How to get there

How to Fly to Kraków, Poland from the US and Canada: Routes, Airlines, and Travel Tips

Updated Jul 19, 2025

No direct flights exist from North America to Kraków. Most routes connect through Warsaw, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam with 10-14 hour total travel time.

How to Fly to Kraków, Poland from the US and Canada: Routes, Airlines, and Travel Tips

Overview

Ease of getting there

Reaching Kraków from North America requires connecting through major European hubs since no direct flights exist. Most travelers fly through Warsaw, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London before continuing to Kraków's John Paul II International Airport. The journey typically takes 10-14 hours including layovers. American Airlines, Delta, United, and Air Canada offer the most convenient connections. From major US cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, expect one stop minimum. Toronto and Vancouver provide similar routing options for Canadian travelers. The airport sits 11 kilometers west of Kraków's Old Town, easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi.

Customs and immigration

EU passport control at Kraków Airport typically processes travelers efficiently within 15-30 minutes. US and Canadian citizens receive automatic 90-day tourist stamps without additional paperwork. Digital gates accept biometric passports from both countries, speeding the process significantly. Customs operates on a green/red channel system with random checks. Most travelers clear customs within 10 minutes unless carrying items requiring declaration. Immigration officers speak English and the process remains straightforward for North American visitors.

Flights from the US / Canada

Major US cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami offer daily connections to Kraków via European hubs. American Airlines and Delta frequently route through Amsterdam and Frankfurt. United connects through Warsaw and Frankfurt. Canadian travelers from Toronto and Vancouver can use Air Canada or European carriers like KLM and Lufthansa. LOT Polish Airlines provides the most direct routing through Warsaw from North American cities. Expect one mandatory connection with flight times ranging from 10-14 hours total.

From airport to city center

Kraków Airport connects to the city center via multiple options. The fastest route uses the train service running every 30 minutes directly to Kraków Main Station in 18 minutes for about $2. Airport buses 208 and 252 reach the Old Town in 45 minutes for under $2. Taxis cost approximately $15-20 and take 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Uber and Bolt operate from the airport with similar pricing. The train represents the most reliable option during peak hours.