Kraków Airport

For most travellersKraków’s John Paul II International Airport will be their gateway to the city. Here is a step-by-step guide to arriving at (and departing from) the airport and getting everything you need for a great stay in Poland

Kraków Airport

Kraków Airport Introduction

Most passengers for Kraków will arrive at John Paul II International Airport (KRK). It lies 15km outside the city centrea mere 20-minute train ride. Howeversome airlines still serve Katowice Airport (KTW)roughly 100km away. See our page on How To Get To Kraków for more information. We also have a comprehensive page with details about flying to Kraków.

John Paul II International is moderneasy to navigateand the landside is comfortable. The airport is compact – Arrivals and Departures are both within the same terminal building. The layout is logical and remarkably free of clutter. The airport seems designed for a quick getaway. If you time it rightyou could be in Kraków itself within 30 minutes of clearing customs. Transport options to the city centre and what to expect when you get there are covered in Getting From Kraków Airport To Kraków City Centre. If you’re flying homesee our guide for getting to Kraków Airport from the city centre.

Kraków Airport

John Paul II is not lacking in facilitiesbut needs are better served by the large shopping centre that most travellers will pass through at the other end of their train or bus journey. We advise getting away from the airport and travelling directly to Kraków itselfthen sorting out cashfoodand SIM cards at the Galeria Krakowska mall.

On the other handyou may want to take a breath and sort some basics before setting off into town. This guide will take you step by step through what to expect on arrival at Kraków Airport and what facilities are available. In particular we’ll focus on:

• Handling Polish cash: changing moneyusing ATMsas well as debit and credit cards
• Where to find refreshments and snacks
• Where to get a SIM card
• Where to get a KrakowCardwhich gives entry to many key museums and unlimited transport on buses and trams

Kraków Airport Shuttle Bus

Arriving At Kraków Airport

Planes do not dock at the terminal building. Insteadpassengers are ferried directly to Passport and Immigration via shuttle buses. This speeds things up and saves having to walk through a maze of corridorsthough logjams can happen during busier periods. The shuttle service takes 2-3 minutes.

Once you enter the terminalclear signage in both Polish and English tells you where to queue (EU or non-EUbasically) and where the toilets are. The waiting area is clean and modernand passports are processed without fuss. You should be checked and cleared within 15 minutes.

The passport hall leads directly into the baggage claim area. There are five carousels and you’ll need to check which is carrying your plane’s luggage. The information screen hangs from the ceiling next to the entrance you’ve just come through. It’s quite easy to miss.

Kraków Airport Baggage Claim

The baggage hall is spacious and has seatsso you can sort out your bags before leaving. There are toiletsATMsvending machinestrolleysand a counter to help with lost luggage. There’s also a curious machine for booking taxis which you should probably just ignore.

Exit through Customs on the left-hand side andassuming you have nothing to declarethe entire process should be done within 30 minutes.

Kraków Airport – From Customs To Arrivals Hall

You’ll emerge directly in the Arrivals Hall. If you’ve hired someone to pick you upthis is where they’ll be waiting. Though subject to ebb and flowthe amount of people in this area rarely gets too crowdedand it’s easy to get your bearings.

Directly oppositeyou’ll see ticket machines for buses and trainsas well as ATMs and a currency exchange. We’ll return to all these below. There are more toilets to your left and an information point. You’ll also see an escalator that leads to the train stationa bankand car hire outlets on the first floor. Finallythere’s an exit which leads outside to where taxis and buses are waiting.

If you plan to get straight out of the airport and on your way into central Krakówskip to the transport section below. Otherwiseread on to find out more about airport facilities.

Facilities At Kraków Airport: Arrivals

The layout of Kraków Airport is both restrained and logicalwith ease of use taking priority over squeezing an extra buck out of passengers. The ground floor is split evenly between the Check-in Hall on the left-hand side and Arrivals on the right. Security sits directly above Arrivalswhilst the rest of the upper floor forms a balcony with a clear view over the rest of the airport. Everything is open plan and clearly signpostedwith a good line of sight to most key features.

