Choose what works best for you.

Want everything planned and covered for the day? Pick a Zakopane day trip that combines adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation with thrilling quad biking and a soothing soak at Chochołów Thermal Baths. Enjoy a full-day experience that’s worth every penny!

Guest riding ATV on snowy terrain in Zakopane during quad biking adventure.


If you’re looking for a quick escape from the tourist buzz of Kraków, you’re in for a treat. About 107 km from the city, nestled in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, lies Zakopane, an alpine town known for its scenic peaks, traditional wooden chalets, and rejuvenating thermal pools. With a travel time of around two hours each way, Zakopane makes for an easy day trip that combines nature, culture, and relaxation, or a quick weekend getaway.

Quick overview

  • Distance from Kraków: Around 107 km
  • Typical travel time: About 2 to 2.5 hours by road, or roughly 1 hour 59 minutes by bus or train
  • On-site visit duration: 3 to 5 hours at the thermal baths and key attractions
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Hotel pickups or central Kraków meeting points for most tours
  • Key attractions/sites covered: Chochołów Thermal Baths, Gubałówka Hill, Krupówki Street, and panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains
Aerial view of Zakopane Thermal Baths surrounded by lush greenery in Poland.

Things to know before booking your Krakow to Zakopane day trip

  • Many full-day tours include time in Zakopane plus a visit to Chocholow or Terma Bania, two of the region’s best thermal bath complexes.
  • Choose full-day tours that highlight local culture with a stroll down Krupowki Street, views from the Gubalowka funicular, and visits to wooden homes in Chocholow village.
  • Some trips include 1-hour guided snowmobile or quad rides through snowy Tatra terrain, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to explore off the beaten path.
  • Prefer nature? Pick a tour that covers Morskie Oko Lake in the Tatra National Park, one of Poland’s most beautiful alpine lakes, usually paired with a relaxing thermal bath stop.
  • Most Krakow to Zakopane day trips last around 8 to 11 hours, depending on your chosen itinerary. Tours usually start early, around 7am or 8am, giving you plenty of time to explore the town, soak in the baths, and enjoy scenic stops before heading back to Krakow in the evening.
  • Expect to spend about 2.5 to 3 hours at the thermal baths during a full-day trip. Some tours even let you choose how long you want to stay, whether it’s a quick soak or a longer, relaxing spa session.
  • Zakopane looks stunning all year round, but the vibe changes with the seasons. Winter (December to March) means snow, skiing, and cozy hot springs, while summer (June to September) is all about hiking trails and fresh mountain air. Just remember to dress in layers since the weather can change fast.
  • Most tours are easy-going and suitable for everyone, but if you’re planning to hike to Morskie Oko or go quad biking, expect a bit more physical activity. The thermal baths and saunas are super relaxing but may not be ideal for pregnant women or anyone with mobility issues.
  • Meals are usually not included unless mentioned in your tour details. There’s always time for a lunch break though—guides often recommend great local spots where you can try pierogi, kwasnica soup, or grilled oscypek cheese.
  • If your tour includes snowmobiling or quad biking, keep in mind that rental operators usually take cash only. The ride fee isn’t part of your ticket and needs to be paid before the activity starts.

Which Kraków to Zakopane day trip is right for you

Tour typeDurationActivitiesOther inclusionsUpgradesBest for
Chochołów Spa & Cable Car

Full day

Gubałówka funicular ride, Zakopane sightseeing, Thermal bath entry cheese & vodka tasting

Guide, multilingual guidebook, round-trip transfers

Private hotel transfers, meeting point pickup

Travelers wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery in one day

Chochołów Baths with Transfer

3 hours or full day

Access to 30 pools and jacuzzis at Chocholow Thermal Baths

Lockers, skip-the-line entry, English/ Polish-speaking guide, transfers

Extend to full-day access, saunarium use, morning or evening transfers

Wellness lovers or visitors seeking a flexible spa-only experience

Terma Bania & Cable Car

Full day

Visit Chochołów village, Gubałówka cable car, Krupówki guided walk, cheese & vodka tasting, Terma Bania hot springs

Guide, round-trip transfers

Hotel transfer option for added comfort

Travelers wanting to explore a different thermal spa experience while enjoying Zakopane’s highlights

Cable Car & Cheese Tasting

Full day

Visit Chochołów village, Gubałówka cable car, Krupówki Street, highlander cheese tasting

Bilingual guide, hotel transfers

Add Ski Jump Hill, regional bazaar, or heritage house visits

Travelers wanting a taste of local cuisine, culture, and sightseeing in one day

Morskie Oko & Zakopane Trip

Full day

Funicular ride up Gubałówka, hike to Morskie Oko Lake, Tatra National Park entry, vodka and cheese tasting

English-speaking driver, hotel transfers, funicular tickets

-

Nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and exploring the Tatra National Park

Quad Biking & Chochołów Baths

Full day

Quad biking in the Tatras, Chochołów thermal baths, bonfire with food & drinks

Highlander cheese tasting, helmet, gloves, English-speaking driver, transfers

Hotel transfers or meeting point pickup

Adventure seekers who want both thrill and relaxation in one day

Fun stops on your Zakopane day trip

Best time to go on a Zakopane day trip

How to get from Krakow to Zakopane

Helpful tips for a Kraków to Zakopane day trip

  • The main Kraków to Zakopane route (National Road 7 DK7 or Zakopianka), can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in summer (June to August) and ski season (December to April). Planning your visit in advance or returning after 7pm helps you avoid traffic.
  • Buy a local map. You can find detailed maps at stalls along Krupówki Street that highlight hiking trails, funicular routes, and viewpoints in different languages.
  • Avoid crowds at thermal baths by visiting after 5pm. It’s usually quieter, more relaxing, and the evening lights make the pools look magical.
  • Support authentic crafts. Look for handmade items labeled “Produkt regionalny” or sold at Góral-run stalls for genuine local products.
  • Check trail conditions before heading out. Even in spring or autumn, higher areas like Kasprowy Wierch can still have snow or icy patches.
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons if possible. May to June and September to October offer mild weather, open trails, and fewer tourists.
  • Bring some cash. Not every food stall or market vendor accepts cards, especially in smaller mountain areas.
  • Sample grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry, hearty kwaśnica soup, or Polish sausages from street stalls.

Frequently asked questions about Krakow to Zakopane tours

Most full-day tours last between 9 and 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and time to relax at the thermal baths before returning to Kraków in the evening.