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By air
You can fly into Cracow's Balice Airport, but that's about as close as you're going to get to Zakopane by plane. Like most Alpine resorts, get ready for a bus or car journey into the mountains. Roadways on the weekends can be a bit crowded, but the good news is that buses leave regularly from Cracow's main train and bus station and take as little as two hours to get here.
By rail
Trains do manage to wind their way up from the valley and into Zakopane, but the journey from Cracow can take quite a long time, which is perfect if you need the rest after a long international flight or to finish that latest novel. If you need to get there a bit more quickly, grab a car or bus from Cracow instead.
By bus
Bus is by far your best bet for getting up to Zakopane. Two private lines and one PKS all leave from the main bus station (dworzec autobusowy) at regular intervals. If you’re going at any civilised time of the day you will probably have to wait no longer than an hour for your next carriage. What’s more they are dirt cheap - it will only cost you around 15 zloty for the two-hour trip from Cracow. If you’re in a hurry you can even buy your ticket from the driver. That said advance tickets are advised in season, and there may be the odd jam on the roads.
By car
Poland has the highest road accident rate in Europe, mostly due to careless driving and some slow-changing attitudes toward drink-driving, so keep that in mind before deciding to take the car. With that warning in mind, though, we must say we've been driving for years without too much of a problem and likely you won't either if you take your time and stay vigilant. If you bring a car or rent one, you will need an international certificate of insurance cover, and possibly proof of exhaust emission control on your car. Spot checks do happen, and if you plan to visit Cracow as well as Zakopane, just remember that much of the centre is pedestrianised, or has parking restrictions. Once you get to either city, it's best to park and walk the centre. Zakopane is only about two hours away from Cracow by car and parking here is pretty straightforward compared to Cracow. In the winter remember your tyre chains and a radiator full of antifreeze.
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 | | "For information, I really enjoyed the night I spent hanging around from club to club:Paparazzi, Prestige, Morskie Oko, Genesis, Ampstrong in Zakopane.
Not too far, in Nowy targ: : nightclubs at the basement of Villa Toscana restaurant and ADHD bar club really great.So, there are plenty of places where to party few consecutives nights
" | lorekadamek
Poland
Jul.23.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello Dorianne, I think that you may find a lot to do by day and by night in Zakopane as there are a lot of tourists now and so, all many restaurants, pubs and nightclubs are opened to very late for you to enjoy their different style of music, decoration, atmosphere ,drinks and food.The atmosphere will be for sure good at night time even if the atmosphere like anywhere else in the world, is the hottest Friday and Saturday night.
Also, If you are looking for comfy accomodation for that period 8-13(or other), please do contact us at: info@ogrodygorskie.pl .Also, if you need any other info.about your future coming to zakopane.Bye now" | Lorekadamek
Poland
Jul.20.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi
We are a group of 9 coming to Zakopane for 5 nights during 8th Aug - 13 Aug.. how is the nightlife during this time? Some of my friends are afraid the place at night will be too quite. Please advise!
thanks
Dorianne" | Dorianne
Malta
Jul.16.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello, for your information, the roads to get to Zakopane have not been affected by the recent rain and floods.If you have not reserved any accomodation yet, I have a choice of comfy and affordable apartment available for you.If you are interested, please do contact us on info@ogrodygorskie.pl:OgrodyGorskie apartment ,"sleep" menu,type:aparatment, First listed company.Hope to welcome you and Have a nice journey" | Lorek
Poland
Jun.17.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi. We arrive in Zakopane tomorrow afternoon by car. Is road access affected in any way by recent rain?" | Richard
Australia
Jun.16.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hello,do feel free to contact us if you are looking to get any information about Zakopane,also if you need advices or help to book comfortable accomodation and transfers to/from the airport;our website www.ogrodygorskie.pl and email address: info@ogrodygorskie.pl cheers" | Lorek
Poland
May.09.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello Andy, There is direct/indirect train from Warsaw to Zakopane , journey takes from 5h30 to 10h30 depending on travel by day or night>infos on www.pkp.pl .By bus, it would take between 7h30 and 9h40 .Infos on www.pksbilety.pl .At Zakoapne, if you wish to live in one of our range of very comfortable apartment at very affordable price, please do contact us on info@ogrodygorskie.pl.Hope the info given will help" | Lorek
Poland
Apr.22.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi I'm going to a wedding in Warsaw in august and plan to come walking in Zakopane afterwards for a week or so. Is there a direct train from Warsaw and if so how long will the journey be? Is this the best way to get there from Warsaw? Thanks for your help! " | Andy
United Kingdom
Apr.20.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Thanks a lot Nigel.It may help some other tourists which will come in future to Zakopane.For me, I got trapped as well on this unsigned motorway directing to Katowice.I was pissed off.How dare that around this famous airport.That is not acceptable for tourists, maybe for polish people, admistation of the road still behaving in a communist way.Well, I hope it will be fixed soon.If you need other advices on Zakopane, how to come, where to stay,... please do post a review too " | Lorek
Poland
Apr.09.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Just got back from Feb half term trip with rental car and found out some things the hard way!
