Auschwitz - Krakow

Will your friend drive your luggage to Krakow? If not then better option is to let your friend drive you all the way to Krakow. We went by some company which provided bus and guide. On the way to Auschwitz we watched a film about that concentration camp. Our english speaking guide took us through Auschwitz and Birkenau and then bus took us back to Krakow. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the company but I am sure they will know at Visitor Center.

If you are going to do both Auschwitz and Birkenau, it is really a full day trip to see everything. I would suggest settling in the night before in Krakow, and then starting out early the next day for Auschwitz. Krakow is beautiful and has a lot to see in and of itself, so that would also give you a chance to see a little bit of Krakow as well. Isla also makes a good point about luggage. I don't remember seeing storage lockers at Auschwitz, although they are likely there. They may only be big enough to store backpacks or things of that size. When I was there, Auschwitz was quite crowded. You won't want to have to deal with lugging around suitcases and storing them somewhere. We were on a tour set up by the tour group we have visited the rest of Poland through, so I don't have a specific name for you. However, there are lots of tours that are run out of Krakow. I quick search on the internet or check with your hotel in Krakow should give you plenty of options.

I also recommend getting settled in Krakow first. You can catch a local bus to Auschwitz in the morning. Catch it at the main bus station next to the train station. The bus and train stations are both an easy walk from any part of the Old Town area. Auschwitz has its own excellent guides; you'll have no trouble hooking up with an English-speaking guided group. In case you do decide to hit Auschwitz first, there is a left-luggage office in the visitor center.

Thanks so much. I think we've decided to travel directly to Krakow, spend the afternoon there wandering about and then after a good night's rest, go to Auschwitz via train or bus (we'll have a train pass). Maybe the hotel will allow us to stash our bags until we get back or at the main train station. Any hotel recommendations?

Hotel Saski. Very close to Rynek Glowny (Main Square).