To visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, located in Oświęcim, Poland, it is essential to plan your trip carefully, starting with your choice ofarrival airport.
The main airports nearby are Krakow-Balice (KRK ) and Katowice-Pyrzowice (KTW) in Poland andOstrava Airport in the Czech Republic.
Let’s find out together where to land to visit Auschwitz and how to reach the memorial from the airport.
ALT! Before we go any further, let me give you a valuable tip: to visit Auschwitz from Krakow, it is really advisable to buy a travel package with an organized tour, so you can easily reach the memorial and avoid the long lines at the entrance to the museum-camp.
Ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau and travel from Krakow
Buy online. Choose the time of your choice. Visit the prisoner barracks, infamous gas chambers and crematoria on your own.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
What is the nearest airport to Auschwitz
| Airport | State | Distance to Auschwitz |
| John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice (KRK) | Poland | 44.9 km |
| Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport (KTW) | Poland | 48.9 km |
| Ostrava Airport (OSR) | Czech Republic | 84.8 km |
John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice (KRK)
Krakow Airport: Photo ID 342956506 © Crocq Crocq | Dreamstime.com
Located about 44.9 km from Oświęcim, Krakow Airport is the closest airport to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. It offers connections to many European cities and some intercontinental destinations.
Located about 11 km from the center of Krakow, it offers several modes of transportation to travel to the city.
How to get to Auschwitz from Krakow airport
To reach Auschwitz from Krakow airport, located about 50 km from the memorial, the most practical means is by car. By driving east on the A4 highway, you will reach your destination in less than an hour.
However, for those who prefer public transportation, the connection may be less straightforward: it is necessary to reach the center of Kraków or Katowice first and then continue to Oświęcim, where the memorial is located. From here, the camp is about 2 km from the station.
Alternatively, private transfers or organized tours are available that offer a complete package with pickup from Kraków, transportation to the memorial, and return to Kraków. Some of these services also include a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, allowing visitors a stress-free experience organized down to the smallest detail.
Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport (KTW)
Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport: Photo ID 253624775 © Mino Surkala | Dreamstime.com
Located about 48.9 km from Oświęcim, Katowice Airport is another attractive option. This stopover also offers connections to several European and intercontinental cities.
How to reach Auschwitz from Katowice airport
To reach the center, you can use public or private transportation, with a travel time of about an hour. Options include private services from Matuszek and public services from PKM Katowice, which make regular departures every hour.
Once in Katowice, Auschwitz (Oświęcim) is an additional 38 km away. Direct buses to Auschwitz depart from the PKS Katowice bus station on weekdays at 7:50 am. Other buses, such as those to Wadowice, stop at Auschwitz with departures at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 5:30 pm, available daily. It is also possible to travel by train: direct rides are available at 5:38 a.m., 2:32 p.m., and 3:32 p.m., as well as trains changing almost every hour.
For those who prefer private transportation, there are services such as POiT Marek Gotfryd with frequent departures (6:00, 7:45, 9:30, 11:10, 13:00, 15:15 and 16:20) or BESKIDUS Sp. z o.o., with departures at 10:00 and 16:00. Once in Oświęcim, the Auschwitz camp is about 2 km away and can be reached by local bus, cab or private transport.
Despite these options, the city of Krakow remains a more practical and convenient choice for reaching Auschwitz due to its proximity and greater availability of connections, being in the same region.
Ostrava Airport (OSR), Czech Republic
Ostrava Airport: Photo ID 96519841 © A1977 | Dreamstime.com
Located about 84.8 km from Oświęcim, Ostrava Airport is a less common option, but could be considered depending on flight availability.
How to get from Ostrava airport to Auschwitz
To reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum from Ostrava, there are several transportation options.
One of the most common solutions is by train. There are direct train connections between Ostrava and Oświęcim, the Polish city where Auschwitz is located. For example, overnight trains operated by companies such as ÖBB EuroCity and Czech Railways (ČD) depart from Ostrava’s main station, known as Ostrava Hlavní Nádraží, and arrive in Oświęcim in about two and a half hours. An alternative is to travel with a change in Bohumín, which may increase travel time slightly but offers more flexibility in schedules.
Another practical option is to travel by car. The distance between Ostrava and Auschwitz is about 90 kilometers and can be traveled in about one hour and twenty minutes, depending on traffic. This means allows you to travel comfortably and manage your own visiting time.
For those who prefer a more organized experience, there are guided tours from Ostrava to Auschwitz-Birkenau. These packages, offered by several travel agencies, include round-trip transportation and a guided tour of the site. They are ideal for those who want a structured and informative experience.
Conclusions
Airport choice depends on flight availability, budget, and personal preference.
Krakow tends to be the most popular choice due to its proximity and easier transportation options to Oświęcim. It is advisable to book entrance tickets to the Memorial in advance, as access is regulated and the number of daily visitors is limited.
Also, it is important to consider the time of year you plan to visit. The summer months tend to be busier, while the winter months offer a quieter experience, although weather conditions can be harsher.
For more information, read the article on how to get to the Auschwitz camp.
Ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau and travel from Krakow
Purchase online. Choose the time of your choice. Visit the prisoner barracks, infamous gas chambers and crematoria on your own.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
