Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is often dubbed the winter capital of Poland. This breathtaking town offers a magical experience whether you are exploring its snow-capped slopes in winter or hiking its verdant trails in summer. Imagine a day packed with rustic charm, local flavors, mountain views, and thermal pools, or enjoying the stunning views from Gubalowka Hill during a summer hike. A Zakopane day trip from Krakow is a perfect way to experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the destination all year round. So, if you are heading to Krakow, don’t miss the chance to visit Zakopane and immerse yourself in the charm and adventure.
When is the best time to visit Zakopane?
Zakopane is one of the most popular day trips in Krakow. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, it is a stunning destination known for its Polish mountains, Zakopane thermal baths, and various outdoor experiences. The best time to visit Zakopane depends on what kind of experience you are looking for, as each season tells a different tale.
Zakopane in Winters ( December to Feburary)
The winter season, which is from December to February, is the peak tourist season of Zakopane. During this time, the town experiences heavy snowfall, which turns the whole area into a powdery white winter wonderland. However, temperatures can drop down to -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit). But if you are a fan of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, then winter months are ideal for you.
Zakopane in Spring (March to May)
The spring season, which is from March to May, is the transition period from a cold winter to a warm season. The season is relatively quiet, with few tourists and blooming landscapes. `The month of March is still cold and typically wintry, but by the end of May, it gets warm enough for a range of outdoor activities. While there is still snow at higher elevations, there are plenty of ice-free hiking trails. On some days the sun makes brilliant appearances, illuminating meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, but also be prepared as well for overcast and rainy days. If you don’t like crowded trails and the hustle and bustle of tourists during peak season, then this period is good for you.
Zakopane in Summer ( June to August)
The summer season, which is from June to August, is another peak tourist season. This is the warmest season, where temperatures often rise above 20 degrees Celsius, and most of the days are sunny and pleasant, perfect for outdoor-focused day trips from Krakow. The best part is that most of the snow has melted and the trails are easily accessible. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. The markets, festivals, and cultural events add to the charm of the Zakopane. However, be ready for the high number of tourists and relatively higher accommodation prices, so book accommodation well in advance if you are planning to stay overnight in Zakopane.
Zakopane in Autumn ( September to November )
The autumn season, which is from September to November, is best for hiking and nature walks as there are fewer crowds on the trails and the trails are still free of snow. The temperatures start to drop by the end of this season, and you can experience beautiful fall foliage. The landscapes are breathtaking during this time, with lots of colors and beauty. This is also a great time to visit for photographers who want to capture the beauty of Zakopane without the summer rush.
Can Zakopane be visited in a day?
Are you worried that you have only a day to fit in Zakopane? Then, don’t worry! A Zakopane day trip from Krakow is a perfect choice to escape the hustle and bustle of Krakow and enjoy the scenic beauty of these Polish mountains without even needing to check out of your hotel. After reaching Zakopane from Krakow, you can start your adventure with a scenic funicular ride to Gubalowka Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. Then take some time to stroll around Krupowki Street, which is the bustling heart of the Zakopane. From here you can buy some local souvenirs and savor traditional Polish cuisines and snacks. If you are a nature lover, then a hike in the Tatra National Park is an absolute must. Don’t miss the beautiful wooden architecture at the Zakopane Art Museum. As one of the more popular day trips from Krakow, you also have the option to book a guided tour which includes tickets to attractions as well.
How to get to Zakopane from Krakow?
So, now that you know you can visit Zakopane in a day from Krakow, the next question arises: How to reach Zakopane from Krakow? Zakopane is located approximately 110 km / 70 miles from Krakow, and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach it by bus or car. Because of its proximity, it is also possible to make Zakopane day trips from Krakow by train. Let’s review the different ways to reach Zakopane in detail so that you can choose according to your preference.
