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Where is Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp Located?

Where is Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp Located?

Address: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland

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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

Getting to Auschwitz by Bus

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.

Getting to Auschwitz by Train

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 to Reach Auschwitz Birkenau

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 Near Auschwitz Birkenau

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. 

Walking to Auschwitz Birkenau

Travel Time: 30 minutes from the Oswiecim train station

Distance: 2.3 km

Ideal For: Visitors who want to experience the city’s ambiance, observe the surroundings at a slower pace, interact with locals, and stumble upon hidden gems or local markets

Description: The walk from Oswiecim train station to Auschwitz Birkenau has clear signs and a dedicated pedestrian path for most of the way. Exit the train station and turn left onto the main road, called Aleja Marszalka Jozefa Pilsudskiego. Go down this road for around 1km until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Aleja Armii Krajowej and continue straight for another 1 km. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Kasprowicza Street, and continue straight for approximately 800 meters. You will see signs directing you to the entrance of the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum on your left.

Book Auschwitz Tours & Tickets

Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with Fast-Track Tickets
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Mobile Ticket
3 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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Auschwitz-Birkenau: Guided Tour with Transfers from Meeting Point & Optional Lunch
Mobile Ticket
7 hr. - 7 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
Meals Included
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Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with Hotel Transfers from Krakow Center
Free Cancellation
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Mobile Ticket
7 hr.
Guided Tour
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Combo: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow with Optional Lunch
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Mobile Ticket
11 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
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Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with Lunch & Hotel Pick-Up from Krakow Center
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
7 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
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Round-Trip Tickets: Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to/from Krakow Bus Station
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Flexible Duration
Transfers Included
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Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Auschwitz Birkenau

Where is Auschwitz Birkenau located?

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.

Which city is Auschwitz Birkenau in?

Auschwitz Birkenau is located in Poland. It is in the town of Oswiecim, situated in the Lesser Poland region of southern Poland.

How do I get to Auschwitz Birkenau?

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.

Which is the fastest way to get to Auschwitz Birkenau?

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. 

Which is the closest bus stop to Auschwitz Birkenau?

Auschwitz I camp is the closest bus stop to the Auschwitz Birkenau site.

Which is the closest train station to Auschwitz Birkenau?

The closest train station to Auschwitz Birkenau is Oswiecim train station.

Can I park at Auschwitz Birkenau?

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.

Can I walk to Auschwitz Birkenau?

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.