Zakopane Day Tours
from $32
The pick
Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow with Chocholow Thermal Baths
The most booked Zakopane day: funicular, tasting and 3 hours in the Chocholow pools are all in the price, with 2 hours on Krupowki.
Check AvailabilityZakopane Day Trip from Krakow: Tatra Views, Thermal Baths and Gubalowka
Ride the funicular up Gubalowka for the Tatra panorama, soak in the hot outdoor pools at Chocholow and walk Krupowki Street with a tasting of smoked oscypek from a shepherd's hut. Each Zakopane day trip from Krakow here starts from $19.50 and is set out by what the price covers and the hours you get in Zakopane.
From $19.50
funicular ticket included
2-3 hours
free time in Zakopane
4.8
most booked day, 11,531 reviews
Quick answer Which day trip, what it costs, how long in town
A Zakopane day trip from Krakow costs from $19.50 for a classic day with the Gubalowka funicular ticket to $53.92 for an 11-hour baths day with a 3-hour Chocholow Thermal Baths ticket. The drive is about 1.5 hours each way, and most shared days give you 2-3 hours free in Zakopane. Prices differ because of what is left to pay. Some days include the funicular and the baths, one leaves both to pay on the day, and the Morskie Oko and snowmobile days add costs you pay on the spot. Pickups run between 7:30 and 9:00 on most days.
Key takeaways
- The pick: the Thousand Miles baths day trip, $32 for the funicular, a tasting and 3 hours in the pools, rated 4.8 from 11,531 reviews.
- Classic days at $19.50-$25 include the funicular ticket, and the baths cost extra. See what each price covers.
- Free time in Zakopane runs from about an hour to 3 hours, and a baths day adds 3 hours in the pools. See how many hours you get.
- The Pendolino train takes 1 hour 57 minutes each way, so compare it with a shared minivan in train, bus or a tour.
Zakopane Day Trips from Krakow Compared
Every price is per person, and the booking platform handles payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Each card says what the price covers, the hours you get in Zakopane and what you pay on the day. Most days leave from Krakow. The snowmobile ride with a bonfire picks you up in Zakopane, so it suits travellers already sleeping there. Morskie Oko and private days cost far more because they run on their own.
from $32
The pick
from $32
Most hours in town
Zakopane Tour with Hot Springs, Cable Car and Cheese Tasting
Funicular, tasting and a 3-hour bath ticket included, with about 2.5 hours of free time in Zakopane.
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from $32
Top rated
Zakopane Thermal Springs Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup
Baths and funicular included, a later 8:00-9:00 pickup and 2.5 hours of free time in Zakopane.
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from $53.92
Rated 5.0
Zakopane Cable Car, Oscypek and Thermal Baths Day Trip
The same day as the baths tours above, rated 5.0 on Viator, with both tickets and the tasting in the price.
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from $25
Pay as you go
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Day Trip, Baths Optional
The flexible day: choose the funicular, the baths, both or neither in Zakopane, and pay for them there.
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from $25
Lowest price on GYG
Zakopane, Tatra Mountains and Gubalowka Day Trip
A classic Zakopane day without the pools: 2 hours on Krupowki and an hour up on Gubalowka.
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from $25
Ski jump included
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour with Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump
The classic day plus the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, with the funicular ticket and the tasting in the price.
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from $19.50
Lowest price
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow with Cable Car
The lowest price here for a guided Zakopane day with the cable car ticket and a cheese tasting included.
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from $20.84
Longest free time
Zakopane Tour from Krakow with Gubalowka Funicular and Hotel Pickup
Three hours of free time in Zakopane, the most on any classic day here, with the funicular ticket included.
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from $258.39
Lake and town
Morskie Oko and Zakopane Tour from Krakow
Morskie Oko and Zakopane in one day, with the park entrance and the Gubalowka tickets in the price.
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from $283.43
Transport only
Morskie Oko Lake, Skywalk and Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow
Transport to Morskie Oko with a stop at the Skywalk and in Zakopane, the entry tickets paid by you.
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from $279.73
Private hike
Morskie Oko Private Tour from Krakow
A private day to Morskie Oko for your own party, park admission included, with moderate fitness needed.
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from $111.73
Snow and pools
Zakopane Snowmobile and Thermal Baths Day Trip from Krakow
Snowmobiles in the afternoon and the pools after, with quads instead when the snow is too thin.
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from $133.05
Rated 5.0
Zakopane Snowmobile Tour with Thermal Baths and Hotel Pickup
The snowmobile day with a per-person rental price, baths and tasting included.
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from $38.24
From Zakopane
Zakopane Snowmobile Ride with Bonfire and Hotel Transfer
For travellers already sleeping in Zakopane: a 3-4 hour snowmobile outing with pickup at your hotel.
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from $268.50
Kasprowy Wierch
Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car and Zakopane Private Tour from Krakow
The one day here that rides the Kasprowy Wierch cable car to the high Tatra ridge, private for your party.
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from $173
Private baths day
Zakopane, Gubalowka and Bukowina Thermal Baths Private Tour
The baths day in a private car, at Termy Bukowina instead of Chocholow, with about an hour on Krupowki.
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from $146.05
Your own plan
Private Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow
A private car and driver-guide for 9-12 hours, the route set by you and every ticket bought on the day.
