Bicycle

Every year, Kraków gets easier to negotiate by bike. Cycle paths follow both sides of the river and circumnavigate the Old Town in the Planty gardens. More ambitious trails extend into the surrounding countryside. InfoKraków tourist offices have free cycling maps.

Krk Bike Rental Rents city bikes for puttering around town, as well as mountain bikes (per hour/day 12/60zł) and electric bikes (20/100zł). It also runs 3½-hour city tours (per person 90zł, minimum three people), though these must be booked in advance.

Dwa Koła Rents bikes, including with children’s seats, by the hour or the day.

Car & Motorcycle

With limited parking, and much of the Old Town a car-free zone, driving in Kraków will be more of a hindrance than a help. Street parking in the area outside the Old Town from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday requires tickets (karta postojowa), which you buy from machines and display on your windscreen.

Many of the big international car-rental firms have offices in Kraków and/or at Kraków’s airport. Local companies often offer a better deal.

Joka Rent a Car Rates from 150zł a day.

Public Transport

Kraków Public Transport Authority operates an efficient network of buses and trams that run between 5am and 11pm. Tickets are valid for various time periods, from 20 minutes (2.80zł) and 40 minutes (3.80zł) to 24/48/72 hours (15/24/36zł).

You can buy tickets from machines on trams and buses (automat biletów; coins only), from machines at major stops (coins, banknotes and credit cards) and from news kiosks. Remember to validate your ticket in stamping machines when you first board; spot checks are frequent.

Most tourist attractions are in the Old Town or within easy walking distance of it, so you probably won’t use buses or trams very often unless you’re staying outside the centre. Note that trams are often rerouted in summer as lines are upgraded and repaired.

Taxi

It’s recommended to order a taxi by phone rather than hail one in the street. The following companies employ reliable drivers and take phone calls in English. In an honest cab, the meter starts at 7zł and rises by 2.30zł per kilometre, increasing to 3.50zł per kilometre from 10pm to 6am and on Sundays.