Train to Zakopane - connections, tickets and itinerary

• Local transport: city buses run to the entrances to the trails, including the White Valley and the Strążyska Valley, and towards the lower station of the Gubałówka funicular.

• Best time to go: May, June and September, when the weather is more stable and the trails are less crowded; December to March is best for skiing.

• How long to go for: a day trip from Krakow is feasible; a weekend (Friday evening – Sunday, 2 nights) is enough for the main attractions and one longer trail.

• Practical tip: during school holidays and long weekends, tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance.

It is best to choose May or September - the daytime temperature is then 18–19°C and the trails are less crowded than in the middle of the summer holidays.

Spring (April–May)

• In April, the weather is unpredictable – after the thaw, trails can be muddy and slippery, and conditions change several times a day.

• May is the best start to the hiking season – the valleys are green, temperatures reach 18°C and the trails are quieter than in summer.

• Accommodation prices in May are noticeably lower than in summer, so it is easier to find a room in the centre.

Summer (June–August)

• All trails are open, and the Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka cable cars run throughout the day.

• In July and August, violent thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, so it is best to plan to set out on the trail early in the morning.

• Krupówki and the queues for attractions are at their most crowded, especially in August.

• Accommodation prices are at their highest in August, so it is worth making a reservation 2–3 weeks in advance.

Autumn (September–October)

• September is one of the best months to visit – the daytime temperature is 19°C, there are fewer tourists and the valleys show their autumn colours.

• In October, morning mists appear and the temperature drops to 14°C, but the trails at lower elevations are still accessible.

• Accommodation prices return to off-season levels.

Winter (December–March)

• In winter you can enjoy the slopes on Kasprowy Wierch, Gubałówka and at nearby Białka Tatrzańska.

• Krupówki has a festive atmosphere in December, and snow conditions are at their best in January and February.

• School holidays mean full hotels and higher prices, so train tickets are worth buying well in advance.

• Christmas and New Year attract the most visitors, making it harder to find a peaceful stay or lower prices.

You can get to Zakopane by train without sitting in traffic on the Zakopianka road, and direct connections are available from major cities.

From Krakow

• The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours.

• Several direct connections run daily all year round, with additional trains in high season.

• Early departures allow you to be in Zakopane before 7am.

• The route passes through Nowy Targ with views of the Beskids.

From Katowice

• The journey takes approximately 3–3.5 hours.

• Several direct connections run daily throughout the year.

• The route passes through Kraków and Nowy Targ.

From Warsaw

• You travel several hours without changing trains.

• There is also a night train on the timetable: you depart in the evening and arrive in Zakopane in the morning.

• The route passes through Kraków and the Podhale region.

From Gdańsk

• Day and night connections are available without changing trains.

• The night train allows you to arrive in Zakopane in the morning.

• The route passes through Warsaw, Kraków and the Podhale region.

• Additional connections operate during the summer and winter seasons.

With PKP Intercity and POLREGIO, skis and snowboards are treated as hand luggage. Carriage is free of charge if the equipment is stored in a bag or cover.

On Europodróże you can buy your ticket without registering – enter the route, choose the train and pay. You receive your ticket by email and SMS. 30 minutes before departure you receive an SMS reminder with a link to your ticket, so you do not need to search your inbox. The earlier you buy, the better the price and the greater the choice of seats. With PKP Intercity you can return your ticket up to 20 minutes before departure and exchange it up to 30 minutes before departure – see our returns and exchanges page for details. From Wrocław and other cities without a direct connection you can travel with one change.

You can reach Krupówki from the station on foot in about 20 minutes. The route is straightforward – walk along Chramcówki Street and then turn towards the centre. With light luggage, walking is the most convenient option.

City buses run to the trailheads – towards the ski jump, from where the path to the White Valley begins, and to the Strążyska Valley. They also run towards the lower station of the Gubałówka funicular, which is 3 km from the station. Line numbers and timetables change seasonally, so check them at the stop or with the operator.

The lower station of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car in Kuźnice is 4 km from the station – get there by bus or taxi. A taxi is useful when returning with heavy luggage or ski equipment.

In the centre, most museums and sightseeing attractions are within 2 km of the station, so you can explore this part of town on foot.

Where to stay:

• Krupówki area – close to restaurants and attractions, but noisier in the evenings.

• Tatrzańska Street – quieter and closer to the entrances to the Tatra trails.

• Near the station on Chramcówki Street – practical for an early morning departure or a late arrival on a night train.

For a weekend city break in Zakopane, the location of your accommodation matters – if you are planning an early start on the trails, staying closer to Kuźnice or Tatrzańska Street will shorten your morning commute.

