For the perfect balance of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, choose the cable car tour with Chochołów thermal baths and enjoy a peaceful village atmosphere with stunning mountain views!
Escape the bustle of Krakow on a full-day trip to Zakopane, set at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Famous for its thermal baths and cable car rides up Gubałówka Hill, Zakopane offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the valley below. Hop aboard the cable car and admire the breathtaking scenery of Poland’s beloved winter capital!
Overview
Distance from Krakow: 107 km
Travel time: 1.5–2 hours each way by minibus or coach
On-site visit duration: 10–12 hours
Best season: Winter (December to February) for snowy scenery, Summer (June to August) for pleasant weather and Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) for fewer crowds and a wholesome experience.
Key attractions: Gubałówka Hill cable car, Krupówki Street, Chochołów village, Tatra Mountains, Terma Bania or Chocholow Thermal Baths, traditional cheese and vodka tasting
Things to know before booking your Zakopane funicular tour
Trip duration: Zakopane funicular tours from Krakow are usually part of full-day itineraries and last around 10–12 hours. They include travel time, the Gubałówka Hill funicular ride, local tastings, and free time in Zakopane town.
Inclusions and add-ons: Tickets generally include round-trip hotel transfers, funicular rides up Gubałówka Hill, and visits to Chochołów village. Depending on your chosen option, you may also enjoy access to Chocholow Thermal Baths or Terma Bania, cheese and vodka tastings, or a visit to the Wielka Krokiew ski jump hill.
Transport and pick-up details: The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. If your accommodation is in a restricted traffic zone or pedestrian-only area, the nearest possible pick-up point will be arranged and confirmed in advance.
Itinerary changes: The tour itinerary may change, or certain points may not be realized due to weather conditions, roadworks, or local events. In such cases, alternate stops will be provided to ensure a smooth experience.
Accessibility: While the funicular rides are wheelchair accessible, these tours are not entirely accessible for people with mobility difficulties due to uneven terrain. Pregnant travelers and those with mobility challenges should check with their doctor before joining.
Booking in advance: Plan your visit and book your Zakopane funicular tour 2–4 weeks ahead during peak seasons (December–February and June–August) to secure your preferred time slot, especially for thermal bath or ski jump add-ons.
Chochołów village, Gubałówka funicular, Krupówki Street, cheese & liqueur tasting
Ski jump hill, regional bazaar, Chochołów heritage houses
Sightseers and culture lovers who prefer more free time to explore Zakopane
Make the most of your Zakopane day tour
Choose a day trip that’s full of charm but never rushed. With hotel transfers, a scenic Gubałówka Hill cable car ride, and local cheese tastings all arranged, you can sit back, enjoy the views, and soak up Zakopane’s mountain spirit and highlander culture at your own pace.
Gubałówka Hill is famous for offering some of the best views in southern Poland. Ride the funicular to the top and take in panoramas of the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane below. Stroll along the hilltop, stop by souvenir stalls, or relax at a cozy café with coffee and cake while enjoying the view.
Plan your visit to Zakopane from Krakow
Typical duration: Full-day trip (8–11 hours including travel, sightseeing, and optional spa time)
Best slot to avoid crowds: Before 9am or after 4pm
Last entry: Attractions like the funicular and thermal baths typically close around sunset, depending on the season.
Summer (June to August): Warm weather, clear skies, and lush mountain landscapes make this the most popular season.
Winter (December to February): A magical season when Zakopane transforms into a snowy resort town.
Least crowded
Autumn (September to October): Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colours create a peaceful and picturesque setting, and is ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds.
Spring (March to May): As the snow melts, the mountains come alive with blooming flora and crisp air.
Best time of day: Start early (around 9am) to enjoy quieter viewpoints, shorter queues for the cable car, and relaxed walks through Krupówki Street before the midday rush.
The easiest and most comfortable way to experience Zakopane is with a guided day trip from Krakow. These tours include a guide and often feature highlights like Gubałówka funicular rides, cheese tasting, and even thermal bath visits.
By bus
Frequent coaches run between Krakow and Zakopane every 30–60 minutes. Most are modern and equipped with Wi-Fi and charging ports, making this a practical and affordable travel option.
