HOW TO GET TO ZAKOPANE
Flying to Poland, From
Warsaw or Krakow to Zakopane, Currency
and prices,
Taxis
For more info e-mail Konrad Bajer
Visas
If you need a visa a list of Polish Consulates abroad is
here.
Unfortunately the list is available only in Polish.
Flying to Poland
The international airport nearest to Zakopane is in
Krakow but most
international flights arrive in Warsaw.
You can fly directly to Krakow from the following
cities:
| Chicago |
London (Gatwick) |
Tel Aviv |
| Copenhagen |
New York (EWR, JFK) |
Toronto |
| Frankfurt |
Paris |
Vienna |
| Gdansk |
Rome |
Zurich |
More details, including the time of arrival in Krakow
can be found on
www.porty-lotnicze.com.pl/Kraprzy.htm
For flights to and from Warsaw, see
www.porty-lotnicze.com.pl/
If you fly to Warsaw with the Polish airline LOT you may
get a flight Warsaw-Krakow for free. This will save you the hassle of transferring
from the airport to the train station in Warsaw. There are 6 flights Warsaw-Krakow
a day.
For LOT offices around the world, special offers and
on-line ticket sales at a discount see
www.lot.com.pl/english
It is worth checking KLM
If you think of spending a day in Warsaw see a comprehensive on-line city guide:
www.inyourpocket.com/Poland/Warsaw_home.shtml.
For other interesting places in Poland see
www.inyourpocket.com/Poland/index.shtml
From Warsaw or Krakow to Zakopane
Krakow is a medieval university town on the way to
Zakopane and it is
worth a one-day visit.
For comprehensive information see
www.inyourpocket.com/Poland/Krakow_home.shtml
It takes 10 mins. to walk from the Krakow Glowny train
station to the
Old Town, so you can easily stop over when going by train
to Zakopane.
Alternatively you may spend there Saturday and/or Sunday
8,9 September.
A unique place place, certainly worth a visit is Wieliczka salt mine, about 1/2 hour from Krakow by bus or by train.
See
www.inyourpocket.com/Poland/Wieliczka_home.shtml
Let me know if you'd like to book a hotel in Krakow.
From Warsaw or Krakow you go to Zakopane by train or by
bus.
You can also rent a car. Let me know if you are interested.
The distance is:
Warsaw - Zakopane 400 km
Krakow - Zakopane 150 km
Current Polish train time-table is on
www.pkp.pl/.
Click on "Rozklad jazdy pociagow", then at bottom click
on "English"
The server is not reliable, so I will put the new time-table
on this
page by the end of June.
On most trains you need to book a seat in advance. You
cannot book
without buying a ticket at the same time. As soon as
you have bought
your air ticket to Poland let me know the details of
your flight
schedule and I will book the train ticket.
If you come to Zakopane from Warsaw an overnight sleeper
train is a
possibility (my preference).
Warsaw - Zakopane sleeper fare (one way) is:
| |
1st |
class |
(1 person in a compartment) |
|
|
|
- |
$70 |
| |
2d |
class |
(2 persons in a compartment) |
|
|
|
- |
$40 |
| |
3d |
class |
(3 persons in a compartment) |
|
|
|
- |
$25 |
Not many people use sleepers so you are likely to be alone
even if you buy 3d class.
Mind you, the school year begins on 3 September so half of Poland will be travelling on that week-end !!
The train fare is, roughly (slow trains are considerably
cheaper)
| Warsaw
- Zakopane (one way) |
1st class |
$25 |
2d class |
$17 |
Here is the current train time-table
Below are extracts copied from the train time-table to be found on www.pkp.pl.
Click on `Rozklad jazdy pociagow' then go to the bottom of the page and click `English'.
Train connections on particular days are given in `lists' (below). Details are given separately.
If intermediate stations are listed in `details', it means you have to change trains there.
Symbols: SW - sleeper, LW - couchettes.
Warsaw to Krakow Glowny (Main Station) list,
details.
Warsaw to Krakow Plaszow list,
details.
Warsaw to Zakopane list,
details. Direct trains: 8:05, 21:05 (LW), 23:10 (LW,SW).
Krakow Glowny (Main Station) to Zakopane list,
details.
Krakow Plaszow to Zakopane list,
details.
Zakopane to Krakow Glowny (Main Station) list,
details.
Zakopane to Krakow Plaszow list,
details.
Zakopane to Warsaw list,
details. Direct trains: 21:34 (LW,SW, daily) and 15:59 (Sat only).
Kiev to Zakopane list,
details.
Zakopane to Kiev list,
details.
Currency and prices
The Polish currency is called Zloty.
At the moment USD 1 = Zl 4 (approx.)