Check AvailabilityWhich Zakopane Tour Suits Whom
Each row sets the price and what it covers beside the hours of free time in Zakopane, so every Zakopane tour from Krakow reads side by side, with the booking button on the right. Figures current for in Q4 2026.
| Tour | Price covers | Time in Zakopane | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow with Chocholow Thermal Baths | $32: funicular, tasting, 3 hours at Chocholow baths | 2 hours, plus an optional 45-minute lunch | The most booked baths day | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Tour with Hot Springs, Cable Car and Cheese Tasting | $32: funicular, tasting, 3-hour baths ticket | About 2.5 hours | A baths day rated 4.9 from 4,847 reviews | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Thermal Springs Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup | $32: funicular, 3 hours at the baths. Lunch and pool bar extra | 2.5 hours | A pickup between 8:00 and 9:00 | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Cable Car, Oscypek and Thermal Baths Day Trip | $53.92: funicular, tasting, 3-hour baths ticket | Free time, ask its length | A group of up to 20, rated 5.0 on Viator | Check Availability |
| Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Day Trip, Baths Optional | $25: transport and tasting. Funicular PLN 42 and baths PLN 115 paid on the day | 2.5 hours | Choosing your own extras | Check Availability |
| Zakopane, Tatra Mountains and Gubalowka Day Trip | $25: funicular and oscypek tasting, no baths | 2 hours, plus 1 hour on Gubalowka | A classic day with ski jump and chapel photo stops | Check Availability |
| Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour with Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump | $25: funicular and tasting, no baths | 2 hours, plus 1 hour on Gubalowka | A classic day in a small group | Check Availability |
| Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow with Cable Car | $19.50: funicular ticket and cheese tasting | Ask the operator | The lowest price | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Tour from Krakow with Gubalowka Funicular and Hotel Pickup | $20.84: funicular ticket and tasting | 3 hours | The most time in town on a classic day | Check Availability |
| Morskie Oko and Zakopane Tour from Krakow | $258.39: park entrance, funicular tickets, tastings | Ask about Krupowki time | About 2 hours of walking each way to the lake | Check Availability |
| Morskie Oko Lake, Skywalk and Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow | $283.43: transport only. Entries paid on the spot | A quick tour of town | The lake with a Skywalk stop | Check Availability |
| Morskie Oko Private Tour from Krakow | $279.73: private transport and park admission | Ask the operator | A private party at the lake | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Snowmobile and Thermal Baths Day Trip from Krakow | $111.73: 2.5-hour baths, tasting, mulled wine. Rental PLN 400 per two-seater | Ask the operator | Snowmobiles, then the pools | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Snowmobile Tour with Thermal Baths and Hotel Pickup | $133.05: baths entry and tasting. Rental PLN 200 per person on a two-seater | Free time on Krupowki | A small group of up to 8 | Check Availability |
| Zakopane Snowmobile Ride with Bonfire and Hotel Transfer | $38.24: transfer, gear, tasting. Rental PLN 400 per two-seater | Pickup in Zakopane, 3-4 hour outing | Travellers already sleeping in Zakopane | Check Availability |
| Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car and Zakopane Private Tour from Krakow | $268.50: private car, cable car ticket, park fees | A walk in the centre | The high ridge, private | Check Availability |
| Zakopane, Gubalowka and Bukowina Thermal Baths Private Tour | $173: private car, funicular, Termy Bukowina pools | 63 minutes on Krupowki | A private baths day | Check Availability |
| Private Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow | $146.05: private driver-guide, no tickets | Ask the operator | Your own route | Check Availability |
Which Zakopane Day Trip to Book
If You want the most complete day for one price
Book the pick, the Thousand Miles baths day trip, $32 with the funicular, a tasting and 3 hours in the Chocholow pools. The ExploreCracow hot springs tour is the same price with about 2.5 hours free in town.
If You want the lowest price
Take the Visit Polen cable car tour at $19.50 with the funicular ticket and a cheese tasting. For 3 hours of free time, the Cracow Top Tours funicular tour is $20.84.
If You want to choose your own extras
The Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip is $25 for transport and a tasting. You buy the funicular (PLN 42) and the baths (PLN 115) on the day, or skip both and stay longer in town.
If You want the hike to Morskie Oko
The Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour is $258.39 with the park entrance and funicular tickets. The KRK-KrakowTours Morskie Oko and Skywalk day trip is $283.43 for transport only, with park entry paid on the spot.
If You are visiting in winter and want snow
The Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip is $111.73 with the baths included and the rental paid in cash. Quads replace snowmobiles when the snow is thin.
If You want the high ridge or a private day
The Poland Active Kasprowy Wierch private tour is $268.50 and includes the cable car ticket. The MyCracow Bukowina baths private tour is $173 for a private baths day at Termy Bukowina.
Zakopane Day Trip From Krakow in Six Decisions
Six choices decide how your Zakopane day goes, and each card points to the page that settles it.
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Which tour
Classic days at $19.50-$25 include the Gubalowka funicular ticket. Baths days start at $32 and add 3 hours in the Chocholow pools. Morskie Oko days cost far more because they run 11-14 hours.
Classic days from $19.50, baths days from $32
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When to go
Zakopane is coldest in January and February and warmest in July and August. In winter the days are short, so pick lifts and baths over long hikes.
Coldest: January and February
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How to get there
The train from Krakow takes 1h 57m and the direct bus about 2h 4m. A guided day adds pickup and a driver, so you spend the hours in town instead of on timetables.
Train: 1h 57m each way
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Budget
The Gubalowka funicular costs PLN 42 at the ticket office in the low season. Baths are paid on the day on some tours, so check what the price covers before you book.
Funicular: PLN 42 at the office
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Who it suits
Families and first-timers do well on a classic day. Anyone wanting their own pace can book a private tour of 9 to 12 hours with hotel pickup. Snow fans can add a snowmobile ride.
Private days: 9 to 12 hours
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What to combine
Add a taste of oscypek, a lift to the Tatra ridge or a soak in the baths. Pick two or three stops, because the day tours run 9 to 11 hours and the road takes much of it.
Pick 2 or 3 stops in 9-11 hours
Zakopane Day Trips, Explained
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A standard single-day Tatra National Park entry ticket costs PLN 11.00 and the reduced ticket PLN 5.50.
Source: tpn.gov.pl
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TPN recommends planning at least 7 hours for the Morskie Oko trip: about 2.5 hours each way on foot plus about 2 hours at the lake.
