Krakow Airport (airport code KRK) is otherwise known as the John Paul II International Airport Krakow Balice. That is because it is named after a pope as Poland is a strongly Catholic country.
Having car hire from Krakow Airport makes sense as the airport is actually located a little ways outside of the city centre in Balice village and you have to make a short 11 kilometre journey to Krakow itself. Although there is public transport available, having a hire car from Krakow Airport is much more comfortable in a country which gets as cold as Poland.
Krakow Airport Mini Guide
Are low cost Flights and Cheap car hire Good Enough Reasons to fly to Krakow?
They’re a good reason in themselves but tied in with the history and beauty of the city, they’re the icing on the cake. Krakow is a beautiful city once you fight your way past the concrete jungle that sprang up in the communist era. Most people in the city for a short break concentrate on the Stare Miasto where you’ll find the medieval centre of the city plus some of the best restaurants and entertainment. Krakow was once the capital of Poland and the home to the king. Walk the Royal Mile to see the grand architecture that accompanied the monarch on his way from the palace to the government buildings.
What is the Airport Like?
John Paul II International Airport accepted over three million passengers last year from all over Europe. A large proportion of those passengers originated in the UK as a result of the low cost airfares offered by easyJet and Ryanair. Since its opening in 1964, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades and today is a modern, efficient airport and the second busiest in Poland. The airport is likely to gain in popularity over the coming years with work due to be completed on a network of motorway links that will grant quick access to many of the other towns and cities in Southern Poland.
What can I Expect When I Arrive at the Airport?
There are no night time flights into or out of Krakow so you’ll arrive in time for a great view of the city and the surrounding area. The single runway leads to the apron surrounding the two terminals. Terminal 1 caters for international flights but if you arrive on a domestic flight you’re likely to find yourself at Terminal 2. The international terminal has jet ways for disembarkation so if arriving in winter you’ll get straight into a cosily warm terminal. The main terminal is nearing the completion of an expansion plan to enable it to cope with rapidly expanding traffic and some disruption is still possible when you arrive.
How do I get into Krakow From the Airport?
The airport is nearly seven miles from the city centre but regular buses operate taking passengers into Krakow. If you don’t want the hassle of waiting for a bus then there are plentiful taxis too. A better option might be to pre-book a car hire with us and collect it when you arrive, providing a simple and cheap way to reach your accommodation and be able to tour the city and the region.
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