By car or taxi
Paid parking slots are available near Krupówki Street and the Gubałówka funicular. Driving allows you to explore at your own pace and stop at roadside viewpoints overlooking the Tatras.
Bring cash, as some local shops and stalls on Krupówki Street may not accept cards.
Wear layered clothing and a waterproof jacket since mountain weather can change quickly.
Choose sturdy, comfortable walking shoes because there are steps and uneven terrain in Zakopane and Chochołów Village.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops if your ticket includes entry to Chochołów Thermal Baths or Terma Bania.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pack sunscreen and sunglasses, as the mountain sun can be strong even in cooler months.
Use a small backpack or day bag instead of large luggage since the tour involves walking and multiple stops.
Restrooms are available at the base and top of the Gubałówka funicular, along Krupówki Street, and at both Chochołów Thermal Baths and Terma Bania.
Changing rooms and lockers are provided at the thermal bath complexes, along with elevators and ramps for easier movement.
The funicular is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but the terrain near the viewing decks can be uneven.
Visitor tips
Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred inclusions such as the funicular ride and thermal bath entry, especially during summer and winter seasons.
Start early in the morning, around 7am, or visit after 4pm for a quieter experience at Gubałówka Hill and Krupówki Street.
Dress warmly at higher altitudes as temperatures at the summit are cooler than in Zakopane town.
Visit the thermal baths later (post 6pm) in the day when it tends to be less crowded and more relaxing.
Try local specialties like Oscypek cheese and highlander vodka for a taste of Zakopane’s mountain culture.
Be respectful in Chochołów Village by asking before taking photos and supporting local artisans.
Check the weather forecast before your trip since funicular operations may change during rain or strong winds.
Frequently asked questions about Zakopane funicular tours
How long is the Zakopane day trip from Krakow?
Most Zakopane day trips last around 10 to 12 hours, including round-trip transfers from Krakow, a funicular ride up Gubałówka Hill, time to explore Zakopane, and a relaxing visit to the thermal baths.
Do I need any experience for this tour?
No. The tour is designed for all travellers, including families and first-timers. The funicular ride is short and scenic, while the thermal baths are suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
Are the funicular and thermal baths accessible?
The Gubałówka funicular is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but the summit paths can be uneven. Most thermal bath complexes, like Chochołów and Terma Bania, have accessible facilities, including elevators and ramps, though some pools may have steps.
Can children join the tour?
Yes, children are welcome. The funicular ride is safe for all ages, and the thermal baths have family zones and shallow pools perfect for kids. Adults must accompany young children at all times.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early morning departures (around 7am–8am) are best for a quieter experience at Gubałówka Hill. For the thermal baths, visiting in the evening after 6pm usually means fewer visitors and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes. You’ll find cafés, snack bars, and restaurants at both Gubałówka Hill and the thermal baths. Traditional dishes, coffee, and desserts are widely available.
Went with my boyfriend and honestly, this trip was the best part of our Krakow holiday. The drive out to Zakopane was longer than I thought, but the coach was COMFY and our guide, Magda, kept us laughing with her stories. The wooden houses in the old village were super photogenic (wish I could live there tbh). But the thermal baths... I could’ve stayed all day. One tiny tip: bring your own towel, the rentals are kinda meh. Would totally do this again, even with the crowds.
Tomislav
Nov 2025
4/5
Super chill day trip! Went solo and ended up meeting a few other travelers on the bus. The mountain views are something else. Cheese tasting was a bit rushed, but the cheese itself was soooo good. Baths at the end were HOT (in every way). If you hate crowds, maybe avoid weekends? But I still had an EPIC time.
Emma
Nov 2025
5/5
Family of 4 (kids 7 & 9), and everyone had a good time—rare for us! The pools had something for everyone, from slides for the kids to quiet corners for me and hubs. Our guide Michal was SUPER helpful, esp with food recs (try the oscypek cheese). Only thing: bring flip flops for the baths, floors get slippery.
Linda
Nov 2025
5/5
Me and my sister booked this last min, so happy we did! Loved the little village bit, felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The cheese & vodka tasting was a laugh (vodka’s STRONG, be warned). Baths were super relaxing, and sunset over the mountains was stunning. Didn’t want to leave.