Source: tpn.gov.pl
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From 1 March to 30 November all trails in the park are closed to walkers from dusk to dawn, so you must be back at the car before sunset.
Source: tpn.gov.pl
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E-bus ticket Zakopane to Włosienica costs PLN 89.00 normal and PLN 67.90 reduced, and the price includes the TPN entry ticket.
Source: tpn.gov.pl
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Dogs are banned in Tatra National Park under the nature conservation act.
Source: tpn.gov.pl
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Gubałówka funicular, low season (1 October to 18 December), at the ticket office or machines: PLN 42 return (regular) and PLN 34 reduced, PLN 34 / 27 one way.
Source: pkl.pl
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The Gubałówka resort is closed for technical maintenance from 16 to 27 November, with replacement coaches to the summit from 9:30 to 19:00.
Source: pkl.pl
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Kasprowy Wierch cable car, low season, ticket office or machines at the lower station: return PLN 129 regular and PLN 109 reduced, one way PLN 119 and PLN 95.
Source: pkl.pl
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The Kasprowy Wierch ride takes approximately 20 minutes with one intermediate stop at Myślenickie Turnie, and a return Tourpass allows 1 hour 40 minutes at the top.
Source: pkl.pl
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Chochołowskie Termy, Monday-Thursday tariff (low season), pool ticket: adult PLN 95 for 3 hours, PLN 125 without time limit, PLN 75 evening entry after 19:00.
Source: chocholowskietermy.pl
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PKP Intercity introduced a Pendolino (EIP) on Kraków-Zakopane with a journey time of 1 hour 57 minutes.
Source: intercity.pl
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Genuine oscypek must contain at least 60% sheep milk, be hand-formed and smoked over coniferous wood, and be made only in a defined area of Małopolska and Silesia voivodeships.
Source: gov.pl
Krakow to Zakopane: Train, Bus or a Tour?
The Pendolino train covers the distance in 1 hour 57 minutes, so the choice is about what you do after you arrive. A tour trades a longer drive for tickets and a route that fit in one day.
Train, Bus, Tour and Car Side by Side
The table sets each way of making the trip against its journey time, fare and what is still left for you to arrange. Train times come from PKP Intercity. Tour prices are the lowest and highest on the cards.
Check bus times and fares with the bus operator before you go.
| Option | Journey time | Fare | What you still arrange |
|---|---|---|---|
| PKP Intercity Pendolino | 1 hour 57 minutes | Shown when you buy on PKP Intercity's site | Funicular, baths, lunch, a way to Chocholow and a return train |
| Bus from Krakow's bus station | Confirm with the operator | Confirm with the operator | Everything in town, and the baths |
| Shared minivan tour | About 1.5 hours each way | $19.50-$53.92 | Lunch, and on some days the funicular and baths |
| Car | About 1.5 hours on the tour routes | Fuel and parking | Chocholow baths car park PLN 10, plus the funicular and baths tickets |
What the Train Gives and What It Does Not
PKP Intercity added a Pendolino on the Krakow-Zakopane line from the December timetable. The line has 9 daily pairs of trains and 2 seasonal pairs, and the Pendolino is one of 3 daily express pairs. The tours list about 30 minutes by minivan from Zakopane to the Chocholow baths and 1.5 hours back to Krakow.
By train you plan that leg yourself with the local bus timetable.
By Car
Tours list the drive from Krakow as about 1.5 hours each way. At Chocholowskie Termy the car park costs an extra PLN 10. You cannot drive to Kuznice, the lower station of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, and the walk from the Jana Pawla II roundabout takes about 40 minutes.
For Morskie Oko the trailhead at Palenica Bialczanska is more than 20 km from Zakopane. The official car parks there charge from PLN 36 to PLN 75 for an online ticket, and TPN advises arriving before 8:00 to avoid queues.
The Verdict
Take the train if you want one sight and a long lunch, such as Krupowki Street and the Gubalowka funicular by your own timetable. Take a shared tour if you want the baths, the funicular and a tasting in one day, because a minivan strings Chocholow, Zakopane and the pools together. A day by tour starts from $19.50 and a day on your own starts with a train fare you read on PKP Intercity's site.
Book a private car if you want your own route.
Sources: PKP Intercity, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Kasprowy Wierch, Tatra National Park, Chocholowskie Termy.
Which Thermal Baths Do Zakopane Tours Use?
Most baths days go to Chocholowskie Termy. One private day goes to Termy Bukowina, and the two snowmobile days name no baths.
Chocholowskie Termy
Chocholowskie Termy lists its thermal water at 32-38 C. The pools are open Sunday-Thursday 9:00-22:00 and Friday-Saturday 9:00-23:00. The outdoor pool on level 0 holds 638 m2 of water at 1.2 m depth, and the pool on level -1 holds 855 m2 at 1.25 m. Three slides total 318 m, a 164 m blue raft slide, an 80 m green raft slide and a 74 m trapdoor slide. The slide tower is closed from 16 to 18 November. Thousand Miles baths day trip, ExploreCracow hot springs tour, Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour and KrakowDirect cable car and baths tour give you a 3-hour entry ticket. Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip offers 2.75 hours as an extra.
One traveller on the most booked day wrote: "My partner and I particularly loved the thermal baths and having 3 hours here was the perfect amount of time."
Termy Bukowina
The MyCracow Bukowina baths private tour goes to Termy Bukowina for about 2 hours in the pools. Termy Bukowina is open daily 9:00-22:00 and lists its water at 30-38 C from 2,400 m depth. Its low-season adult 3.5-hour package is PLN 89 Monday-Thursday and PLN 99 Friday-Sunday.
The ticket on the private day covers the thermal pools only. Saunas and massages are paid on site.
What Is Not Included
The baths tickets on Thousand Miles baths day trip cover all zones except saunas. Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour leaves out food and drinks at the pool bar and gives you a watch for the changing room and locker. Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip includes a 2.5-hour baths entry, and Tours4u snowmobile tour with baths includes a baths entry. Ask the operator which baths you will visit and for how long.
