Parking in Krakow is relatively straightforward once you understand the city’s paid parking system. Central Krakow and several surrounding districts are covered by the Paid Parking Area, known in Polish as the Obszar Płatnego Parkowania (OPP).
The area is divided into Subzones A, B and C. Parking prices, operating days and some Sunday rules differ depending on the subzone.
Planning your visit to Krakow involves more than organising your sightseeing itinerary. If you are arriving by car, knowing where the paid parking area begins, when charges apply and how much parking costs can save you both time and money.
Current paid parking hours in Krakow:
Subzone A: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–22:00
Subzone B: Monday–Saturday, 9:00–22:00
Subzone C: Monday–Saturday, 9:00–22:00
Important: Subzone A has special Sunday rules. Shopping Sundays are free, while other Sundays are normally chargeable for visitors without Karta Krakowska privileges.
Parking rules and the boundaries of Krakow’s Paid Parking Area changed significantly in 2026, so visitors should avoid relying on older parking maps and outdated information found online.
Parking Zones in Krakow
Krakow’s Paid Parking Area is divided into Subzones A, B and C.
The closer you park to the most central areas of Krakow, the higher the standard parking rate generally becomes.
Instead of relying on an old static map, we recommend checking the city’s current interactive parking map before leaving your vehicle.
Check the official interactive Krakow parking map →
You can also find the latest rules on the official Krakow Paid Parking Area website operated by ZDMK.
Krakow Parking Prices
Parking rates depend on the subzone and how long the parking session lasts.
For most tourists and visitors who do not have Karta Krakowska parking privileges, the standard rates are:
| Parking time | Subzone A | Subzone B | Subzone C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st hour | 9 PLN | 8 PLN | 7 PLN |
| 2nd hour | 10 PLN | 9 PLN | 8 PLN |
| 3rd hour | 11 PLN | 10 PLN | 9 PLN |
| 4th and following hours | 9 PLN/hour | 8 PLN/hour | 7 PLN/hour |
The progressive rate starts again with each new parking ticket and each new paid-parking day.
Parking Rates with Karta Krakowska
Drivers with an active Karta Krakowska status can receive discounted parking rates after adding the vehicle registration number to their Krakow Card account.
The discounted rates are:
| Parking time | Subzone A | Subzone B | Subzone C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st hour | 6 PLN | 5 PLN | 4 PLN |
| 2nd hour | 7 PLN | 6 PLN | 4 PLN |
| 3rd hour | 8 PLN | 7 PLN | 4 PLN |
| 4th and following hours | 6 PLN/hour | 5 PLN/hour | 4 PLN/hour |
For most international visitors on a short stay in Krakow, the standard rates in the first table will apply.
Subzone A
Subzone A covers some of the most central parts of Krakow and has the highest standard on-street parking rates.
Paid parking normally operates:
- Monday to Sunday
- 9:00–22:00
- Standard visitor rate starting at 9 PLN for the first hour
Unlike Subzones B and C, parking in Subzone A can therefore be chargeable on Sundays.
Sunday Parking in Subzone A
There are important exceptions to the normal Sunday rule.
Shopping Sundays: parking in Subzone A is free on official shopping Sundays.
Karta Krakowska: drivers with an active Karta Krakowska status can park free of charge in Subzone A on Sundays, provided the relevant vehicle registration number has been added to their Krakow Card account.
Visitors without these privileges should not assume that central Krakow parking is free simply because it is Sunday.
Subzone B
Subzone B covers areas surrounding and adjoining Krakow’s most central districts.
Paid parking normally operates:
- Monday to Saturday
- 9:00–22:00
- Standard visitor rate starting at 8 PLN for the first hour
Under the normal weekly schedule, Subzone B is not charged on Sundays.
However, always check local road signs because parking restrictions can apply independently of whether a municipal parking fee is being collected.
Subzone C
Subzone C covers a wider range of areas further from the most central parts of Krakow.
Paid parking normally operates:
- Monday to Saturday
- 9:00–22:00
- Standard visitor rate starting at 7 PLN for the first hour
Subzone C is generally the least expensive of Krakow’s three municipal paid parking subzones.
Paid Parking Area Expansion from 10 August 2026
Krakow’s Paid Parking Area was expanded on 10 August 2026.
New parts of Subzone C were introduced around:
- Rondo Matecznego
- Cmentarz Podgórski – Podgórski Cemetery
- Błonia
The changes introduced new sectors C23, C24 and C31 and also expanded the neighbouring B30 sector near Błonia.
Because the boundaries changed, an old parking-zone map may no longer accurately show whether a street is inside or outside the Paid Parking Area.