Information centre in Arrivals Hall Kraków Airport

Getting Information

The information point directly to the left of Arrivals is open from 8am to midnightand can answer any questions about airport facilities and transportation to the city. It doubles as tourist information between 9am and 7pmhelping with accommodation and providing materialssuch as guide books and KrakowCards. There is a second airport information desk in the Check-in Hallopen from 4am. So there should be someone on hand (unless you’re on one of the few flights that lands after 11.30pm).

You can also download the free airport smartphone app with some useful features.

Money

Despite being a member of the European Unionthe Polish currency is the złoty and not the Euro.

A couple of museums are cash only and it’s useful to carry coins for public toilets and snacks from street vendors. In some restaurants you can only tip staff with paper money. Butby and largePoland is financially progressive. The vast majority of places will accept a (contactless) debit or credit cardincluding paying for transport into Kraków itself.

A general rule of thumb is to buy roughly 300zł (about 70€) at home and bring it with you as backup. You can always get more from an ATM.

Check with your bank before you travel to find out how they handle currency conversion and whether they charge for overseas use. Also ask if they partner with any Polish banks for better rates. Ultimatelyit may pay to open a separate account with a bank designed around the financial needs of travellers. For examplemy Starling account is effectively free to use and brings some essential security features that make using a card much safer overseas. Real-time notifications will warn you of fraud or theftand help keep track of how much you’re spendingin both the local and your domestic currency.

Currency Exchange Kraków Airport

Changing Money: If you’re travelling in from another country with a wad of cashyou may still need to get some currency changed. Pretty much the first thing you see when you come through Arrivals is a currency exchangeknown in Poland as a Kantor. Generally speakingyou’ll get less for your money at airports. Experience suggests you can expect to exchange here at about 8.3% below the market rate. All the samethere’s no harm comparing their rates with an online converter like XE. Remember to check against their buying price rather than what they’re selling the currency for and factor in any commission before agreeing a transaction. If you feel like you’re getting a raw dealthere are plenty of options in Kraków itself.

Euronet ATMs – do not use these!

Withdrawing Money: You’ll see ATMs dotted around the terminal – these are known as a Bankomat in Poland. Most of them are provided by a company called Euronet – look for the logo on the top right of the machine. There are two reasons to avoid them: the confusing interfacewhich offers a number of secondary services unrelated to cash withdrawaland the excessive conversion fees – upwards of 15%.

Escalator to upper level: trainsATMCostaand hire cars

Hallway to ATM and hire cars

If you need to withdraw money in the airportuse the ATM outside Bank Pekao on the upper floor. Take the escalator directly opposite Arrivals. Carry on straight ahead once you reach the top. You’ll see a corridor with slanted windows to the left. Follow the sign that says ‘Rent-a-car’ and ‘Travel agencies’. The bank is near the endpast the Europcar office.

Bank Pekao ATM

ATMs work exactly as they do at home and most will offer a choice of languages. Check what you’re agreeing to before you click any buttons and cancel the transaction if you’re unsure of anything. If asked to choose which currency to base the exchange rate onalways go with the Polish złoty rather than that of your home country. You should also avoid using Euronet ATMs around Kraków’s Old Town.

Tales of financial misfortune in Kraków nearly always involve alcohol. If you expect to get roaring drunkthat might be a good time to switch to cash and keep your cards safely hidden. Only carry as much as you can afford to lose.

Fast food Kraków

Food And Drink

If you just need a snack to grab and goyou have three options on the ground floorall just to the right of Arrivals. The Relay store (coloured bright red) has drinkssweetsand savoury snacks like crisps. The Suitcase Bara little further alongalso has takeaway sandwiches and salads for approximately 17zł (about 4€) each. I can recommend the obwarzankiwhich are a kind of pretzelnative to Kraków. They can be bought for a few złoty from a stand located near the elevatorjust before you reach Relay. You’ll need to pay in cashthough. There are also vending machines on the upper floor. Take the escalator opposite Arrivals and you’ll see them directly opposite. These accepts cards.