Sources: Chocholowskie Termy, Termy Bukovina, Termy Bukovina.
What Is Oscypek and Where Do the Tours Let You Taste It?
Oscypek is a smoked sheep's cheese made by highlanders. Most tours include a tasting, and several add a glass of vodka or spirits.
What Makes It Oscypek
The EU registered oscypek as a Protected Designation of Origin on 14 February. Genuine oscypek holds at least 60% sheep milk, is formed by hand and smoked over coniferous wood. It can be made only in a defined area of the Malopolska and Silesia voivodeships.
Real oscypek is made in the pastoral season from May to September and carries the ChNP mark on its packaging or seller documents. If you want to bring a cheese home, look for that mark.
Which Tours Include a Tasting
The baths days Thousand Miles baths day trip, ExploreCracow hot springs tour, Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour and KrakowDirect cable car and baths tour include a cheese and vodka or spirits tasting, and so does the Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip. The classic days Poland is Beautiful Gubalowka day trip, Krak Tours ski jump day trip, Visit Polen cable car tour and Cracow Top Tours funicular tour include a cheese tasting. Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip serves grilled oscypek with mulled wine, Tours4u snowmobile tour with baths adds a local spirit, and Thousand Miles snowmobile ride with bonfire serves oscypek with cranberry and local alcohol in a shepherd's hut. Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour lists a cottage cheese and flavoured vodka tasting. The private days Poland Active Kasprowy Wierch private tour, MyCracow Bukowina baths private tour and Transport and Concierge private Zakopane tour and KRK-KrakowTours Morskie Oko and Skywalk day trip and Poland Active Morskie Oko private tour include none.
Source: Government of Poland.
Plan Your Trip
What Does a Zakopane Tour from Krakow Include?
The price on the card is only part of the day. Some tours include the funicular and the baths, and others leave them to buy in Zakopane.
What Each Type of Day Includes
The table sets the price from each type of Zakopane day tour beside what is included and what you pay on the spot. Tour figures come from the cards and the PLN amounts from the tours that name them. Read your own row before you book, because the gap between a $25 day and a $32 day is the baths ticket, not the minivan.
| Tour type | Price from | Included | Paid on the day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic days | $19.50 | Hotel pickup, funicular ticket, tasting | Lunch and drinks. The ski jump admission on the ski jump day is unclear, so confirm it |
| Baths days | $32 | Funicular ticket, tasting, 3-hour baths ticket | Lunch, pool bar, saunas. $53.92 on the Viator day |
| Pay-as-you-go day | $25 | Transport, Chocholow visit, tasting on the Discover Cracow day | Funicular PLN 42 and baths PLN 115, both optional |
| Morskie Oko days | $258.39 | Park entrance on the Legendary Krakow and private days, Gubalowka tickets on Legendary Krakow | Park entry, Skywalk and horse carriage on the KRK-KrakowTours day. Food on all three |
| Snowmobile days | $38.24 | Baths entry on the Krakow snowmobile days, helmet and gloves on the Zakopane ride | Rental PLN 400 per two-seater, or PLN 200 per person on the Tours4u day |
| Private days | $146.05 | Kasprowy cable car and park fees on the Kasprowy day, funicular and Bukowina pools on the baths day | Everything on the Transport and Concierge day. Food on all three |
What You Would Pay on Your Own
Official prices show what the included tickets are worth. The Gubalowka funicular return ticket costs PLN 42 at the ticket office in the low season from 1 October to 18 December, or PLN 37 online. In the high season from 4 June to 30 September it is PLN 49 at the office and PLN 44 online. A single-day Tatra National Park entry ticket costs PLN 11, or PLN 5.50 reduced.
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car return ticket is PLN 129 regular in the low season, which includes 13 April to 30 April, 4 May to 3 June and 1 October to 18 December. In the high season the return is PLN 165 at the ticket office. The Tourpass includes the park entrance.
Chocholowskie Termy sells a 3-hour adult pool ticket for PLN 95 on its low-season Monday-Thursday price list, and PLN 125 with no time limit. The list has separate Monday-Thursday and Friday-Sunday tariffs, so the day you go sets what you pay at the gate.
Lunch Is Never Included
No card here includes a sit-down lunch. Thousand Miles baths day trip offers a 45-minute lunch on Krupowki Street as an optional extra. Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour lists lunch and the pool bar as extra, and KrakowDirect cable car and baths tour and Cracow Top Tours funicular tour leave lunch to you in free time. Poland is Beautiful Gubalowka day trip, Visit Polen cable car tour and Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour list food and drinks as extra. Thousand Miles snowmobile ride with bonfire includes bonfire food on the morning ride only. On the other days, bring cash or a card for a restaurant on Krupowki Street.
What to Bring for the Baths
The tours that include the baths ask for swimwear, a towel and flip-flops. Thousand Miles baths day trip adds comfortable sport shoes and cash. Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour lists the towel, swimwear and flip-flops as not included. MyCracow Bukowina baths private tour says you can buy swimwear and flip-flops on site. Chocholowskie Termy charges PLN 15 for every extra 5 minutes after your set hour, so leave the pool in good time.
Sources: Chocholowskie Termy, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Kasprowy Wierch, Tatra National Park.
How Many Hours Do You Need in Zakopane?
A shared day lasts 8-11 hours, with about 1.5 hours of driving each way. Most tours give you 2-3 hours free in Zakopane, and a baths day adds 3 hours in the pools.
