John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice is not just a transit point, but the main aerial gateway to the historic heart of Poland and the picturesque Małopolska region. Named after the great compatriot, the Pope, this airport successfully combines the comfort of a small hub with the technology of a major transport node. It serves as the ideal starting point for those planning to explore the ancient streets of Krakow, descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mines, or head to the mountains towards the snow-capped peaks of the Tatras.

Airport Features and Advantages

Krakow Airport is rightfully considered one of the most convenient in the country, and here is why:

• Excellent Transport Accessibility: You can reach the city centre in just 20 minutes on a comfortable train, the station of which is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. This eliminates the need to stand in traffic jams.
• Observation Deck: One of the airport's highlights is the open terrace, accessible not only to passengers but also to visitors seeing them off. It offers a breathtaking view of the runway — an ideal spot for aviation enthusiasts and spectacular photos.
• Compactness and Navigation: Despite the impressive passenger traffic (second place in Poland after Warsaw), the terminal is designed so that it is difficult to get lost. All zones, from check-in to boarding gates, are located logically and close to each other.
• Education Centre: A unique Aviation Education Centre operates within the airport territory, where children and adults can learn about the world of aviation from the inside, making the wait for a flight an exciting adventure.

Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules, visit www.krakowairport.pl. The site is available in several languages, including Polish and English.

Information Service Phone: The unified call centre is available at +48 12 295 58 00.

Airport Address: ul. kpt. Mieczysława Medweckiego 1, 32-083 Balice, Polska.

Email: For general questions and inquiries, you can use the address: info@krakowairport.pl.

Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on official pages in popular social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Lost & Found Information: If you have lost items within the airport territory, contact the Lost & Found office. Current contacts and opening hours are listed on the official website in the "Passenger" section. For luggage lost during a flight, you should first contact your airline representative.

Passenger Support Contacts: For most operational questions related to your stay at the airport, you can receive consultation via the main information service phone number.

Getting from the centre of Krakow to John Paul II International Airport (KRK) can be done in several convenient ways. The airport is located just 11 km west of the city, making the journey fast and simple. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

The fastest and most reliable way is the train. The modern and comfortable Koleje Małopolskie train connects the main railway station Kraków Główny with the airport terminal. The platform is located in immediate proximity to the terminal. The trip takes only about 17-20 minutes. Trains run every 30-60 minutes throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at machines on the platform, in the airport terminal, or directly in the carriage from the conductor (surcharge may apply).

Budget option — city buses. Two day routes — No. 300 and No. 209, as well as one night route — No. 902, go to the airport. They depart from various points in the city, including the main station. The bus trip will take about 40-50 minutes depending on the traffic situation. This is the cheapest method, but also the slowest. Tickets can be bought at machines at stops (card or cash payment) or inside the bus (card only).

Taxis and transfers for maximum comfort. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 25-30 minutes. This is a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. Popular ride-hailing apps operate in Poland (e.g., Uber, Bolt), which often offer more favourable rates than official taxi services. It is recommended to check the trip cost in advance. You can also book a private transfer, which will meet you at a specified location at the appointed time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel around the Krakow area by car, you can rent a vehicle directly at the airport — representatives of all major international and local rental companies are present here. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, a convenient parking system is provided. At your service are the multi-level car park P1 (opposite the terminal) for short and medium-term parking, as well as more economical ground car parks P2 and P3 for long-term stays.

The Krakow airport is a modern and compact complex consisting of one main passenger terminal. Such a structure significantly simplifies navigation for travellers, as all flights — domestic, Schengen, and international — are serviced in one building. You will not have to worry about moving between different buildings, which saves time and reduces stress before departure.

The terminal layout is intuitive and logical. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by levels. The spacious Check-in zone, where airline counters are located, and security control points are situated on the upper floor. After passing inspection, passengers enter the airside zone with boarding gates, Duty-Free shops, and dining establishments. The arrival zone is on the ground floor: luggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the city, where public transport stops and taxi stands can be found, are located here.

Despite there being only one terminal, it is divided into two parts: Schengen and Non-Schengen. This is standard practice for international airports in Poland. The separation occurs after passing the general security control, and passport control is added for non-Schengen flights. Signs in Polish and English will help you easily orient yourself and find the necessary gate. Thanks to the thoughtful layout, navigation causes no difficulties even for those here for the first time.

The time for passing all pre-flight procedures at Krakow Airport is usually short. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before international (non-Schengen) flights. During peak hours, especially in the tourist season and holidays, queues for check-in and security may be longer, so an extra time buffer will be useful.

The history of the airport in Krakow, known today as John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice, began as a modest military airfield. Located in the village of Balice, it was opened for civil transport in 1964 to temporarily replace the main city airport Krakow-Rakowice-Czyżyny, which needed repairs. However, the temporary solution proved so successful that Balice soon became the main aviation hub of the city and the entire Małopolska region.

A key moment in the airport's history was its renaming in 1995 in honour of Pope John Paul II, who was the Archbishop of Krakow before his election. This event is deeply symbolic, as Karol Wojtyła often used this airport during his pastoral visits to his homeland in Poland. This fact gives the airport special spiritual significance for many Poles and pilgrims from around the world.

