Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour from Krakow: Tickets, Pickup & Small Group

Summary

Small group journey to Auschwitz with real stories and quiet moments

You’ll be picked up early from your hotel in Krakow for a small group day trip to Auschwitz & Birkenau. A local guide shares moving stories as you walk through both sites together—headphones included so you catch every detail. There’s time for reflection between stops, plus smooth transportation and all tickets handled for you. It’s not easy—but it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started off with me fumbling for my ID — I’d left it in yesterday’s jacket, of course. Our driver just grinned and said it happens all the time. We squeezed into the minivan with six others (one guy snoring softly against the window) and rolled out of Krakow while the sky was still that pale blue-grey. There was this hush in the car, not awkward, just everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts as we headed toward Auschwitz. The drive took about an hour and a half but honestly felt shorter; maybe it was nerves or just watching the fields blur past.

At the entrance, our driver handed us tickets and pointed out where to go — he even reminded me again about my ID (I’d checked my pockets three times by then). The security check felt a bit like an airport but quieter somehow. Our local guide met us right after; she spoke softly but every word landed heavy. Walking through Auschwitz I, you hear gravel crunch underfoot and there’s this faint smell — old stone and something metallic? I kept fiddling with my headset because I didn’t want to miss anything she said. She paused at one spot and told a story about a family from Krakow. I caught myself holding my breath.

We had a short break before heading over to Birkenau — our driver waited by the van, offering water bottles without saying much. The weather had turned colder by then; I remember rubbing my hands together as we walked along those endless tracks. Someone behind me whispered something in Polish that sounded like a prayer. It’s strange how quiet it is there, even with thirty people around you. I thought maybe I’d feel overwhelmed, but mostly it was this slow heaviness that stuck with me all the way back to Krakow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow

• Hotel pickup in Krakow
• Drive 1.5 hours to Auschwitz
• Receive tickets and security check
• Join guided tour of Auschwitz 1
• Take 15-minute break
• Visit Birkenau museum section
• Drive back to Krakow hotel

Top questions

How long does the Auschwitz day trip from Krakow take?

The tour lasts most of the day, including 1.5 hours each way for transport plus about 3 hours at both sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Auschwitz tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow are included with your booking.

Are entry tickets to Auschwitz & Birkenau provided?

Yes, all entrance tickets are included—no need to queue or buy separately.

How big is the group on this tour?

The transport is limited to 8 people per vehicle; guided groups at the site are up to 30 people.

Is there a local guide during the visit?

Yes, a licensed local guide leads your group through both Auschwitz I and Birkenau.

Are headphones provided for the guided tour?

Yes, each participant receives headphones to hear the guide clearly throughout.

Can infants join this tour? Are seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request; suitable for all fitness levels.

What do I need to bring for entry?

You must bring your ID card or passport for security checks at entry.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, comfortable small-group transport with an English-speaking driver, all entrance fees and tickets for both Auschwitz and Birkenau, headsets so you can hear your local guide clearly throughout each site visit, plus help if any issues come up along the way before returning quietly back to your hotel.