Hours on the Ground by Tour
The table lists the length of each day, the free time in Zakopane and the other stops, as each tour states them. Where a cell says ask, the operator sets the free time on the day. Ask the operator before you book if you need a fixed number of hours in town.
| Tour | Day length | Free time in Zakopane | Other stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Miles baths day trip | 11 hours | 2 hours, plus an optional 45-minute lunch | Chocholow 20 minutes, tasting 30 minutes, funicular with 30 minutes at the top, baths 3 hours |
| ExploreCracow hot springs tour | 11 hours | About 2.5 hours | Chocholow 20 minutes, tasting 30 minutes, funicular, baths 3 hours |
| Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour | 7-11 hours | 2.5 hours | Chocholow 20 minutes, tasting 30 minutes, funicular with 30 minutes at the top, baths 3 hours |
| KrakowDirect cable car and baths tour | 11 hours | Ask the operator | Shepherd's hut tasting, funicular, baths 3 hours |
| Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip | 11 hours | 2.5 hours | Tasting 30 minutes, optional funicular, optional baths for 2.75 hours |
| Poland is Beautiful Gubalowka day trip | 9 hours | 2 hours | Chocholow 30 minutes, tasting 30 minutes, Wielka Krokiew 15 minutes, Jaszczurowka Chapel 15 minutes, 1 hour on Gubalowka |
| Krak Tours ski jump day trip | 9 hours | 2 hours | Chocholow 20 minutes, tasting 30 minutes, Wielka Krokiew 10 minutes, Jaszczurowka Chapel 15 minutes, 1 hour on Gubalowka |
| Visit Polen cable car tour | 8-9 hours | Ask the operator | Funicular, Krupowki Street, cheese tasting |
| Cracow Top Tours funicular tour | 9 hours | 3 hours | Chocholow, tasting, funicular, ski jumps |
| Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour | 12 hours | Ask the operator | About 2 hours' walk each way to Morskie Oko, funicular, Krupowki Street |
| KRK-KrakowTours Morskie Oko and Skywalk day trip | 13-14 hours | A quick tour of town | Morskie Oko hike, Skywalk Poronin, drive up Gubalowka, Chocholow |
| Poland Active Morskie Oko private tour | 11 hours | Ask the operator | Morskie Oko |
| Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip | 10 hours | Ask the operator | Chocholow village, snowmobile ride, tasting, baths 2.5 hours |
| Tours4u snowmobile tour with baths | 10-11 hours | Free time on Krupowki | Chocholow, snowmobile ride, tasting, baths |
| Thousand Miles snowmobile ride with bonfire | 3-4 hours | Pickup in Zakopane, no town stop | Shepherd's hut tasting, snowmobile ride, bonfire on the morning option |
| Poland Active Kasprowy Wierch private tour | 9 hours | A walk in the centre | Kasprowy Wierch cable car |
| MyCracow Bukowina baths private tour | 9.5 hours | 63 minutes on Krupowki | Funicular 63 minutes, Termy Bukowina about 2 hours |
| Transport and Concierge private Zakopane tour | 9-12 hours | Ask the operator | You set the route |
What Fits in 2 Hours and What Needs 3
Two hours on Krupowki Street is a walk along the shops and restaurants, a grilled or smoked oscypek, and time for lunch. Thousand Miles baths day trip pencils in a 45-minute lunch inside its 2 hours. On Poland is Beautiful Gubalowka day trip and Krak Tours ski jump day trip the funicular is a separate hour on top of Gubalowka. Both also stop for 15 minutes at Wielka Krokiew and the Jaszczurowka Chapel.
Three hours, as on the Cracow Top Tours funicular tour, leaves room for a slow lunch or for a second sight in town. Villa Koliba at Koscieliska 18, built in 1892-93 as the first building in the Zakopane style, is a museum with tickets at PLN 20, or PLN 10 reduced. Ask your guide where the minivan drops you before planning it. The funicular ticket is valid all day, so one ride up and one down can use the free time as you like.
Morskie Oko Takes the Whole Day
The Tatra National Park recommends at least 7 hours for Morskie Oko, with about 2.5 hours on foot each way and about 2 hours at the lake. Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour quotes about 2 hours of walking each way. That is why the Morskie Oko tours run 11-14 hours and leave little time in Zakopane. See the Morskie Oko section.
Sources: Tatra National Park, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka, Tatra Museum.
The Honest Small Print
A Zakopane day from Krakow is a long one, so know these limits before you book.
- Lunch is never included. Most days leave food and drinks to you, so bring cash or a card for a restaurant on Krupowki Street. See what each price covers.
- The price on the card is not always the full cost. The Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip is $25 for transport and a tasting, and the funicular (PLN 42) and the baths (PLN 115) are paid on the day.
- Snowmobile days leave the rental to you in cash. It is PLN 400 per two-seater, or PLN 200 per person on the Tours4u day.
- The days are long and the road eats the time. Most shared days give you 2-3 hours free in Zakopane, and Morskie Oko days run 11-14 hours with little time in town. See how many hours you get.
- Morskie Oko is a hike, not a stop. The Tatra National Park recommends at least 7 hours for it, with about 2.5 hours on foot each way. Skip it if you want a relaxed day.
- Baths days need your own swimwear, a towel and flip-flops. Chocholowskie Termy charges PLN 15 for every extra 5 minutes after your set hour, so leave the pool in good time.
- Weather decides the lifts and the snow. Kasprowy Wierch can stop for wind, and quads replace snowmobiles when the snow is thin.
Check Dates on the Pick
Pick your date for the Thousand Miles baths day trip at $32 and see which days still have seats.
What Travellers Say
4.8/5
★★★★★ ★★★★★
11,531 reviews on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow with Chocholow Thermal Baths
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
Brilliant experience, full day of events. The funicular at Zakopane allowed the most fabulous views and the town itself was lovely. Enough time for photos, a bite to eat and a quick look around the market and shops.
Tracey · November 11, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow with Chocholow Thermal Baths
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
Amazing trip to Zakopane Matt our guide was exceptional so friendly & informative. Our driver was lovely too. Zakopane was beautiful & we were so lucky as it had snowed so was even more special.
Debbie · November 14, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Tour with Hot Springs, Cable Car and Cheese Tasting
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
This is a great day out and to wind down at the end of the day in the thermal baths was magical.
