Mist over the railway tracks at Auschwitz-Birkenau
Visitor Information Center

Planning Your
Visit to Auschwitz

A comprehensive FAQ and planning guide to ensure a respectful, informed, and seamless experience at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

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Why Preparation is Essential

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is unlike visiting any other museum. It is a site of immense historical gravity and emotional weight. Proper planning is not just about logistics; it is an act of respect towards the victims and the sanctity of the place.

Mandatory Reservations

Entry cards are required for all visitors. Demand is incredibly high throughout 2026. Without an advance booking, access is not guaranteed.

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Physical Demands

The site covers 191 hectares. Visitors typically walk over 10,000 steps. Understanding the layout between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau is crucial.

Explore the History

Logistical Essentials

Quick reference for the most common inquiries regarding your visit.

Booking & Tickets

Admission to the grounds is free, but you must reserve an entry card. However, we strongly recommend booking a guided tour with an educator to fully understand the context. For 2026, reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance.

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Opening Hours

The Museum opens at 7:30 AM daily. Closing times vary by month (e.g., 7:00 PM in summer, 2:00 PM in winter).

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Location

Oświęcim, Poland. Approx 66km from Krakow. Accessible via train, bus, or private transfer.

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Strict Visitor Guidelines

  • Max Bag Size: 30x20x10 cm
  • Dress Code: Modest/Respectful
  • No flash photography inside
  • Silence required in blocks
14+

Age Recommendation

Not recommended for children under 14 due to the traumatic nature of the exhibitions.

Visit Planner &
Time Calculator

Estimating the time required for a visit can be difficult. Use this tool to plan your arrival and understand how much time you should allocate for both camps (Auschwitz I and Birkenau), including transfer times.

Did you know?

The two parts of the camp are 3.5 km apart. A free museum shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes between them.

Preparing for Your Visit

1. The Booking Process Explained

The most common mistake visitors make is assuming they can purchase tickets at the gate. This is rarely possible. In 2026, the museum operates on a strictly timed-entry system to manage crowds and preserve the site.

There are two main ways to enter:

  • Visit with an Educator (Recommended): These are guided tours organized by the museum or authorized third parties. They provide historical context, headsets for hearing the guide clearly, and structured transport between camps.
  • Individual Visit (Without an Educator): Admission is free, but you must reserve a specific time slot online. These slots are limited and often "sell out" months in advance.

Pro Tip: If official site tickets are sold out, authorized tour operators (like those on GetYourGuide) often have reserved allocations. Check availability here.

2. What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

Essential Items

  • ✓ ID/Passport (Must match the name on your ticket).
  • ✓ Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (paths are uneven).
  • ✓ Water bottle (plastic only).
  • ✓ Weather-appropriate clothing (most of the tour is outdoors).

Prohibited Items

  • ✕ Bags larger than A4 size (30x20x10 cm).
  • ✕ Food (except for medical necessity).
  • ✕ Tripods, selfie sticks, or drones.
  • ✕ Professional camera gear without a permit.

3. Photography and Conduct

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a cemetery. Visitors are expected to behave with solemnity.

Photography: Generally permitted for personal use, but strictly prohibited in the Room of Hair (Block 4) and the basement of Block 11. Flash photography is forbidden in all buildings to preserve the artifacts. Taking "selfies" or disrespectful posed photos is culturally unacceptable and may result in removal from the site.

Dress Code: Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered as a mark of respect, similar to visiting a church or religious site. Clothing with offensive slogans or symbols is banned.

Silhouette of barbed wire at Auschwitz
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz?
Entry to the grounds is free of charge for individual visitors without a guide. However, hiring a guide (educator) involves a fee. Guided tours typically cost between 80-100 PLN when booked directly, or more if booking a package with transport from Krakow. We highly recommend a paid guided tour for the educational value.
Is there a luggage storage facility?
Yes, there is paid luggage storage at the main entrance of Auschwitz I. However, queues can be long. Bags larger than A4 size (30x20x10 cm) are not allowed inside the memorial. It is best to leave large luggage at your hotel or in lockers at the Krakow train station.
Can I visit without a guide?
Yes, you can visit independently, but you still need to reserve a free entry pass on the official website. Note that during peak hours (usually 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), entry may be restricted to guided groups only. Check visiting hours carefully.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is challenging due to the historical nature of the site (rough terrain, gravel paths). Auschwitz I has some paved paths, but many blocks have stairs. Auschwitz II-Birkenau is vast with uneven ground. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Visitor Service Center.
Is there food available on site?
Eating is strictly prohibited on the memorial grounds. There are small cafes and vending machines near the entrance/parking areas of Auschwitz I and II, but options are limited. We recommend eating a substantial meal before your tour.
What is the best way to get there from Krakow?
You can take a bus from the MDA station in Krakow (approx. 1.5 hours), a train to Oświęcim station (followed by a local bus or walk), or book a tour with transport included. The tour bus is often the most stress-free option as it drops you directly at the entrance.

For more specific questions regarding policies, please consult the official regulations.

Choosing Your Experience

Self-Guided Visit

Suitable for those with deep historical knowledge or who prefer solitude. Requires meticulous planning for transport and tickets.

  • — Free admission (Reservation required)
  • — No context provided by experts
  • — Must manage own transport
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Recommended

Guided Tour with Educator

The most comprehensive way to understand the scale and history. Includes headphones to hear the guide clearly.

  • ✓ Guaranteed entry time
  • ✓ Expert historical context
  • ✓ Transport from Krakow often included
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A Journey of Remembrance

Visiting Auschwitz is not easy, but it is necessary. By planning ahead, you ensure that your focus remains on the memory of those who were lost, rather than logistical hurdles.

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