Visiting Krakow and wondering how to navigate the city without stress? Good news—you don’t need to speak Polish, know where you are, or even carry local currency. Krakow’s public transport system is safe, clean, and incredibly easy to use, especially with the help of the JakDojade app. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use trams and buses like a local (and avoid fines while you’re at it).
Is Public Transport in Krakow Safe for Tourists?
Yes—Krakow has one of the safest and cleanest public transport systems in Europe.
The trams and buses are modern, regularly cleaned, and used daily by locals from all walks of life. Whether you’re exploring solo, with your partner, or as a family, you’ll feel secure at virtually any hour of the day.
Most tram and bus stops are well-lit and centrally located near major landmarks. And while the biggest danger might just be the pastry shop next to the stop tempting you in, safety and comfort aren’t things you need to worry about here.
How to Plan Your Route Using the JakDojade App
The easiest way to get around Krakow is with the JakDojade app (available in English on iOS and Android). It’s more accurate than Google Maps when it comes to public transport—and it lets you buy tickets right inside the app.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the app and allow GPS access.
- Use the location icon if you’re unsure where you are.
- Type in your destination (e.g., Lipowa 4 to get to Schindler’s Factory).
- The app will show you:
- The exact stop number you need to go to
- How many minutes you have before departure
- The tram or bus number
- The direction (critical!)
- You can buy a ticket and validate it digitally in the app once you board.
🧠 Pro tip: Unlike Google Maps, JakDojade shows the specific stop segment (like Poczta Główna 1 instead of just Poczta Główna)—which can make all the difference in avoiding confusion.
Where to Buy Krakow Tram and Bus Tickets
There are three main ways to buy public transport tickets in Krakow:
🟢 1. In the JakDojade App
- Easiest method.
- Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card.
- Requires mobile internet.
- Ticket is validated digitally upon purchase – you buy these tickets only after boarding the vehicle.
🟢 2. Onboard the Tram or Bus
- Some have ticket machines inside.
- Payment options vary: some take only cards, others only coins.
- If the machine is out of order, there is no other way to get a physical ticket on board.
🟢 3. At a Ticket Machine at the Stop
- Most machines offer multiple languages.
- Accept cash, coins, or card.
- Great if you want to purchase in advance.
Types of Tickets with Pricing (2025)
Krakow has two types of tickets: duration-based and day passes. Here’s how to choose:
⏱ Duration Tickets (valid for all zones)
| Ticket Type | Valid For | Ideal For | Price (Regular) |
| 20-minute ticket | All zones (20 minutes from validation) | Short rides within city limits | 4 PLN* |
| 60-minute ticket | All zones (60 minutes from validation) | Longer rides or multiple transfers | 6 PLN* |
📆 Time-Based Passes
| Ticket Type | Best For | Zone I Price | Zone I + II + III Price |
| 24-hour pass | 5+ rides in one day. Choose all zones if you will be going to the Salt Mine or the airport. | 17 PLN* | 22 PLN* |
| 48-hour pass | Weekend stays, multiple journeys | X | 35 PLN* |
| 72-hour pass | Long weekend or Krakow city breaks | X | 50 PLN |
| 7-day pass | Longer stays. Choose all zones if you will be going to the Salt Mine or the airport. | 56 PLN* | 68 PLN* |
- Be aware of zones:
- Zone 1: Most of Krakow.
- Zones 1+2+3: Airport, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and further suburbs.
- Choose your ticket based on your destination and how often you’ll ride.
🎫 If you’re over 70, you ride free! You must carry your ID or passport in order to prove your age.
How to Validate Your Ticket in Krakow (So You Don’t Get Fined)
Here’s the part most tourists get wrong:
Buying a ticket is not enough. You must validate it—or you risk getting fined, even if you bought it one minute ago.
🟡 If you bought a paper ticket:
- Validate it inside the tram or bus using the yellow or orange boxes.
- Insert the ticket, wait for the stamp, and keep it on you.
🟡 If you’re using JakDojade:
- Once you’re on the vehicle, buy and validate your ticket in the app.
- You’ll be asked to input the vehicle number, displayed inside near the doors.
👮 Ticket inspectors operate undercover and won’t accept excuses like “I didn’t know” or “I just bought this.” Fines are enforced—even for tourists.
Local Tips for Riding Trams & Buses in Krakow
- Direction matters: Trams and buses go both ways, even with the same number. Always check the final destination listed next to the tram number.
- Keep an eye on the screens inside trams. Some show the full list of stops, others only the next stop.
- Tickets are rarely checked—but when they are, they’re strict. Don’t risk it.
- You can switch between buses and trams with the same time-based ticket (as long as it’s still valid).
- If you plan more than 5 rides in 24 hours, a 24-hour pass may save you money.
- Locals may look serious, but don’t hesitate to ask for help—you’ll find we’re friendly underneath our “default face.”
Using Public Transport to Reach Krakow’s Tourist Attractions
Here are some popular spots you can easily reach via tram or bus:
- 🏰 Wawel Castle – Take tram 8, 10, 18
- 🕍 Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) – Walk or tram 3, 24 from Poczta Glowna to Miodowa
- 🏭 Schindler’s Factory – Tram 3, 24 to Plac Bohaterów Getta, then a short walk
- ✈️ Krakow Airport – Bus 300, or the airport train (different ticket!!!)
- 🌊 Wieliczka Salt Mine – Bus 304 from Dworzec Glowny Zachod
Conclusion & Next Steps
Krakow’s public transportation is one of the easiest in Europe to use—once you understand how to plan your route and validate your ticket. With the JakDojade app, a bit of insider knowledge, and a smile (or at least your passport if you’re over 70), you’re ready to ride like a local.
