Poland is one of the most underrated countries in Europe! If you’re planning a visit, you’re likely heading to the big city of Krakow. For those looking to add some nature into their Poland itinerary, then you won’t want to miss out on the beautiful town of Zakopane. It’s a small historic town full of hiking and nature at the base of the beautiful mountains. Here’s exactly how to get from Krakow to Zakopane by bus and train, plus more fun tips for your visit.
Our Adventures in Poland
Ever since our first trip to Gdansk in 2018, we have been borderline obsessed with this central European country! On our second visit we flew into the big city of Krakow and immediately understood why everyone loves it.
From the delicious Krakow food and many historic sites, we could’ve literally spent weeks exploring this famous city. While there was so many awesome things to do in Krakow Poland, we were also excited to get out into the mountains.
We had read about an amazing area for nature lovers just a couple of hours south on the border with Slovenia. So with that, we booked a bus ticket from Krakow to Zakopane, and we were on our way!
As avid hikers, Zakopane can only be described as a summer paradise. You’ll find challenging hikes like Kasprowy Wierch that take you up into the Polish Tatra Mountains.
Yet, at the same time, it features spots like the Morskie Oko trail that are perfect for families with young kids. The town also doubles as a popular ski destination in the winter!
How to Get from Krakow to Zakopane Poland
So how exactly do you get to Zakopane from Krakow? One of the most appealing things about this destination is that it’s very simple to get to. There is also a nice range of options for places to stay that cater to every budget.
For a luxurious stay, you’ll want to check out Aries Hotel & SPA. The MTB Hostel is a great pick for those on a budget and Hotel Aquarion is a fun place for kids, as its connected to the towns waterpark.
If you don’t want to plan everything yourself, you could pick from one of the many popular day tours that run from Krakow. A group tour like this one actually gives you time explore the town, visit the Chocholow Hot Baths, and ride the Zakopane Cable Car. This amazing tour even includes a vodka tasting with hot springs!
Obviously, we recommend having at least a few days to explore on your visit if possible. Now that you know about the day trip options, let us break down the three best ways to get from Krakow to Zakopane!
Krakow to Zakopane Bus
After looking at the different options, the bus from Krakow to Zakopane was the transportation option we decided on. Flixbus offers a direct route from Krakow MDA Bus Station to Zakopane. We always use Omio in Europe to book our buses between destinations.
The best part is the tickets won’t usually cost you more than 10 to 15 Euros! One important thing to note is that that there are two large bus stations in Krakow, so make sure you’re going to the right one.
The Krakow to Zakopane bus journey will take anywhere from 2 to 2:20 hours depending on the time you book. You also may encounter some traffic along your journey. Either way, we really enjoyed the ride and taking in the scenery of the Polish countryside en route south.
It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance if traveling during the peak summer months. Remember that July and August are the busiest time in Zakopane outside of the ski season.
Krakow to Zakopane Train
The train is another great way to get to Zakopane from Krakow Poland! Europe is very well connected by trains and it’s often one of our favorite ways to get between cities.
We did not take the Krakow to Zakopane train ourselves, but we did use the rail system to get to other places in Poland. You can also check the train times and prices on Omio as you do with the bus.
Your trip will start from Kraków Główny railway station, which is located in the city center. You should know that the Krakow to Zakopane train and bus both take around the same travel time. However, some trains can take up to 3 hours depending on the company and time of day.
The bus and train also arrive to the same place in Zakopane. Yet, the ticket prices are almost double the bus costs, and even more if you spring for first class seats. What you decide to book will come down to the times available and your personal transportation preference.
Driving Yourself From Krakow to Zakopane
The last way to get from Krakow to Zakopane is to simply drive on your own. Renting a car is a great way to get around Poland and take in all the fantastic sites.
We always use Discover Cars to compare rates and find the best deals. Our latest search showed that you can book a car for less than 10 euros a day in the fall. Poland is extremely affordable compared to other European countries!
Another helpful way to save money is to rent a car directly from Krakow Airport when you land. Prices are often cheaper from the airports and you could plan to see the city on your way back. If you’re heading the city first like we did, you will not need a car for your time there.
The Krakow Zakopane drive will take you just under 2 hours without stops. Having a vehicle will allow you to make stops in some stunning small towns along the way.
You’ll also have the advantage of being able to drive to all the great hiking trails around Zakopane when you get there! If you do have a car, we recommend booking a hotel right outside the town center and walking into the village.
It can definitely get busy and crowded in the summer and winter season. Also, the parking for the hikes can fill up quickly, so be sure to get an early start to the day.
Is Zakopane Worth Visiting From Krakow?
Absolutely! No matter what way you choose to get from Krakow to Zakopane, it will definitely be worth it.
The short 2 to 3 hour trip will transport you from the bustling city out into the beautiful nature of Zakopane. The mountains, rivers, and viewpoints are truly incredible, and we really can’t say enough about this area of Poland.
There is also a lot to do in the town itself, with many great restaurants serving traditional Polish food. Without a doubt, Zakopane is a place you won’t to miss on your trip to Poland!
Have any questions on this article or want to share your more tips for how to get from Krakow to Zakopane? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
