Changes are coming this summer. This could be the most expensive hour of parking in Poland.

Krakow is one of the most popular cities among tourists. Last year, the capital of the Małopolska region was visited by 14.72 million people, primarily from the Masovian Voivodeship (17.7%), Silesian Voivodeship (17.1%), and Subcarpathian Voivodeship (11.1%). Krakow residents have long complained about the decreasing number of parking spaces, as indicated by the Krakow Barometer survey, among others.

Parking prices in Krakow

Now the city is stepping up to meet their needs and wants to ensure greater vehicle turnover, even in the busiest areas. What's changing? Starting August 4th, Krakow will introduce a progressive rate in the Paid Parking Zone, with rates based on parking time and subzone (A, B, or C).

The most expensive parking will be in subzone A, which covers the city center and the area surrounding major attractions, including the Market Square and Wawel Castle. Drivers from outside the city will pay 9 PLN per hour instead of 6 PLN. Furthermore, the following two hours will be more expensive.

This is how much tourists will pay for parking

The rates for drivers without the Krakow Card will be as follows:

• in subzone A – PLN 9 for the first hour, PLN 10 for the second, PLN 11 for the third, PLN 9 for the subsequent hours,
• in subzone B – PLN 8 for the first hour, PLN 9 for the second, PLN 10 for the third, PLN 8 for the subsequent hours,
• in subzone C – PLN 7 for the first hour, PLN 8 for the second, PLN 9 for the third, PLN 7 for subsequent hours.

Fees apply Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This could make it the most expensive parking zone for visitors in Poland. Previously, the highest rates were considered to be in Gdańsk – from February 1, 2025, an hourly parking fee in the city center will be 7.50 PLN.

Discounts for Krakow Card holders

Residents with a Krakow Card will pay less if they add their vehicle registration number to the Krakow Card system. Each user can assign up to four vehicles to the card, but the discount only applies to the car for which they purchased the ticket first.

It's worth remembering that the city has efficient and well-developed public transportation, allowing you to easily reach the most important attractions. A standard 20-minute ticket in Krakow costs 4 PLN, and a 60-minute ticket (in zones I+II+III) costs 6 PLN. During the summer , historic trams and buses (Kraków Museum Line) also run on the tracks, and fares are in line with the public transportation tariff.

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