Hanna
Nov 2025
5/5
This was my mom’s birthday treat and she LOVED it. Niko our guide was hilarious and even sang a song on the bus ride (unexpected bonus). The views from Gubalowka were UNREAL. Baths at the end were perfect after all the walking. Would recommend bringing snacks—lunch was late.
Jin
Nov 2025
4/5
Tour was well organised. Our guide, Michal, shared lots of interesting facts, and he even helped me buy a wool hat in Zakopane market. It was a bit cold outside but the baths are HOT, so pack a water bottle. Bit rushed at the cheese stop, but not a dealbreaker.
Elena
Nov 2025
5/5
Wasn’t sure what to expect but this trip blew me away. The drive through the mountains is worth it alone. Baths were HUGE—never seen anything like it. Coach had wifi which was handy. Niko made everyone feel welcome. Bring your own snacks for the road.
Mateo
Nov 2025
4/5
Solid day trip! We went as a group of friends and honestly just wanted to chill. The spa is the main highlight. Guide was chill, gave us space. Only downer: changing rooms at the baths are kinda cramped. Still def worth it for the price.
All-in-one trip to Krakow with convenient transfers, local flavors, & relaxation at thermal spas.
Full day out to: Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains from Krakow, with round-trip transfers in an AC vehicle, and an English or Polish guide.
You’ll get: A multilingual guidebook in 20+ languages, a visit to the Chochołów wooden village with 3 hours at the thermal spas, a Gubałówka funicular round-trip ticket, and cheese and vodka-tasting at a Highlander village.
Chochołów wooden village: Discover traditional wooden houses, and spend 3 hours relaxing at the thermal spas with access to geothermal pools and a variety of spa zones.
Gubałówka Hill Funicular: Ride the cable car for panoramic Tatra views and visit a Highlander village where you can taste cheese and vodka.
Options: Choose between transfers from a central meeting point or hotel pick-up and drop-off for extra convenience and a seamless start to your adventure.
Inclusions
Full-day trip from Krakow to Zakopane
Pickup and drop-off at a central meeting point (as per option selected)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (as per option selected)
English and Polish guide
Multilingual guidebook in 20+ languages
Modern AC vehicle with a professional driver
Visit to Chochołów wooden village
Gubałówka funicular round-trip ticket
3 hours at Chocholow thermal baths
Access to geothermal pools, slides, spa zones
Cheese and local vodka tasting in Highlander village
Exclusions
Food and drinks (except cheese and vodka tasting)
What to bring
Swimwear
Towel
Flip-flops
Cash
What’s not allowed
Alcohol and drugs
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users
Additional information
The time given in your reservation is approximate. The exact pickup time will be confirmed the evening before your tour (between 07:30AM – 09:00AM).
Your pickup point may change due to pedestrian-only zones or limited parking. You will be contacted the day before your tour with final details.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A scenic day trip from Krakow packed with mountain views, local culture, cheese, vodka & hot springs.
Full day out to: Zakopane and Terma Bania hot springs
Everything you get: Scenic drive to the wooden village of Chocholow, Gubalowka cable car ride with Tatra views, guided walk through Zakopane’s Krupówki Street, smoked sheep cheese and vodka tasting, and skip-the-line access to Terma Bania’s natural hot springs.
Why choose this: Ideal for culture lovers and first-time visitors—see Poland’s mountain life, food, and spa culture in one easy, all-included day trip.
Upgrade: Choose the hotel transfer option for added comfort with direct door-to-door service.
Inclusions
Transport by AC bus
English-speaking local guide
Gubalowka cable car round-trip ticket
Visit to Chocholow wooden village
Smoked highlander cheese and local vodka tasting
2.5-hour walk in Zakopane and Krupowki
2.5-hour skip-the-line ticket to the Terma Bania Thermal baths and hot springs
Guidebook in the language you chose
Pickup and drop-off (based on option selected)
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Discover Zakopane’s mountain magic with cheese tasting, cable car rides, and village charm.