Current exchange rates are on
biznes.onet.pl/waluty
Here are some approximate prices you may be interested
in:
| Taxi Warsaw airport -> Warsaw Central train station |
$8 (day) |
$12 (night) |
| Taxi Krakow airport -> Krakow Glowny train station |
$13(day) |
$20 (night) |
| Taxi Krakow airport -> Krakow Plaszow train station |
$10 (day) |
$17 (night) |
| (These prices may be higher on Sunday) |
|
|
During the day public transport in Warsaw and Krakow is
adequate.
Don't count on it after 22:30.
Bring with you copies of your papers relevant to the subject of the meeting
Weather
To get an idea of what the weather is like in Zakopane see
english.wunderground.com/global/stations/12625.html and see a current webcam picture.
Taxis
Some cowboy taxi companies operate at Warsaw airport and Warsaw Central train station. Do not respond to anyone offering taxi in the airport arrival hall. When you wait for your luggage by a carousel you will see posters listing taxi companies recommended by the airport authorities. Remember those and do not use any other taxis as you are likely to be ripped off. My favourite is the `MPT'radio-taxi company running white cars with large sign 919 on doors. They are always parked just in front of the arrival hall. Whenever you need a taxi in Warsaw just dial 919. Their web page (www.mpt.com.pl says they answer calls in English. It also says they operate in Krakow as well and the number is the same (919). I have never tested either, but would tend to believe it.
Tips on tipping
Sometimes in restaurants it is written explicitly on your bill "service
not included" (usually 15%) but this is rare. Usually service is
included but one usually gives a tip of 10%-15% (depending on the total),
if the service is O.K. Tipping taxi drivers used to be "de rigeur" but
now it really is your choice. If he is helpful (with the bags, etc.) I round
the amount up.
Money exchange
The currency unit, called Zloty (zl), is divided into 100 gr
(gr stands for grosz).
The are several exchange shops in Zakopane. Look for a sign KANTOR. To check if the rate is reasonable (appr. USD 1 = Zl 4) look at the spread between
buy and sell rate. It should be 10-20 gr.
In Warsaw you can change money in the underground passage near the
Warsaw Central railway station. First check the rate at 2-3 kantors.
In Krakow there is a Kantor in one of the small stalls just
outside the Krakow Glowny railway station (the main station). The
are many more in the Old Town area.
Cash dispensers (ATMs), credit cards
There are several cash dispensers in the arrival hall of the Warsaw
airport (called Okecie). Generally, finding one should not be a problem in Poland. Main credit cards are widely accepted.
Emergencies
From stationary telephones dial:
Ambulance - 999; Fire Brigade - 998; Police - 997 (I do not know what their English is like).
If you want to call any emergency service from a mobile phone
dial 112.
If you need help call Konrad Bajer:
From a stationary telephone in Poland dial 0-603217716
From a Polish mobile phone dial 603217716
From a foreign mobile phone dial +48603217716
Warsaw Okecie is a fully fledged international airport serving around 4.5 million
passengers per annum. On arrival you will be deposited on the ground floor.
Four ATM machines can be found on the ground floor as well as numerous
Kantor's to exchange money.
The best rate can be found in kantors (exchange offices) on the second floor.
The RUCH shop on the ground floor sells stamps and phone cards (8.85zl -
35.38zl). Getting to town. By taxi will cost from 20zl upwards. There are three taxi
stands in the arrival hall, all accept credit cards and charge an initial fee of 5zl.
The bus to the city centre is no. 175 and
the stop is on the fourth island outside the terminal building. The city buses stop at
the red bus shelters and Warsaw Central station is 16 stops from the airport.
Buses run regularly between 04:58 and 22:40. After this there are 2 buses per
hour (at night the no. 611 bus runs to Warsaw Central). Tickets can be bought
from the RUCH office or from the machines outside (coin operated only).
Remember to buy a ticket for your luggage.
On arrival, whatever
escalator you take, there will be a kantor in close reach to exchange money.
Some of these are 24hr. The main ticket hall is on ground level, try and follow
signs for Dworzec Centralny. Left Luggage lockers range in price from 4zl for the
smallest piece of baggage for an hour, to 14zl for the biggest piece per day.
Instructions are in English. The main ticket hall has cash machines and a Street
Smarts office (08:00 - 20:00). Next to it is the Relay shop which can sell you
bus/tram tickets and phone cards. Upstairs is a shabby toilet (1zl) and the
international train ticket counter. Getting to town. Several taxis sit outside the
station and most will charge around 10zl to get to the Old Town. The no. 4 tram
that runs to Old Town can be caught by the Rotunda - a five minute walk. Head
along Al. Jerozolimskie aiming for the giant Coca-Cola sign and/or the yellow
Hotel Forum and keep the giant Palace of Culture to your left. Tickets can be
bought from the news-stands that display the RUCH sign.