Jet Bistro Kraków Airport

If you want to sit down but are pushed for timethere’s a Jet Bistro at the end of the terminalto the left of Arrivals. You can get soups and opentoasted sandwiches for about 20zł (about 4,50€).

Costa Coffee Kraków Airport

The Costa Coffee on the upper floor is a surprisingly good optionif you’re feeling more leisurely. It has a largecomfortable lounge area overlooking the lower deck and is a nice space to decompress. They have a range of tasty Polish sandwiches at roughly 15zł (3,50€)as well as good cakesteasand beers. There’s a play area for kids close by. Note: I’ve found that coffee can be expensive in some chainsin comparison with the rest of the menu.

To find Costago up the escalator opposite Arrivals. Once you’re on the second floorlook diagonally to your right. There is a Costa sign on the far walljust to the right of another set of escalators (see image below). Walk past the sign and turn left. Once you’re on the balcony itselfkeep going and you can’t miss it.

View from upper entrance to Kraków Airport: note sign to Costa Coffee

If you’re very hungrythere’s a restaurant tucked away on the upper floor. Take the escalator opposite Arrivals. Turn right and you’ll see the security area for Departures. Turn right again and walk towards the very end of the terminal. Up ahead is a large play area for childrenwith ping pong and giant chess. The Eat + Fly restaurant is beyond this – look for the giant wooden sign that says EAT. There’s a bar and the restaurant has a full menu with pasta dishes and the like. The average main course costs about 25zł (6€ or so).

Phones and SIMs

Any visiting EU citizen should be able to use their existing mobile contract in Poland exactly as they would at homewith no extra charges. This means calls and data are available to you the minute you step off the plane. Make sure you check your provider’s fair usage policy before you leave and that overseas use is activated on your phone. Similarlyif you’re travelling and bought a SIM in another EU countryit will often be valid in Poland too.

But what if neither of these categories apply to you? Though SIMs are available in the airport’s Relay storeJohn Paul II International has no dedicated mobile phone outlets and we recommend you wait until you reach central Kraków to tackle this. See Where To Get A SIM Card in Kraków for more information.

If you urgently need to get online or use your emailthe airport offers 15 minutes of free wifi. It’s slow but doesn’t require an email address to log in. Just select ‘KRK Free WiFi’ in your WiFi settings and the login screen will pop up. Unfortunately you can’t pay to extend this.

Kraków Airport free public phone

There are also a number of yellow phones around the airport that let you call any Polish landline or mobile number for freewhich is handy if you need to contact your hotel or similar. Go to the baggage drop off in the Check-in Hall and you’ll find one to the left of the escalator. They’re easy to missso ask a member of staff if you can’t find one.

Furthermorethere are also recharging points all over the airportboth in the cafés and general waiting areas. These have plug rather than USB socketsso you’ll also need the correct adapter to use them.

KrakowCard

If you plan to visit a lot of museumsit’s worth considering a KrakowCardespecially if you expect to use public transport a lot. The Tourist Card includes unlimited use of buses and trams. You could pick up a KrakowCard from the tourist information counterlocated just to the left as you enter Arrivalsthen use it on the airport bus. See below for full details of transport options.

Please note: Although the information counter is open for airport-related questions from 8am to midnightit is only officially a tourist centre between 9am and 7pm. You may not be able to buy a KrakowCard outside these hours. Have a look at our dedicated KrakowCard page for information on collection points and how to book in advance.

Other Facilities

Kraków Airport takes a minimal approach but you should find most things you need. There are plenty of modernclean toiletswhich are easily found.

I have no first-hand knowledge but the airport seems to take disability seriously and has a ‘blue path’ to aid mobility. See the airport website for details or ask staff on arrival.

Relay store Kraków Airport

In addition to the snacks and tech items already mentionedthe Relay store on the ground floor also sells books (including travel guides)toiletriesluggagetoysand stationery. It’s worth a visit just to see how such a tiny space organises such a comprehensive range of items. There’s a similar store on the upper floornext to the Eat + Fly restaurant.