If you collect the car at Krakow airport then on exiting the car park you will come to a roundabout with no road signs on it! Do not go straight across as you will be heading north and may end up on the toll motorway to Katowice with no chance to turn around for the next 20 miles! Instead, turn left followed by a right further down the road to get onto the motorway in the Zakopane direction.
Allow at least 4 hours on a February Saturday morning to get from Zakopane to Krakow airport by road (65 miles). It took us 2 hours just to reach Novy Targ which is 15 miles away. Much of February is Polish school winter holiday which explains the amount of weekend traffic. Consider leaving Zakopane in the opposite direction on the 958 road and looping up past Czarny Dunajec and on to Rabka. Even then, you'll still join a queue of traffic at Rabka but at least it seemed to move ok to the start of the motorway at Lubien.
" | Nigel
United Kingdom
Feb.24.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello Sarah , your plan for 1 day ski at Zakopane is possible without problems.You just have to know your ski levels then you will be able to go to the right slopes without losing time.Ski rental are nearby for most slopes.But do you intend to stay only 1 day in Zakopane, that is too little to enjoy all what Zakopane has for!" | lorek
Poland
Feb.11.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi travelling from Zakopane to Crakow airport on 20th Feb for 9.00am flight anybody want to share a taxi?" | Lindsey
United Kingdom
Feb.10.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "If I was to get a bus from Krakow to Zakopane arriving in Zakopane at 8.40am on a Monday, would that give me time to hire equipment, get a lift pass, get up the mountain and ski for the day before getting a late bus back to Krakow in the evening? Any suggestions gratefully received as I am not sure how far apart the bus station is from the rental and slopes etc. Thanks" | Sarah
United Kingdom
Feb.02.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello Micheal and Patrick,to get from Katowice airport to Zakopane at normal cost,you have to go first from Katowice to Cracow and then get to Cracow bus or train station.You may do so by bus(private or Wizzair one, bus is the best possibility)or by train.Then you may take bus from Cracow bus station to Zakopane(public or private(more comfortable)) or train from Cracow train station to Zakopane (it takes about same time if traffic expected on holiday time (february-March)).
if anymore queries about accomodation in Zakopane or , please contact us info@ogodygorskie.pl" | lorek
Poland
Jan.30.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi all,
Arriving at Krakow approx 1300 hrs, 13/2 from East Mids (UK) with my 12 yr old son. Staying overnight in Krakow before visiting Auschwitz on 14th and then plan to travel up to Zakopane by bus late afternoon / early evening on 14th (staying at Helios).
See one or two are planning to travel up in Feb half term......if my times fits in with anyone elses and people feel like a bit of moral support when travelling by public transport, then feel free to drop me a line.
We're returning to Krakow on 20th for mid pm flight (again by public transport).
believe buses are very cheap, reliable and plentiful but that trains are not so frequent / take much longer. Any comments on my plans appreciated.
email = mike.beard@talktalk.net
Mike" | Mike Beard
United Kingdom
Jan.25.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi I am going to Zakopane from the 6th to the 9th of March this year our flight leaves on the 6th but does not arrive until 00.10 AM on the 7th to Katowice Airport, I imagine that I will have to stay in Katowice over night and make my way up to Zakopane the morning of the 7th. Anyone have any ideas on the best way of getting from Katowice to Zakopane if anyone has done it before? Thanks in advance guys!" | Mícheál
Ireland
Jan.20.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm flying into Katowice and making my way to Zakopane, but having a hard time negotiating the polish-language websites. Any information on buses between these destinations?" | Patrick
Ireland
Jan.19.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "hi i was just wondering what this resort would be like in march? " | ben hall
United Kingdom
Jan.19.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, Catherine. Snow is great here this year. Trains and buses leave daily from the main railway/bus station in Cracow. See the link above for more info. Most of the time you can buy same day or the day before, but always check when you arrive if you plan to spend a few days in Krakow. Enjoy your trip." | editor
Poland
Jan.18.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hello
we are travelling to zakopane from krakow in feb mid term. I am wondering is it possible to get a train to zakopane or which buses.