Cristina · October 31, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Thermal Springs Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
We had a fantastic time in Zakopane, and a relaxing soak in the thermal baths was the perfect way to finish it.
Dawn · November 12, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Day Trip, Baths Optional
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
The tour was really nice. When we went up Gubałówka in Zakopane, the view was fantastic. Our guide Lukas was amazing, very friendly, and gave us some really useful recommendations.
catarina · November 12, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane, Tatra Mountains and Gubalowka Day Trip
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
Great day trip from Krakow with a wonderful guide, Bart. He was excellent with communication, a very safe driver, and a really good source of information about our trip destinations as well as Krakow.
Rosemary · November 13, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour with Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
My partner and I particularly loved the thermal baths and having 3 hours here was the perfect amount of time.
Bethany · November 13, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow with Chocholow Thermal Baths
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
The pace of the trip was perfect for us, allowing enough time at each stop.
Tiana · November 13, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Tour with Hot Springs, Cable Car and Cheese Tasting
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★★★★★ ★★★★★
Very well-guided tour, worth the money.
Kendall · October 25, 2026
Review on GetYourGuide for Zakopane Thermal Springs Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup
Reviews, ratings and counts are the platforms' own, shown as published for each listing. They are not reviews of this site.
Zakopane Day Trips from Krakow on Video
Three videos to watch before you choose: a full day trip from Krakow with the question of whether it is worth it, the classic route through Krupowki and Gubalowka, and the walk up the road to Morskie Oko.
Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow: Is It Worth It?
A full day from Krakow to Zakopane, start to finish.
Video: The Curless ExplorerKrakow to Zakopane: A Day of Sightseeing
Krupowki Street, the market and the view from Gubalowka.
Video: Where to next?Morskie Oko Hike in Zakopane
The road walk to Morskie Oko and the lake shore.
Video: TheSlowTravelerDos and Don'ts on a Zakopane Day Trip
Do
- Do check the funicular dates before a trip from 16 to 27 November, because Gubalowka is closed for maintenance and coaches run to the summit from 9:30 to 19:00
- Do bring swimwear, a towel and flip-flops on a baths day, because Chocholowskie Termy charges PLN 15 for every extra 5 minutes after your set hour
- Do carry exact cash for a snowmobile, because rental of PLN 400 per two-seater does not accept cards
- Do ask which ride replaces the Kasprowy Wierch cable car in May and November, because it is out of service for maintenance in both months
- Do check the Tatra National Park e-bus page before a winter Morskie Oko trip, because the e-buses are suspended for snow until further notice
Don't
- Don't assume lunch is included, because no card includes a sit-down meal and the Krupowki Street lunch on the baths days is an optional extra
- Don't buy a funicular ticket on the classic days from $19.50, because it is already in the price
- Don't start the Morskie Oko walk late, because from 1 March to 30 November the trails are closed to walkers from dusk to dawn
- Don't bring a dog to the Tatra National Park or to Kasprowy Wierch, because dogs are banned in both
- Don't count on a view from the top, because the cable car stops in wind above 20 m/s and the funicular stops for maintenance
Everything Else Worth Knowing
What Does a Zakopane Day Trip Look Like?
Here is the most booked day, stop by stop. Pickup falls between 7:30 and 9:00, and the driver confirms the exact time the evening before.
The Day Stop by Stop
The table follows the Thousand Miles baths day trip in the order the tour runs, with the length of each stop. The whole day is 11 hours. The exact times depend on the pickup, so no clock times are printed.
Other baths days follow a similar order and change the extras.
| Stop | Length | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup in Krakow | 7:30-9:00 window | Hotel pickup or a central meeting point. The driver confirms the time around 8 PM the day before |
| Drive to Chocholow | 1.5 hours | A minivan with an English and Polish guide |
| Chocholow village | 20 minutes | A photo stop and a walk among the wooden highlander houses |
| Cheese and vodka tasting | 30 minutes | Oscypek in a traditional highlander village, included |
| Drive to Zakopane | 15 minutes | Short transfer into town |
| Free time in Zakopane | 2 hours | Krupowki Street. A 45-minute lunch is optional and paid by you |
| Gubalowka funicular | 30 minutes at the top | A 10-minute ride, ticket included. See the closure note in the winter section |
| Drive to the baths | 30 minutes | With a 5-minute photo stop |
| Chocholow Thermal Baths | 3 hours | Entry included to all zones except saunas |
| Drive back to Krakow | 1.5 hours | Drop-off at your pickup point |
Other Days Reorder the Same Stops
The Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip runs the same route from the Krakow Central Bus Station at Bosacka 18, with no hotel pickup, and it adds the funicular and the baths as optional extras. The Poland is Beautiful Gubalowka day trip and the Krak Tours ski jump day trip skip the baths and add photo stops at Wielka Krokiew and the Jaszczurowka Chapel. They return about 9 hours after pickup.
The Cracow Top Tours thermal springs tour lists the drive as 1.5-2 hours.
Sources: Chocholowskie Termy, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka.
Where Zakopane Day Trips from Krakow Go
Every day trip starts in Krakow and drives south to Zakopane, usually with a stop in the wooden village of Chocholow on the way. The baths days end at Chocholowskie Termy, the lake days run on to Palenica Bialczanska for the walk to Morskie Oko, and one private day rides the Kasprowy Wierch cable car from Kuznice. Each pin links to the days that stop there.
Start and trailheads
Zakopane stops
Thermal baths
- 1 KrakowHotel pickup or a central meeting point on almost every day trip.
- 2 ChocholowA village of wooden highlander houses and the cheese and vodka tasting on the baths days.
- 3 Chocholowskie TermyThe baths most day trips use, 3 hours in the pools on the baths days.
- 4 Krupowki Street, ZakopaneFree time in town, 2 to 3 hours on most day trips.
- 5 GubalowkaThe funicular ride above Zakopane, its ticket included on the classic and baths days.
