Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Walk through Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow with local insight

You’ll travel from Krakow with hotel pickup, spend hours walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau guided by someone who knows every detail, and stand where history happened — sometimes in silence, sometimes listening closely. Expect small moments that stay with you long after you’re back in Krakow.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the seat edge, I watched the city fade behind us as our driver navigated out of Krakow. He asked if we’d had breakfast — I hadn’t, nerves maybe — and then let us sit quietly. The air in the van felt different than other tours I’ve done, heavier somehow, but our driver was gentle about it, pointing out Oświęcim on the sign as we got closer. I remember the fields outside were still damp from last night’s rain.

At Auschwitz I, our guide met us right at the entrance. She spoke softly but clear English, and didn’t rush. We moved in a small group, listening to her explain things like “Arbeit Macht Frei” over the gate — she paused there longer than I expected. Inside the barracks, I could smell old wood and something colder underneath. There was this moment when someone’s phone buzzed and nobody looked at it; everyone just kept listening. It’s not a place for distractions.

Walking between Auschwitz and Birkenau is just a few minutes by shuttle but feels much longer in your head. The scale of Birkenau hit me differently — endless rows of chimneys and that wide-open sky above the railway tracks. Our guide pointed out where families would have stood on arrival; she didn’t dramatize it, just let us stand there quietly. There was a chill even though it wasn’t cold. I tried to say thank you in Polish at the end (“dziękuję”), probably butchered it — she smiled anyway.

The drive back to Krakow was almost silent except for some soft music on the radio. I kept thinking about those rooms and how careful everyone was with their footsteps inside. It’s not something you leave behind easily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour from Krakow

• Hotel pick up in Krakow
• Transfer to Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Guided tour of Auschwitz I and II
• Explore gas chambers and barracks
• Learn about WWII genocide history
• Return transfer to Krakow hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz?

The tour lasts about 6.5 to 7 hours including transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this Auschwitz tour?

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

Are entry fees for Auschwitz-Birkenau covered?

Yes, entry/admission fees are included in your booking.

Will there be a guide at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

A licensed English-speaking guide leads the visit at both sites.

How big are the tour groups?

The guided tour has a maximum of 30 participants per group.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What should I bring or avoid bringing?

Bags must not exceed 30x20x10cm inside the museum; bring ID as names must match tickets.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, all entry fees for both parts of Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort during travel time, guidance throughout by an official English-speaking guide provided by the museum itself, plus support from your English-speaking driver before and after your visit so you never feel lost along the way.