Зміст
As the primary gateway to the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Kraków-Balice Airport holds significant importance for both international tourists and business travelers.
Serving the city of Kraków, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the airport connects the region to major global hubs, making it a key player in Poland’s aviation landscape.
History
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening | Opened in 1964 as a small regional airport primarily serving domestic flights. |
| Renaming in Honor of Jan Paweł II | In 2006, the airport was renamed Jan Paweł II International Airport in honor of Pope John Paul II, who was born in the region. |
| Early Development | In the 1990s, the airport began expanding with upgraded infrastructure to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. |
| Terminal Expansion | The new terminal was completed in 2007, significantly increasing capacity and modernizing passenger services. |
| Runway Upgrades | Runway extension and improvements in 2013 to support larger aircraft and increase international traffic. |
| Recent Developments | The new check-in area and additional gates were added in 2017, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. |
Terminal Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal Structure | Single terminal building serving both domestic and international flights. |
| Terminal Levels | Level 0: Arrivals; Level 1: Departures; Level 2: Observation deck. |
| Gates | 18 gates in total, serving both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. |
| Passenger Flow | Passengers proceed through security and passport control based on their flight’s destination. |
Shops
| Shop Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Duty-Free Stores | Baltona Duty Free, Aelia Duty Free, Heinemann – perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, sweets. |
| Convenience Stores | Relay, 1 Minute, Zoom – snacks, drinks, travel accessories, magazines. |
| Fashion & Accessories | Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Fashion Place Accessories – clothing, bags, eyewear. |
| Books & Media | Relay, Virgin – books, newspapers, travel reading materials. |
| Souvenirs & Gifts | Discover Kraków, #VISITKRAKOW – local crafts, souvenirs, themed merchandise. |
| Local Food Products | Premium Food Gate – Polish chocolates, cheeses, delicacies. |
Passenger services
| Passenger Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | P1 (multi-storey), P2/P3 (open-air), with short- and long-term, plus off-site options with shuttle or meet‑and‑greet valet service. Rates from ~11 PLN/hour. |
| Wi‑Fi | Free KRK Free Wi‑Fi network available throughout the terminal. Easy login via terms acceptance. |
| Lounges | Business Lounge open 04:30–23:00. Enjoy snacks, drinks, comfortable seating, workspace and kids’ play area. Access included for Business/First class or available for purchase (~PLN 200). |
| Car Rental | On-terminal counters for Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz and others. Daily rates ~€10–30‑plus, with no‑deposit options and full insurance available. |
| Information & Help | Information desks in arrivals and departures halls. Services include lost & found, flight assistance, terminal maps, and passenger queries. |
Popular Destinations and Airlines
In 2024, Kraków Airport handled over 11 million passengers, marking its highest traffic ever. The busiest routesincluded:
- Frankfurt
- London (all airports)
- Warsaw
- Amsterdam
- Dubai
- Chicago
Meanwhile, low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet have continued expanding their reach across Europe, serving both business and leisure routes.
Top Destinations and Corresponding Airlines
| Destinations | Main Airlines Operating |
|---|---|
| Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf | Lufthansa, LOT, Ryanair |
| London (Stansted, Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick) | Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, British Airways |
| Paris (CDG, Orly) | Air France, Wizz Air, easyJet |
| Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven | KLM, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia |
| Warsaw (Chopin) | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań | LOT, Ryanair |
| Dubai, Abu Dhabi | flydubai, Emirates, Wizz Air, LOT |
| Chicago, New York (JFK) | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Tel Aviv, Eilat | Wizz Air, LOT, EL AL |
| Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples | Ryanair, Wizz Air, ITA Airways |
| Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville | Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air |
| Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes | Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air |
| Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen | Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, Wizz Air |
| Brussels, Luxembourg, Geneva, Zurich | Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Ryanair |
| Prague, Bratislava, Budapest | Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT |
| Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman (charters) | Corendon, SunExpress, Enter Air, LOT Charter |
| Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam | LOT Polish Airlines, Enter Air, TUI |
| Tirana, Podgorica, Skopje | Wizz Air, Ryanair |
How to Get the Krakow-Balice Airport
| Transport Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Direct Koleje Małopolskie trains run every 30 minutes from Kraków Główny (Main Station) to the airport. Travel time: ~17 minutes. |
| Bus | Public buses: Line 208 (Kraków Main Station), Line 300 (city center/ICE Congress Centre), and Night Bus 902. ZTP tickets required. |
| Taxi | Official Kraków Airport Taxi available outside Arrivals. Travel time: ~20–30 minutes. Fixed rates depending on zone (~PLN 70–100). |
| Ride-hailing | Uber and Bolt available. Pickup zones near Arrivals. Often slightly cheaper than taxis. |
| Car | Access via A4 motorway or city center roads. Short- and long-term parking available (P1, P2, Premium). |
| Private Transfers | Booked online or via hotel, includes meet & greet at Arrivals. Good for families or groups. |
