Kraków Central Train Station

With regular routes to Warsaw and other Polish cities, as well as Oświęcim (Auschwitz), Zakopane, and neighbouring European destinations, Kraków Główny is the city’s main transport hub. Read on for information about what to expect.

Main station hallway

Completed in 2014, Kraków Główny replaced the existing train station with a multimillion złoty upgrade of facilities and passenger capacity. The main passageway and ticket hall are now directly beneath the tracks, with a good selection of shops and places to eat. There is a bus and coach station to the rear and an underground tram stop on the lowest level. From the street, Kraków Główny is almost completely hidden, due to its location behind the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall.

The location of the station building is unbeatable, as it sits just to the northeast tip of the Old Town. And, if you have an onward journey to get to your accommodation, it is surrounded by tram, bus, and taxi options to other parts of the city. Train services also run to southern parts of the city, including Kraków Grzegórzki (close to Kazimerz) and Kraków Zabłocie, which is close to the Oskar Schindler Museum.

The Polish train service is very good and excellent value for money. Kraków has direct routes to Warsaw, Oświęcim (Auschwitz), Zakopane, Łódź, Gdańsk, Katowice, and many other Polish cities, as well as foreign cities including Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Prague. Overnight sleeper trains are available on some of these routes. It’s also the fastest way to and from Kraków Airport.

If you are just arriving in Kraków by train, take a look at What to Expect When Arriving at Kraków Główny on our Getting From Kraków Airport To Kraków City Centre page. Much of what follows is about using the station as a point of departure.

Although the subterranean area is a bit of a rabbit warren, the station is relatively easy to navigate, mainly thanks to the clear signage. The layout falls into just three main sections with an additional passageway that connect them, depending on which entrance you use to enter the station.

There are five platforms (peron), numbered accordingly, although these have a track (tor) on either side, serving 10 tracks in total. This is worth bearing in mind when you need to catch the train. Pay attention to the departure boards, so you know you are on the right side of the platform.

Kraków’s original train station buidling

How to Get to Kraków’s Main Train Station

You’ll find Kraków Główny a little to the northeast of the Old Town, bordered by Pawia to the west (its official address) and Lubicz to the south. The curious thing is that you can’t actually see it. The terminal building is underground and the platforms are mostly hidden by the shopping mall that sits in front of it. So, it’s the mall you want to be looking for, or the original station building (now an exhibition space).

There are effectively three entrances to the station building: through the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall, via the covered walkway that sits behind Galeria Krakowska, or down the steps down into the bus station, directly to the back of the complex. The station is open 24 hours a day but different entrances may be more appropriate depending on the time of day.

Entrance to the underpass

You can find the right area from the north-west corner of the Old Town by just crossing the road, but there is also an underpass from Planty Park, close to the Teatr Słowackiego, that leads directly into the open square next to Galeria Krakowska. Follow one of the ramps down, as seen in the image above, and walk through. There are some shops and toilets, as well as some alternative exits. But just keep walking straight ahead.

The other side of the underpass

Follow the ramp on the other side of the underpass. Note the hotel at the top of the slope. This is Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Cracow, which will help you navigate to the station.

If you’re arriving via public transport, many buses or trams will drop you on Pawia, close to the Galeria Krakowska entrance, and a number of trams stop at the Dworzec Główny Tunel, directly underneath the train station. Any of the Teatr Słowackiego stops are also good. Use Jakdojade, Kraków’s online route planner if you need to work out how to get there.

Pawia entrance to Galeria Krakowska and Kraków Główny train station

Entering Kraków Główny via Galeria Krakowska

The simplest way to access Kraków Główny is through the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. Once you have crossed the road, either overground or via the subway, look for the Vienna House hotel, and continue up Pawia with the hotel on your right. You’ll find the mall just beyond. Continue along the left-hand side of the complex until you reach the main set of doors on your right – see the image above.

Alternatively, a number of trams and buses stop in Pawia, right outside Galeria Krakowska.

Once inside, just take the escalator to the lower level and the station doors are directly ahead, with signs pointing you in the right direction.

Entrance to Kraków Główny train station

There is a red and white ticket machine just in front of the doors and, once inside, you’ll find yourself in the main hallway, with a departures board to the left, shops and places to eat in front of you, and the ticket hall down the steps to the right. The bus station is at the end of this corridor. See the sections below on layout and buying tickets for more details.

Note, however, that this entrance is only available when the mall is open. If you need to catch a night train or need to get to the airport for an early flight, you’ll need to use one of the other entrances.

Galeria Krakowska also has a southern entrance, which is much less convenient, as you’ll need to pass through the entire mall to reach the train station.