Not sure whether your parking space is inside the paid zone?
Use the city’s current interactive map rather than an older screenshot or map found online.
When Is Parking Free in Krakow?
Whether street parking is free depends on the subzone, day and time.
Sundays
Subzones B and C: parking fees normally do not apply on Sundays.
Subzone A: parking normally remains chargeable on Sundays between 9:00 and 22:00.
However, parking in Subzone A is free on official shopping Sundays.
People with an active Karta Krakowska status are also exempt from parking fees in Subzone A on Sundays, provided the appropriate vehicle registration number has been registered in their account.
Public Holidays
According to Krakow’s road authority, parking fees are not collected in Subzones A, B and C on the following statutory holidays:
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 6 January – Epiphany
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 3 May – Constitution Day
- Pentecost Sunday
- Corpus Christi
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 11 November – Independence Day
- 24 December – Christmas Eve
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – Second Day of Christmas
Parking may also be free outside the operating hours of the Paid Parking Area.
However, free of charge does not necessarily mean that parking is permitted. Always follow road signs, parking restrictions and road markings.
Types of Parking in Krakow
Public On-Street Parking
A large part of central Krakow is covered by the municipal Paid Parking Area.
When using an on-street parking space, check the signs and road markings carefully.
Before leaving your vehicle, make sure that you:
- are parked in a legal parking space,
- know whether you are in Subzone A, B or C,
- know whether paid parking currently applies,
- enter the correct vehicle registration number when paying,
- pay for the full period required.
Private Parking
There are numerous private parking facilities throughout Krakow.
Many hotels and apartment buildings also provide private parking for guests. If you are staying in central Krakow for several days, accommodation with its own parking space can be particularly convenient.
Prices, opening hours and booking requirements for private car parks are set independently and may change, so check the current conditions directly with the operator.
Underground Parking
Underground parking in Krakow can be a convenient alternative to street parking, particularly if you plan to leave the car for several hours while exploring the city centre.
Underground and multi-storey parking facilities can be found near several central areas and major attractions.
Their prices are separate from Krakow’s municipal Paid Parking Area rates.
Guarded Parking
Travellers who prefer not to leave their vehicle on the street can also choose one of Krakow’s private guarded or monitored car parks.
These can be useful for:
- overnight parking,
- longer stays,
- travellers carrying luggage,
- visitors who prefer a private parking facility.
Always check current rates and operating hours before entering a private car park.
How to Pay for Parking in Krakow
There are two main ways to pay for municipal street parking in Krakow:
- parking meters,
- supported mobile parking applications.
Parking Meters
Krakow’s parking meters offer multiple language options, which makes them relatively easy to use for international visitors.
When purchasing a normal parking ticket without a Karta Krakowska discount, you will generally need to:
- Select the option to pay for parking without the Krakow Card discount.
- Enter your vehicle registration number.
- Select the required parking time.
- Pay using the available method.
- Collect the printed ticket.
Parking meters accept coins and payment cards according to the instructions displayed on the machine.
After payment, the parking meter records the transaction and prints a ticket. ZDMK recommends placing the ticket behind the windscreen as additional protection in case of a system problem.
Paying with Cash
If paying with coins, remember that Poland uses the Polish zloty.
The amount inserted into the parking meter determines the paid parking period according to the rate for your subzone.
Card Payments
Parking meters also allow drivers to pay using a payment card.
Follow the instructions on the parking meter screen, choose the required parking time and complete the payment.
Mobile Parking Applications
Krakow also allows payment through several supported mobile parking applications.
This can be especially convenient because you can usually manage the parking session directly from your phone.
The list of supported applications can change, so rather than relying on an old list, check the current information directly on the ZDMK website:
See the current official list of parking apps →
When paying through an app, make sure you enter the correct:
- vehicle registration number,
- city – Krakow,
- subzone – A, B or C.
If you have a foreign telephone number, the official ZDMK page also indicates which applications can be used without a Polish phone number.
When payment is made using an approved mobile application, you do not need to place a paper confirmation or sticker behind the windscreen.
Important: Always make sure the vehicle registration number, city and parking subzone entered in the app are correct. Paying for the wrong vehicle or wrong subzone can cause problems during parking enforcement.
How to Avoid Parking Fines in Krakow
The easiest way to avoid a parking fine is to check the signs and current parking map before leaving your vehicle.
Remember these basic rules:
- Do not assume parking is always free on Sundays.
- Subzone A normally operates on Sundays.
- Paid parking hours can continue until 22:00.
- Check whether you are in Subzone A, B or C.
- Enter the correct vehicle registration number when paying.
- Do not rely on old parking maps.
- Pay for the entire period required.