You’ll find a pharmacy upstairsnext to Costaas well as an observation decka chapelshops selling traditional Polish souvenirsand a couple of play areas for children.

AirPark Balice double guest room

Kraków Airport Hotels

Even though Kraków Airport is well connected to the city centrethere are times when an overnight stay at a nearby hotel is the smartest choiceparticularly if you arrive on a late flight or need to be at the airport first thing in the morning. There are three hotels within 15 minutes of Kraków’s main airport. Each caters to a different price point and all are worth a look.

The Hilton Garden Inn is the closestand the most expensive. This 4-star accommodation is right across the roadmoments away from the terminal entrance. The mid-range class is capably handled by the Hampton by Hiltonless than half-a-mile away to the south of the airportwith a shuttle service available. Finallythe 2-star AirPark Balice is an excellent budget propertyless than 15 minutes away by a free airport minibus.

See our Kraków airport hotel overview for more information.

Getting To Kraków City Centre

There are a number of quick and simple options for travelling into Kraków itself. See our guide Getting From Kraków Airport To Kraków City Centre for full details.

Departing From Kraków Airport

If you’re leaving Kraków by planeyou will probably fly from John Paul II Internationalrather than the airport at Katowice. LandsideKraków Airport is well designed and relatively calm. Airside is more hectic but there is a choice of places to eat and drinkand for buying gifts and souvenirs.

Your arrival at Kraków Airport is determined by the means of transport. Any kind of car of bus will normally drop you off outside the ground floor entranceswhereas the train station (and possibly car park) will bring you in on the upper floor. For a detailed description of transport to John Paul II Internationalsee Getting From Kraków City Centre to Kraków Airport

Kraków Airport Check-in Hall

There are three entrances on the ground floorall on the same side of the building. The doorway on the left-hand side brings you in just next to the Departures areabut the Check-in Hall is easily reached from the other entrances too. Simply enter the buildingturn leftand follow the hallway for a couple of minutes. You’ll quickly find a large area lined with check-in counters for the different airlines. It’s impossible to miss. If you’re pre-booked and don’t need to check any baggageyou can go straight to Security. There’s an escalator to the right of the Check-in Hall. Take this to the upper level and Security is directly in front of you.

The building also has a single entrance on the upper floorleading directly from the train station and car parks. You’ll cross a footbridge and emerge directly opposite Security. If you’re already checked in and don’t need to drop any luggageyou can go straight through to airside. Otherwisetake the escalator just to your left. The Check-in Hall sits at the bottom.

Departure board Departures Hall

Look for a departure board for information about the status of checking inboardingand take off. You should be able to see one from wherever you’re standing. You can find out if checkin has begun for your flight and which counter to go to. Once you’ve checked inyou’re free to pass through Security or to relax in one of the airport’s landside facilities.

Landside Facilities

The landside of Kraków Airport has a cleanopen-plan layout. Everything lies on a simple left-right axiswith very little walled off or tucked around corners. This means the key facilities are almost always clearly visible. Even the upper floor is formed around a balconyso you can see what’s upstairs from the ground floor.

The terminal is divided into four equal quarters. The ground floor is split evenly between Depatures on the left-hand side and Arrivals on the right. The left half of the upper level is mainly shops and serviceswhilst Security takes up the bulk of the right-hand side.

All signage has an English translation and is easy to follow. Over the air announcements are also multi-lingual and purely informational. There’s an information counter just next to the Check-in Hallif you do have questionsor just ask a member of staff.

Information desk Departures Hall

There are pros and cons to waiting landside. It’s much calmer and quieterand there’s usually plenty of room to spread out. There are also play areas to keep children occupied. On the other handthere are more options for spending once you’re through Securitybut it can get a little claustrophobic. My recommendation would be to eat landside but save some money for airside souvenirs and treats.

