Getting Around
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Public Transport
Cracow is served by a network of 108 bus and 22 tram routes operated by MPK (website: www.mpk.krakow.pl) between 0500 and 2300. Local trains serve the outer suburbs.
A single fare for a bus or tram within the city is Z2.20. If a change of vehicle is required, it is better to buy a one-hour ticket for Z3.50. The charge for buses that cross the city limits is Z2.80. Night buses are also available; the fare is Z4.50. Tickets may be purchased at kiosks or at retail outlets or from the driver (although this costs extra). Tickets should be punched in the boxes inside the bus or tram. A Z2.20 ticket must be punched for each large piece of luggage (free with a pass).
Passes are available for one day (Z9) and one week (Z22). Students will be offered a 50% reduction on standard prices upon presentation of an ISIC card. Fines of Z50 are charged for non-payment.
Taxis
Taxis are metered and can be found at taxi ranks, which are located in most of the squares on the perimeter of the Old Town. Alternatively, taxis can be hailed on the street – those with a hail-light and displaying a telephone number and company name usually charge reasonable rates. Others are to be avoided.
However, it is usually cheapest to order a taxi by telephone. Reputable companies include: Barbakan Taxi (tel: (012) 9661), Express Taxi (tel: (012) 9629), Mega Taxi (tel: (012) 9625) and Wawel Taxi (tel: (012) 9666). It is a good idea to verify how much the trip will cost before entering the taxi. The first kilometre generally costs Z3.60 and each kilometre thereafter Z1.60. Rates go up to Z2.40 after 2200 and on Sundays. There is no baggage charge and a tip of 10% is appreciated.
Limousines
There are no limousine services in Cracow. However, Avis and Hertz can provide chauffeur-driven cars (see Car Hire).
Driving in the City
The city centre is mostly closed to traffic and there are only a few car parks in the immediate vicinity. There is one near Wawel on ulica Powisle, and others on ulica Karmelicka, plac Biskupi and plac Szczepanski. Parking costs Z3-4 per hour or Z55 for 24 hours, but it is often difficult to find a space. Visitors may be able to get a temporary parking permit from their hotel. It may also be possible for non-guests to get a space at one of the Orbis hotels (Continental, Cracovia or Wanda). Parking on the street can be problematic due to the various parking restrictions, especially near the centre. Traffic can be heavy and this is exacerbated by narrow streets and trams. Traffic jams regularly occur on the ring of the Aleje, which encircles the Planty.
Car Hire
Both Avis, ulica Lubicz 23 (tel: (012) 629 6108; website: www.avis.com), and Hertz, Hotel Cracovia, aleja Focha 1 (tel: (012) 429 6262; website: www.hertz.com), have rental offices in the city. Other operators include Budget, ulica Radzikowskiego 99/101 (tel: (012) 637 0089; website: www.budgetrentacar.com), and Joka, ulica Starowislna 13 (tel: (012) 429 6630; website: www.joka.com.pl).
Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have a valid driver’s licence and International Driving Permit. Prices range from Zl210-1500 per day.
Bicycle Hire
The branch of the Jordan Tourist Bureau, ulica Dluga 9 (tel/fax: (012) 421 2125), provides bicycles for hire at Z30 per day. A passport and Z200 are required as a deposit.
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