Auschwitz Location | Best Ways to Reach the Concentration Camp, Visiting Days, & More
Where is Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp Located?
Address: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau is situated in the town of Oswiecim, located in the Lesser Poland region of southern Poland. It consists of two main sections: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Auschwitz I was the original camp and serves as the main museum today, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau was built later and is known for its large size and role in the Holocaust's mass exterminations.
Nearest Landmark: Oswiecim (3 km away)
Getting to Auschwitz Birkenau by Public Transport
By Bus
Best For: Visitors who are traveling in a large group and are looking for the most affordable way to reach the attraction
Travel Time: 2 hours
Closest Stop: Auschwitz I camp
Timings: Buses depart from Krakow at 6:20, 8:40, 9:40, 11:10, 12:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:55, and 19:05 hours
Description: Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau by bus is relatively straightforward, and there are several options available. There are regular buses that depart from the main bus station in Krakow, Mlodych Do Wieczora station, located near the city center. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and the route taken.
By Train
Best For: Budget travelers looking to save time and money and may need more comfortable seating options, larger legroom, and amenities like dining cars or Wi-Fi
Travel Time: 2 hours
Closest Stop: Oswiecim
Timings: Once every hour
Description: The nearest train station to Auschwitz Birkenau is in the town of Oswiecim, which is approximately 3 km away from the camp. To get to Oswiecim, you need to take a train from Krakow's main train station, Krakow Głowny, to Oswiecim station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route taken. From the Oswiecim station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Getting to Auschwitz Birkenau by Car
Driving Route
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Driving Route: The driving route from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau is relatively straightforward and takes approximately just over one hour, depending on traffic. You will need to take the A4 motorway in the direction of Katowice. This motorway is well-marked and easy to follow, and it passes through several small towns and villages along the way. After approximately 40 km, you will see signs for the Oswiecim exit. Take this exit and follow the signs to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The final stretch of the journey takes you through the town of Oswiecim, where you will see additional signs directing you to the camp.
Parking Facilities
There are parking lots available on both concentration camp sites. Usually, the visit starts at the former concentration camp. There is a parking lot available at the site, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Auschwitz Birkenau
Auschwitz Birkenau was one of the largest and most infamous concentration and extermination camps operated by the Nazis during World War II. It is situated in the town of Oswiecim, which is located in the Lesser Poland region of southern Poland.
Auschwitz Birkenau is located in Poland. It is in the town of Oswiecim, situated in the Lesser Poland region of southern Poland.
To get to Auschwitz Birkenau from Krakow, you can take a public bus operated by PKS or a train to the town of Oswiecim, which is located near the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic. From the Oswiecim train station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is about 3.2 km away.
The fastest way to get to Auschwitz Birkenau camp from Krakow is by taking a private car or a taxi. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the traffic. However, this is also the most expensive option.
Auschwitz I camp is the closest bus stop to the Auschwitz Birkenau site.
The closest train station to Auschwitz Birkenau is Oswiecim train station.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the site, but it is best to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability. You can also park at the Coach and Car Parking around 1 km away from the site.
Yes, you can walk to Auschwitz Birkenau from the train station. The walk from Oswiecim train station to Auschwitz Birkenau is about 2 km and takes approximately 30 minutes. It is a well-marked path with clear signs for most of the way. It also has a dedicated pedestrian path for most of the way.
