Driving to Auschwitz-Birkenau: Routes & Parking
Driving to Auschwitz-Birkenau is straightforward from most major Polish cities. From Kraków, follow the A4 motorway westbound and exit at Oświęcim — the journey takes approximately 80–90 minutes. A paid car park is located at the main museum entrance at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street. Parking costs 20 PLN for a car per day. A second free car park is available approximately 700 metres from the entrance when the main lot is full.
Driving gives you the most flexibility of any transport option — you depart when you choose, you carry what you need, and you control the pace of your day. For families, groups, or visitors coming from cities other than Kraków, it is often the most practical way to reach the site. This guide covers every route and every parking detail you need.
Routes by Departure City
From Kraków (~80–90 minutes)
The most direct route follows the A4 motorway westbound from Kraków in the direction of Katowice. The A4 is a toll road — keep change or a card ready at the toll booths.
After approximately 40–45 km on the A4, take the Oświęcim exit and follow the brown heritage signs for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum (Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau). The final stretch passes through the outskirts of Oświęcim town before arriving at the museum entrance on Więźniów Oświęcimia Street.
Route summary:
- Kraków city centre → A4 westbound → Oświęcim exit → museum
- Distance: approximately 70 km
- Journey time: 80–90 minutes in normal traffic; allow more in summer
From Katowice (~35–45 minutes)
Katowice is the closest major city to Auschwitz-Birkenau — a straightforward 35–45 minute drive.
Take the DK44 road (national road 44) westward from Katowice toward Oświęcim. The route is direct and well-signed throughout. No motorway is required, though the DK79 via Mikołów and then DK44 is a common alternative.
From Warsaw (~3.5–4 hours)
From Warsaw, head southwest on the A1 motorway toward Łódź and Częstochowa. After passing Częstochowa, continue on the S1 expressway toward Bielsko-Biała, then take the DK1/DK44 toward Oświęcim.
The total distance is approximately 330 km and the journey takes 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic. The route is motorway and expressway for most of the journey, with a shorter final section on national roads.
Given the 4-hour drive each way, driving from Warsaw for a single-day visit means spending 7–8 hours in the car on top of the 3.5-hour visit. Consider overnighting in Kraków or near Oświęcim instead, or using the guided day tour from Warsaw by train which makes the journey significantly less tiring.
From Wrocław (~2.5 hours)
From Wrocław, take the A4 motorway eastbound in the direction of Katowice. Exit at Gliwice or continue to the Oświęcim junction depending on your exact routing. The total distance is approximately 190 km and the journey takes around 2.5 hours.
Wrocław visitors can also consider the guided tour from Wrocław, which includes transport and a licensed guide, removing the need to navigate independently.
From Katowice Airport (~35–45 minutes)
Katowice Pyrzowice airport is approximately 50 km from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Follow the A1 motorway south from the airport toward Gliwice, then take the DK44 to Oświęcim. This is the closest international airport to the site. Read our dedicated airports guide for full details.
Parking at Auschwitz I (Main Entrance)
The main car park for visitors is located at the museum entrance on Więźniów Oświęcimia Street, Oświęcim — this is where all visits begin. The car park is paid and operates during museum opening hours.
Parking fees (per day):
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Car (up to 8 persons) | 20 PLN |
| Minibus (9–20 persons) | 30 PLN |
| Coach | 40 PLN |
| Campervan | 90 PLN |
| Motorcycle | 15 PLN |
Payment is made on exit. Do not park in spaces marked for buses if you are in a car — enforcement is active.
Capacity and busy periods: The main car park has limited capacity and fills quickly during peak summer months (July–August) and on busy weekends in spring and autumn. Arriving by 8am or earlier gives you the best chance of a space close to the entrance.
Free Overflow Parking (~700 metres from entrance)
When the main car park is full, a free secondary car park is available approximately 700 metres from the museum entrance. A supermarket, several hotels, and restaurants are located within 1 km of this overflow area.
If the main car park is full on arrival, staff or signage will direct you to the overflow. Factor in an additional 10 minutes of walking time to the entrance from this location.
Parking at Auschwitz II-Birkenau
A separate car park is also available at Birkenau (Auschwitz II), located near the Birkenau main gate on Obozowa Street. Visitors on guided tours do not need to drive between sites — a free shuttle bus connects Auschwitz I and Birkenau for all visitors on guided tours. Read our shuttle bus guide for details.
If you are visiting self-guided and prefer to drive between sites yourself, note that Auschwitz I and Birkenau are 3.5 km apart by road. The Birkenau car park is a short walk from the Birkenau entrance gate.
Leaving Luggage in Your Car
Bags larger than 35×25×15 cm are not permitted inside the museum. If you are driving, this is easy to manage — leave large bags, suitcases, and rucksacks locked in your car before entering the museum. Valuables should not be left visible in parked vehicles.
Navigation Tips
When using a GPS or mapping app, use the address 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street, Oświęcim for the main museum entrance and car park. Some mapping apps may route you to the town centre or the Birkenau site directly — confirm you are heading to Auschwitz I (the main camp) first, as all visits begin there.
Searching for “Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum” in Google Maps or Waze should bring up the correct location, but double-check before departing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes. A paid car park is located at the main museum entrance at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street. Parking costs 20 PLN for a standard car per day. When the main car park is full, a free overflow car park is available approximately 700 metres away.
How much does parking cost at Auschwitz?
A standard car costs 20 PLN per day. Minibuses (9–20 persons) cost 30 PLN, coaches 40 PLN, campervans 90 PLN, and motorcycles 15 PLN. Payment is made on exit.
Can I drive between Auschwitz I and Birkenau?
Yes. If you are visiting self-guided, you can drive between the two sites — they are 3.5 km apart by road, and a car park is available at Birkenau. However, visitors on guided tours have access to the free museum shuttle bus, which is the easier option. Read our shuttle bus guide for details.
What is the best route from Kraków to Auschwitz by car?
Take the A4 motorway westbound from Kraków toward Katowice and exit at Oświęcim. Follow the brown heritage signs for the museum. The journey takes approximately 80–90 minutes and covers around 70 km. Note that the A4 is a toll road.
Is there free parking at Auschwitz?
The main car park at the museum entrance is paid (20 PLN for a car per day). A free overflow car park is available approximately 700 metres from the museum entrance when the main lot is full.
What should I do with my luggage if I’m driving?
Leave large bags and suitcases locked in your car before entering the museum — bags larger than 35×25×15 cm are not permitted inside. Do not leave valuables visible in your parked vehicle.
