Getting around Krakow without a car of your own

The historic Old Town with almost six thousand heritage sites, the dignified Wawel Royal Castle, the magical Kazimierz district with its inspiring nooks and crannies where you can meet remarkable artists, the iconic Nowa Huta district, the Kościuszko Mound — these and dozens of other attractions mean you will not be bored in Krakow. But you still have to get there. In the capital of Lesser Poland, residents and visitors alike have plenty of transport options to choose from. Beyond public transport, Krakow offers cars, e-scooters and bikes you can rent by the minute.

City bikes lined up at a rental station in Krakow

Car sharing – rent a car by the minute in Krakow

Is a car your preferred way of getting around, but you would rather not rent one for a fixed period? Car sharing lets you drive anywhere in Krakow whenever you like — to the city’s own attractions, or further afield to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oświęcim.

Operators such as Panek and Traficar keep dozens of cars available across the city, with the highest concentration near the most popular tourist spots, the railway station, the airport and cultural venues. All you need is the operator’s app on your phone: the car unlocks once your booking is activated, you can refuel at the designated stations, and the built-in navigation takes you anywhere in the city. The process is straightforward, and a minute of driving costs roughly PLN 0.50–0.90 depending on the company. It is not only convenient but economical — you pay only while you are actually using the car, and parking in the city center is free.

E-scooters in Krakow – how to use them

In recent years, the most popular way to get around Polish cities has been the electric scooter. It is easy to see why: they are compact, they slip through city traffic, and they take minutes to learn. They do, however, call for care — follow the safety rules when you ride one. In Krakow, e-scooters are operated by Bolt, Lime and Tier, and their vehicles are available across the whole city.

As with cars, everything is handled through an app: you provide your details, accept the terms and conditions, and confirm that you are an adult. Google Maps will show you scooters nearby — including around our hotel — along with the estimated cost of your ride. A minute of riding costs roughly PLN 0.50–0.59, with an unlocking fee starting at PLN 2.60. You can also buy a time pass or reserve a scooter at no charge.

Bike rental in Krakow

Krakow was the first Polish city to introduce a bike-sharing system, back in 2008. Today there are several ways to rent two wheels here, including Bolt’s green e-bikes, which work much like the scooters and start at PLN 0.90 per minute. The system covers the whole downtown area, and free-floating parking means you can leave the bike where your ride ends. The city has also made Park e-Bike and LajkBajk available — both good choices for a longer stay in Krakow.

Book your stay at Grand Ascot Hotel

Krakow is a city full of attractions, cultural events and business meetings, so it is worth securing a comfortable base. Book a hotel in the center of Krakow with on-site parking, a sauna and a fitness room. On our website you can book rooms and apartments with breakfast at the best available rates. Grand Ascot Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Main Market Square.

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