- 6 Kuznice, Kasprowy Wierch cable carLower station of the cable car to the Tatra ridge, on the private Kasprowy Wierch day.
- 7 Kasprowy WierchThe summit at 1,987 m above sea level on the Polish and Slovak border.
- 8 Palenica BialczanskaTrailhead and car park for the road walk to Morskie Oko.
- 9 Morskie OkoThe lake at the end of the road walk, on the Morskie Oko days.
- 10 Termy BukovinaThe pools on the private baths day.
- 11 Terma Bania, Bialka TatrzanskaThermal pools in Bialka Tatrzanska, east of Zakopane.
Numbers match the pins on the map.
Source: Tatra National Park, Polskie Koleje Linowe.
Can You Visit Morskie Oko on a Day Trip from Krakow?
Yes, some tours run it. It is a long day with about 2-2.5 hours of walking each way, and park entry is included on only two of them.
Which Tours Include What
The Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour is $258.39 with the park entrance and Gubalowka cable car tickets included. The Poland Active Morskie Oko private tour is $279.73 for a private party and includes park admission. The KRK-KrakowTours Morskie Oko and Skywalk day trip is $283.43 for transport only, so park entry, the Skywalk and the horse carriage are paid on the spot.
All three ask for at least a moderate level of fitness. Legendary Krakow Morskie Oko tour says there is no guide on the trail.
The Walk and the Ways Up
The table sets the ways to the lake against their price and what to know. Official prices come from the Tatra National Park. The asphalt road from the trailhead is about 8 km with no bins, so you carry your rubbish out.
| Way up | Price | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walk from Palenica Bialczanska | PLN 11 park entry, PLN 5.50 reduced | About 2.5 hours each way, per the park |
| E-bus Zakopane to Wlosienica | PLN 89, PLN 67.90 reduced, park entry included | 40 minutes. Suspended since 14 November until further notice |
| E-bus Palenica Bialczanska to Wlosienica | PLN 69, PLN 51.90 reduced, park entry included | 20 minutes. Suspended too |
| Horse cart | Pay on the spot | A pilot shortens the route to Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza, about 2.9 km. Up to 10 adults per cart |
Fitness, Winter and Daylight
The park closes all trails to walkers from dusk to dawn between 1 March and 30 November, so you must be back before sunset. From 1 December to 15 May the park closes the trail from Morskie Oko on to Swistowka and the Five Lakes Valley. KRK-KrakowTours Morskie Oko and Skywalk day trip warns that the trail to the lake can be very icy or closed for avalanche risk. Dogs are banned in the park, and drones carry high fines.
Sources: Tatra National Park, Tatra National Park, Tatra National Park, Tatra National Park.
Is a Zakopane Day Trip Worth It in Winter?
Yes, if you plan around the closures. Snowmobile days run only with snow, the baths work in any weather, and some lifts stop for maintenance in November.
Snowmobile Days
Snowmobile days put you on a snowmobile. The Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip is $111.73 with a 2.5-hour baths entry, and rental is PLN 400 per two-seater paid in cash on the spot, with two people sharing. The Tours4u snowmobile tour with baths is $133.05, with rental at PLN 200 per person on a two-seater or PLN 400 on a one-seater. The Thousand Miles snowmobile ride with bonfire is $38.24 for a 3-4 hour outing, with helmet, gloves and balaclava provided and a snowsuit not included. Rental there is PLN 400 per two-person snowmobile, cash only.
When the snow is thin, all three switch to quads. On Thousand Miles snowmobile ride with bonfire you hear a day before. Children from 5 ride with an adult on one snowmobile, and you can drive alone from 18. No alcohol before riding, and the days are not recommended for pregnant travellers.
What Is Closed in November
The Gubalowka funicular is closed for maintenance from 16 to 27 November, with replacement coaches to the summit from 9:30 to 19:00. Thousand Miles baths day trip still goes up, by vehicle, and gives a lunchbox on those days. The Butorowy Wierch chairlift is shut from 16 to 28 November. Chocholowskie Termy closes its slide tower on 16-18 November.
The Tatra National Park suspended the e-buses to Morskie Oko from 14 November until further notice because of snow.
Kasprowy Wierch in Wind and Snow
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car is out of service for maintenance every May and November. It also stops in wind above 20 m/s, icing or temperatures below -28 C. If the halny wind stops the cable car, PKL refunds 100% of a Tourpass. The upper station stands at 1,959 m, 26 m below the 1,987 m summit.
The ride takes about 20 minutes. If you book the Poland Active Kasprowy Wierch private tour in May or November, ask which ride replaces it. In winter the park closes some trails from 1 December to 15 May, and the daily avalanche bulletin comes from TOPR.
Sources: Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka, Tatra National Park, Tatra National Park, Tatra National Park.
Is It Worth Doing a Day Trip to Zakopane from Krakow?
Yes, for most travellers. The drive is about 1.5 hours each way, and a shared day gives you 2-3 hours in town plus the funicular. Morskie Oko is the one trip that eats the whole day.
Transit Against Time on the Ground
A shared day lasts 8-11 hours, with about 1.5 hours of driving each way, 2-3 hours of free time in Zakopane and, on a baths day, 3 hours in the pools. The funicular ticket is included on the Visit Polen cable car tour at $19.50. The Thousand Miles baths day trip adds the pools at $32.
If you want only a quick look at the Tatra Mountains, the 9-hour classic day is enough. If you want to hike or ride the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, the Poland Active Kasprowy Wierch private tour fits it into 9 hours.
Is Zakopane a Tourist Trap?
Krupowki Street is the shopping and restaurant strip, and every shared tour sends you there for lunch. That is the part that feels like a tourist trap. The rest of the day does not.
Chocholow is a village of wooden highlander houses, and the shepherd's hut tasting happens there. Villa Koliba in Zakopane is a museum in a house built in 1892-93, with tickets at PLN 20 and free on Thursdays. The Museum of the 1846 Chocholow Uprising costs PLN 6 and is free on Sundays.