You will arrive at Balice Airport. As you exit the
arrivals area, you'll find left and lost luggage to your left and public
phones to the far right, but you'll need to go upstairs to buy a phone
card from the newspaper kiosk. Changing Money: there is a cash
machine in the arrivals hall. Also, PBK, the Polish bank, has an
exchange desk there, open 07:45 - 20:30, Sun 07:45 - 19:00.
However, they charge a fat 5% commission, so wait until you get into
town before changing substantial sums.
Getting to town. You can reach the city by taxi for 30 to
60zl. If you're in less of a hurry take
bus N°152 (2.50zl) which travels to the old town, train station, Rondo
Mogilskie, (the roundabout just out of the old town by the Ibis Hotel)
and all the way out to Nowa Huta.
Arriving by train in Krakow is quite easy as the train station is really
close to the centre of town. When you disembark from your train,
follow the stairs down to the underpass and then up the ramp. To get
to the train station itself, you can then follow the roofed walkway.
Inside the train station, you'll find a currency exchange (Pekao Bank)
open 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 08:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun. There is also an
information desk (with long queues) and public telephones. Getting to
town. To get to the centre of town from the platforms, disembark via
the stairs and ramp following the signs to town ("wyjscie do centrum").
Take a left onto the road running parallel to the train tracks. Follow it
until you see the early 19th-century train station building on your left in
front of which is a taxi stand. Turn right at the post office facing the
train station, and you'll be at a tram/bus stop. If you would rather walk
to town, continue past the tram/bus stop, under the scary looking
passage way, and you'll find yourself in the Planty (park) that
surrounds the old town.
Sighseeing in Krakow
If you have time start with buying "Krakow in Your Pocket" (KIYP) guide.
As Rynek Glowny (the Main Square in the Old Town) will probably be your first destination anyway, try
"Ksiegarnia Hetmanska"
Rynek Glowny 12 and 17
9:00-21:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
"Matras"
Rynek Glowny 23
9:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-15:00
Malopolska Tourist Information
(Malopolskie Centrum Informacji Turystycznej)
Rynek Glowny 1/3
9:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-13:00, Sun closed.
What to see.
St Mary's church in Rynek Glowny. Wawel Hill. Jagiellonian University Museum. Kazimierz (the Jewish district). Czartoryski Museum.
I recommend having coffee and cake at a coffee shop called "Kawiarnia Bankowa" in Rynek Glowny.
Getting on a bus from Krakow to Zakopane
Those travelling by bus from Krakow to Zakopane must find their way to the bus stop. Some participants booked seats in advance (14:25, 17:15 buses - operated by "FREJ", or 18:15 bus - operated by "SZWAGROPOL"). The bus stop (for both companies) is opposite the main entrance to the bus station (which serves only "PKS" - yet another operator)
As you go out off the main entrance of the Krakow Glowny train station ("DWORZEC KOLEJOWY KRAKOW GLOWNY) you have the bus station (DWORZEC PKS) in front of you (see the map below).
You must come to the bus stop at least 10 mins. before the departure time, tell the driver your name and buy a ticket from him (appr. 10 zl). If you come late, you may loose your reservation.
If you haven't booked yet and would like to go from Krakow to Zakopane by bus (the journey is shorter and booking is easier) choose a service from the time-table below and send an e-mail to Zofia Szczepaniak of TRIP.
FREJ services Krakow->Zakopane (bookings: Wawel-Tour, tel. [0 1044] (12) 422 1640, 422 1921)
7:10, 7:50, 8:50, 9:50, 11:20, 11:55, 12:50, 14:25, 15:00, 15:50, 17:15, 18:50, 21:00
SZWAGROPOL services Krakow->Zakopane (bookings: Jordan, tel. [0 1044] (12) 429 3416
6:40, 9:30, 11:05, 12:30, 15:25, 16:45, 18:15
PKS services Krakow->Zakopane
5:35, 6:10, 6:50, 7:10, 9:00, 9:24, 10:40, 10:45, 11:30, 12:20, 13:15, 13:30, 14:00, 14:15, 14:35, 15:45, 15:55, 16:20, 17:30
Orient yourself in Zakopane
Below is a little map of Zakopane. Some of the hotels are marked: "Litwor" (1), "Daglezja" (3), "Adria" (5).
The conference dinner will be in the restaurant "Czarci Jar" (A).
"Szarotka" hotel is to the south of "Czarci Jar" (A) in the street called Male Zywczanskie
There are 3 roundabouts marked on the map. Near the middle one you can see "PKP" - the railway station, and "PKS" - the bus station. It takes about 20 mins. to walk from either station to the Hotel Litwor
Arrival and registration
The registration desk in the Hotel Litwor will open on Sunday 2 Sept 16:00. After registration you are invited to a drink party.
Swimming
There is a swimming pool in the Litwor, so you may want to bring your swim suit.
Return trains/buses from Zakopane
During the Conference you will need to book your return train or bus from Zakopane. The sooner the better. Please ask on arrival, when you register.