Auschwitz-Birkenau, a place of profound historical significance, stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities of World War II. For those planning a visit to this important site, understanding Where Is Auschwitz Located and how to get there is crucial. This guide provides detailed information on reaching the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, ensuring a respectful and informative visit.
The Auschwitz Museum is situated on the outskirts of Oświęcim, Poland, specifically on provincial road No. 933. Your tour will commence at the former Auschwitz I camp. To reach the Visitor Services Center, navigate to Więźniów Oświęcimia 55 Street. It’s advisable to enter this street from Legionów Street (DW 933) for easier access. Conveniently located near the Visitor Services Center are luggage lockers and a restaurant offering kosher snacks for visitors.
If arriving by train, the Museum is approximately 1,500 meters from the railway station. Adjacent to the station, you’ll find a multi-story Park & Ride facility. For those using public transport between April and October, a special “M” line bus connects the railway station and the Park & Ride with the main entrance of the Museum. This service operates daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with a ride duration of just five minutes. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines.
For a direct bus connection from Kraków, Lajkonik company buses offer routes that arrive directly at the Museum car park. You can check their timetable for your convenience: to the Museum | back to Kraków. Furthermore, bus and minibus stops near the Museum provide services from major cities like Kraków and Katowice. For air travelers, Oświęcim is within approximately 50 kilometers of two international airports: Kraków-Balice and Katowice-Pyrzowice, offering various transportation options to reach the Museum. For additional tourist information for visitors to Oświęcim, the official tourist information website is a valuable resource: www.it.oswiecim.pl.
Traveling Between Auschwitz I and Birkenau Camps
Understanding the layout is important when considering where is Auschwitz located in relation to its different parts. Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are situated 3.5 kilometers (approximately 2.2 miles) apart.
Car Parks: Paid car parks are available at both former concentration camps. Remember, the visit typically begins at the former Auschwitz I site, which can be located using this Google Maps link.
Museum Bus: To facilitate travel between the two sites, a free museum shuttle bus operates regularly. From April to October, buses depart from the former Auschwitz I camp every 10 minutes, and from November to March, every 20 minutes. No fare is required for this service.
Taxi: Taxi services are readily available through HALO TAXI company. You can find taxis at the rank in front of the Museum entrance or contact them directly at +48 32 19 194.
By Foot: For those who prefer walking, the distance between the former camps can be covered on foot (approximately 3 kilometers or 1.8 miles). The route, via Więźniów Oświęcimia, Jaracza, Leszczyńskiej, and Męczeństwa Narodów streets, passes through the former by-camp area. During the Nazi occupation, this area housed German industrial plants, workshops, warehouses, and offices where prisoners were forced to work. Along this route, you can still see remnants of railway sidings and ramps, including the Alte Judenrampe, where trains carrying deportees arrived and selections were made by the SS.
By providing comprehensive information on where is Auschwitz located and how to navigate the area, this guide aims to assist visitors in planning a meaningful and respectful visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