The square in front of Galeria Krakowska

Entering Kraków Główny via plac Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego

The other main route to the train station is around the back of Galeria Krakowska. It’s not as direct but you’ll need to use this when the shopping mall is closed.

Once you have crossed from the Old Town, either overground or via the subway, walk across the square to the right of the Vienna House hotel. You’ll see the southern entrance of Galeria Krakowska in front of you and the original station building to your right. Walk towards the small gap between the two.

Walkway to station side entrance

Once you get there, you’ll see a ticket machine and a long covered walkway. Follow this, with the back of the shopping mall to your left and the train tracks to your right.

Staircase down to platform access

Eventually, you’ll first come to some stairs. If you just need to get to a platform, take these and follow the tunnel.

Ramp down to ticket hall and platforms

If you need the ticket office or some other station facility, carry on until you reach the ramp. Go through the sliding doors at the bottom and you’ll find some stairs leading down to the main station area.

Staircase down from the bus station and Bosacka street

Entering Kraków Główny via Kraków Central Bus Station

You’re unlikely to use the final entrance but it might be handy if you are staying somewhere like the Radisson RED to the east of the station.

If you turn into Bosacka, off Lubicz, and follow the road along, with Park Strzelecki to your right and across the pedestrianised section, you’ll eventually come to the city bus station. At the end of the building you’ll find a lift, escalator, and flight of stairs down, with the back entrance to the station in front of you.

Inside is the main passageway of shops and places to eat, with access to the platforms and the ticket hall to your left.

Main hallway of Kraków Główny

Layout and Orientation of Kraków Główny Train Station

Kraków Główny may seem a bit disorienting when you first arrive but the layout is actually fairly straightforward. Luckily the station is really clearly signed with intuitive graphics that cover nearly everything you need.

Good clear signage

There is a main passageway, which leads front to back, from the shopping mall through to the bus station, with stairs, lifts, and elevators to the platforms on the upper level. There’s a main departures board just inside the Galeria Krakowska entrance and a few ticket machines and ATMs dotted around. This passageway also contains quite a few shops and places to eat, which branch out into little alleyways. There is a left luggage desk and money exchange just inside and to the right of the Galeria Krakowska entrance.

Main departures board

The passageway also connects to a lower mezzanine area with a ticket office, waiting area, left luggage lockers and desk, and toilets. See below for information on these. There is another departures board above the ticket desks.

Parallel to this main passageway is a smaller walkway called Tunel Magda. This connects the platforms and you should only need to use it if you enter the station via the side entrance.

Once you know what platform your train leaves from, you can wander down either passage until you find the one you need. These are are fairly easy to spot. Take the stairs, lift, or escalator up to the upper level and you should emerge right on the platform.

Each platform is divided into two tracks

Platforms in Poland are subdivided into two. The track on the left and right both share the same platform number. So, in addition to knowing which platform (peron) the train departs from, you also need to pay attention to which track (tor). In reality, this is fairly logical and much less confusing than it may sound. Check the platform departure boards if you’re worried about getting on the wrong train and the destination on the side before you board.

Platform staircase leading to the station building

Also note: your ticket will be for a specific departure, rather than a particular route, so it’s important to get on the right train at the right time.

Finally, there is a subterranean tram stop on the lowest level.

In summary, then, the station is split over three-and-a-half levels, with the platforms at the top, the connecting passageway with shops in the middle, a ticket hall on a mezzanine just below that, and a tram station at the bottom. The platforms are connected front to back via the main passageway and a secondary tunnel. You can enter the station from the front – via Galeria Krakowska, from the back – via the Bosacka bus station, and from the side – via the walkway between Galeria Krakowska and the original station building.

Buying Tickets at Kraków Główny Train Station

The Polish rail network is modern and growing all the time. The intercity trains are speedy and offer good value for money. You can buy tickets online and via an app in advance, as well as from automatic machines or over the counter in the station. It is also possible to pay onboard the train itself or to buy from a guard. You will almost certainly have your ticket checked during your trip.

Buying Polish Train Tickets Online

The Polish rail service is operated by a number of different providers. Broadly, PKP Intercity runs the high-speed trains between the main destinations, while Polregio runs the more localised routes. However, there are also some trains offered by other private firms.

For most tourist purposes, the speedy PKP Intercity trains is a good solution. You can buy tickets in advance directly from the official PKP Intercity website. The interface is easy to understand and has an English-language version. Better still, is the official PKP Intercity mobile app that lets you buy tickets on your phone, for both iOS and Android.

