Visit to Auschwitz

It depends where the hotel is.

If you are staying in Krakow, then yes, it's a very easy day trip. There are different options ranging from public transportation to and from Auschwitz, to more formally arranged tours. It's been about six years since I was there so there are probably even more tour options. Depending on your hotel, the front desk should be able to help you figure out your choices. When I went, I took a regular inter-city bus which had a stop right in front of the Visitors' Center. Once there, I had to join one of the English language tours given by the Visitors' Center - people weren't allowed to tour on their own. I think that rule varies from season to season. The tour of Auschwitz I lasted about two hours. There was s shuttle to take us from Auschwitz I to Auschwitz II Birkenau. The ride is only about ten to fifteen minutes. Once there, the official tour lasted only about half an hour, then we were free to wander the grounds as long as wanted. There was a shuttle every 10 -15 minutes to take people back to Auschwitz I. From there, I walked across the street from the Visitors' Center to catch another inter-city bus back to Krakow.

Easy answer to your question, from Krakow- Yes. Depending on how effeciently you move, you may be able to see both Auschwitz I and II (Birkenau).

Thank you very much for the replies. Very helpful.

On Nov. 11, 2011 my wife and I visited Auschwitz. We went by train from Kracow. It does leave you about a 20 minute walk from the train station but we enjoy walking. Taxis are available if needed. We took the train because we wanted to do it on our own and she wanted to ensure a toilet was available. We spent 2+ hours at Auschwitz I then walked to Auschwitz II. Yes you can take a shuttle but it was a lovely day and like I said we enjoy walking. Took us about 35 minutes to walk. After 2+ hours we walked to the train station and returned to Kracow. A day we will always remember.

Thanks again everyone.

Last June we were in Krakow and used a driver named Andrew Durman to take us to Auschwitz. He was wonderful. He is reccommended in Rick Steves' Eastern Europe book. We also used him for airport transfers and the trip to the Wieliczka Salt mine. His website is www.tour-service.pl and email, andrew@tour-service.pl He will take wonderful care of you.

Debabrata, Yes, very easy to do from Krakow. Do you have access to the Rick Steves guidebook? Eastern Europe They probably list several tour companies/guides. I also noticed some thoughtful guide recommendations in the previous replies here. I do know, unless the law has been changed, that all guides giving tours of Auschwitz inside the complex, have to be licensed. Our Rick Steves guide could not guide us through Auschwitz. It will be an emotional, thought-provoking day, but an important day. When you get back to Krakow, you might complete your day with dinner and a klezmer dinner show in the Jewish Quarter. Have an amazing trip! Ross in Denver USA

Thank you very much for your helpful tips.