Auschwitz & Birkenau Day Trip from Krakow with Pickup

Summary

Walk through Auschwitz & Birkenau’s silent spaces with a local guide and shared group from Krakow

You’ll feel the weight of history as you walk through Auschwitz & Birkenau on this day trip from Krakow. Expect early pickup at your hotel, entry tickets arranged for you, and an English-speaking guide who brings context to every step. It’s not easy—but it’s honest, deeply moving travel that stays with you long after you’re back in Krakow.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under our shoes as we stepped off the minivan in front of Auschwitz. Our driver Marek had picked us up right outside our hotel in Krakow just after 7:30—he even remembered to ask if we’d had breakfast, which felt oddly caring for such a heavy day ahead. The drive took about an hour and twenty minutes, mostly quiet except for some nervous chatter between strangers. I kept looking out at the fields, trying to imagine what was coming next.

Our English-speaking guide met us by the entrance, gathering us into a small group (maybe 20 or so). She spoke softly but clearly—there’s something about her tone that made everyone listen closer. Inside Auschwitz I, the air felt cold even though it wasn’t really. There’s this faint smell—dust and old wood, maybe?—and every so often you catch a sound echoing down the corridors. The displays are hard to look at sometimes. At one point, someone behind me whispered “I didn’t know it was this real,” and honestly, same.

After about two hours there, we moved on to Birkenau. The scale is… I don’t know how to describe it without sounding dramatic. Standing by those railway tracks with our guide explaining how people arrived here—it hits differently when you’re actually there. A bird landed on the fence while she talked about liberation; I remember that more than any fact she said in that moment. We all walked slower after that.

Marek was waiting for us at the parking lot when we finished (he waved—kind of awkwardly, but sweet). The ride back to Krakow was quiet again, except this time it felt heavier somehow. I keep thinking about that silence and how much it said on its own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour from Krakow

• Pick up from Krakow hotel
• Drive to Auschwitz (1h20m)
• Join English guided tour at Auschwitz
• Visit Auschwitz for about 2 hours
• Visit Birkenau for about 1h20m
• Driver waits at museum parking
• Return to Krakow (arrive 14:30-16:30)

Top questions

How long does the Auschwitz & Birkenau day trip from Krakow take?

The full tour lasts around 7 hours including transport between Krakow and both sites.

Is hotel pickup included for the Auschwitz tour?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup in Krakow is included in your booking.

How big are the groups during the guided tour?

The average group size at Auschwitz is between 20-30 people.

What language is the guided tour in?

The guided tour is conducted in English by a licensed guide.

Are tickets for Auschwitz & Birkenau included?

Yes, all entry tickets are pre-booked for you as part of your reservation.

Do I need to bring my passport or ID?

Yes, you must bring your ID or passport as guards will check before entry.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; it's best to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; content may be difficult for some ages.

What should I bring with me on this day trip?

A small bag (max 30x20x10cm), your ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and water.

What’s included

Your day includes door-to-door transport from your hotel in Krakow by minivan, pre-arranged entry tickets to both Auschwitz and Birkenau camps, an English-speaking licensed guide throughout both sites, plus all logistics handled so you can focus fully on what matters most during these hours together.