Planning a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau
There's a small book kiosk inside the main entrance to the Auschwitz museum where you can buy booklets and maps to self-guide your way through the camps. Otherwise, there's not much on-site provision for visitors. It's best to stock up on info at one of Kraków's tourist information centers. The Austeria bookstore (Józefa 38; tel. 12/430-68-89) in Kazimierz, next to the High Synagogue, is an excellent source of information and books on Auschwitz and the Holocaust.
Getting There
Getting to Auschwitz from either Kraków or Katowice is easy. From Kraków, several operators run guided tours in English to the camps, and trains and minibuses make the 90-minute trip several times a day. The Kraków tourist information offices can supply complete information and even book seats on the tours.
By Train -- Trains to Oswiecim (Auschwitz) leave from Kraków's main station and deposit you at Oswiecim station, which lies about 15 minutes by foot to the Auschwitz museum entrance. From Katowice, there are four trains daily, but be sure to check departure times. The journey takes about an hour.
By Bus -- Minibuses leave from and return to Kraków's main bus terminal, situated just behind the train station. The buses have the advantage of dropping you off at the front entrance to the Auschwitz museum. Buses cost about 18 z per person round-trip.
By Car -- From Kraków, it's an easy 90-minute drive. Find the main A4 highway in the direction of Katowice. Turn south at the Czarnów exit and follow the signs first to Oswiecim and, once in town, to "Auschwitz Museum." From Katowice, the drive takes around 45 minutes. There's plenty of paid parking near the museum. At the entrance, parking attendants will guide you to a free spot.
Getting Around
The two main camps, Auschwitz and Birkenau, are about 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) apart. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one to the other. Alternatively, the museum runs free shuttle buses between the two camps. The timetable is posted at the stop outside the main entrance; the buses run about once an hour in both directions (less frequently in winter). A cab ride between the two camps will cost you about 15 z.
