15 Best Auschwitz Tours From Krakow & Warsaw for 2024

To turn your trip to Poland into an experience of a lifetime, you should definitely take one of the best Auschwitz tours. Here, every stone carries a heavy reminder of the horrible old days.

Of course, you should also take some time to enjoy Krakow’s old town, the Krakow nightlife, and the places to eat delicious Polish food. However, visiting the Auschwitz concentration camps is another tour that you shouldn’t skip.

The best way to get to know a country is through its history, and what happened in Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp during the Second World War stretches far beyond the Polish borders.

In this complete guide, I’ve hand-picked 15 best Auschwitz tours from Krakow and Warsaw so that you don’t need to compare all of them – These are all different day trips, and not one is the same. Let’s get right into it.

Best Auschwitz Tours – Overview

I understand you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so here below you’ll find the best-rated tour to Auschwitz from Krakow.

---

Why It’s Better to Take a Full-Day Tour to Auschwitz

You can visit Auschwitz by yourself, but it is definitely better to join a guided tour. The prosecution of the Jews was one of the biggest horrors of World War II. To this day, Auschwitz is synonymous with all concentration camps scattered across Poland.

If you want to see the hidden corners of the concentration camps and know about the details in history, these are the best tours to join.

A professional guide can paint a picture of the everyday camp life in colors that you wouldn’t be able to see by yourself. Also, they will point out details and facts that are very easy to miss.

The story of Auschwitz needs to be heard in full, and the best way to do it is to take an Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour. Also, guides provide some of the best tours of concentration camps, which is better than exploring the site alone.

Lastly, after your trip to Auschwitz, many Krakow tours will take you to the Wieliczka salt mine, which is another important spot around Krakow.

How Long Does a Tour of Auschwitz Take?

Auschwitz and Birkenau state museum are open to visitors, and you’ll get to roam around learning about history. The duration of a visit is determined by the sites you’ll visit inside and how much you want to take in the dramatic feeling.

As a general rule of thumb, these best Auschwitz tours last at least 7 hours, including the visit of the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and the concentration camps, as well as transportation.

However, when booking a concentration camp tour with a visit of Krakow or Warsaw, they can last up to 16 hours, which provides a much richer experience.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial?

The actual visit of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex takes anywhere between 2 and 4 hours.

It’s recommended to plan for at least two hours, as this will give you enough time to explore the museum and take part in the virtual tour of the site.

The virtual tour offers more than 200 high-quality panoramic photographs, which present the site of the former camp.

You can also visit the barracks, ruins of the chambers, crematoria and the International Monument to the Holocaust Victims at Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp.

15 Tours to Auschwitz From Krakow and Warsaw

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s discuss the various tours from Warsaw and Krakow to Auschwitz, with different inclusions and I’ll cover both group and private tours.

Let’s start!

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 13,000+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Another deeply moving and educational day from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps is this 8-hour guided tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will cover the sobering history of the Holocaust.

Spend 3.5 hours exploring both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where millions suffered and perished. Walk through the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, see the preserved barracks, and learn about the tragic past of these sites.

The tour offers flexibility with pickup options and multilingual guides, providing a comprehensive and respectful experience of this poignant reminder of one of history’s darkest times.

And if you travel on a budget or as a big group, you’ll love the fact that prices start at only $10.99, which is a big plus.

The catch? This is one of the most popular tours to Auschwitz from Krakow, and it always sells out, so make sure to book now.

2. From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 14,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Learn the history of the largest former Nazi concentration camps from the Second World War on this 7-hour tour. After being picked up from your accommodation in Krakow, you’ll arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, where a guide will wait for you.

If you’re spending time in Krakow, this is one of the best Auschwitz tours to visit the concentration camps.

You’ll walk from the unloading railway platforms to the gas chambers and barracks, still holding the prisoners’ personal belongings.

Walking through Auschwitz II Birkenau, you’ll see constant reminders that you’re visiting a place that instilled dread in people’s hearts.

It isn’t fictional but a real-life torture chamber out in the open. It is scary but necessary to dive into history. To conclude, it is one of the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow that you can join.

3. Private Krakow and Auschwitz Day Trip From Warsaw

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 50+
🕗 Duration: 17 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a powerful and emotional experience, and the best way to do it is with an expert guide.

This best Auschwitz tour from Krakow provide you with a personalized experience that allows you to learn more about this tragic history in a safe and respectful environment.

On a private tour, you will be guided by an experienced professional who can provide insight into the history of the former camps.

Your guide will take you through the barracks, jail cells, and exhibitions of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as explain the significance of each site.

Private guided tours are also ideal for those who want to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large groups.

With a private tour, you can spend as much time as you need to take in all of the sights and sounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau without worrying about other people’s schedules or opinions.

After visiting Auschwitz Birkenau and learning everything about it, you will head over to Krakow for a private visit before going back to Warsaw in a private vehicle.