However, because the route you want may be better served by another train provider, it’s good to check the relatively new train ticket comparison site Koleo. There is an English interface that is snappy to use and will give you the basic timetable and prices, but you’ll need to create an account to see more. There is also a Koleo app so you can buy tickets on your phone.

Generally, you are buying a ticket for a specific train rather than a particular route, so be sure to catch the right train at the right time!

Ticket machine just outside Kraków Główny train station

Using Kraków Główny Ticket Machines

There are a number of ticket machines dotted around Kraków Główny train station. You’ll find one inside Galeria Krakowska, just outside the entrance to the station. There’s also one outside the old train station building, just before the walkway leading to the station’s side entrance.

Although the machines are simple to use, it can be a bit intimidating if there is someone behind you in a hurry to buy a ticket. You may find it more comfortable to buy tickets online or via an app (see above) or from the ticket desk (see below).

Ticket machine welcome screen

The machines accept cash, cards, and contactless payments, and are fairly straightforward to use. There is an option to change languages at the bottom left of the touchscreen. Here, we have Polish, English, and German, though options may vary.

There is a menu of the most popular routes on the right-hand side of the screen, which here includes Warsaw, Kraków Airport, and Auschwitz. Hitting one of these will auto-populate the departure and destination, along with today’s date and a time. You change any of these by touching the specific field in the left-hand window. So, you are able to buy advanced tickets as well.

Choose your destination

Select the Destination field, if appropriate, and select from the options onscreen. Again, there is a shortcut menu to the left of the most popular destinations. This will whittle down as you spell out the name with the letters on the right. Once you find where you want to go, select it on the screen and the screen will revert back to the original page.

Remember, you are buying for this specific route, so make sure you have enough time to catch the train before committing to the earliest departure.

Hit the green NEXT button

Once you have selected route locations and times, you can hit the green NEXT button and the machine will calculate available times and tickets.

Choose which journey suits you

Decide which one suits you best and select on the right-hand side of the screen.

Choose how many tickets you need

Then adjust how many tickets you want by using the plus or minus buttons. In most cases these will just be regular tickets. Then confirm with the green button at the bottom.

Summary screen before buying

You’ll next see a summary of the ticket you are about to buy with the price and details of which payment methods are available. Assuming you are happy with this, agree to pay and either feed the appropriate slot with cash or your card, or use the contactless sensor. Your tickets will print out behind the window at the foot of the machine.

Note that ticket machines and the user interface are subject to change and may not be exactly as featured above.

Kraków Główny ticket hall

Kraków Główny Ticket Office

The mezzanine level below the main passageway in Kraków Główny is a ticket hall with a number of counters. There is usually a queue, though staffing adapts to demand. In my experience the staff in Kraków tend to speak good English and will be helpful. The advantage over the other means of buying a ticket is that you can ask questions and make sure you get exactly what you need. You’ll be able to pay with cash, card, or contactless.

Ticket machine on Polish train

Buying Polish Train Tickets on the Train

Most Polish trains also have ticket machines on the train itself. This is handy if you’re in a rush. These tend to be card (and contactless) only and you can’t always guarantee they’re working.

You can also buy your ticket directly from one of the train guards. Nearly every train journey in Poland will include a ticket inspection and they generally won’t fine you if you pay up once challenged. It’s probably better not to chance it and to get a ticket in advance.

Signs pointing to station facilities

Other Facilities in Kraków Główny Train Station

Kraków Główny is a modern station that has been designed for the smooth flow of passengers. It can feel busy but rarely overwhelming, in my experience. The lack of natural lighting is a little oppressive but it has pretty much all the facilities you could want.

The station is open 24 hours a day, though restaurants and retail tend to shut between 10pm and 6am.

Luggage lockers in the station booking hall

Left Luggage Options at Kraków Główny Train Station

You have four options at Kraków Główny if you want to store your luggage: a coin-operated locker, one of two left-luggage desks, or one of the lockers that accept cards upstairs in the nearby bus station.

Left luggage lockers

The lockers are the handiest, as they are accessible 24 hours a day. These are located next to the lifts on either side of the ticket counters in the lower mezzanine. The snag is that you’ll need the right coins to use them, as they don’t take cards and there is no change machine nearby.

At time of writing, these cost 15-20zł for small to big lockers, for 24 hours. There are also specialised lockers for ski and golfing equipment (20 and 22zł respectively).

The station-run left-luggage counter is near these lockers, by the lift to platform 5. This is open daily from 7am to 10pm, except Sunday, when it is open from 8am to 9pm. These cost 7, 9, and 11zł for 24 hours, and you can pay by card. You pay when you collect your luggage.