The Cracow Top Tours funicular tour gives you 3 hours, the most free time on a classic day, to go beyond Krupowki.
Sources: Tatra Museum, Tatra Museum, Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka.
The Guides
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Gubalowka Funicular: Tickets, Hours and What to Do on Top
Gubalowka funicular in 2027: return ticket PLN 42 at the office, closed 16 to 27 November. See what to do on top and check dates.
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Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car: Tickets, Times and the View from the Top
Kasprowy Wierch in 2027: a ride of approximately 20 minutes to 1,987 m, return from PLN 129 in low season. See the ticket types.
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Krakow to Zakopane: Train, Bus or a Day Tour?
Krakow to Zakopane in 2027: 1h 57m by train, about 2h 4m by bus, about 1h 26m by car. See which fits and compare tours.
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Morskie Oko Tour from Krakow: Shared and Private Days to the Lake
Morskie Oko tours from Krakow in 2027 run 11 to 14 hours with hotel pickup. See what each covers and compare tours.
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Morskie Oko: How to Get There from Zakopane and Krakow, Tickets and the Walk
Morskie Oko in 2027: the lake sits at 1,395 m and TPN advises at least 7 hours. See park entry, e-bus and parking costs.
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Oscypek: What Is Zakopane's Smoked Sheep Cheese and Where to Taste It
Oscypek in 2027: the protected cheese must hold at least 60% sheep milk. Learn to spot a real one and where to taste it.
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Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow: Zakopane and Gubalowka in a Day
Tatra Mountains tours from Krakow in 2027: 8 to 9 hour days from $19.50 with Gubalowka. See the extra fees and compare tours.
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Things to Do in Zakopane on a Day Trip from Krakow
Things to do in Zakopane in 2027: day tours run 9 to 11 hours, so pick two or three stops. See lifts, baths and Morskie Oko.
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Zakopane in Winter: Is It Worth Going, and What Is Open?
Zakopane in winter in 2027: 1 hour 57 minutes from Krakow by Pendolino. See what is open and what lifts and baths cost.
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Zakopane Private Tour from Krakow: Kasprowy Wierch, Baths or Your Own Plan
Zakopane private tours from Krakow in 2027 take 9 to 12 hours with hotel pickup. See what each day covers and compare tours.
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Zakopane Skiing: Kasprowy Wierch, the Town Slopes and a Ski Day from Krakow
Zakopane skiing in 2027: town slopes plus Kasprowy Wierch at 1,987 m above the cable car. See levels and lift fares.
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Zakopane Snowmobile Tours: Snow Rides with Thermal Baths from Krakow
Zakopane snowmobile rides in 2027: from $38.24 for 3-4 hours, or 10-11 hour Krakow days with baths. See what you pay in cash.
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Zakopane Thermal Baths: Day Trips from Krakow with Chocholowskie Termy
Zakopane thermal baths in 2027: Chocholowskie Termy with 52 pool troughs, day trips from $25. See hours and compare tours.
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Zakopane Weather by Season: When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Zakopane weather in 2027: coldest in January and February, warmest in July and August. See which season suits your day trip.
Official Visitor Information
- Chocholowskie Termy
- Polskie Koleje Linowe, Gubalowka
- Polskie Koleje Linowe, Kasprowy Wierch
- Tatra National Park
- Tatra Museum
- Polskie Koleje Linowe
Independent guide to day trips from Krakow to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, Poland. This website is not a tour operator, travel agency or seller of travel, and it is not the website of the Tatra National Park, the Town of Zakopane, Polskie Koleje Linowe, any thermal bath or any booking platform. It sets the tour listings side by side. Every booking, payment, change and refund is handled by the operator or the booking platform on its own website.
Zakopane Day Trips from Krakow: Questions
Is it possible to take a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane?
Yes. Shared tours run 7-11 hours from Krakow, with about 1.5 hours of driving each way and 2-3 hours free in Zakopane. See all the day trips side by side.
Can I do a Zakopane day trip from Krakow by train?
Yes. PKP Intercity runs a Pendolino in 1 hour 57 minutes, with 9 daily pairs of trains and 2 seasonal pairs. The fare is shown when you buy on PKP Intercity's site. See train, bus or a tour.
Can I do a Zakopane day trip by car?
Yes. Tours list the drive as about 1.5 hours each way. The Chocholow baths car park costs PLN 10 extra, and you cannot drive to the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. See the car notes.
How much does a Zakopane day trip from Krakow cost?
Tours run from $19.50 for a classic day to $53.92 for a baths day. Morskie Oko days start at $258.39. Snowmobile rental is paid on top. See what each price covers.
Does the tour include the funicular and the baths entry?
The classic days include the funicular ticket, and the baths days include the funicular and a 3-hour baths ticket. The pay-as-you-go day includes neither. See the Discover Cracow pay-as-you-go day trip.
What should I bring on a Zakopane tour with thermal baths?
Bring swimwear, a towel, flip-flops and cash. Chocholowskie Termy charges PLN 15 for every extra 5 minutes after your set hour. See the baths section.
Can I go snowmobiling on a Zakopane day trip from Krakow?
Yes, with snow. The Fun Tours Cracow snowmobile and baths day trip is $111.73, and rental is PLN 400 per two-seater in cash. Quads replace snowmobiles when the snow is thin.
Is lunch included on a Zakopane tour?
No. Every card leaves lunch to you, and the baths days offer an optional 45-minute lunch on Krupowki Street. See lunch and extras.
Krupówki is Zakopane's main pedestrian street, full of shops, grill stalls and mountain views. Photo: Cybularny, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chochołów's main street is lined with traditional Podhale log houses with shingle roofs. Photo: Aotearoa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Willa Koliba, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz, is the first house built in the Zakopane style. Photo: Aneta Pawska, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons