Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) worth booking?
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) is a 10-hour experience in Krakow, Poland, from $39 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 14 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (14)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine in one day. Learn the history of the largest Nazi camp in Europe thanks to a professional guide. Discover one of the oldest mines in the world written by UNESCO on the first World Heritage List. Use the transport from your hotel and booking service without waiting in queues. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle from Krakow. • Door-to-door service – guaranteed • There is no need to wait in line, admission – included • Learn the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Salt Mine thanks to the guide who is provided REMEMBER ! Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine takes place with a guide in groups of up to 30 people.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine in one day. Learn the history of the largest Nazi camp in Europe thanks to a professional guide. Discover one of the oldest mines in the world written by UNESCO on the first World Heritage List. Use the transport from your hotel and booking service without waiting in queues. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle from Krakow. • Door-to-door service – guaranteed • There is no need to wait in line, admission – included • Learn the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Salt Mine thanks to the guide who is provided REMEMBER ! Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine takes place with a guide in groups of up to 30 people.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick up & drop off
- Helpful driver at your disposal during the trip
- All entrance tickets
- Professional tour guide in Salt Mine
- Round-trip transportation from Krakow
- Headset to hear the guide clearly
- Professional tour guide in Auschwitz-Birkenau
Not included
- Lunch
- Private guide
What you'll see and do
Krakow
Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow, pickup by minivan from a pre-determined place (hotel or other place that you choose) at a specified date and time. Transport takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Pass by without stopping
The Auschwitz-Birkenau camps are located in Oświęcim. After reaching the destination, the driver will show you the correct entrance. Before starting the tour you will have a short break for the toilet, coffee or tea. Then proceed to the ticket inspection and security control of the Museum. After the check, you will meet the guide and start the tour.
15 minutes here
Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau
As part of the visit, you will receive an individual admission ticket to the Auschwitz Historical Museum and a professional yours language speaking guide ( English French German Spanish Italian Polish ). Visiting the camps takes place in groups of up to 30 people (the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum does not organize visits for smaller groups). You will also receive a set of headphones, with your guide speaking into a microphone during tour. You will be able to visit the death camp on a planned route, including the most important sightseeing points. The tour includes all permanent exhibitions and buildings at Auschwitz I (main camp) as well as the most significant original buildings at Auschwitz II Birkenau such as the prisoner barracks, the unloading platform (ramp) and the ruins of the gas chamber and crematoria II and III.
120 minutes here · Admission included
The second stage of sightseeing is the Birkenau camp. The second camp of KL Auschwitz quickly became, above all, a place of mass extermination, the largest German extermination camp. It was here that the overwhelming number of KL Auschwitz victims died - over a million people. Here, gas chambers with crematoria were specially designed and erected (first provisional, in adapted peasant houses, preserved there, and then specially built for this purpose). Visiting the Birkenau camp lasts about 1 h 10 minutes.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Wieliczka
Between the next sightseeing points it will be possible to organize a lunch break in the restaurant according to your choice or start another trip without entering a break.
60 minutes here
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Upon arrival, the driver will take you from the car park and show you the main entrance where you will meet with a guide. As part of the visit, you will receive an individual entrance ticket to the salt mine and a professional yours language speaking guide ( English French German Spanish Italian Polish). Visiting the Salt Mine takes place in groups of up to 30 people. The mine has 9 levels, the first of which extends to a depth of 64 meters, and the last one is 327 meters below the surface of the Earth. During the tour you will learn about the history of salt mining in particular historical periods. With a guide, you will visit a maze of corridors and a complex of thematic chambers where there are numerous sculptures, chapels carved into the rock and an underground lake. Feel the unique microclimate of the mine, which is ideal for people suffering from asthma and allergies, and feel the benefits for your health. After completing the tour you will return with an elevator to the ground.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square
When you finish exploring the Salt Mine and return to the vehicle. The driver will take you to a pre-determined place in Krakow.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Guided Tour & Private Transfer
Private vehicle only for you The option: includes an English-speaking guide at the Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau as well as private transport from the Hotel. Pickup included
transfer only- no entry ticket
Pickup included
Regular Guided Group Tour
The option: includes an English-speaking guide at the Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- cs, de, ru, sk, en, it, pl, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cracow Top Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dreadful, awful, disappointing
I have taken many Viator tours, and enjoyed nearly all of them, but this was an appalling experience and pitiful performance by the company. I booked a private tour to the Krakow Salt Mines and Auschwitz-Birkenau on May 18th, with a pickup at 8am at the Stradom Hotel in Krakow. The driver was around 15 minutes late. The driver basically spoke no English and was not able to respond to basic questions. Instead, throughout the drive he shouted into his phone in Polish and then thrust it towards the back seat of the vehicle while a translation program attempted to play back what he was saying, which was often not understandable. While doing this the driver frequently took his eyes off the road, which seemed dangerous, and on a number of occasions he had to jerk the wheel to get us back into the lane. He dropped us off at the salt mine tour and pointed to a building landmark which he told us to walk toward when the tour ended. While the building was visible from where the tour started, the tour ended in a completely different area, 0.2KM away and the building he had pointed to was no longer in site. We spent 20 minutes walking around trying to locate the building. The driver had not provided me with his cell phone number in the event of such circumstances even though I asked for it at the beginning of the tour - he just waved off the request. I later realized that he likely did not understand what I was saying as his English was practically non-existent. The car itself was an old VW van. It did not have any connections to charge one’s phone and while the driver was charging his phone via the cigarette lighter, he did not ask if we needed our devices charged. The car was cluttered and when we pulled up the window sun screen it was badly rusted. There was no water available in the car and when we asked the driver if we could get some water he pointed us to a vending machine. The worst aspect of the car is that the air conditioner was partially broken in that none of the air outlets in the back seat operated. When we asked the driver for air in the back seat he told us (via his translation device) that the air was already on full blast but he did lean down the front passenger seat so there would be better circulation. After we stopped for lunch, the driver acknowledged that the back seat fans/vents were all broken and said that it was probably “a fuse” and that he would try and fix this while we were visiting Auschwitz - but when we finished our tour it was still broken. Again, all this communication was via his translation device which sometimes delivered very fractured translations. On the trip from Krakow to Auschwitz, the driver talked pretty constantly. While he was a nice and friendly man (and I don’t blame him for much of our disappointment) he is clearly in no way qualified as a tour guide and should never have been selected for this task. He pointed out various buildings and areas - some of no real interest - but did not have a deep knowledge of any of them, and prefaced many of his statements with the phrase: “I read on the Internet that this place . . .” When the driver was not pointing out this building or that, he spent the rest of his time expounding on various of his political views and conspiracy theories, of which he had many. The various topics he addressed at some length included: (i) the war in Ukraine; (ii) Vladimir Putin; (iii) U.S. assistance to Ukraine; (iv) whether Putin is actually dead and a “doppelgänger” has taken his place (it’s true! “I saw it on some TV show”); (v) whether Hitler actually died in Germany at the end of WWII or survived and made his way to South America (he did! “I read it on the Internet”); (vi) whether aliens live among us (they do!); and (via) whether the U.S. has possession of an alien spaceship (they do!) and have designed their own aircraft based on this alien ship (they have!). We decided for a private tour as opposed to a large group, as a large group often slows you down and you often get a much better guide. But this was in every way worse than a large group tour. It was not more efficient (we had way too much time between stops and the tickets had been purchased for times that could easily have been much earlier), the driver had no relevant information about anything a tourist would be interested in, the driver’s vehicle was much worse than the typical larger tourist coach or van, we did not feel safe as the driver was talking, translating and distracted during the trip, and it all of this cost twice as much. I think Viator needs to rectify this situation, particularly for a repeat customers. I would prefer to keep this a private matter but I do have video of the driver “translating while driving” and photos of the vehicle (including the rusty shade) that I can share in a Trip Advisor review if something isn’t done. Thank you.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback. We're truly sorry that your private tour fell so far short of your—and our—expectations. Safety is our top priority, and we are extremely concerned to hear about the delayed pick-up, the distraction while driving, and the issues with the vehicle's condition. We understand that as a private tour, you expected a more personalized, informative, and safe experience, and it's clear we didn't deliver that for you. We’re also disappointed to learn that the guide’s commentary did not meet the standard of engaging or informative narration, and that his personal views detracted from the experience. We always aim to provide tours that are insightful, respectful, and enjoyable, and we apologize that this tour did not reflect those values. Your comments about the communication issues, vehicle safety, and quality of the tour are being taken very seriously. We will be reviewing your case with our team and our transportation partners to ensure that such issues are addressed promptly. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your experience further, so please consider contacting our customer care team directly so that we can work toward a resolution. Thank you again for your honest review. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve our service for future guests.
via Viator
Great experience
Our driver was Marrioush, he was excellent, very informative and polite, I would highly recommend him.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that Marrioush provided excellent, informative, and polite service. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
via Viator
Highly recommended tour
The trip was well organised and our driver, Gregor, made sure we were looked after. The Auschwitz tour is very sad but one that everybody should see. The tour guide was very respectful and informative. The Salt Mines are amazing. Fantastic to see. Good to combine both tours when you’re short on time in Krakow. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! 😊 We're glad Gregor took great care of you and that you found the combination of Auschwitz and the Salt Mines meaningful and well-organized. It’s true—both experiences leave a lasting impression. We really appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Great Experience
What a great one day trip. We had an amazing driver, Marioush, who taught us a lot about Poland and Polish history. He was also super attentive and always making sure we were ok/. The visit itself was amazing. The salt mines were stunning and definitely worth a visit to see. Our guide was informative and had a great sense of humour. Auschwitz was sobering and humbling but a must see so history is not forgotten. I learned a lot from the visit and our guide was really knowledgeable and provided a great experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😊 We're glad Marioush made your trip both educational and comfortable, and that the guides enriched your visit with knowledge and humor. It’s important to remember history, and we're honored to have been part of your journey. Hope to welcome you again soon!
via Viator
Tours with private driver
We enjoyed our day with Gregor visiting the salt mine and camps. He was friendly, knowledgeable and went out of his way to be sure we were having a good trip. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! 😊 We’re delighted Gregor made your day memorable with his knowledge and friendly service. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Hope to see you again on another great tour! ✨
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $39 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cracow Top Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Cracow Top Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Krakow.
How much does Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) cost?
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Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Krakow usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Krakow is not rushed.
Is Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Krakow, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Krakow can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Krakow and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Krakow within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Krakow?
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On Outty we rank every Krakow experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Complete Cracow Bike Tour (small group of maximum 15 people!), Krakow–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths, Cheese & Vodka, Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Krakow?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Krakow?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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Included: Hotel pick up & drop off; Helpful driver at your disposal during the trip; All entrance tickets; Professional tour guide in Salt Mine; and Round-trip transportation from Krakow. Not included: Lunch; and Private guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 251 listed pickup locations in and around Krakow. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) offered in?
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It is offered in Czech, German, Russian, Slovak, English, Italian, Polish, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Krakow. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine OneDay Tour (hotel pickup)?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Guided Tour & Private Transfer, transfer only- no entry ticket, Regular Guided Group Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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