How to get from Krakow to Zakopane [2025]

If you’ve already read my other articles about what to see in Zakopane or hiking routes in the Tatras, you’re probably already convinced that this city is worth a getaway. And if you’re not yet… trust me, you will be soon. Now comes the practical question: how to get from Krakow to Zakopane?

The good news: there are several options.
The best part: all of them are easy, and in just a couple of hours you can be surrounded by mountains and fresh air.

In this article, I’ll tell you how to get to Zakopane from Krakow, with tips depending on what you’re looking for—comfort, flexibility, time, or simply keeping things easy.

Related articles:

• 10 Best day trips from Krakow, Poland
• 3 Days in Krakow: Full Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Best Hiking Trails in Zakopane

💡Get a 20€ discount on your first booking with Aloha Camp and stay in a place in Zakopane with views like the one above! Just register using our 👉🏻link

What’s the best way to get from Krakow to Zakopane?

In short, these are the options depending on your budget and flexibility:

• If you’re looking for something budget-friendly and frequent → bus or train
• If you want more flexibility → car
• If you’d rather not worry about a thing → organized tour
• If you’re traveling with luggage, in a group, or arriving late → taxi or private transfer

Where is Zakopane?

Zakopane is located in the south of Poland, right at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, very close to the Slovakian border. It’s about 100 kilometers from Kraków, which means around two hours of travel time, depending on the transport you choose. It’s a mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and for being one of the most popular getaway spots for Poles—both in winter and summer.

Getting from Kraków to Zakopane is pretty straightforward. You can get there by bus, train, or car, so there’s no need to plan anything too complicated. And once you arrive, don’t forget to check out our article on the best restaurants in Zakopane. Further down, I’ll walk you through the details on how to get to Zakopane and which option might work best for your travel style.

How to get from Krakow to Zakopane by bus

One of the most common and easiest ways to get from Kraków to Zakopane is by bus. Buses leave every 15–30 minutes from the main bus station (right next to the central train station), and the journey takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

The buses are comfortable and drop you off very close to the center of Zakopane. You can buy your ticket directly at the station, on the bus, or online through platforms like FlixBus or ePodróżnik.

How to get from Kraków to Zakopane by train

One of the most popular and scenic ways to travel from Krakow to Zakopane is by train. Trains depart from Kraków Główny, the city’s main station, and the journey takes between 2 and 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the type of train. Traveling by train in Poland is easy and comfortable—seats are spacious, there are bathrooms on board, and some trains even have a dining car.

The best part? You don’t have to worry about traffic, which can be heavy on weekends. The Zakopane train station is conveniently located just a short walk from the town center, making it easy to start your mountain adventure as soon as you arrive.

You can check train schedules and ticket prices on the Koleo website or app—our favorite tool for booking trains in Poland.

👉 If you choose to go from Krakow to Zakopane by train, don’t miss our complete guide on how to travel by train in Poland.

Driving from Kraków to Zakopane: Tips and What to Keep in Mind

If you’re like us and prefer to go at your own pace, have the freedom to stop in a quiet little village along the way, or not rely on bus schedules to reach the start of a hiking trail, renting a car can be a great option. The drive from Kraków to Zakopane usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic (weekends and holidays tend to get pretty busy).

The road between Kraków and Zakopane is in great condition. It’s almost all highway, and you don’t need a 4×4 or anything like that. We didn’t run into any issues driving there—even in winter.

Plus, having a car gave us a lot more freedom to explore other areas of the Tatras and less touristy villages that would’ve been much harder to visit otherwise.

Tips fro travelling from Krakow to Zakopane by car

That said, if you decide to visit the Tatra Mountains from Kraków by car, we recommend booking accommodation that includes parking. Not all places in the center of Zakopane offer it, and that can turn into a real headache. Last time, we stayed here and it had free parking, which was a big plus.

Oh, and if you’re planning to visit Morskie Oko, one of the most famous spots in the Tatras, make sure to book your parking at Palenica Białczańska in advance. You can do it here. In summer, it fills up incredibly fast, and if you don’t book ahead… good luck finding a spot. Many hiking routes in Zakopane start in the same Parking so make sure you check it in advance.

If you need to rent a car in Kraków, we usually go with 99rent, because they have office ver close to were we live. If you are going to rent a car from the airport, we also rented with Kaizen in the past and we can recommend the company.Eso sí, si decides ir a los Montes Tatras desde Cracovia en coche, te recomendamos buscar un alojamiento que tenga aparcamiento incluido. En el centro de Zakopane no siempre lo ofrecen, y eso puede ser un dolor de cabeza. Nosotros la última vez nos quedamos aquí y tenía aparcamiento gratuito, lo cual fue un plus.

Organized Tours from Kraków to Zakopane

If you don’t want to worry about schedules, routes, or tickets, there are plenty of organized tours that organise 1 day trips from Kraków and take you straight to Zakopane. Some include visits to thermal baths, funicular rides, and even stops in traditional villages.

They usually pick you up at your accommodation, the transportation is comfortable, and you go with a guide—which can be a great idea if it’s your first time in the area. All you have to do is hop on and enjoy.

Take a taxi or private transfer to go to Zakopane.

You can also take a taxi or hire a private transfer between Krakow and Zakopane. It’s definitely the most expensive option, but also the most comfortable if you’re traveling with lots of luggage, in a group, or arriving late at night.

There are companies that offer direct transfers with a driver who will pick you up at the airport or your hotel. The trip is direct and usually takes about 2 hours and prices start from 80 EUR.

The best option to get from Krakow to Zakopane

In summary, you have several options to travel from Krakow to Zakopane, each with its own advantages: the bus for more frequent departures, the train for comfort and peace of mind, driving if you prefer to explore at your own pace, and private transfers or taxis if you’re looking for hassle-free comfort. Whichever option you choose, the journey will take you to one of Poland’s most stunning destinations.

Have you already traveled from Krakow to Zakopane? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave your comment below and share your tips or questions.

Frequently Asked Questions about how to get from Krakow to Zakopane