Quick answer
Kraków has a dense network of trams and buses run by the city operator MPK. Since 2 March 2026 single journeys are covered by time tickets valid in all zones: 15 minutes 4 zł, 30 minutes 6 zł, 60 minutes 8 zł, 90 minutes 9 zł. For sightseeing, a 24-hour ticket costs 20 zł (zone I, the city) or 25 zł (all zones). Buy tickets in an app such as Jakdojade, at machines at stops or on board with a card, and validate paper tickets as soon as you get on.
Most of Kraków’s sights are within walking distance of each other, but trams are the quickest way to cross the city, reach Kazimierz and Podgórze or get to your accommodation from the station. This guide to public transport in Kraków explains which ticket to buy, how zones work, which apps to use and how to avoid a fine.
Ticket prices in 2026
| Ticket | Normal price | Valid in |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 4 zł | All zones |
| 30 minutes | 6 zł | All zones |
| 60 minutes | 8 zł | All zones |
| 90 minutes | 9 zł | All zones |
| 24 hours | 20 zł | Zone I |
| 24 hours | 25 zł | All zones (I–III) |
| 48 hours | 40 zł | All zones |
| 72 hours | 55 zł | All zones |
| 7 days | 65 zł | Zone I |
| 7 days | 80 zł | All zones (I–III) |
Reduced fares exist but apply only to people with specific Polish entitlements, such as students with a Polish student card. Visitors should buy normal tickets.
Which ticket is right for you?
- One short ride, for example from the main station to Kazimierz: a 15- or 30-minute ticket. Changes are allowed within the time limit.
- From or to the airport: a 60-minute ticket; see Kraków Airport to the city centre.
- A full day of sightseeing: the 24-hour ticket for zone I pays off after about three rides.
- A weekend or longer stay: 48-hour, 72-hour or 7-day tickets.
- Living in Kraków: monthly passes are much cheaper for residents registered and paying tax in Kraków, who hold the city resident card (Karta Krakowska). In September 2026 the resident price of a monthly zone I pass was 99 zł.
Zones: city and agglomeration
Kraków’s network is divided into three fare zones. Zone I is the city of Kraków; zones II and III cover surrounding towns and villages, including the airport at Balice and Wieliczka. Time tickets from 15 to 90 minutes are valid in all zones, so you only need to think about zones when buying 24-hour, 7-day or monthly tickets.
Where and how to buy tickets
- Apps: Jakdojade, moBiLET, mPay, SkyCash, zbiletem.pl and the city’s iMKA app all sell Kraków tickets. Jakdojade also plans your route in English.
- Ticket machines at many stops and on board most trams and buses accept cards.
- Validate paper tickets in the small machine on board as soon as you get on, and keep the ticket until you leave the vehicle. App tickets are activated in the app.
Tickets are checked by inspectors, and travelling without a valid ticket leads to a fine, so buy before or immediately after boarding.
Trains within the agglomeration
Kraków’s suburban rail lines, marketed as the Szybka Kolej Aglomeracyjna (SKA), are the fastest way to the airport and to Wieliczka. The SKA1 line runs from the airport through Kraków Główny to Wieliczka. There is a joint 70-minute ticket valid on city transport and on certain sections of Koleje Małopolskie trains, and integrated tickets combining a train ticket with a city transport ticket. For trains beyond Kraków, see our guide to trains in Poland.
Useful routes for visitors
- Old Town: the centre is largely pedestrian, and trams run around it along the Planty park ring. Walking is usually easiest.
- Kazimierz and Podgórze: a short tram ride south of the Old Town; good for evenings out and the former Jewish quarter.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: by SKA1 train from Kraków Główny or by bus; see our Wieliczka guide.
- Ojców National Park: city buses go to villages on the edge of the park; see our guide to Silesia and the Polish Jura.
FAQ
Is public transport in Kraków free for tourists?
No. Everyone needs a ticket, except groups entitled to free travel under Polish rules. Some events and conferences give participants free travel passes.
Can I pay by card on the tram?
Yes, most trams and buses have ticket machines on board that accept contactless cards. Validate the paper ticket straight away.
Do time tickets allow changes?
Yes. A time ticket lets you change between trams and buses as many times as you like until it expires.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. Fares are set by the City of Kraków and can change.