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A comprehensive guide on getting to Zakopane Thermal Baths

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape in southern Poland, Zakopane Thermal Baths are the place to be. Nestled in the Tatra region near Zakopane, these baths offer pools, saunas, slides, and spa facilities that are perfect for anyone wanting to unwind in mineral-rich waters. Whether you’re coming from Zakopane itself or traveling from farther away, we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Where are Zakopane Thermal Baths located?

Located in the town of Chochołów, this modern complex features indoor and outdoor pools, a spacious saunarium, and spa facilities. It’s perfect for families and anyone looking to unwind with a view of the Tatra mountains.

  • Distance from Kraków: Approximately 100 km, about 1 ½–2 hours by car
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Found in Białka Tatrzańska, this vibrant thermal resort offers fun slides, family zones, hydro-massage pools, and relaxing wellness areas. It’s ideal for a full day of water-based fun and relaxation.

Distance from Kraków: About 95–100 km, roughly 1 ⅓–1 ½ hours by car

Situated in Bukowina Tatrzańska, this bath is surrounded by forests and mountains, offering indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and slides for endless fun and relaxation.

  •  Distance from Kraków: Approximately 100–120 km, around 2 hours by car

In Szaflary, this rustic, highlander-style bath has multiple outdoor pools, saunas, and family-friendly facilities, perfect for a cozy day of wellness amidst forested surroundings.

  •  Distance from Kraków: Around 90–100 km, 1–1 ¼ hours by car

Also in Szaflary, this intimate thermal complex offers indoor and outdoor pools, spa areas, and wellness zones, ideal for visitors looking to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

  •  Distance from Kraków: Approximately 90–100 km, about 1–1 ¼ hours by car

Right in the heart of Zakopane, this bath combines fun and wellness with pools, slides, jacuzzis, saunas, a gym, and a restaurant, all surrounded by stunning Tatra views.

  • Distance from Kraków: Around 105–110 km, roughly 2 hours by car

Getting to Zakopane Thermal  Baths by public transport

High-speed train traveling through rural Northern France landscape.

By Train

  • Best for: Scenic journey, comfortable ride
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Closest stop: Chochołów train station
  • Description: Take the PKP Intercity or regional trains from Kraków Główny to Chochołów, usually with one transfer at Zakopane. From the Chochołów station, the baths are a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride.

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Closest stop: Chochołów main bus stop
  • Description: FlixBus or regional buses run from Kraków to Chochołów via Zakopane. From the bus stop, the baths are about a 10-minute walk.
Two women smiling on an Italian train journey.

By Train

  • Best for: Comfortable ride, scenic route
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Closest stop: Białka Tatrzańska station
  • Description: Walk or take a short taxi ride to Terma Bania from the station (around 5–10 minutes).

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Closest stop: Białka Tatrzańska bus stop
  • Description: Regional buses to Białka Tatrzańska stop near the baths. From there, the baths are a short walk or taxi ride.
Bay Area Rapid Transit train on tracks surrounded by trees and construction cones.

By Train

  • Best for: Comfortable journey
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Closest stop: Bukowina Tatrzańska (requires transfer at Zakopane)
  • Description: From the station, a short taxi ride takes you to the baths (around 5–10 minutes).

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget option
  • Travel time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Closest stop: Bukowina Tatrzańska bus stop
  • Description: Regional buses run via Zakopane. Walk or taxi to the baths from the stop.
Tour bus on winding road from Thera to cruise port, Santorini, Greece.

By Train

  • Best for: Scenic ride
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Closest stop: Szaflary station
  • Description: About a 5–10 minute walk or short taxi ride from the station to the baths.

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Closest stop: Szaflary bus stop
  • Description: Buses run via Zakopane. From the stop, walk or take a taxi to the baths.
Tourists boarding an AC coach vehicle on a city street.

By Train

  • Best for: Comfortable ride
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Closest stop: Szaflary station
  • Description: 5–10 minute walk or short taxi ride to Termy Szaflary.

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Closest stop: Szaflary bus stop
  • Description: From the bus stop, a short walk or taxi ride takes you to the baths.
Passengers seated inside an AC coach bus for Nara and Kyoto One-Day Tour.

By Train

  • Best for: Comfort and scenic ride
  • Travel time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Closest stop: Zakopane train station
  • Description: From the station, a 10-minute taxi ride or local bus takes you to Termy Zakopiańskie.

