Plan Your Visit
Essential information for visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Opening Hours
Important: The museum is closed on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.
Getting to Auschwitz
From Krakow
The drive from Krakow to Auschwitz takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A4 highway and S1 expressway. Parking is available near the museum.
Regular bus services run from Krakow's main bus station (MDA) to Oświęcim. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Trains run from Krakow Main Station (Kraków Główny) to Oświęcim Station. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to the museum (about 2 km).
Many tour operators in Krakow offer day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau, which include transportation and a guided tour of the memorial.
From Warsaw
The journey from Warsaw to Auschwitz takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by car or train. Direct trains run from Warsaw to Krakow, from where you can continue to Oświęcim as described above.
Visitor Guidelines
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a profound experience. To ensure a respectful visit and the preservation of the site, please follow these guidelines:
- Show proper respect for the memory of the victims.
- Dress appropriately for a memorial site (avoid revealing or casual attire).
- Maintain silence in buildings where this is required.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the grounds except in designated areas.
- Photography is permitted in most areas, but without flash inside the buildings.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed (bags should not exceed 30x20x10 cm).
- The site is not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau can be emotionally challenging. The exhibitions contain explicit evidence of mass murder and may be disturbing. Please consider this when planning your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau take?
A standard guided tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. This includes both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. We recommend setting aside at least 4-5 hours for the entire visit, including transportation between the sites and potential waiting times.
Do I need a guide to visit Auschwitz?
While it's possible to visit without a guide during certain hours, we strongly recommend taking a guided tour. The guides provide crucial historical context and ensure you understand the significance of what you're seeing. During peak season (April to October), visitors are required to join a guided tour between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Is there transportation between Auschwitz I and Birkenau?
There is a free shuttle bus that runs between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The bus runs approximately every 30 minutes during the opening hours of the museum.
Are there any days when entry is free?
Entry to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free, but there is a fee for guided tours and reserved entry times. Certain days may have special arrangements, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Can I visit both Auschwitz I and Birkenau in one day?
Yes, most visitors see both parts in a single day. Standard guided tours include both sites. Auschwitz I contains most of the exhibition areas, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau shows the scale of the camp and includes the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria.
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