We will be going to Krakow in June, and are planning on seeing Auschwitz-Birkenau.

I want to go there via train and have already found the train schedule. I did not find the return times to my liking and want to take the bus back to Krakow. Is this possible? Can we purchase tickets on the bus? Or do they just do it on a round trip basis only? I have traveled throughtout Hungary, and I know they have "long distance" buses that you can catch and just pay on board.

Any input or help would be appreciated. Thanks

shangrila, it's been a few years, but I know we were finding the same thing with the return schedules. Then while in Krakow we talked to a couple who actually got stuck at Auschwitz when the supposed last bus of the day never showed. They ended up calling a taxi and spending a small fortune to get back to Krackow. We ended up taking a "transportation package" which was a very loose "tour", including some background information on the bus going, a scheduled showing of the film at Auschwitz upon our arrival, and then we were on our own for an hour or so, before being taken to Birkenau, where we were left on our own as well or you could stick with the guide for a basic "tour". While I'm not much for tours, this really seemed the ideal way to do it. And as I recall was about the same price as just train tickets on our own would have been. It was a very solemn and quiet ride back to Krackow, everybody having experienced the same thing. In fact it was probably a little nicer than getting on a public train or bus and listening to others laughing, talking, etc. -- more reflective.

I just bought the ticket as I got on the bus. It was a nice relief really, as there were sweet school children on the bus and it went through pretty scenery. It lightened the mood.

Would public buses take you right to the two camps? or the train station area a mile or two away?

know tours would and that's one convenience of them

Thanks for the input.

I don't really want to take a "tour bus". I want to be able to spend the amount of time that I want to spend there, not according to everyone elses schedule. But Neoptrick, I will make sure to check that we do not miss the last bus, thanks for that advice.

Yorkshire, I think that is a huge positive to take the public bus back and be able to see people going about their daily routine after visitng such a sobering place.

PalenQ as for the mile walk to the camps, I don't mind, it is good way to get your mind set of what you are about to experience. To me it is just a mental thing, to be dropped right in the parking lot of Auschwitz, doesn't give the right feeling.

I do however appreciate the advice that was given. Thank You

I think you missed my point about the last bus. The people also checked the schedule. But the "last bus" never came as scheduled.

shangrila-

i agree - i walked from the train station first to Auschwitz then from there a few miles perhaps to Birkenau and then back to the station.

Approaching on foot i agree has its effects on mental anticipation