With the beginning of the 2000s and a sharp increase in tourist flow, caused partly by the emergence of budget airlines, the airport entered an era of large-scale reconstructions. New terminals were built, the apron was significantly expanded, and the runway was modernized. One of the most significant stages was completed in 2015 with the opening of a new, modern passenger terminal that united all flights under one roof. At the same time, a railway line was launched, linking the airport directly with the centre of Krakow, which significantly simplified logistics for travellers.

Today, Krakow-Balice Airport is the second busiest in the country and an important transport hub in Central Europe. It constantly breaks passenger traffic records, demonstrating rapid development. An interesting fact: despite all modern updates, part of the infrastructure still preserves the memory of its military past, although for the ordinary passenger, this is practically unnoticeable behind the shine of glass and steel of the new terminals.

John Paul II International Airport is a modern and comfortable complex offering passengers a full range of services for a pleasant start or end to their journey. While waiting for your flight in Krakow, you certainly won't go hungry: there are many cafes and restaurants here where you can try both local cuisine of Poland and familiar international snacks. For shopping enthusiasts, Duty-Free shops, clothing boutiques, as well as stalls with souvenirs and regional delicacies are open.

For passengers preferring to wait in a calmer atmosphere, comfortable business lounges operate in the Schengen and Non-Schengen zones. Guests can enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, read the latest press, or work in silence. This is an excellent opportunity to rest before a flight away from the general hustle and bustle.

Staying connected is easy thanks to free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. Numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices. If you need to hold a business meeting, the airport offers modern conference halls and meeting rooms for rent, equipped with all necessary equipment.

In the terminal, you will find all necessary practical services. At passengers' disposal are bank branches, 24-hour ATMs, and currency exchange points (kantor). In case of unforeseen situations, a medical point operates around the clock on the airport territory, ready to provide first aid.

Krakow-Balice Airport is well-equipped for travellers with children and passengers with reduced mobility. For families, mother and child rooms and play zones are provided. The entire terminal infrastructure is completely barrier-free: there are ramps, elevators, and special restrooms. Additionally, you can book an assistance service in advance so that airport staff can help with passing all procedures.

If you have an early flight or a long layover, you can rest comfortably in one of the hotels. One of them is located directly opposite the terminal, allowing you to reach it on foot in a few minutes. There are also several other hotels in the vicinity offering guests transfers to the airport.

At John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice (KRK), travellers will find various establishments to have a snack before departure or a full lunch. Dining options are available both in the public area before security control and in the departure zone.

In the public area (landside), located on the ground floor of the passenger terminal, the choice is limited but sufficient for those meeting passengers or arriving at the airport early. Here you can find a few cafes serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. It is a convenient place for a quick snack or a cup of coffee before checking in for a flight.

The main part of restaurants and cafes is concentrated in the departure zone (airside), after passing security control. Here the choice is significantly wider:

• Restaurants for a full meal: If you have enough time, visit one of the restaurants, for example, Premium Food Gate. They offer international and Polish cuisine in a self-service format, allowing you to quickly assemble a lunch to your taste. This is a great place to try traditional Polish dumplings (pierogi) or żurek soup before leaving.
• Cafes and Coffee Shops: For a light snack and aromatic coffee, coffee shops like So! Coffee are ideal. Here you can get fresh pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and salads.
• Bars: There are several bars in the departure zone, such as Suitcase Bar, where you can relax with a refreshing beverage while waiting to board the plane.

Prices at the airport are typically higher than in the city but remain at an average level for European airports. Regarding special dietary needs, in most establishments, you can find vegetarian options, such as salads or vegetable sandwiches. Information about gluten-free or vegan dishes is best checked with the staff of the specific cafe or restaurant.

Most establishments open early in the morning and close late in the evening, aligning with the flight schedule. For a quick snack, coffee shops are best suited, while for a quiet lunch or dinner, consider the restaurants in the centre of the departure zone offering a wider range of hot dishes.

To ensure your journey through the Krakow airport goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. These recommendations will help save time and make the start or end of your trip around Poland more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Krakow-Balice Airport is modern and quite busy, especially during the tourist season. We recommend arriving 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone. To save time, complete online check-in and print your boarding pass in advance. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to head straight to security control.

Passing Control and Seat Selection. At security control, be prepared to take out all liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and large electronic devices from your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that when departing from Krakow, depending on the route, views of the city may open from the left side, and the Tatra Mountains from the right side in clear weather.

Hand Luggage. Besides standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, remember that souvenirs bought in the city, such as large bottles of liquids or preserves, can only be transported in checked luggage. You can take the famous Krakow pretzels "obwarzanki" in your hand luggage — an excellent snack for the road.

Passengers with Transfers and Customs. The airport has one main terminal, making transfers quite simple. If you are flying from a non-Schengen country to another Schengen country, you will have to pass passport control. Customs control for those arriving from EU countries is practically non-existent (green channel), but if you are carrying goods subject to declaration, use the red channel.

Economy and Useful Tricks. The fastest and one of the most budget-friendly ways to get to the city centre is the high-speed train, the station of which is right at the terminal. Tickets can be bought at a machine on the platform. To save on food and beverages, it is better to buy them after passing security control, but not at the very boarding gates, but in the main food court zone, where the selection is larger and prices may be lower.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. Airport information boards and online services are updated promptly. Approach your airline's counter for information about your rights. For long delays of flights operated by European airlines, you may be eligible for compensation, meals, and beverages in accordance with EU regulation EU261/2004.