Zone 5 (12–14.9 km, covering central Krakow): 109 PLN (~€25). Fixed zones, no meter. More expensive than Bolt.
FAQ
Is Bolt or Uber better at Krakow airport? Both work — Bolt has stronger local presence in Poland.
Card payment at the train station? Yes. Machines in arrivals accept cards.
What is Krakow airport called? John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK).
Night buses after midnight? Night bus 902 continues, or use Bolt/taxi.
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