Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Two historic sites from Krakow in one moving day with local guides

You’ll start your day in Krakow with hotel pickup and travel with a small group to both Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Guided tours at each site help you understand their stories—sometimes through words, sometimes through silence. Expect moments of reflection and connection as you return to the city before dinner.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the van to be so quiet that early—maybe everyone else felt the weight of where we were headed. Our driver Marek nodded as we climbed in, still blinking sleep from our eyes. He handed out headphones and checked names, but it was the way he said “You’ll want to listen carefully today” that stuck with me. The road out of Krakow was misty, and I kept thinking about what I’d read about Auschwitz-Birkenau but honestly, nothing prepares you for walking through those gates. There’s this coldness—not just the weather, but something deeper—and our guide Anna spoke softly as she showed us the barracks. She paused at a pile of worn shoes behind glass and let us stand there in silence. I caught myself holding my breath.

Afterwards, we drove on to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It’s only about 30 minutes from Krakow’s center but feels like another world—underground tunnels stretching for what seems like forever. The air tasted different down there, sort of sharp and mineral. Our salt mine guide, Piotr, joked that licking the walls is “not recommended,” which made a few people laugh (I might’ve touched one anyway—couldn’t resist). There are carvings everywhere—horses, chapels, chandeliers—and it’s strange how peaceful it feels after the heaviness of Auschwitz. By then my legs were tired but my head was even more full.

We got dropped off back near Main Market Square before dinner time. I walked past street musicians playing something melancholy and thought about how much history fits into a single day trip from Krakow. It’s not an easy tour—I’m still thinking about some things I saw—but I’m glad I went with a local guide who knew when to explain and when to just let us be quiet together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine

• Pick up from Krakow city center
• Tour Auschwitz I and Birkenau camps
• Explore Wieliczka Salt Mine underground
• Drop off at Krakow Main Square

Top questions

How long does the Auschwitz & Salt Mine day trip take?

The full tour lasts most of the day, starting early morning (pickup between 7:30–9:00am) and returning by dinner time.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for locations in central Krakow or the Jewish Quarter.

Are entry fees for Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine included?

Yes, entry fees for both Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine are included.

How big is the group on this day trip?

The shared transfer has a maximum of 14 people per group.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; you should bring snacks or buy food during breaks.

Are guides provided at both sites?

Yes, professional English-speaking guides lead tours at both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age for this tour is 6 years old.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small bag (max 30x20x10 cm) due to museum restrictions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Krakow or the Jewish Quarter, round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan or bus, entry tickets for both Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine, headphones so you can hear your guide clearly at each site, plus drop-off back near Main Market Square or your hotel by evening.