Quick answer
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial in Oświęcim is free, but you must book an entry card online in advance at visit.auschwitz.org; since 1 March cards are no longer issued at the entrance. Guided tours cost extra and are best booked about two months ahead. Plan around 3.5 hours for both parts of the site, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which are linked by a free shuttle bus. From Kraków, buses from the MDA station and regional trains take about 1.5–2 hours; bags larger than 35 × 25 × 15 cm are not allowed inside.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum preserves the largest German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where more than a million people, most of them Jews, were murdered. It is a place of remembrance, and visiting Auschwitz needs preparation: entry is by reservation, security checks take time, and the visit is emotionally demanding. This guide covers booking, opening hours and how to get there from Kraków.
Booking: entry cards and guided tours
- Entry is free for individual visitors, but every visitor needs a named entry card for a specific time, booked online at visit.auschwitz.org. Entry cards are not sold at the entrance.
- Guided tours with a Memorial educator are paid. Individual visitors can join a tour in their language; groups must hire a Memorial guide.
- Book early: the Museum recommends booking guides at least two months ahead. Online booking closes five days before the visit; after that you can try by phone (+48 33 844 81 00 or 80 99), Monday to Friday, 7:00–15:00.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the security check.
Many tour companies in Kraków sell packages with transport and a guided tour. Make sure the guided part is with an official Memorial educator.
Opening hours
The hours below are the times when visits can start. You may stay on the grounds for 90 minutes after the last entry time.
| Month | Visits start between |
|---|---|
| December | 7:30 and 14:00 |
| January, November | 7:30 and 15:00 |
| February | 7:30 and 16:00 |
| March, October | 7:30 and 17:00 |
| April, May, September | 7:30 and 18:00 |
| June, July, August | 7:30 and 19:00 |
How long does a visit take?
Plan about 90 minutes for Auschwitz I, the original camp with exhibitions in the former prisoner blocks, and about 90 minutes for Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the vast site of the gas chambers and the railway ramp. A standard guided tour of both lasts about three and a half hours. The two sites are about 3 km apart, and free buses run between them during opening hours. Add travel time from Kraków, and the visit fills most of a day.
Getting there from Kraków
| Option | Journey time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from the MDA bus station | About 1 h 40 min | Ask for the stop at the Museum; buses are less frequent in the afternoon |
| Regional train to Oświęcim | About 1 h 40 min or longer | The station is about 2 km from the Museum: walk or take a local bus |
| Car | Depends on traffic | The A4 motorway is the fastest route; paid parking at the Museum |
| Organised tour | Depends on the tour | Includes transport and a guide; check that the guide is from the Memorial |
By bus, make sure you get off at the Museum and not at another stop in Oświęcim, which can be several kilometres away. Check the time of the last return bus before you go. By train, buy tickets in the Koleo app; see our guide to trains in Poland.
What to bring and how to behave
- Bags: the maximum size is 35 × 25 × 15 cm. Leave larger bags in your car or tour bus.
- Clothing: dress appropriately for a memorial site. Much of the visit, especially at Birkenau, is outdoors, so bring layers, rain gear and comfortable shoes.
- Respect: behave with the solemnity the place requires. Quiet, respectful conduct is expected throughout.
Combining the visit with other places
Many visitors plan Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine on the same day as part of a tour. It is possible, but makes for a very long day, and the two experiences are very different. If you have time, visit them on separate days.
FAQ
Can I buy a ticket at the entrance?
No. Entry cards must be reserved online at visit.auschwitz.org in advance; they are not issued at the entrance.
Is a guided tour necessary?
Individual visitors can go on their own with a free entry card, but a guided tour with a Memorial educator helps you understand what you are seeing. Groups must have a Memorial guide.
Is the Museum open every day?
Almost: it is closed on 1 January, 25 December and Easter Sunday.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. Always confirm booking rules and hours on the Museum’s official website before your visit.