Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow: Guided visit with pickup

Walk through the original camp buildings and Birkenau ruins with a guide who contextualizes what you're standing in front of

A guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum & Memorial in Oświęcim, 70 km from Krakow, led by a professional English-speaking guide in groups up to 30 people. Hotel pickup and drop-off, museum entry, and transport are included. The visit spans roughly two hours in Auschwitz I (the main camp) and one hour in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with breaks between sections. Bags larger than 30x20x10 cm are not permitted on the grounds. Luggage can be stored in the vehicle at no charge. Names and surnames must match your passport or travel document.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

• Travel from Krakow to Auschwitz
• Take a break before museum visit
• Tour Auschwitz I camp
• Take a 15-minute break
• Tour Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel or a meeting point in Krakow and driven roughly 90 minutes to Oświęcim. The site itself covers almost 200 hectares: over 150 buildings and about 300 ruins, including the remains of gas chambers and crematoria. Your guide leads the group through the permanent exhibitions and original structures of Auschwitz I first, where you'll spend about two hours walking the grounds and entering the preserved barracks, administrative buildings and other facilities. After a 15-minute break, you move into Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger camp where the majority of deportations took place, spending roughly an hour there before the return drive to Krakow.

The guide speaks English throughout and contextualizes what you encounter: the layout of the camps, the history of the site, and what each building or ruin represents. A considerate amount of walking is involved across uneven terrain and between structures, so wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. The tour operates regardless of conditions. The group size stays under 30 people, which keeps the pace manageable and allows the guide to answer questions. WiFi is available on the bus during transit.

Luggage larger than a small daypack must be left in the vehicle. The museum does not allow bags over 30x20x10 cm on the grounds. If you're between 18 and 26, bring a valid student ID. The museum may offer discounted entry with proof. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The operator confirms the tour five days in advance, so you'll receive final details about your departure time and pickup location closer to your date. An optional paid lunch-box can be ordered from the driver if you prefer not to eat in the on-site café.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow.
• museum admission ticket.
• guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
• transport to and from Oświęcim.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:10

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (27 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (14 to 26 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by CRACOW LOCAL TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Krakow with a free afternoon or morning and want to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau without arranging your own transport or navigating the site alone: the guide, entry and pickup handle the logistics so you can focus on the visit itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 26 years); Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau?

The drive takes about 90 minutes each way. Total time for the tour, including transport and both on-site visits, is roughly 7 to 8 hours.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, museum admission, the guided tour with an English-speaking guide, transport to and from the site, and WiFi on the bus are all included. An optional lunch-box can be purchased separately from the driver.

What can I bring into the museum?

Bags and backpacks larger than 30x20x10 cm are not allowed on the museum grounds. You can store larger luggage in the vehicle free of charge during your visit.

What documents do I need to bring?

Bring a document (passport, ID card or travel permit) that shows your name and surname exactly as you provided it when booking: tickets are personal and names must match. If you're 18 to 26, bring a valid student ID in case the museum offers student pricing.

How much walking is involved?

A considerate amount of walking takes place across both camps, with uneven terrain between buildings and ruins. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

When will I find out my pickup time?

The operator confirms the tour five days before your visit date and will provide your exact pickup time and location at that point.