Also, just wondering what the snow is like in zakopane at the moment" | Catherine O'Connor
Ireland
Jan.16.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Thank you Andrew for your advices, i will get in contact with Her." | Christophe
United Kingdom
Jan.13.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Christophe, see my information below. both you and your daughter can get V.Good instruction from Goshia on a nice slope that is easy to learn on.
" | Andrew
United Kingdom
Jan.12.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Do the buses from Zakopane to Szczawnica carry bicycles? There would be 5 bikes in the group which could be a problem. We will be there in May." | Bill
United Kingdom
Jan.12.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi there. I was just wondering if there is anymore information on the bus links from Krakow to Zakopane? Which bus companies go and where can i get a timetable?" | Grainne
Ireland
Jan.12.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi am planning a trip to Zakopane always skied in France/Austia anyone help on what resort is like prices/nightlife currencie ect also good hotels with spa thanks guys" | Craig
United Kingdom
Jan.11.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I will be in Zap for 9 days and staying at the Redyk hotel from the 14 of february with my daughter and will need a ski instructor for a few hours a day, i have never skied but i am keen to learn as i am very fit and love sports.
Is there anyone up for the challenge?
Thank you." | Christophe
United Kingdom
Jan.02.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hello Tracy, if you are still interested, we could arrange for you accomodation in February and also transfer from Katowiceairport to Zakopane.Please conatct us on info@ogrodygorskie.pl.Our website:3Xw.ogrodygorskie.pl >waiting for your reply.Sincerely" | Loren
Poland
Dec.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "If You need any help with plane transfers, accomodation, guide service or ski lessons, contact me. " | Zakopane Info
United States
Dec.22.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I am travelling to zakopane in feb half term and looking for transfer from katowise along with accomododation, Any ideas." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Dec.16.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi Again Vikki, make sure you only use a registed and authorised ski coach. best I can suggest is calling Gosia (goshia) and talk to her. she will do individual lessons and or could sort you out with group lessons. if they can't get you skiing your first morning then they are not the instructors I know. You can contact her on +48608344023. Have a great trip, my number is in posts below and if you are stuck I can give you other places to go to when you are there. Andrew." | Andrew
United States
Dec.15.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Thanks Andrew thats great, I am 26, dunno if thats classed as young or old lol!! I am staying in hostels in the town centre so Im sure ill be fine but just wanted an idea of what place was like and as a girl on my own I dont usually do bars etc alone but im sure ill meet cool people! Want to do ski lessons with a group or individually think I can organise this when i get there what ya think? I dont need to book in advance do I? Sorry to ask you all these questions its just all new to me!" | Vicki
United Kingdom
Dec.10.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi Vicki and Steve, The place, even Zakopane shuts down on christmas Eve. Remember this is an Eastern European culture and the big celebrations are Christmas Eve. Everything is open on Christmas Day but not sure about trains. There are loads of busses and taxis. Every restaurant is open and pub, etc but remember in the UK you are used to waiting to be seated. in Zakopane you grab a seat as soon as it becomes available. You will even see people standing over others still finishing there meal waiting foir the table, Its quite amusing. There is a very good Italian resturant at the bottom of the high street if you can get in. Vickie there are loads of places to meet people and just join in you have not mentioned your age but young and old there are clubs, beer tents and bars to meet people. have a great time. Andrew." | Andrew
United Kingdom
Dec.09.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I am going to zakopane alone over bnew years to try skiing for first time!! Whats it like for meeting people - i want to te out and enjoy the nightlife as well so if anyones gonna be there at same time and fancies meetign up for a drink let me know?" | vicki
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hello anyone
We are a couple who will be in Krakow 22nd-29th Dec. We get a sense that christmas day in Krakow will be very quiet and we may struggle to find resturant/bars open and thought lets head for Zakopane on Christmas day- maybe stay over night and return on the 26th. We are wondering if buses will travel on the 25th- will resturants/bars be open in Zakopane on the 25th? what could we do for a special christmas day out?
All advice very warmly welcomed
thank you
beth" | Steven
United Kingdom
Nov.26.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I'm Andrew, and making my regualr trip to Zakopane via Kracow and have an empty vehicle. I drive a Range Rover (nice and warm and safe) and am travelling from the south coast where I live on December 19th late in the evening and driving though over night. Travelling by ferry which is already booked for driver and 4 passangers but only me so far in the car. Travelling back on January 7th 2010. Let me know if you are interested in travelling through. Either one way or both ways. Happy for you to call and I can give you more details. +447841387290." | Andrew Strange
United Kingdom
Nov.20.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "The person who calls themself Tatra Mtn Guide on styrczula@yahoo.com - I e mailed and it bounced back! Please confirm if it is correct. Thanks" | Lesley
United Kingdom
Nov.20.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi lolo. We have accomodation booked thank you. But please let me know if you can arrange return transport. Thank you." | Lesley
United Kingdom
Nov.17.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello, i know the cost of taxi is quiet high for a return to Balibe Cracow airport.ABOUT 700PLN?
I can maybe find cheaper for you.
As well, are you looking for comfy accomodation at very affordable price for the period you will be in zakopane.If yes, i may help you with offer.Please let me know
" | lolo
Poland
Nov.12.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi. My partner and I are flying from Liverpool to Kracow on the 13th Jan. arriving at 10.30 local time. We return on the 9.05 flight on the 20th. Is anyone interested in sharing the cost of a cab to Zakapone?" | Lesley
United Kingdom
Nov.11.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We are a tour operator in Serbia. We would like to organize some ski packages to Zakopane. Does anyone know any travel agencies around to get rates?
Thank you very much in advance.
ebabat@bigblue.rs" | Enver Babat
Serbia
Oct.13.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hello,
I am a mountain guide and ski instructor from Zakopane. If anyone needs help in getting some info about accomodation in town, guiding service or ski instructing - I'll help You with pleasure.
styrczula@yahoo.com" | Tatra Mtn Guide
Poland
Oct.11.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "About your accomodation from the 24/11 for 2 pers.,it sould not b problem.Would you like in center; or closed to center in residential area and closed to Kasprowy Wierch cabine Railway bringing to main mountain peak. I do not know which funicular railway you ask about:that one from http://www.krakauer.com.pl/pl/node/427?size=preview or Kasprowy Wierch cabine Railway but you may get timetables on the company website www.pkl.pl by clicking on the english flag.
For your choice of situation of accomodation, please do reply to us on info@ogrodygorskie.pl >Happy to help at anytime.See you soon " | lolozabojat
Poland
Oct.09.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi lolozabojat, can you give me some more info about the accomodation you mentioned? There are 2 of us going for 3 nights on 24.11.09.
ALso, would you know how late the funicular railway runs each day?
Cheers,
AK" | AK_IN_BED
United Kingdom
Oct.09.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The roads to get to Zakopane by bus or car is currently better and it takes 1h30 by car to reach it.When the snow will be there, it would take longer but not as long as the bus.
Reservation for Christmas , Sylwester and New Year are already opened and queries are many.So if you are interested, please do visit our website www.ogrodygorskie.pl and get back to us.
" | lorek
United Kingdom
Oct.06.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "You can use White Side Holidays to book holidays to Zakopane now - don't need to worry about the bus or train! " | Gareth Nicholls
United Kingdom
Sep.22.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "That is true but it will not be built for many years. Trust me!" | Mariusz
Poland
Jul.31.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I heard that they're building a special new train service to Zakopane. Speeding it up by a few hours. Is that right?" | Jim
United States
Jul.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Nowy Targ has a nice airfield...." | dave
Poland
Jul.23.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "That's handy. Cheers for that. George" | George
United Kingdom
Jun.29.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Here are the link of timetables of buses from Krakow to Zakopane/and return: http://szwagropol.eu/?page=10139
and the address of pick up and drop off points Link on: http://szwagropol.eu/?page=10439
hope it helps.do not hesitate to contact me if any queries or if interested by my accommodation offer.
Cheers" | lolozabojat
Poland
Jun.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
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