Plan A Visit To The Auschwitz Concentration Camp

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The largest Nazi concentration camp built in occupied Europe, Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a significant site in the history of the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz will allow you to view artifacts, the execution and imprisonment sites, and thousands of preserved objects. A somber and emotional visit, the time you spend at the Auschwitz concentration camp allows you to pay tribute to the many victims of the genocide.

Auschwitz Opening Hours

  • What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau opening hours?
    Auschwitz entrance hours are as follows:
    December: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    January & November: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    February: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    March, October: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    April, May & September: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    June, July & August: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Closed on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday. 
  • How long will it take to cover Auschwitz?
    Visiting Auschwitz can take a minimum of three-and-a-half hours. Visitors can stay on the site 90 minutes after the last entrance hour. 
  • When is the best time to visit Auschwitz?
    If you want to enjoy the good weather, May- September is the best time for visiting Auschwitz. However, if you want to avoid peak season rush, April to May may be a better choice. Earmark a weekday for the visit.

Auschwitz Location

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

Find on map

Auschwitz concentration camp lies on the outskirts of Oswiecim, located about 66 km away from Krakow. 

Two international airports, Krakow-Balice and Katowice-Pyrzowice, are within 50 kilometers to the museum. 

Getting There

The Auschwitz concentration camp has two sections, Auschwitz I, the primary camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is located 3 km away from the main site. Here are some of the best ways for you to get to Auschwitz from Krakow: 

Visiting Auschwitz by train

Train

Nearest train station: Oswiecim

From Krakow: Direct trains run from the Main Railway Station to Oswiecim's central station, 2 km away from Auschwitz. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

From Warsaw: A super-fast train will get you to Krakow in 2.5 hours. Or, you can take a train from Warszawa Centralna, which arrives at Oswiecim via Katowice. The journey takes approximately 4h 42m.

Visiting Auschwitz by bus

Bus

Nearest bus stop: Oswiecim Muzeum

From Krakow: Board the bus at MDA Station. The journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Drop-off depends on the bus company.

From Warsaw: A 4-hour journey will get you to Krakow. From the Dworzec Autobusowy, you can get on a train to Auschwitz.

Visiting Auschwitz by car

Car

From Krakow: The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

From Warsaw: Auschwitz is just under 4 hours away from Warsaw by road.

Both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau have paid car parks for visitors. You can enter them from Stanislawa Leszczynska 16 street. 

Visiting Auschwitz with guided tour

Guided Tour

Take a guided tour from Krakow to Auschwitz in an air-conditioned minibus. You will be picked up from a common meeting point and will be accompanied by an expert guide. The journey will take around 7-11 hours. 

Auschwitz Facilities & Services

  • Storage Facility - Those with bigger luggage may leave their luggage in paid luggage storage.
  • Refreshments - Their cafeteria offers hearty meals. You can also have breakfast or lunch at Hotel Olecki Oświęcim, located close to the camp. Eating and smoking are not allowed inside Auschwitz-Birkenau.
  • Free Shuttle Bus Service - A free shuttle bus is available to travel between the two camps — Auschwitz I and Birkenau. 
  • Seminars and workshops - Attend lectures, workshops and seminars organised by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust, located in Block 12.
  • Wheelchairs - Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre for differently-abled visitors.

Tips for Visiting Auschwitz

  • To fully understand the historical significance of the place, opt for a guided tour. Book your ticket in advance if you are visiting Auschwitz during the peak season (April to October).
  • During peak season if you're visiting the museum by yourself, enter the camp before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
  • Auschwitz is a somber place and you're expected to maintain proper decorum while inside
  • Photography is allowed inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. 
  • There is a lot of walking involved. Wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of drinking water.
  • It is not recommended that children under 14 visit the museum.
  • Ensure your backpack or handbag does not exceed dimensions: 30x20x10 cm. 
  • Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest operating salt mines that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All Your Questions Answered About Visiting Auschwitz

Q. Where is Auschwitz?

A. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany's largest concentration camp and extermination camp, is located near the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland, Auschwitz.

Q. How big is Auschwitz?

A. The Auschwitz concentration camp was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps. The memorial site covers two preserved parts of the camp: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, spread over a total area of 191 hectares.

Q. What are the different ways to reach Auschwitz?

A. Located on the outskirts of the city of Oświęcim, by the national road No. 933, you can travel to Auschwitz from Krakow via car, train, or bus.

Q. Can tourists visit Auschwitz?

A. Yes, the grounds and buildings of the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps are open to visitors.

Q. Is there any age limit to visit Auschwitz?

A. As per the Auschwitz official website, visits by children under the age of 14 are not recommended

Q. How long do I need to spend at Auschwitz?

A. Earmark a minimum of three hours to visit both, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Q. When is the best time to visit Auschwitz?

A. April to May sees both good weather and lesser crowds. Opt to take the tour on a weekday.

Q. Is there a dress code to be followed when visiting Auschwitz?

A. There's no dress policy, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully, keeping the historical significance of the place in mind.

Q. Is photography allowed during my visit to Auschwitz?

A. Yes, but without use of a flash and stands. However, the hall with the hair of Victims (block nr and the basements of Block 11 do not permit photography).

Q. Can you take food inside Auschwitz?

A. Consuming food is prohibited on the memorial grounds.

Q. Are there any refreshments offered during my visit to Auschwitz?

A. You can visit the cafeteria for some hearty meals.

Q. Are there toilet facilities inside Auschwitz?

A. There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Free toilets are also available at the back of the camp.

Select Your Tickets

Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with Fast-Track Tickets
Instant Confirmation
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
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
7 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
Combo: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow with Optional Lunch
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
11 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
More details