Skip-the-line available How to Get to the Bochnia Salt Mine
Every practical route from Kraków — by train on the Kraków–Tarnów line, by car, and what to expect once you reach Bochnia.
Bochnia sits about 40 km east of Kraków, close enough for an easy day trip but far enough that it takes a genuine train or drive — unlike Wieliczka, which is almost a Kraków suburb. That extra distance is part of why Bochnia stays quiet, but it does mean a little more planning. Here's how to get there and back comfortably, whichever way you're travelling.
By Train from Kraków
The simplest way for most visitors is the train. Regional services run on the Kraków–Tarnów line, calling at Bochnia station in under an hour from Kraków's main stations. Trains run regularly through the day, so you don't need to plan your whole trip around a single departure.
From Bochnia station, the mine's Campi shaft entrance is a short taxi ride or local bus away — walkable for some, but it's easier to factor in a short transfer rather than assume it's right outside the station. Round-trip, budget roughly two hours of travel on top of your time at the mine. Ticket machines and staffed counters at Kraków's main stations sell tickets to Bochnia, and regional trains don't usually require advance seat reservations, so you can be reasonably spontaneous with your outbound journey — just keep the mine's own tour-time booking in mind separately.
By Car from Kraków
Driving takes about 45 minutes from central Kraków, mostly on well-signed roads heading east. It's a straightforward drive and gives you the most flexibility if you're combining Bochnia with other stops in Małopolska on the same day.
Parking is available near the mine entrance. If you're also considering Wieliczka, note the two mines are in roughly opposite directions from central Kraków, so pairing them on the same day means a longer overall drive — most visitors do them on separate days. If you're renting a car for a wider Małopolska trip, Bochnia is an easy add-on alongside other day-trip towns in the region, and having your own vehicle removes any dependency on train timetables for the return leg.
Getting There from the Airport
Kraków's airport connects to the city centre by train in around 20 minutes. From there, continue to Bochnia on the Kraków–Tarnów line, or arrange a taxi or transfer that goes straight from the airport to Bochnia if you're not stopping in the city first.
If Bochnia is your first stop in Poland, allow extra buffer time — flight delays plus two changes of transport can eat into a tight tour-time booking, so leave slack or book a slightly later tour time on arrival days. Either way, build in a margin — connecting from a flight straight to a timed underground tour leaves little room for delays, so a hotel drop-off first, or a slightly later tour time, tends to make for a smoother first day.
Once You Arrive
The visitor entrance is the Campi shaft, at ul. Campi 15 on the edge of Bochnia. Arrive with enough time before your tour start — you'll need to check in, and the mine asks visitors to be ready ahead of the group's descent.
Because entry is by timed tour with online sales closing 60 minutes before each start, arriving with a comfortable margin also gives you a buffer if your train or drive runs a little late. Staff at the entrance can point you to facilities and the group meeting area before your descent, so you don't need to guess where to wait.
Frequently asked
How far is Bochnia Salt Mine from Kraków?
About 40 km east of Kraków — roughly 45 minutes by car or under an hour by train to Bochnia station on the Kraków–Tarnów line.
Is there a direct train from Kraków to Bochnia?
Yes, regional trains run on the Kraków–Tarnów line calling at Bochnia station, with services running regularly through the day.
Is the mine within walking distance of Bochnia station?
It's close but not a short stroll for most visitors — a short taxi ride or local bus from the station is the easiest way to reach the Campi shaft entrance.
Can I combine Bochnia and Wieliczka in one day?
It's possible but tight, since the two mines sit in roughly opposite directions from Kraków. Most visitors give each mine its own day.
Is there parking at the mine?
Yes, parking is available near the Campi shaft entrance for visitors arriving by car.