Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Tours
Discover the somber reality of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Krakow. On an Auschwitz Birkenau tour, explore the memorial, visit not just the prisoner barracks, but the gas chambers as well. Get skip-the-line entry, guided tours, round-trip transfers from Krakow, and combo offers with your tour.
Opens tomorrow
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Recommended Duration
4 hours
Bestseller
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Fast Track Tickets
(8,2K)
zł105
Top Experiences
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers from Meeting Point & Optional Lunch
(4,6K)Rated 4.34 out of 5.0 from 4635 ratings.
zł140
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers from Krakow Center
(4,6K)Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 4582 ratings.
zł186.82
Combo: From Krakow – Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour
(497)Rated 4.21 out of 5.0 from 497 ratings.
zł159
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfers from Krakow Center
(1,2K)Rated 4.44 out of 5.0 from 1206 ratings.
zł205.12
Auschwitz & Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers & Optional Private Tour
(230)Rated 4.27 out of 5.0 from 230 ratings.
zł256.98
Full-Day Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine with Transfers from Krakow & Lunch
(194)Rated 4.45 out of 5.0 from 194 ratings.
zł394.22
Round-Trip Tickets: Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to/from Krakow Bus Station
(63)Rated 4.13 out of 5.0 from 63 ratings.
Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour with Individual Entry & Transfers
(156)Rated 4.51 out of 5.0 from 156 ratings.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Due to its significance and popularity, Auschwitz-Birkenau attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. So book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to allow for security checks and orientation.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you’ll be walking and standing for extended periods.
Consider joining a guided tour led by a knowledgeable guide who can provide deeper insights into the history and significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Guided tours often offer a more structured and informative experience.
Allow ample time to explore the various exhibits, memorials, and barracks within the Auschwitz concentration camp. Rushing through the site may prevent you from fully absorbing its significance and impact.
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau can evoke strong emotions and reactions. If you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support from fellow visitors, tour guides, or designated staff members.
Headout’s Top Recommendations
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Fast Track Tickets
(8,2K)Rated 4.2 out of 5.0 from 8219 ratings.
zł105
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers from Meeting Point & Optional Lunch
(4,6K)Rated 4.34 out of 5.0 from 4635 ratings.
zł140
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers from Krakow Center
(4,6K)Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 4582 ratings.
zł186.82
Select a Date
Duration
Cancellation policy
These tickets can’t be cancelled or rescheduled.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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About Auschwitz concentration camp
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp witnessed the suffering of millions of Jews during World War II. Its solemn grounds now serve as a memorial and museum, preserving the memory of those who perished within its confines.
Between 1940 and 1945, Auschwitz received over 1.3 million deportees. Tragically, approximately 1.1 million, primarily Jews, met their untimely demise within its confines.
The entrance of Auschwitz I bears the German phrase “Arbeit macht frei,” translated as “Work sets you free.” Crafted by prisoners, the sign holds a symbolic defiance, as they subtly inverted the letter ‘B’.
Attempting to break free from the horrors, over 800 prisoners dared to escape from Auschwitz. However, only 144 succeeded, while 327 were recaptured, and the fate of others remains unknown.
Dr. Josef Mengele, infamously known as the “Angel of Death” at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, used to conduct medical experiments on prisoners, especially on twins and dwarfs.
Why visit Auschwitz concentration camp?
Explore the site of the Holocaust
Auschwitz-Birkenau symbolizes the systematic genocide orchestrated by the Nazi regime against Jewish people, as well as other targeted groups.
Catch a glimpse into the life of the camp prisoners
See the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria, offering a visceral glimpse into the harsh realities of life and death within the camps.
Go on an educational experience
Gain insights into the atrocities of the past, fostering understanding and empathy while reflecting on the importance of human rights and tolerance.
Honor the victims
By visiting the concentration camp, you contribute to honoring the memory of the millions who perished, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
Highlights
Auschwitz I
Auschwitz I, established in 1940, served as the primary concentration camp and headquarters of the SS garrison. Its gate bares the chilling inscription, “Arbeit Macht Frei” – “Work Sets You Free.” The site has ruins of barracks, prison cells, and gas chambers, bearing witness to the horrors of the past.
Auschwitz II – Birkenau
Auschwitz II – Birkenau was built in 1941 as an expansion of the concentration camp to accommodate the influx of political prisoners and Jews. Visitors can view the railway tracks and original cattle cars used for deportations, as well as the ruins of crematoriums and barracks. This site was a focal point for the systematic extermination of Jewish people, with the majority of Auschwitz’s victims meeting their fate in Birkenau.
Plan your visit
Address
Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Nearest Bus stop
Auschwitz I camp
Nearest Train station
Oświęcim
Nearest Parking
Parking Planty
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Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Tours Guide
All Your Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Options
Self-guided Tour
Guided Tours
Fast Track Entry
Combo Tours
Recommended experiences
Which Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Should You Pick?
If you are on a budget
If you want to learn more about the concentration camps
If you are short on time
If you want to explore more in Krakow
Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Offers
Discounted Tickets
Cashbacks
Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour
Opening Hours
Getting There
Guidelines/Facilities
The Auschwitz Birkenau tour timings vary across the year and are as follows:
January & November: 7.30 AM – 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
It is open on all days of the year except for 1 January, 25 December, and Easter Sunday.
Between March to May would be the most pleasant time to go for a tour, due to the off-season. The summer season between June to September tends to get quite busy and hot, and the winter months tend to get quite cold, not ideal for a tour. We also recommend traveling on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
You can expect to spend 4-7 hours on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour.
What To See On An Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour in Krakow
Auschwitz I
Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
Bunkers
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Auschwitz Birkenau Tours FAQs
Can you book Auschwitz Birkenau tours available online now?
What are the different types of Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
Are discounts available on Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
Are audio guides available with Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
Are tour guides a part of an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Is fast track entry available with an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Are return transfers included in an Auschwitz Birkenau tour?
How long is an Auschwitz Birkenau tour?
What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum’s opening hours?
January & November: 7.30 AM – 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
How do I get to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
By Train: You can take a train from Krakow to Oswiecim station, a town 2 kilometers from Auschwitz. The journey will take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The walk to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau takes only 15 minutes from the station.
By Bus: 4 bus companies run between Krakow and Auschwitz and will drop you off at the Auschwitz I camp from the Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz. It is located just outside the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
By Car: You can drive to the museum by setting your GPS destination to “Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau” and follow the directions. You can park the car in the parking lot before the entrance.
What is the best time to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
Is the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum wheelchair accessible?
Is photography allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
What guidelines are in place for visitors at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum?
Dress appropriately without any controversial symbols/flags/emblems on clothing attire.
Outside food and drinks and smoking is not permitted within the premises.
Mobile phones must be kept on silent or vibrate-only mode.