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 4,000+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must for anyone looking to learn more about the history of World War II. The Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour offers visitors an in-depth look at one of the most important historical sites in Europe.

This full-day tour includes visits to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau and a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The tour begins with a visit to Auschwitz I, where you will explore the permanent exhibitions and buildings that were used during World War II.

You will then be taken to Auschwitz Birkenau state museum grounds, the largest former concentration camp established by Nazi Germany during the war.

With this tour operator, you can learn more about the atrocities that occurred during this time period. Afterward, you will be taken to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you can explore its underground tunnels and chambers on a guided tour.

This tour is perfect for those who want to gain a better understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history. It is also great for those who are looking for an immersive experience that combines education with sightseeing.

This is the most convenient Auschwitz Museum guided tour if you’re staying in or near Krakow, so don’t miss out – tickets sell super fast!

5. From Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10,000+
🕗 Duration: 7.5 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

This tour from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau offers a deeply impactful day trip, where you’ll learn about the tragic history of the Holocaust.

The official guided tour of the memorial and museum provides an in-depth look at the largest Nazi concentration camp. You’ll see poignant symbols of Nazi cruelty, including the “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, and hear about the camp’s operation and the harsh conditions faced by prisoners.

The tour includes visits to the original barracks and chambers, offering a somber yet essential understanding of this significant historical event.

Last but not least, the tour guide is very knowledgeable, and this is much appreciated, especially when you have limited time at the site.

6. Affordable & Shared Auschwitz Trip

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

Explore the dark history of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a full-day tour from Krakow.

On this tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will visit the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, learn about its history, and explore significant buildings like the prisoner barracks and unloading bay.

You will also have priority admission to the sites and take a official guided tour with headsets. Bottled water and entrance tickets are included in the price of your ticket.

Round-trip transport from Krakow’s Old Town is also provided for your convenience. If you wish, you can purchase a lunchbox from the driver at an additional charge.

This Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour provides an unforgettable experience that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of one of Europe’s darkest chapters in history.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau in depth, one of the best things to do in Poland.

7. Day Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz & Wieliczka

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for guided tours to Auschwitz from Krakow, this trip will give you a better understanding of what happened during the Second World War in Poland.

Experience the best of Poland in one day on this official guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow.

This 11-hour tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup in central Krakow, then you will be transported by a comfortable bus to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where you will spend about 2 hours exploring the camp.

After that, you’ll have lunch and then visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine for a sightseeing tour lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours. This cost-effective package includes admission tickets, guided tours, and door-to-door transfers to and from central Krakow hotels.

Pay tribute at the somber memorials of Auschwitz before descending into the underground city of the Wieliczka Salt Mine – an incredible feat of engineering and artistry.

8. Auschwitz & Salt Mine from Krakow With Lunch

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 2,000+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow is a must for anyone looking to learn more about the history of World War II and its impact on Poland.

With this Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine from Krakow tour, you can explore both sites with an experienced guide and watch a documentary about the concentration camp.

The tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup in Krakow, where you will be transported by a comfortable bus to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Here, your guide will provide an in-depth explanation of the history of the site, as well as its significance during World War II. You’ll also have plenty of time to take photos and explore on your own.

Afterward, you’ll head to Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in Europe. Here, you’ll learn about the mining process and see some of the incredible sculptures carved out of salt that are located inside.

A word of caution: This is one of the most popular Krakow to Auschwitz trips, so I highly recommend booking early.

9. Concentration Camps Tour from Krakow With Licensed Guide

⭐ Rating: 4/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

Experience the history of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust with our comprehensive tour from Krakow. This full-day tour includes visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps, as well as a guided tour of the museum.

You will be accompanied by an experienced licensed guide who will provide an in-depth look at the history of the concentration camp and its significance during World War II.

The tour starts with a convenient pickup in Krakow, where you will be transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Upon arrival, your licensed guide will take you through the barracks, watchtowers, gas chambers, and crematoriums at the two camps. You will learn about the horrors of the Holocaust and hear narratives by former detainees.

You will also have the opportunity to view poignant museum exhibits and witness moving memorials, which serve as a reminder of the atrocities that took place here.

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and includes transportation to and from Krakow, which is very convenient.

10. Auschwitz and Birkenau Fully Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4/5
✔️ Reviews: 2,000+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

The Auschwitz and Birkenau Fully Guided Tour from Krakow is a deeply moving experience, offering a comprehensive visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tour, led by a sensitive and expert guide, covers the two separate camps, enhancing your understanding of this tragic chapter in history.

Learn about the appalling conditions, medical experiments, and the gas chambers that claimed over a million lives during World War II.

The tour includes convenient round-trip transportation from Krakow, entry fees, and headsets to ensure you hear the guide clearly. It’s a respectful and educational way to pay tribute to those who suffered in these camps.

11. One-Day Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour With Transfers

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 300+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

With a 1-Day Auschwitz Birkenau tour with hotel pick-up, you can pay your respects to those who lost their lives at the former concentration camp during Nazi-occupied Poland.

