Arriving in Krakow
Krakow (Polish: Kraków, English alternative: Cracow) is one of Poland’s most accessible and well-connected cities, offering convenient travel options for both domestic and international visitors. The city is served by John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice (KRK), which provides direct flights to many European destinations, as well as selected long-haul and intercontinental connections depending on the season, including routes to North America (e.g. Chicago) and the Middle East (e.g. Dubai), in addition to connections via major international hubs.
For participants arriving by air, a direct rail connection operates between the airport and the city centre. Trains run from Krakow Airport Railway Station (official Polish station name: Kraków Lotnisko) to Krakow Main Railway Station (official Polish station name: Kraków Główny).
The airport railway station is located next to the terminal building and can be reached on foot via a covered walkway.
– Travel time: approximately 17–20 minutes
– Frequency: trains typically operate every 30 minutes
– Ticket price: approximately PLN 20 for a one-way ticket
This train service offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city centre. Up-to-date timetables and ticket availability can be checked at koleo.pl.
Krakow Main Railway Station is one of the key railway hubs in southern Poland and is well connected with most major Polish cities, including Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, and Katowice.
Adjacent to the main railway station is Krakow’s central bus terminal, which provides long-distance and international coach connections. Several major coach operators stop there, including FlixBus, offering additional travel options to and from Krakow for participants arriving from across Poland and neighbouring countries.
Conference Venue
The Ignatianum University in Krakow is centrally located, approximately 800 metres about 0.5 miles) from Kraków Główny and about 900 metres (about 0.6 miles) from the Main Market Square.
Krakow’s public transport network is efficient and well developed, making the university easily accessible from all parts of the city. The closest and most commonly used tram and bus stops include Lubicz, Teatr Słowackiego, Hala Targowa, and Rondo Mogilskie, all located within a short walking distance of the university buildings. These stops are well connected with other parts of the city and provide convenient access to Krakow’s main districts. For convenient route planning and ticket purchase, participants are encouraged to use mobile applications such as Jakdojade, which allows users to check connections, departure times, and buy digital tickets. Single-ride and time-based tickets are available, with standard prices starting at approximately PLN 4 (20-minute ticket) and PLN 6 (60-minute ticket), while daily and multi-day tickets are also offered.
Parking
The surrounding area offers a variety of small shops and cafés, providing convenient options for refreshments and informal breaks between conference sessions.
For participants arriving by car, a small on-site parking area is available next to the university building and is free of charge. Please note, however, that due to limited capacity, parking availability cannot be guaranteed. If the university parking is full, participants may use public parking spaces in the surrounding paid parking zone or consider parking options in the vicinity of the University Hospital in Krakow, subject to local regulations and availability.
Taxi Services
Krakow has a reliable and well-developed taxi network, making travel around the city convenient and flexible. Taxis can be found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city or booked in advance via phone or mobile applications. Widely used taxi and ride-hailing services in Krakow include Radio Taxi Kraków, iTaxi, Bolt, Free Now, and Uber. These services offer convenient options for travel between the airport, city centre, and the conference venue.
Accommodation
As the conference will take place at the end of September, which remains a period of increased travel activity in Krakow, participants are strongly advised to book accommodation well in advance.
Hotels and apartments can be conveniently searched using international booking platforms such as Booking.com and similar services. One possible accommodation option includes hotels belonging to large international chains located within walking distance of the conference venue. For example, ibis Kraków Stare Miasto and its low-cost counterpart, ibis budget Kraków Stare Miasto, are situated close to the conference venue and are also located in the immediate vicinity of Krakow Main Railway Station. Participants are free to choose accommodation according to their individual preferences and budget.
Krakow is a vibrant city of nearly 800,000 residents, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life. It combines centuries-old history with a lively contemporary atmosphere shaped by academic traditions, the arts, and a diverse cultural scene.
As one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Krakow offers numerous historic landmarks and architectural highlights, including Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Main Market Square, the heart of the Old Town. The city also features a rich artistic landscape with museums, galleries, theatres, and concert venues presenting both classical and contemporary works. The historic Kazimierz district is particularly known for its cafés, restaurants, and cultural life.
Beyond the conference programme, participants may enjoy walks along the Vistula River, visits to city parks, or explore Krakow’s surroundings. Popular nearby destinations include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside the city, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oświęcim, as well as the Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, offering opportunities for mountain walks and scenic views.
Web Links
Lonely Planet – Krakow: Krakow travel guide & inspiration – Poland, Europe
Magical Krakow: Official tourist website of the City of Krakow
GetYourGuide: Krakow Tours
Viator – Krakow Tours & Activities: All Krakow Tours & Excursions
Information for International Travelers
Poland is part of the Schengen Area, which allows free movement between participating countries without routine border controls for travelers already within the zone. However, citizens of some non-Schengen and non-EU countries may be required to obtain a visa prior to entering Poland. Participants are strongly advised to verify the applicable entry requirements well in advance with the appropriate consular authorities.
Please note that from 2025 additional entry procedures apply to travelers arriving from outside the Schengen Area. These procedures may include enhanced passport verification and biometric data checks under new EU border management systems, which can result in extended passport and border control checks upon arrival.
For participants who require documentation for visa purposes, the conference organizer may issue official invitation letters. Please note that invitation letters will be issued only after the abstract has been formally accepted through the conference review process. This procedure is required for administrative and institutional compliance.