Kraków Getting there & around

Getting around

Public transport

Kraków is served by an efficient network of buses and trams that run between 5am and 11pm. Some night buses (which begin with a ‘6’) run later.

Single-journey (2.50zł), one-hour (3.10zł) and one-/two-/three-day (10.40/18.20/25zł) tickets can be bought at street kiosks, and must be validated as soon as you board. Note that a single ticket is also required for bulky luggage. Tickets for night buses are 5zł. Most tourist attractions are in the Old Town or within easy walking distance, so you won’t need buses or trams unless you’re staying outside the centre.

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Car & motorcycle

With limited parking, and much of the Old Town a car-free zone, driving in Kraków will be more of a hindrance than a help. If you are travelling by car, the major route into the city is the A4; note that a 5zł toll is paid when you enter and exit it. The Old Town is closed to traffic, except for access to two guarded car parks on Plac Szczepański (though this is likely to close very soon) and Plac Św Ducha if you can find a space. If not, use one of the guarded car parks in the surrounding area, including those along ul Karmelicka near the Stranger Hostel, and ul Powiśle northeast of Wawel. Street parking in the area outside the Old Town, known as ‘Zone C’, requires special tickets (karta postojowa), which you buy from kiosks, mark with the correct month, day and time, and then display on your windscreen. They cost 3zł for one hour and must be displayed from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Rental

Many of the big international car-rental firms have offices in Kraków including Hertz (012 422 2939; www.hertz.com.pl; Hotel Orbis Cracovia, Aleja Focha 1; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat). However, you should get a better deal at one of the local firms that distribute their leaflets around town, including Joka Rent a Car (012 429 6630; www.joka.com.pl; ul Starowiślna 13) next door to the Hotel Pugetów.

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Local transport

Taxi

If you need one of Kraków’s 3500 cabs, these are some of the better-known companies:

Barbakan Taxi (012 9661, 0800 404 400)

Euro Taxi (012 9664)

Express Taxi (0800 111 111)

Lajkonik Taxi (012 9628)

Radio Taxi (012 9696, 0800 500 919)

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Bicycle

Bicycles

You can rent bicycles from several outfits in Kraków including Eccentric Bike Tours & Rentals (012 430 2034; ul Grodzka 2; per hr/5hr/day 6/25/40zł; 10am-8pm) in the Old Town and Dwa Koła (Two Wheels; 012 421 5785; ul Józefa 5; 3hr/5hr/day 15/20/30zł; 9am-8pm) in Kazimierz.

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