Planning a trip to Tarnow
Tarnów's Tourist Information Office (Rynek 7; tel. 14/688-90-90; www.go-tarnow.com; Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm) routinely places near the top in the annual "Best Tourist Office in Poland" competition, and it's easy to see why. The staff is young, enthusiastic, and English-speaking. They have more free info on Tarnów, including a great walking map, than you'd likely need for a week's stay. What's more, they stay open until 8pm, rent bikes, and even offer cut-rate, decent accommodation in rooms located above the office.
Getting Around
Tarnów is small, and much of the center of the city is closed to car traffic. This makes walking the only option; it also means it's almost impossible to get around in a car. If you're traveling with your own wheels, try to get as close to the center as you can, and then park the car at the first free space you see. Though you probably won't need it, public transportation is good and buses (2.30 z) can get you around town quickly.
Getting There
By Train -- Polish rail, PKP (tel. 14/194-36; www.pkp.pl), operates several trains daily between Kraków's Gówny station and Tarnów. The journey takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of train. Several trains from Tarnów to Kraków continue onward to Katowice (3 hr.) and to Wrocaw (6 hr.). Tarnów's rail station is about a 15-minute walk from the center on Krakowska. A taxi from here to the center will cost about 10 z.
By Bus -- Tarnów's bus station (Krakowska; tel. 703/300-140) is next to the train station and is about a 15-minute walk into town (or a 10 z taxi ride). Service is good to Kraków and surrounding cities and towns.
By Car -- Tarnów is located 80km (50 miles) to the east of Kraków along the E40 international route. Figure on about 45-60 minutes behind the wheel.
