The most convenient way to reach Zakopane is from Krakow (Krakow-Balice John Paul II International Airport), which is the closest airport, located 113 km away from Zakopane.
There are no direct flights to Zakopane, so you will need to first travel to Krakow and then take a bus or train to Zakopane. The bus stop at the airport is located outside the terminal exit.
You need bus number 300; the stop is located near the terminal exit (follow the signs). You should ride to the stop Dworzec Główny Wschód (final stop), from there it's a 50-meter walk to the main train station and the central bus station.
Operating hours: Bus 300 runs from 05:32 to 22:52, with intervals of 15–30 minutes.
Travel time: about 30–35 minutes, distance approximately 15 km.
Ticket price: 6 PLN for a 60-minute ticket (zone II), 90-minute tickets are also available for 8 PLN.
Departing from Krakow bus station and taking you to the Zakopane bus station. Buses operate by the state company PKS and two private firms — Szwagropol and Trans Frej.
Frequency: every hour from 06:00 to 20:00.
Travel time: about 2 hours.
Price for the trip: 29 PLN. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office.
Kraków Central train station is located 50 meters from the bus station.
Operating hours: 5:43–23:16
Travel time: 3–4 hours.
Ticket price: 25 PLN. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or on the official website.
At Krakow airport stop, take bus number 1364. It will take you to the Zakopane stop — Parking E.Leclerc.
Operating hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 daily. On Fridays and Saturdays until 21:00.
Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes.
Fare: 12–14 EUR. Tickets can be booked online at the website. Distance is 131 km.
You can order a car online at https://kiwitaxi.com. The driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall with a sign.
Travel time: about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Fare: from 120 EUR per car.
The official taxi service at the airport is Krakow Airport Taxi. Drivers follow fixed tariffs.
Fare: fixed zone tariffs apply, one hour waiting time – 35 PLN.
Travel time: about 1 hour 30 minutes.
You can order a taxi on the website or by phone + (48 12) 258-02-58.
Three companies provide car rental services at the airport: Hertz, Avis, Europcar. You can compare prices and book a car online on the website https://www.rentalcars.com.
You can reach the train station and bus station in Zakopane with a transfer in Krakow. For detailed information about transportation, please refer to the previous sections.
