More about: Auschwitz Tickets and Tours
Visiting Auschwitz is one of the major attractions that draws thousands of travelers to Poland every year. This concentration camp, opened by the Nazis in 1940, consists of several areas, of which Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II are open to visitors.
To visit, you will need to purchase tickets, and it is best to do so online and in advance.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip from Krakow
Tickets, transfers, and guided tour of Auschwitz at the best price
If you are traveling in Krakow and want to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp, this option includes admission, a guided tour by an expert, and transportation to and from Krakow.
If you are planning a visit to Auschwitz, you should know that taking a guided tour will help you better understand this episode in history, gain a deeper insight into what you see along the way, and relive what everyday life was like for the prisoners. For very little difference in price compared to individual tickets, purchasing this complete package, which includes a guided tour and transportation to and from Krakow, is a great option.
The tour lasts about 7 hours in total and includes skip-the-line tickets to both Auschwitz-Birkenau camps. You can choose from different departure times (the first is at 6:30 a.m. and the last is at 12:00 noon) and the guided tour itself lasts about three hours.
Recommended if... you want to make the most of your time in Auschwitz and learn more about Nazi history.
Tickets to Auschwitz with guided tour
In my opinion, a tour with skip-the-line tickets is much more complete as it allows you to connect with the guide, the explanations are usually more personal and dynamic, and they always include some anecdotes. In addition, you can take the opportunity to ask questions or request recommendations. And all without having to wait in line once you arrive at the entrance.
I recommend you check out my article on excursions to Auschwitz from Krakow to find out what they consist of, what they include, how much they cost, etc.
Other options for visiting Auschwitz with tickets included
- Guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with transfers — from $53
- Guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with transportation and optional lunch — from $170
- Excursion to Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mines — from $126
How to buy tickets for Auschwitz at the ticket office
It is possible to buy tickets for Auschwitz at the ticket office, although this is not the most recommended option. Especially early in the morning, there is usually a long line at the entrance, as large groups also tend to arrive at this time.
If you still prefer to try to get your tickets there, you will have to pay around €23 per adult. Tickets include access to an audio guide with headphones that you can use to tour the camp. For a little more than that price, you can book your tickets to Auschwitz with transportation, which guarantees you a spot without having to wait in line and allows you to visit without the hassle of finding your own transportation.
Ticket prices and visits to Auschwitz
As I mentioned, an adult ticket costs around €23, so for very little extra, it's worth booking the tour that includes transportation and a guided tour. Below is a comparison of the prices of tours and tickets to Auschwitz:
- Standard ticket at the ticket office (adult rate): from €23
- Ticket with guided tour and private transfer to and from Krakow: from $52
- Excursion with tickets and guided tours to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines: from 126
Auschwitz visiting hours
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is open Monday through Sunday throughout the year except on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday.
Auschwitz always opens at 8 a.m., but closing times vary depending on the season. During the winter months, it closes between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., while in summer it may close as late as 7 p.m.
Can you enter Auschwitz for free or without tickets?
No. To access the concentration camp, you must purchase tickets in advance. There is no part of the camp that can be visited for free or without purchasing tickets.
However, there are reduced rates for groups, seniors, and visitors under the age of 21, so if you belong to one of these groups and can prove it (you will need an ID to enter Auschwitz in any case), you can benefit from a discount on the ticket price.
Combined tickets for Auschwitz and the salt mines
As these are two of the most popular attractions in Poland, there are options that combine a guided tour of both places in one day, so you can make the most of your trip to Krakow.
In this case, the package usually costs around €100 and includes skip-the-line tickets to both attractions, two guided tours, and transportation between the city, Auschwitz, and the Salt Mines. Of course, it also includes the return trip.