Food And Drink: There are two cafés on the ground floor. The Suitcase Bar (daily4am-last departure) is self-servicewith packs of sandwiches and salads. There are plug-socket charging points built into the seats. You’ll find it close to the Check-in Hall. The Jet Bistro (daily5am-last arrival) is at the other end of the terminalpast Arrivals. This has a counter service with opentoasted sandwiches and soups. Expect to pay 17zł (4€) for a sandwich at the Suitcase and a little more at the Jet.

The Suitcase Bar

The better bet for departing travellers is the Costa Coffee on the upper floorwhich has a largecomfortable lounge area overlooking the Depature Hall and a children’s play area nearby. They stock a tasty range of Polish sandwichesas well as good cakesteasand even beers. The coffee itself is relatively expensive but I got a free orange juice with mine andat roughly 15zł (3,50€)the sandwiches are generally cheaper than the ground floor cafés. Costa does not currently advertise set times but it will almost certainly be open before your flight.

Eat + Fly restaurant

If you’re particularly hungry and don’t expect to eat on the planethere’s a comprehensive menu at the Eat + Fly restaurant (daily5am-10pm) on the upper level. Find Security andinstead of joining the queuecarry on towards the very end of the terminal. You’ll see a large play area with ping pong and giant chess. The restaurant is tucked away just behind this. The cost of an average main course here is about 25zł (6€).

Money: If you have a limited amount of Polish currency leftthere are plenty of ways to spend it at the airportespecially once you’ve cleared Security. Although there is a currency exchange opposite the Check-in HallI’d recommend changing larger quantities at a city Kantor before reaching the airportas you’re bound to get a better rate. Howeverthere’s little point taking złoty out of the countryso you might as well change them here if you weren’t able to do so earlier.

It’s unlikely you’ll need an ATM at this point butif you doavoid the Euronet machines dotted around the airport and use the cash point outside Bank Pekao instead. On the upper floorfind the footbridge that leads to the train station. Directly to the right of thisyou’ll see a corridor full of car rental agencies. The bank is near the endpast the Europcar office.

Other Facilities: If you’ve forgotten to send postcardsyou can do so at the post officewhich is just inside the Check-in Hall on the right. Opening hours are 9am-3pm Monday-Thursday and 2pm-8pm on Fridayclosed at the weekend.

The airport offers 15 minutes of free wifi. It’s slow but doesn’t require an email address to register. Just select ‘KRK Free WiFi’ in your device’s WiFi settings and the login screen will pop up. Unfortunately you can’t pay to extend this.

Kraków Airport ground floor waiting area

There’s a comfortable waiting area with reclined lounge seating at the very end of the Departures Halljust to the left of the main entrance.

The walkway between Costa Coffee and Security has a chapelsome souvenir shops with varying opening hoursand a play area for children. You’ll also find a games area at the very end of the upper floorpast the queues for Security.

Pharmacy Kraków Airport

To the left of Costa Coffeethere is a chemist (daily7am-9pm) and stairs to the observation deck. You’ll need some loose changeas entry is via a coin-operated gate.

The Relay shop on the ground floor has a surprisingly comprehensive selection of things like snacksreading materialtoiletriesand accessories for electronic devices. It’s open dailyfrom 5am until 10pmand can be found between the Departure and Arrival areas.

Security

Security is on the upper levelin the right half of the terminaldirectly above Arrivals. It’s easy to find. Simply follow the signs for Gate 1-18. If you take the escalator from the Check-in HallSecurity is straight aheadopposite the walkway connecting the terminal building with the train station.

Queuing for Security

Passing through Security is straightforward and similar to most other airports. You’ll arrive at a cordened-off area for queuing. This moves quickly but it can get busy at certain times of day. The free airport smartphone app has live estimates for waiting times.

When you reach the front of the queueyou’ll be directed to put any bags through the X-ray machine. The usual rules apply for separating out any liquidsmetal objectsand electronics. Rather than bundling these in togethertrays must be filled in a specific way. Pay attention to the instructions on the screens as you’re queuing. Unfortunatelythere’s not a lot of room to sort everything out. All the samethe process is reasonably smooth and you should be through in a few minutes. There is also provision for people with special needssuch as limited mobility. Ask a member of staff for assistance.