Full day out to: Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, scenic cable car ride up Gubałówka, Krupówki Street and Chochołów village.
Everything you get: Explore Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, cheese and liqueur tasting, and plenty of free time to go about Krupowki Street, the historical center of Zakopane.
Why choose this: A full-day Zakopane escape made easy—this all-in-one ticket comes with stress-free transport, local food tastings, and time to wander at your own pace.
Upgrades: Enhance your day with visits to the Ski Jump Hill, Regional Bazaar, or Chocholow's UNESCO-protected houses with a guide, or go for a scenic cable car ride up Gubalowka.
Inclusions
Full-day trip to Zakopane
Round-trip hotel transfers
Free time in Zakopane
Highlander cheese tasting
Regional alcohol tasting (option based)
Round-trip tickets for Gubalowka funicular (option based)
Viewpoint of the mountains (option based)
English-speaking driver and tour leader (option based)
Bilingual guide (option based)
Visit to Chochołow village (option based)
Wielka Krokiew ski jumping hill and regional bazar visit (option based)
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the tour.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Some walking over uneven surfaces and steps is required throughout the tour.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off; if your accommodation is in a restricted traffic zone or pedestrian-only area, the nearest possible pick-up location will be arranged and communicated in advance.
The tour itinerary may change, or certain points may not be realized due to weather conditions, roadworks, or local events.
The tour is suitable for international visitors.
Confirmation of your exact pickup time will be provided by 6pm the day before your tour.
Food and drinks are not included unless specified; lunch is not provided.
Please be prepared for varying mountain temperatures and changing weather conditions.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
NaN
From Kraków: Full-Day Trip to Zakopane with Chochołów Thermal Spa, Cable Car & Transfers
All-in-one trip to Krakow with convenient transfers, local flavors, & relaxation at thermal spas.
Full day out to: Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains from Krakow, with round-trip transfers in an AC vehicle, and an English or Polish guide.
You’ll get: A multilingual guidebook in 20+ languages, a visit to the Chochołów wooden village with 3 hours at the thermal spas, a Gubałówka funicular round-trip ticket, and cheese and vodka-tasting at a Highlander village.
Chochołów wooden village: Discover traditional wooden houses, and spend 3 hours relaxing at the thermal spas with access to geothermal pools and a variety of spa zones.
Gubałówka Hill Funicular: Ride the cable car for panoramic Tatra views and visit a Highlander village where you can taste cheese and vodka.
Options: Choose between transfers from a central meeting point or hotel pick-up and drop-off for extra convenience and a seamless start to your adventure.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
11 hr. 30 min.
Hotel pickup
Day Trips
NEW
From Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Terma Bania Hot Springs, Cable Car & Transfers
A scenic day trip from Krakow packed with mountain views, local culture, cheese, vodka & hot springs.
Full day out to: Zakopane and Terma Bania hot springs
Everything you get: Scenic drive to the wooden village of Chocholow, Gubalowka cable car ride with Tatra views, guided walk through Zakopane’s Krupówki Street, smoked sheep cheese and vodka tasting, and skip-the-line access to Terma Bania’s natural hot springs.
Why choose this: Ideal for culture lovers and first-time visitors—see Poland’s mountain life, food, and spa culture in one easy, all-included day trip.
Upgrade: Choose the hotel transfer option for added comfort with direct door-to-door service.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
11 hr.
Guided tour
Day Trips
NaN
From Krakow: Zakopane Full-Day Trip with Cable Car, Cheese Tasting & Hotel Transfers
Discover Zakopane’s mountain magic with cheese tasting, cable car rides, and village charm.
Full day out to: Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, scenic cable car ride up Gubałówka, Krupówki Street and Chochołów village.
Everything you get: Explore Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, cheese and liqueur tasting, and plenty of free time to go about Krupowki Street, the historical center of Zakopane.
Why choose this: A full-day Zakopane escape made easy—this all-in-one ticket comes with stress-free transport, local food tastings, and time to wander at your own pace.
Upgrades: Enhance your day with visits to the Ski Jump Hill, Regional Bazaar, or Chocholow's UNESCO-protected houses with a guide, or go for a scenic cable car ride up Gubalowka.