This package includes door-to-door transport, admission, and a guided tour of the museum. By exploring Auschwitz-Birkenau with a guide, you get an in-depth understanding of the historical events and what happened at the site.

You also get to avoid long lines, as entry ticket and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau are both included in this package.

Plus, you’ll have access to headphones rental so you can hear your guide clearly as they provide commentary throughout your tour.

12. All-Inclusive Auschwitz and Salt Mine Tour

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 300+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

This all-inclusive day trip to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Salt Mine offers a comprehensive experience, combining visits to two of Krakow’s most significant sites.

Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and skip the long lines with included admission tickets. Engaging English-speaking guides provide valuable insights at both Auschwitz museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is a big plus.

What I particularly like from this tour is the headphones, which helps you hear your tour guide at all times and you won’t miss anything, even the smallest details.

Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive tour, given everything you get.

This tour is an efficient way to explore both the somber history of the former concentration camp and the fascinating depths of the salt mine in just one day.

13. Auschwitz Birkenau + Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 700+
🕗 Duration: 12 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

This 12-hour tour to both the concentration camps and Wieliczka Salt Mine is a comprehensive experience combining two of the most notable landmarks in Poland.

It allows you to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine either in one day or across two days, which is a very convenient option if you don’t feel like doing both in one day.

The tour includes a visit to the former Nazi concentration camp complex, where you’ll learn about its harrowing history and see key sites including barracks and the “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate.

The second part of the tour takes you to the Wieliczka Salt Mine to explore its historic underground tunnels and remarkable salt formations.

With over 700 positive reviews online, you know you will get great value for money, and an overall good experience, despite the saddening day at Auschwitz.

14. From Warsaw: One-Day Auschwitz Concentration Camp Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 14 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

If you’re visiting Poland’s capital and wish to take an Auschwitz tour from Warsaw, then look no further than this 14-hour day trip. Take a 2,5 hours train journey from Warsaw to Krakow (included in the price) before heading to Auschwitz.

You’ll visit the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and your guide will tell the story of the largest concentration camp of World War II and paint a picture of the crimes against humanity.

If you plan to visit Warsaw, this is one of the best tours to spend the day in Auschwitz.

You’ll be taken to the gas chambers and the dead cells that played a role in the Nazis’ plan to eradicate the Jews. Moreover. the heavy atmosphere that has lingered for over 70 years will only add to this uneasy but important experience.

After that, you’ll get back to Krakow, where you’ll explore the city centre before taking the train back to Warsaw Old Town. To sum up, this is one of the best Auschwitz tours to come from Warsaw but also to see the Polish countryside during your trip.

15. Full Day Trip From Warsaw to Krakow & Auschwitz

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 15 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

If you’re looking to mix leisure with history, this full-day Auschwitz tour is one of the best. Visit Krakow and spend the afternoon at the largest concentration camp complex.

You’ll explore the most interesting parts of Krakow. From walking the coronation path to the Royal Castle to doing some shopping at the Main Square and visiting Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter. After that, you’ll be on your way to visit Auschwitz.

Your professional guide will tell you of the horrors that once took place every day behind the main gate. It’s certainly a different experience from wandering around Krakow.

However, a trip to the unsettling events of the past is helpful for a better understanding of the present. To conclude your 15-hour journey, you’ll get on the train back to Warsaw.

All in all, this is the best guided tour to visit both Krakow to Auschwitz.

Best Auschwitz Tours – FAQ

Now that you have a better idea of the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow, let’s answer some more questions that you may want to know before going.

How to Find a Private Tour to Auschwitz?

With a visit to the Auschwitz Memorial site, you can see where millions of people were taken. You might not feel comfortable visiting Auschwitz with other people. For this reason, finding a private Auschwitz tour is a good alternative.

First of all, you can book a private tour of Auschwitz online, which can guarantee you the best price and will allow you to have an expert guide around the concentration camps and to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine on the way.

Alternatively, you can book Krakow to Auschwitz tours online, which are generally group trips and, therefore, cheaper. Note that Auschwitz is a very popular place and I highly recommend securing your tour ahead of time.

Best Time to Visit Auschwitz 

Poland, in general, is best visited in spring and early autumn. The months between March and May and October and November pose the best match of decent weather and fewer tourists.

The best time to visit Auschwitz ensures a more intimate and cheaper experience since the prices are likely to be higher during the peak season.

It’s still best to book your tour to Auschwitz in advance, so have a look at some of the best Auschwitz tours that you can take from Krakow, Warsaw, and more.

Conclusion – Auschwitz Tours from Warsaw and Krakow

To conclude, these were the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow, Warsaw, and everywhere else you are in Poland. From discovering the sad stories to seeing the countryside from the train, you’re in for a unique experience.

Of course, guided tours of the Auschwitz extermination camp are quite heavy to take in and you should get mentally prepared for it, but as a whole, it’s one of the places you can’t skip when visiting Poland.