The private left-luggage counter also takes cards and costs 13zł per item. You’ll find that near the currency exchange counter close to the exit to Galeria Krakowska, with similar opening hours to the station-run counter.

Finally, there are self-service lockers that accept cards on the upper floor of the bus station, to the back of Kraków Główny. However, these are also only available between 6am and 10pm.

All information is correct at time of writing.

Toilets and Showers at Kraków Główny Train Station

The toilets in Kraków Główny can be found to the right of the ticket counters. They cost 3.50zł, though you can use a card to pay. These include baby changing facilities, as well as showers costing 15zł to use.

The disabled toilets are near Burger King: “take lift no.1 or 5 from the south side of the station, choosing level -2,” according to the station website.

There are also free toilets on the upper floor of Galeria Krakowska.

Shops and Food at Kraków Główny Train Station

There’s quite a decent selection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and fast food joints in Kraków Główny, including the Polskie Smaki restaurant, Burger King and McDonald’s McCafé, a Biedronka supermarket, and more.

See the Kraków Główny website for an up-to-date list of which franchises are currently in operation.

There’s an even wider choice of places in neighbouring Galeria Krakowska.

Note that most outlets close at 10pm or earlier on most evenings.

Getting Money at Kraków Główny Train Station

You’ll find a number of ATMs scattered around Kraków Główny. However, we advise you to avoid the Euronet machines inside the station, as they are well-known to charge unreasonable commission. If you need cash, use one of the bank ATMs in Galeria Krakowska, such as outside ING.

There is a currency exchange desk inside the station, to the right, just after you enter via Galeria Krakowska. Again, though, this is likely to offer less competitive rates. Use the Kantor on the first floor of Galeria Krakowska, just outside the Carrefour supermarket.

Getting Information at Kraków Główny Train Station

There is an information desk on the mezzanine level of the station, close to the ticket counters, which is open between 7am and 9pm.

Public waiting area

Comfort and Accessibility at Kraków Główny Train Station

There is an open-plan waiting area on the mezzanine level of the station, opposite the ticket counters. This is open 24 hours but you may struggle to get a seat at certain times of day.

Free wifi is available by choosing _PKP_WIFI in the list of available networks.

Despite the ramps, elevators, and wide, flat passageways in the station, there are some barriers to accessibility. There is no loop system in the ticket office and getting on and off trains can be tricky.

Disabled toilets are located near Burger King. See the section further up the page for details.

Exit from Kraków Główny train station

How to Exit Kraków Główny Train Station

To get out of Kraków Główny, follow any of the signs for Stare Miasto, ul. Pawia, or Galeria Krakowska. There are slightly different routes depending where you are or how you leave the platform.

The Stare Miasto exit points you in the right direction for Kraków’s Old Town, generally taking you to a covered walkway, which leads to the square south of the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. From there, you can take the subway to the Old Town or simply cross the road. There are also buses and trams from Pawia and Lubicz, and around the Old Town perimeter.

The ul. Pawia and Galeria Krakowska routes lead to the main road to the west of the shopping mall, where you can pick up trams and buses, or walk to the Old Town or Kleparz district. You’ll generally pass through the mall itself, so access is unavailable after 10pm.

You can also exit via the bus station, to the back of the building, which brings you out into ul. Bosacka, though this is only convenient if you are staying to the immediate east of Kraków Główny. Looks for the Dworzec autobusowy signs and bus icons.

Onward travel options

Onward Travel from Kraków Główny Train Station

In addition to being a train station, Kraków Główny is also a transport hub for the rest of the city. You are walking distance from the Old Town and trains run to local stops, including Kraków Grzegórzki (handy for Kazimerz) and Kraków Zabłocie, which serves the Podgórze district.

A number of bus and coach services run from the bus station behind Kraków Główny and the neighbouring streets. You can catch trams from streets to the west and south of the station area, and there is a tram station on the lowest level of the terminal building.

Jakdojade, Kraków’s online route planner is an excellent way to work out which form of transport is the best for your destination.

Bus station taxi rank

Finally, you can catch a taxi from either the forecourt of the bus station, directly outside the back exit to Kraków Główny, or use the taxi rank on the roof of the building, by taking the elevator up.

See our Getting Around in Kraków guide for more information.

Kleparz and Wesoła Districts: Directly to the north and east of the Old Town, Kraków’s Kleparz and Wesoła districts are handy for the main train station and the main Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. You’ll also find the Stary Kleparz fruit and veg market and a good mix of places to stay. Hotel highlights include Vienna House and Michelin-listed Filipa 18 is completely sourced from the local market.