Cheap Flights to Krakow

When is the best time to visit Krakow?

March to May

As the city warms up, you'll need to pack a warm coat in your luggage before departing on your flights to Krakow. Rain is also common over these months, and you should keep a small umbrella or raincoat in your bag. If you don't mind the cooler weather, you can plan your tickets to Krakow around festivals such as the Krakow Film Festival and the Tolerance Festival.

June to August

The summer months are a busy period for John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK). The city sees an increase in travellers thanks to the European summer holidays. While that means you should expect larger crowds at attractions, it's still one of the best times to plan a trip to Poland. There are plenty of events to attend like the Jewish Culture Festival and the Summer Jazz Festival. When it comes to budgeting for your flights to Krakow, hotel prices are usually higher in the summer months because of the crowds. If you have your heart set on a particular hotel, don't wait until the last minute to reserve your room.

September to November

For fewer people at the top attractions, book your return flights to Krakow for travel between September and November. Temperatures cool down, but the weather is still good for outdoor activities. With the summer crowds gone, you might get lucky with discounts on flights to Krakow or hotel deals.

December to February

Despite the chilly temperatures, it's still worth snapping up those cheap flights to Krakow for the winter months. Over the festive season, the Main Market Square transforms into a Christmas wonderland.

What are Krakow's most famous landmarks and monuments?

Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks and it’s a popular attraction for tourists with airfare to Krakow. To make the most out of your visit, come here first thing in the morning to buy your tickets. Only a limited number are sold each day, and you can't purchase tickets in advance. If you're buying return flights to Krakow on a budget, you can wander around the Wawel Castle grounds for free. Here, you'll find beautiful gardens, historic buildings and a cathedral.

St Mary's Basilica

Krakow is brimming with spectacular architecture, and St Mary's Basilica is one of the city's most beautiful buildings. The 14th-century Gothic church is a must-visit for visitors buying return flights to Krakow. You'll need to book tickets in advance to go inside, or you can admire the building from the outside for free. To avoid long lines on the day, you can purchase your entry ticket for 15 PLN ($5.93 NZD) online, and you have the option to pay extra to tour the Bugle Tower.

Wawel Cathedral

The Wawel Cathedral is an important landmark in Krakow. It's the coronation site for most of Polish kings and queens. The building dates back to the 14th-century and features 18 chapels, the Royal Crypts and the Sigismund Bell Tower. Inside, you'll also find the John Paul II Cathedral Museum, which houses Polish art and artefacts. Entrance into the cathedral is free, but you’ll need to pay 12 PLN ($4.75 NZD) to see some of the other sights inside. If you want to visit the site on your last day in Krakow, bus #252 departs a walking short distance from the cathedral and runs directly to John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK).

What are the best cafes in Krakow?

Camelot Cafe

Camelot is a quirky pink-themed cafe in Krakow, decorated with plenty of candles and gorgeous chandeliers. Located off Market Square, it's a quaint spot to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat while exploring Old Town. If your flights to Krakow fall over the warmer months, you can sit on the outside terrace. When it comes to the menu, try their traditional Polish pierogi.

Cafe Manggha

Find Cafe Manggha inside the Museum of Japanese Art and Technology. It boasts a unique view of the Wawel Castle and is located next to the Vistula River. Tea connoisseurs with tickets to Krakow will love the cafe’s varied tea offerings. To eat, choose from Japanese-inspired plates and light bites such as salads and soups.

Ogród Na Dachu Kazimierza Rooftop Cafe

Want a breathtaking view over the city while sipping on a sundowner? This rooftop cafe is located inside of the Centre of Jewish Culture and is only open in the summer months. There are only three tables, so it is the perfect place for couples who want something more intimate after a long day of exploring. There is a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as light meals like sandwiches and soups. If your flights to Krakow are outside of June to August, there is a downstairs bar you can visit.

When is The Best Time to Visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is between March and May. It's spring, and the warmer temperatures help the city to come out of its winter habitation. The summer tourists are also nowhere to be found so that means you can enjoy lower accommodation rates and the city's attractions all to yourself. But rain showers are common towards the end of May, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.

June to August is the city's peak tourist season. Temperatures are warm during the day and at night averaging around 25°C. It's also the best time to visit if you want to take part in the summer season's many festivals. But with the crowds, you can expect higher rates for hotels and long lines at the city's top attractions.

Krakow's autumn months are another great time to visit if you are on a budget and want to avoid throngs of tourists. From September to November temperatures become a little bit chilly and the rainy season starts to come to an end. Make sure you pack a warm sweater to stay comfortable as you explore the city.

Krakow's winter temperatures see the city head into its low season. From December to February, temperatures hover around 4°C and hotel rates are at their lowest.

Airports in Krakow

John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice

John Paul II is 11 km from Krakow's city centre, and it's the second busiest airport in Poland. It has regular direct flights to many of Europe's main hubs and serves 19 airlines. The airport is also a focus city for budget airline Ryanair as well as LOT Polish Airlines.

Getting To and From John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice

The fastest way to get from the airport to the city is with a taxi. If you want a good price, turn right after leaving the terminal, and you'll find several more affordable taxi companies. The average price is around PLN 40 to PLN 60, but it's important to check before you get into the cab.

If you want to take the train, follow the signs inside the arrival terminal. You can buy your ticket on the railway platform, and a single journey costs PLN 9.

The cheapest way to get from the airport to Krakow is with the bus. It takes about 60 minutes to reach the city and costs PLN 6 one way.

Alternatively, if you would prefer your own wheels while in the city, you can rent a car from the airport. Rentals are around PLN 73 to PLN 200 per day, and you'll need an international driving permit.