To get from KRK to Zakopane, you can take a long-distance coach or travel by train via Kraków Główny. The train connection uses the airport rail link and Koleje Małopolskie’s K5 route; route N1393 also serves both the airport and Zakopane.
- Train: Airport station to Kraków Główny, then K5 to Zakopane.
- Coach: Route N1393 runs through Kraków Airport and Zakopane.
- Airport buses: Lines 209, 300 and night line 902 are agglomeration services, not direct Zakopane connections.
Travel options from Kraków Airport
The train route from Kraków Airport to Zakopane goes via Kraków Główny, while a long-distance coach route also serves both the airport and Zakopane.
Train via Kraków Główny
The airport railway station sits beside the terminal, behind the multi-storey car park, with a covered footbridge connecting it to the terminal. Koleje Małopolskie’s SKA1 service runs between Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia, Kraków Główny and the airport. From Kraków Główny, K5 runs to Zakopane.
Buy train tickets from an onboard machine, the conductor, the Koleje Małopolskie website or electronic sales channels including KOLEO and Jakdojade. The onboard machine and conductor accept cash or card. Luggage travels free on airport trains; taking a dog costs PLN 3.00.
Long-distance coach
Route N1393 runs through Kraków Airport, Kraków MDA, Nowy Targ and Zakopane, among other stops. The stop for long-distance coaches and minibuses is the middle shelter, marked number 2, near the terminal footbridge. Check the operator’s current route and departure details before you travel.
Airport buses
Airport bus lines 209 and 300, plus night line 902, are agglomeration services rather than direct services to Zakopane. Tickets are sold from machines in the arrivals hall on level 0 or at the bus stop; validate your ticket when boarding.
Train and bus connections to Zakopane
For the train, change at Kraków Główny from the airport service to K5, which continues to Zakopane station.
K5 connects Kraków Główny with Zakopane, stopping at Kraków Grzegórzki, Kraków Zabłocie, Kraków Podgórze, Kraków Łagiewniki, Skawina, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Lanckorona, Sucha Beskidzka Zamek, Maków Podhalański, Chabówka Stadion, Nowy Targ, Bańska Niżna and Poronin.
A one-way ticket from Kraków Główny to Zakopane costs PLN 26.50. Airport-train fares are PLN 20.00 to Kraków Main Train Station and PLN 24.00 to Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Airport trains have at least 138 seats and include air conditioning, power outlets, Wi-Fi and ticket machines. The station is adapted for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and the trains have designated areas for passengers with disabilities.
Normal-fare airport bus tickets cost PLN 4.00 for 15 minutes, PLN 6.00 for 30 minutes, PLN 8.00 for 60 minutes and PLN 9.00 for 90 minutes.
Longer-validity options include 24-hour tickets for PLN 20.00 in Zone I or PLN 25.00 in Zones I+II+III, a 48-hour ticket for PLN 40.00 and a 72-hour ticket for PLN 55.00, both in Zones I+II+III.
For onward travel around town, Zakopane station and local transport can help you plan the next leg.
Getting onward from Zakopane station
From Zakopane station, Willa 14 is about a 28-minute walk or a 7-minute drive. The station is the endpoint for the K5 train, so allow for this final leg when choosing between the train and a coach arrival.
Rooms at this Zakopane bed and breakfast are available to view before you plan your stay.
What to check before travelling
Fares and schedules can change, so check the official site before you go: use Kraków Airport for airport transport details and Koleje Małopolskie for K5 schedules and fares. Confirm the connection between airport rail services and K5 for your travel date, as well as the coach operator’s current departure information.
At the airport, buy an agglomeration bus ticket from a machine in the arrivals hall or at the stop, then validate it as you board. For the train, ticket machines and the conductor are among the available purchase options; online and electronic sales channels are also available.
FAQs
Is there a direct train from Kraków Airport to Zakopane?
The train route involves changing at Kraków Główny: take the airport rail service there, then connect with K5 to Zakopane.
Is there a direct coach from Kraków Airport to Zakopane?
Route N1393 serves both Kraków Airport and Zakopane. Check the coach operator’s current schedule and booking details.
Where do long-distance coaches leave from at Kraków Airport?
The middle shelter, marked number 2, near the terminal footbridge is the stop for long-distance coaches and minibuses.
Can you buy train tickets at Kraków Airport?
Train tickets are available from an onboard machine, the conductor, the Koleje Małopolskie website and electronic sales channels including KOLEO and Jakdojade.