- Must visit
Tatra Museum - Main Building
The main branch of Zakopane’s key regional museum, presenting Podhale history, highland culture, folk art, and the natural heritage of the Tatras.
Cheapest price
$13
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
2 h 30 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Balice to Zakopane is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Balice to Zakopane will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
Of the 6 buses that leave Balice for Zakopane on Wed, May 20, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 20 the direct buses cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
On Wed, May 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Balice to Zakopane among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Balice to Zakopane:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Balice to Zakopane costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Zakopane take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 9m.
Tickets start at around $15 (€12) compared to roughly $19 (€15) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€3). The journey takes 2h 18m versus 2h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:18AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 2h37 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
The table below shows live departures for Balice to Zakopane buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:40 AM Kraków, Airport | 2h40 | 6:20 AM Zakopane | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:10 AM Kraków, Airport | 2h45 | 7:55 AM Zakopane | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:18 AM Kraków, Airport | 2h37 | 9:55 AM Zakopane | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:35 AM Kraków, Airport | 2h30 | 1:05 PM Zakopane | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Zakopane — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zakopane trip today.
The main branch of Zakopane’s key regional museum, presenting Podhale history, highland culture, folk art, and the natural heritage of the Tatras.
A landmark museum inside the first house built in the Zakopane architectural style, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Essential for understanding local design and identity.
Historic villa museum dedicated to composer Karol Szymanowski, with period interiors and exhibitions on his life and work in Zakopane.
Zakopane’s famous pedestrian street, lined with historic facades, shops, and mountain-town atmosphere. It is the town’s classic social and strolling hub.
A lively panoramic area above Zakopane with wide views over the Tatras, boardwalk-style strolling, and many of the town’s most shared photo spots.
Historic mountain gateway district and starting point for many Tatra routes, combining heritage character with easy access to alpine scenery.
A smoked sheep's milk cheese from the Tatra highlands, made by Highlander shepherds. It is the signature local product of Zakopane and often served grilled with cranberry.
A hearty Highlander soup made with sauerkraut and pork or mutton. It is one of the most traditional Podhale dishes and is especially popular in cold mountain weather.
Traditional Podhale potato flatbreads, usually cooked on a hot plate and served with butter, garlic butter, or bryndza cheese. They are a classic regional comfort food.
A more refined restaurant focused on modern presentations of Polish and Podhale ingredients, suitable for a higher-end meal in Zakopane.
A long-running Zakopane restaurant popular for Highlander specialties, grilled meats, soups, and a cozy chalet-style setting.
An established regional restaurant known for Polish and Podhale cuisine, with a warm mountain atmosphere and reliable traditional cooking.
Generally cheaper than Western European ski resorts, but peak winter and holiday periods raise hotel and dining prices.
Service is often included only in higher-end places. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Zakopane Railway Station -> Krupówki
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