Airside Facilities

While the compact design of Kraków Airport puts everything within easy reachit has also made the airside experience very cramped in comparison with landside. Regardlessit’s clean and modernwith lots of natural lightand the shopping side of things is pretty good.

Kraków Airport Duty Free

Once through Securityyou’ll immediately pass through a small Duty Free shopselling all the usual perfumescosmeticscigarettesand booze. Andon the other side of thisyou’ll find a tight cluster of shopsand places to eat and drink (see below). Unless stated otherwisemost facilities open from two hours before the first flight until the very last departure of the night.

Kraków Airport hallway leading to shops and Gates 1-5

Main waiting area in Kraków Airport airside

As with the landsideairside is designed around a single hallway running lengthways through the terminal. The waiting area for gates 6-9 is just opposite the main hub of shops. If you turn left and walk to the endyou’ll find a large waiting area for gates 1-5. There’s a restaurant and a few more shops at that end. Turn right to reach gates 10-18. There’s a separate section for travel within the Schengen Area and passengers are required to show their passports before passing through. Beyond this barrier are toiletsa couple of places for drinks and snacksand a glass box for smokers!

Schengen waiting area Kraków Airport

Snacks in Schengen waiting area

Kraków Airport smoking booth

If your plane hasn’t been assigned a gate yetjust sit anywhere. There are departure boards throughoutso you can stay up to date. There are also comfortable business lounges in both the Schengen and Non-Schengen waiting zones. These have showersrefreshmentsand unlimited wifi. Admission can be purchased on the door. There are plenty of toilets scattered around the whole departure area.

So!Coffee

Food And Drink: You’ll find So!Coffee opposite Duty Free. Though it gets crowdedyou can get pulled pork rollssaladsand quichesin addition to cakes and soft drinksand there are charging points built into the tables. Expect to pay around 30zł (7€) for coffee and a croissant.

Boccone Trattoria Kraków Airport

For something more substantialtry the Boccone Trattoria (7am-11pm)next to the Duty Free. Though the décor doesn’t let you forget you’re in an airportthe pizza and pasta dishes look and taste good. A standard main course costs around 49zł (11,50€). Otherwiseyou’ll find local cuisine at Galicyain the main waiting area near gates 1-5.

Virgin store Kraków Airport

Other Facilities: In the small batch of shops around the Duty Freeyou’ll find a fairly large Virgin store (5am-10pm)selling bookspapers and magazinessweets and drinksas well as toyschocolatesand other souvenirs. The Keraniss shop stocks a similar range but also includes alcohol and cigarettes. There’s also a rather nice delicatessen called Premium Food Gate (5am-10pm)selling local food and drink products.

Premium Food Gate

Discover Kraków

I recommend Discover Kraków (5am-10pm) in the main waiting areanear Galicya and gates 1-5. Deceptively smallthis shop covers the range of ‘typically’ Polish souvenirsfrom local chocolates and vodka setsto folk art ceramics and scarvesand Lady with an Ermine bags and t-shirts. The Fashion Place and S&A Jewellery Design sell more upmarket itemssuch as amberwatchesdesigner spectacles and clothing.

Kraków Airport exercise class

Meanwhilethe Toys Store has plenty to occupy restless childrenand there is a kids’ play area at either end of the terminal. You might even find there’s a free exercise and stretching workshop taking place near gate 4to help shake off travel stiffness.

Once your flight is called and you’ve passed through boardingyou’ll be picked up by a shuttle bus and taken to your plane.

Western Kraków: We designate Western Kraków as the extended area to the left of central districts Piasek and Nowy Świat. The area includes the huge parkland of Błonia and Kościuszko Moundas well as the Tyniec Benedictine Abbeyfurther west. Hotels include the Art Deco Crown Krakow Center.

Read More About Flying Via Kraków Airport

• How To Get To Kraków
• How To Travel From The UK To Kraków
• Kraków Airport Guide
• Kraków Airport Hotels