By Bus

  • Best for: Budget travel
  • Travel time: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Closest stop: Zakopane bus station
  • Description: From the bus station, walk (about 15 minutes) or take a taxi to the baths.

Getting to Zakopane Thermal Baths by car

Terma Bania

Driving route

  • Start from Zakopane center.
  • Fastest route: Zakopane → Białka Tatrzańska via DK49, 25 km, 35 min.
  • Alternative route: via local roads, 30 km, 45 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Chocholow Thermal Baths

Driving route

  • Zakopane → Chochołów via DK49, 25 km, 30–35 min.
  • Alternative scenic route: via Dzianisz, 28 km, 40 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Terma Bukovina

Driving route

  • Zakopane → Bukowina Tatrzańska via DK49, 20 km, 30 min.
  • Alternative route: through Biały Dunajec, 22 km, 35 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Termy Gorący Potok

Driving route

  • Zakopane → Bukowina Tatrzańska via DK49, 18 km, 28 min.
  • Alternative route: via Brzegi, 20 km, 35 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Termy Szaflary

Driving route

  • Zakopane → Szaflary via DK49 and local roads, 15 km, 25 min.
  • Alternative route: via Piekielnik, 18 km, 30 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Termy Zakopiańskie

Driving route

  • Zakopane → Termy Zakopiańskie via local roads, 5 km, 15 min.

Parking: Available on-site.

Getting to Zakopane  Thermal  Baths by cycling

Terma Bania

  • Best for: Active travellers looking for a longer ride
  • Travel time: 75 minutes each way
  • Distance: 22 km
  • Description: Start from Krupówki Street and cycle east through Poronin and Białka Tatrzańska. The route combines steady climbs with sweeping descents and panoramic mountain views. You will reach the Terma Bania complex, surrounded by ski slopes and open meadows, a rewarding destination after a scenic workout.

Chochołów Thermal Baths

  • Best for: Cyclists seeking a scenic mid distance route
  • Travel time: 60 minutes each way
  • Distance: 17 km
  • Description: Begin on Krupówki Street, then follow the Velo Dunajec trail and DW 958 toward Chochołów. The gentle gradient and rural landscapes make for a pleasant journey, passing wooden cottages and cheese stalls before arriving at the large Chochołów Thermal Baths complex.

Termy Bukovina

  • Best for: Riders who enjoy challenging hill climbs
  • Travel time: 50 minutes each way
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Description: From central Zakopane, head towards Bukowina Tatrzańska. Expect a mix of steep uphill and rolling terrain with views of the High Tatras along the way. The climb pays off as you arrive at Termy Bukovina, set high above the valley with relaxing pools and mountain air.

Gorący Potok

  • Best for: Confident cyclists comfortable with mixed roads
  • Travel time: 55 minutes each way
  • Distance: 17 km
  • Description: Depart from Krupówki and follow the road toward Szaflary. The route winds through small villages and open fields, offering a pleasant countryside ride. Finish at Gorący Potok, a natural style thermal complex where wooden pools and warm waters await.

Termy Szaflary

  • Best for: Leisure cyclists seeking a smooth valley route
  • Travel time: 50 minutes each way
  • Distance: 17 km
  • Description: Begin your ride on Krupówki Street and cycle gently downhill toward Szaflary. The relatively flat path through the valley makes for an easy trip. Once there, unwind at Termy Szaflary’s outdoor and indoor pools surrounded by peaceful scenery.

Termy Zakopiańskie

  • Best for: Casual riders and short local trips
  • Travel time: 10 minutes each way
  • Distance: 2 km
  • Description: Cycle directly from Krupówki Street through central Zakopane to reach Termy Zakopiańskie. This short ride is perfect for those staying in town who prefer a quick and easy journey to the pools without leaving the city limits.

Which route suits you best?

  • Budget-friendly: An early FlixBus and local minibus combo keeps the round trip under 14 €, around half the rail fare, and still gets you soaking in the pools before lunch.
  • Fastest door-to-door: Driving or taking a hotel shuttle is the quickest overall. In clear traffic, the S7 gets you there in under two hours with your luggage already stowed and no transfer delays.
  • Most scenic: Go by train. The gentle climb past Baroque Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, snow-dusted Beskid hills, and the first glimpse of the High Tatras turns the journey into sightseeing. Bring a camera and a picnic for the 48-stop ride.

Frequently asked questions about Zakopane Thermal Baths

Express buses reach Zakopane in about two hours; the A15 minibus adds 25  minutes, so plan on 2  hours 30 minutes door‑to‑door, plus seasonal traffic.