Krakow's Airport Scenario: A Tale Of Two Hubs

Krakow has one main international airport, John Paul II International Airport (KRK), which is located in the village of Balice, 11km west of the city centre. It is named after Pope John Paul II, who spent many years of his life in Kraków. The airport is Poland's second busiest, serving around 8 million passengers a year. It has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic services. There is also a cargo terminal.

John Paul II International Airport, Krakow

The airport was opened for civil aviation in 1964 and was renamed in honour of the Pope in 1995. It is the second busiest airport in Poland, serving over three million passengers annually. It is a hub for LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Buzz.

The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is for international flights and Terminal 2 is for domestic services. There is also a cargo terminal. The airport has a single runway, which is 2,550m long and paved with concrete.

John Paul II International Airport is modern and easy to navigate. The landside area is comfortable, with a logical layout that is remarkably free of clutter. The compact design means that arrivals and departures are both within the same terminal building. The airport seems designed for a quick getaway, with transport options including train, bus, car and taxi.

The airport offers facilities such as duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi and car rental companies. There is also a range of dining options, including fast-food outlets, cafes and restaurants.

Location and transport to the airport

Krakow's John Paul II International Airport is located in the village of Balice, 11km west of the city centre. It is about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The airport is easily accessible by car, train, taxi, or bus.

By Car

The airport has a multilevel car park situated next to the international passenger terminal, which accommodates 1,243 vehicles. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By Train

The Balice Express train connects the airport with the Krakow Glowny central station, located close to the Old Town historic district in the middle of the city. The train ride takes about 16 minutes, and trains depart every 30 minutes. The earliest train to the airport leaves the central station at 4:06 am, and the latest one at 11:36 pm. A one-way ticket costs 12 zlotys (PLN).

By Bus

Three municipal bus services are available at a stop about 50 meters from the International Terminal. The fare is roughly one euro. Line 252 runs to downtown Krakow every 30 minutes during the day. Line 208 connects the airport with the central bus depot and Krakow Glowny central train station, running every hour from 4:35 am to 9:20 pm. Night bus 902 operates the same route, departing every hour between 11:20 pm and 4:50 am. There is also a "fast" bus that runs from the airport to the central train and bus station with few stops in between, departing every hour from 7:50 am to 10:50 pm.

By Taxi

Taxi stands are located in front of the passenger terminals, and the fare to the city centre should not exceed 20 euros during the day and 35 euros within city limits at night.

Facilities and services at the airport

John Paul II International Airport, Krakow, is located in the village of Balice, 11km west of the city centre. It is the second busiest airport in Poland, serving three million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic services.

Facilities and Services

John Paul II International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers. Here is some information about what you can expect:

• Transport Options: The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, car, or taxi. The "Balice Express" train connects the airport to the city centre in about 16 minutes, with trains departing every 30 minutes. Bus routes 208, 252, 308, and night bus 902 also serve the airport.
• Car Rentals: Car rental services are available at the airport, providing a convenient option for passengers who wish to explore the region independently.
• Duty-Free Shops and Other Amenities: Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping, and there are also ATMs, currency exchange services, and free Wi-Fi available.
• Charging Stations and Drinking Fountains: There are charging stations for mobile devices located throughout the terminal, as well as drinking fountains beyond the security check line and in the Non-Schengen zone.
• Fast Track: Priority passage is available for departing first and business-class passengers, as well as members of various loyalty programs and cardholders.
• Pet Care: The airport has a pet park located next to the Open Air Car Park (P2), equipped with a bench, baskets, a drinking fountain, and obstacles for pets to enjoy.
• Playgrounds and Entertainment: There are playgrounds and an entertainment area featuring XXL chess, table football, table tennis, and a pool table. The FunFloor interactive floor with 232 games is also available in the public area on level +1.
• Relaxation and Convenience: The airport offers massage chairs, a nap zone with comfortable seating and charging sockets, and lockable rooms for parents with babies, complete with changing tables, a feeding chair, a microwave, and other amenities.
• Printing and Bag Drop: A self-service A4 printing station is available, and Krakow Airport is the only airport in Poland with self-service bag drop stations.
• Smoking Area: A designated smoking cabin can be found in the restricted area at Gate 1.

Airlines that fly from the airport

There is one main international airport in Krakow, Poland, called John Paul II International Airport (KRK). The airport is located in the village of Balice, 11km west of Krakow city centre. It is named after Pope John Paul II, who spent many years of his life in Krakow.

John Paul II International Airport is the second busiest airport in Poland, serving three million passengers annually. It has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic services, as well as a cargo terminal. The airport has a range of facilities and services, including duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, and car rental companies.

Several airlines operate from John Paul II International Airport, including:

• LOT Polish Airlines (which has a hub at the airport)
• Ryanair
• Wizz Air
• Buzz
• EasyJet
• Sky Europe
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Emirates
• Swiss Airlines
• Lufthansa

John Paul II International Airport offers flights to various destinations, including London, Paris, Brussels, Oslo, Milan, and Rome.

Hotels near the airport

There is one main international airport in Krakow, Poland: John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice. The airport is located in the village of Balice, 11km west of the city centre.

Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport

Located just a 5-minute walk from the airport, this 4-star hotel features a restaurant and a bar. It offers luggage storage and free WiFi.

Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport

This 3-star hotel is situated in Balice, 10km from Wisla Krakow Stadium and 10km from Marszalek Pilsudski Stadium. It offers an early breakfast service, which is ideal for travellers catching a morning flight.

AirPark Balice

AirPark Balice is a 2-star hotel located in Balice. It offers free WiFi and free private parking. Its proximity to the airport makes it ideal for early flights.

Hotel Fero Express

A 3-star hotel located 7km from Balice Airport, Hotel Fero Express offers rooms with free internet and LCD TVs. It also provides free parking on site.

Vinci Hotel Airport

The 3-star Vinci Hotel is a modern hotel located in a quiet, green outskirts of Krakow. It offers rooms with free WiFi.

Hotel Kreator-Sport

Hotel Kreator-Sport is located in a serene district of Krakow and provides free WiFi and free private parking. English-speaking staff are available to assist guests.

Frequently asked questions