Cable car to Kasprowy Wierch

It is 4 km from the station to Kuźnice, so you can reach the lower station by bus or taxi. The cable car ascends to 1,987 m above sea level, and from the summit you have a panoramic view of the High and Western Tatras. A round trip to the summit by cable car takes 2–4 hours. There is an entrance fee. Go before 10am to reduce waiting times and improve the chances of good visibility. On windy days the cable car may be closed, so check current information before you set off.

Gubałówka

The lower station is 3 km from the station, so you can walk there or take the bus. The funicular ascends to 1,123 m above sea level. From the top you have a view over the Zakopane valley and a panorama of the Tatra Mountains. The visit takes 1–2 hours. There is an entrance fee. The funicular operates all year round – in winter, ski lifts and oscypek stalls are open at the top.

Willa Pod Jodłami and Koliba

These are two important examples of the wooden Young Poland architectural style designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Willa Pod Jodłami is 1.3 km from the station and Koliba is 1.9 km away. Visiting each building takes 45–60 minutes. There is an entrance fee. These buildings gave rise to the Zakopane Style, which can still be seen today in the architecture of inns and guesthouses throughout the town.

Tatra Museum

The Tatra Museum is 1.3 km from the station. Here you can learn about the history of the Tatra Mountains, highland ethnography and the history of mountaineering. The visit takes 2–3 hours. There is an entrance fee. It is a good choice for a day with bad weather or for an afternoon after a morning hike.

Cemetery on Pęksowy Brzyzek

The Cemetery on Pęksowy Brzyzek is 1.5 km from the station. Here you will find historic highland tombstones from the 19th century, wooden crosses and folk sculptures. The visit takes 30–45 minutes. Admission is free. It is a peaceful spot away from the main tourist trail.

Trails: White Valley and Strążyska Valley

These are easy trails starting directly from the town. The White Valley begins near the ski jump and the Strążyska Valley is closer to the centre. Each trail there and back takes 4–6 hours. Entry to the Tatra National Park is paid. No specialist equipment is needed – comfortable trekking shoes are sufficient.

One-day plan

In the morning, head out on a trail – either the White Valley or the Strążyska Valley. In the afternoon, take the cable car to Gubałówka or visit a museum. In the evening, take a stroll along Krupówki and have dinner at a highland inn.

Weekend plan

Day 1: In the morning, take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. In the afternoon, visit the Tatra Museum. In the evening, have dinner on Krupówki.

Day 2: In the morning, visit Willa Pod Jodłami and Koliba. Then walk to the Cemetery on Pęksowy Brzyzek. In the afternoon, ride up to Gubałówka for views of the Tatras. Before leaving, pick up oscypek, gingerbread or wooden goods on Krupówki.

What to eat

Oscypek – traditional mountain cheese made from sheep's milk, with a protected designation of origin. On Krupówki you can buy it fresh directly from the producers. Served warm, grilled, often with cranberries or redcurrants. It has an intense, slightly smoky flavour.

Highlander sour rye soup (żur góralski) – a thick rye sourdough soup with bacon, sausage and egg. You will find it in every highland inn, served in a bread loaf or clay bowl. It warms you up after a full day on the trails.

Bryndza – salted sheep's curd with a sharp flavour. Served on bread, with potatoes or with łazanki. It is one of the most distinctive tastes of the Podhale region.

Łazanki tatrzańskie – yeast pancakes with cream and bryndza. A sweet-and-salty combination available in most highland restaurants.

Where to eat:

• Krupówki – the main dining street with inns, restaurants and oscypek stalls. In the evenings, live highland music plays here.

• Tatrzańska Street – a quieter area with local highland restaurants and less tourist traffic.

Souvenirs

• Oscypek – buy it on Krupówki or below the lower station of Gubałówka; fresh it keeps for a few days.

• Zakopane gingerbread – with characteristic highland figurines, a great gift.

• Wooden products – figurines, chopping boards and hand-carved spoons.

• Bryndza and blueberry preserves – local products available at market stalls and regional speciality shops.

• Sheepskin coats and leather goods – traditional highland craftsmanship; they cost more, but this is where you will find the widest selection.

You will spend the least on accommodation outside the centre and exploring the valleys independently, while the highest budget is needed for hotel stays and paid attractions.

Each option assumes a minimum of 1 night and applies to one person. During winter school holidays and summer holidays, accommodation prices can double, so it is worth booking in advance. Students and senior citizens may be eligible for PKP discounts on train tickets – check current offers when purchasing.