Zakopane from Krakow By Bus
If you don’t have a car, the cheapest way to travel from Krakow to Zakopane is by bus. You begin the approximately 2-hour bus journey by departing Krakow and then traveling on a four-lane highway through the pleasant countryside to the south of the city. The scenery becomes more impressive as you travel through the Raba River valley and then start to climb in elevation. The bus will probably make a diversion and stop in the town of Nowy Targ. At this point, the terrain levels out for a while, and in good weather, you’ll start to enjoy some tantalizing views of the High Tatra Mountains in the distance.
Purchasing Bus Tickets From Krakow To Zakopane
We suggest booking with the bus line Flixbus, as it’s an easy website to use and you will just need to show the QR code on your ticket to the attendant, either on your phone or on the printed piece of paper. In some cases, you might also take one of several other bus lines, such as Trans-Kos, Szwagropol, Max Bus, or Majer, in which case you may need to show them the whole ticket rather than just a QR code. You can purchase those bus lines at the BusFor website. We suggest printing the tickets in case you run out of phone batteries while in Zakopane.
Taking the Bus to Zakopane
Arrive at the bus station at least 15 minutes before departure. You will most likely depart from the Krakow MDA bus station on Bosacka Street 18 (near the main train station). Once there, check the electronic departures board for your bus platform. Look for your scheduled departure time and “Zakopane ZDA” in the second column from the left. The column on the far right shows your departure platform. Depending on the bus line, the platform may also be displayed on your ticket where it says “Numer kursu:” but the platform number can change, so be sure to double-check on the board.
Once on the departure platform, you should see an electronic sign hanging above it that displays “Zakopane ZDA” as the destination. Note that if you have arrived early, a different bus departure may still be shown. As you get on, just show the driver your ticket as a final confirmation that you are boarding the right bus. Seating is generally open but again it depends on the bus line.
Multiple bus lines are traveling to Zakopane, so make sure you are waiting for the right bus.
Zakopane from Krakow by Train
Zakopane day trips from Krakow by train are sometimes not the quickest way to travel, but traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option. And while the train is typically a little slower than the bus, it avoids the danger of getting stuck in traffic, so it’s sometimes faster as well! The route is also very scenic. As you get closer to the mountains, the views from the train get more pleasant than those out of the bus window. To catch the train, you’ll leave from the main station, Kraków Główny. The train arrives at the same location in Zakopane as the buses do (the bus station and train station are co-located).
The biggest disadvantage of the train is the less frequent departures. We recommend that you check the timings of the train beforehand only as there are few trains in comparison to buses. You should also bear in mind that on rare occasions the train also gets canceled because of bad weather or snow.
Purchasing Train Tickets From Krakow To Zakopane
You can buy the tickets from one of the counters at the main station of Krakow and You can also purchase tickets and check schedules at Intercity. Enter Krakow Glowny as your origin and Zakopane as your destination. On the next screen, change the selector in the upper right from Polish to English. If traveling during the high season, it’s better to buy in advance to make sure you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains.
The train will depart from the main station, Kraków Główny. Depending on how you get to the station, you may arrive at a large shopping mall co-located with the station. In that case, just walk through it, following the blue railway signs. You can identify your particular platform by looking for the blue arrival/departure screens. The departures are listed on the right half of the screen. In the first column on the departures side of the screen, you will see the departure times of the trains with the train numbers listed directly below the departure times. In the next column, you will see the destination – Zakopane.
Zakopane from Krakow by Car/Tour
Usually, the fastest way to reach Zakopane from Krakow is by car. You will also take the same route as buses but with no stops along the way. With no traffic, it is possible to do the whole trip from A to B in less than 2 hours. Reaching Zakopane by car can also be good if you wish to explore local spas, thermal pools, and Tatra Mountains trailheads that are not located within Zakopane.
If you want to travel by car, another option is to take private guided tours from Krakow to Zakopane. This will save you from the hassle of booking tickets and everything else that comes with arranging your day trip. With a knowledgeable guide, you will learn more about Zakopane’s history and culture as well.
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Your Zakopane itinerary from Krakow
Embarking on a day trip to Zakopane from Krakow is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of southern Poland. Here’s a detailed itinerary to make the most of your day:
Morning: Departure For Zakopane
Start your adventure early to maximize your day. Most guided tours depart early, but if going on your own, you should still begin your drive, catch your train, or jump on your bus as early in the day as possible. The journey takes about two hours and offers picturesque views of the Polish countryside, and your journey takes you through river valleys and rolling mountains on your way from Krakow to the town of Zakopane, home of Poland’s Highlanders (the Gorals). You’ll arrive to find it nestled just beneath the High Tatra Mountains, which are the tallest in Poland and some of the most dramatic in all of Europe.
Arrival in Zakopane
Upon arriving at the bus or train station, we suggest walking to Krupówki Street, which is the center of town. It is a walk of about 1/2 mile (0.85 km). As explained below, we suggest purchasing tickets for the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch with a departure time of about 2 hours after your scheduled arrival in Zakopane. However, if you did not purchase the timed tickets and wish to head straight to the cable car, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly from the bus station.
Explore Krupowki Street
If you don’t head straight to the cable car, make your way to Krupówki Street, the bustling heart of Zakopane. Here, you can shop for Oscypek, the region’s famous sheep cheese, as well as mountain attire and other traditional Highlander products. There are also a few good examples of the region’s charming wooden architecture.
If you walk downhill and take a left at the end of Krupówki Street, you will come to Zakopane’s fascinating cemetery after about 150 yards/meters. It is filled with carved wooden headstones. It is well worth the short walk and a small entry fee to take a walk through the cemetery. You can continue exploring the town to find some other good examples of the Zakopane style. Those with a special interest in this form of architecture may even wish to take a taxi to the Jaszczurówka Chapel, although keep in mind that interiors may not be open.
Explore Gubałówka Mountain by Funicular Railway
Gubałówka is a small mountain on the northern side of Zakopane. You can easily reach the top of the mountain via a funicular railway which departs near Krupówki Street. Unlike cable car tickets, pre-purchased funicular railway tickets are not for a particular departure time. Once at the top, you will enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the High Tatra mountains (providing the weather is good). There are also other attractions at the top, including a summer bobsled (great for kids) and several small adventure parks (mostly rope courses). You can take a very easy, level walk along a paved road which runs along the top of the mountain. The road is lined by wooden market stalls selling cheese, trinkets, souvenirs, and cheap clothing.
Details on Finding the Funicular and Buying Tickets
To find the funicular railway’s lower station, just walk downhill on Krupówki Street until reaching a t-intersection with a vehicular street. You will see stairs leading down to a tunnel to your left. Just before the tunnel, you will see a blue ticket machine. You can purchase the tickets with a credit card. Select Gubałówka for the funicular, not Kasprowy Wierch. If you do not have a chip that allows the machine to read your credit card without contact, there is a space to insert the card beneath the number pad. If you have trouble with the machine, or if the line is too long, you can purchase at the ticket office at the lower funicular station, although lines can be long.
After you have your tickets, take the tunnel beneath the street and then continue on the path until reaching the lower funicular station. You will see lines forming for boarding the train (follow the sign for “Platform Entry”). The ride-up is short and smooth. The upper station of the funicular is directly next to a viewing platform, the summer bobsled, and the road that runs along the top of the mountain.
Cable Car to the High Tatra Mountains
The High Tatra Mountains are the tallest mountains in Poland and some of the most dramatic in Europe. From Zakopane, you can take a breathtaking cable car ride into the alpine peaks of the Tatra National Park, ascending over 3,000 feet (nearly 1000 meters) in a few minutes. You can then hike the rocky ridgetop paths into neighboring Slovakia and also discover pristine lakes, mountain goats, and dramatic vistas.
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Details on Buying Tickets for the Cable Car
If you are traveling anytime in July or August, or on a holiday or weekend with good weather, then you should purchase advance tickets for the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. Otherwise, you will have a wait that could last for many hours. Sometimes tickets can sell out days in advance if the weather forecast is good. It is not a bad idea to pre-purchase tickets even on weekdays outside of the summer season if the weather looks good.
The tickets are purchased on the website of the operator. Prices start at about 70 PLN. The website has web cameras showing conditions at the top of the cable car, so this is a good way to determine whether you should expect to encounter accumulated snow.
If you do not purchase tickets online, you can also try purchasing them at ticket machines in Zakopane, although they can be sold out. There is one ticket machine located on the right side of the street as you walk from the bus station to the center of town. There is also one at the end of Krupówki street. See the instructions on the Funicular Railway to Gubałówka Mountain above for more details on how to use the ticket machines.
Also, keep in mind that the tickets for the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch may be shown as sold out. However, if you are not traveling during a peak time, it is usually still possible to purchase the tickets at the station.
How to Get to the Cable Car
The lower cable car station is located about 2.75 miles (4.5 km) from the bus station or center of town, so the easiest way to reach it is to take a short taxi ride for about 20-30 PLN. Taxis are waiting in front of the bus station as well as on Tadeusza Kościuszki Street, near the intersection with Krupówki Street. You can also try catching one of the mini-bus shuttles which pick up at the bus station and make numerous stops through town. Generally, the cost of a ride on one of the mini-buses is about 5 PLN.
Things To Keep in Mind Before Going For Cable Car –
- You should bring the right footwear and clothing, as the summits are rocky, and temperatures are generally much lower than in Zakopane below.
- The voyage up is not ideal for those who are afraid of heights.
- If you are traveling anytime in July or August or on a holiday or weekend with good weather, then you should purchase advance tickets for the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. Otherwise, you will have a wait that could last for many hours.
- The cable car runs at different times during the year, generally departing every 10 minutes. If you miss the cable car, you will have to wait in line and purchase a new ticket.
- You should not purchase a ticket for a cable car that is scheduled to depart shortly after you arrive in Zakopane. Bus delays, traffic problems, and other issues can prevent you from making it to the lower station on time. Instead, we suggest purchasing tickets for a couple of hours after your scheduled arrival.
- When purchasing your ticket, you must also decide whether to get a round-trip or one-way ticket. A round-trip ticket includes a designated return time two hours after departing, giving you one hour and forty minutes at the top. It is cheaper than buying tickets separately. If you miss the return time, you don’t need to purchase another ticket, but you will need to wait in line.
Explore Thermal Pools
A trip to Zakopane can also include a relaxing visit to the thermal pools and spas, several of which are located in town. If you’ve traveled by car, you can head to one of the popular nearby thermal spas like Terma Bania or Bukovina Thermal Baths. These facilities offer a range of indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and saunas, all filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. Soak in the warm waters, unwind, and enjoy the stunning mountain views. It’s the perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.
Return To Zakopane or Bus Stand
After a relaxing day of hiking, enjoying the thermal pools, or exploring the town, it’s time to head back to Krakow. If you’ve taken the cable car, upon your return to the lower station, you will likely see mini buses waiting in the parking area just below the station. These shuttles will take you to either Krupówki Street or to the bus and train station. Just check with the driver upon entering the vehicle. The cost of a ride is generally about 10 PLN per person. There are also usually taxis waiting in this area.
Try to return to the station with time to spare before your departure. Just show the driver your ticket or QR code upon boarding the bus. If you miss the bus, you will have to purchase new tickets. While numerous buses leave for Krakow throughout the afternoon and early evening, during popular times, they can be all sold out. With the train your options are even more limited, so make sure you don’t miss your train.
Your journey back to Krakow will follow the same route. The bus may make several stops in the city of Krakow before reaching the main bus station. If you are a good navigator, you may save a little walking by getting off at one of the earlier stops.
In any case, you will arrive back in Krakow filled with wonderful memories of your day trip to Zakopane. Consider ending your day with a relaxing dinner in one of Krakow’s charming restaurants, ordering some Oscypek cheese, and reminiscing about the stunning landscapes and rich culture you experienced.
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