- Always obey local traffic signs and road markings.
Failure to pay the required parking fee can result in an additional fee of 400 PLN.
If the additional fee is paid within 7 days from the date the notice was issued, the amount is reduced to 200 PLN.
Before leaving your car: check the road signs, your exact parking subzone and the hours during which payment is required.
Rules can differ even between nearby streets.
Parking for Disabled Drivers
Drivers with a valid disability parking card should also be aware of the specific rules within Krakow’s Paid Parking Area.
Free parking is available to eligible drivers only in designated disabled parking spaces when a valid parking card is displayed correctly behind the windscreen.
When using an ordinary parking space elsewhere within the Paid Parking Area, the standard parking fee applies.
Tips for Parking in Krakow
Finding Free Parking
Finding free parking close to Krakow’s historic centre can be difficult.
Outside the Paid Parking Area there may be streets where municipal parking charges do not apply, but this does not automatically mean that you can park anywhere.
Always check the signs before parking.
A location can be outside the Paid Parking Area and still have restrictions that prevent or limit parking.
Consider Parking Once and Using Public Transport
If you are spending the day sightseeing in central Krakow, it is often easier to park once and continue by foot, tram or bus.
Many of Krakow’s major attractions are concentrated within a relatively compact central area.
Krakow also has a well-developed public transportation system.
Check the Official Map
Because Krakow’s Paid Parking Area expanded in August 2026, checking the current map is particularly important.
Open the official interactive parking map →
Visiting Krakow by Car
Parking Near Central Attractions
If you are visiting Krakow by car, you will find the highest concentration of paid parking restrictions around the central districts.
For visitors heading to the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz or other central attractions, parking the car and continuing on foot or by public transport is often more convenient than repeatedly moving the vehicle.
Uber, Bolt, taxis and public transport can also be useful when travelling between different parts of the city.
Read also our guide to Shopping Malls in Krakow.
Overnight Parking
If you need overnight parking in Krakow, consider a private, underground or guarded car park.
Many central hotels and apartments also offer parking to guests.
Because private parking prices and opening hours can change independently of municipal parking rules, check the current conditions before arriving.
Airport Parking
When travelling through Krakow Airport, remember that airport parking operates separately from the municipal Paid Parking Area in Krakow.
The airport offers different parking options suitable for short and longer stays.
Because airport prices can change, check the current parking availability and rates before travelling.
Alternative Transportation in Krakow
Public Transport Options
Krakow’s public transportation system includes an extensive network of trams and buses.
For many visitors staying close to the centre, leaving the car parked and using public transport is easier than repeatedly looking for another parking space.
Trams are particularly useful for travelling between the city centre and many popular districts.
Taxi Services
Taxis are widely available throughout Krakow.
Hotels, stations and major tourist areas often have nearby taxi services. When using a traditional taxi, choose a clearly licensed vehicle and check the fare information.
Uber and Bolt
Popular ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt operate in Krakow.
They can be a convenient alternative when travelling between your accommodation and attractions without moving your own car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost in Krakow city centre?
For drivers without Karta Krakowska discounts, the first hour currently costs:
- Subzone A: 9 PLN
- Subzone B: 8 PLN
- Subzone C: 7 PLN
The second and third hours are progressively more expensive. From the fourth hour onwards, the price returns to the standard hourly rate for the relevant subzone.
What are the paid parking hours in Krakow?
Subzone A: Monday–Sunday from 9:00 to 22:00.
Subzones B and C: Monday–Saturday from 9:00 to 22:00.
Is parking free in Krakow on Sundays?
It depends on the subzone.
Parking is normally free on Sundays in Subzones B and C.
In Subzone A, parking is normally chargeable between 9:00 and 22:00 on Sundays.
Parking in A is free on official shopping Sundays. Drivers with an active Karta Krakowska status can also receive free Sunday parking in Subzone A after registering the relevant vehicle in their account.
Is parking free in Krakow on Saturdays?
No. Under the normal schedule, paid parking applies in all three subzones on Saturdays from 9:00 to 22:00.
An exception applies when the day is one of the statutory holidays on which parking fees are not collected.
How do I know which parking zone I am in?
Check the road signs and use the city’s current interactive parking map.
Official Krakow Paid Parking Area map
This is particularly important because the Paid Parking Area was expanded in August 2026.
How can I pay for street parking?
Street parking can be paid for at a parking meter or through one of the mobile parking applications supported by ZDMK.
Parking meters allow payment using coins or cards and require the vehicle registration number.
Can tourists use parking apps in Krakow?
Yes. Krakow supports several mobile parking applications.
Visitors with foreign telephone numbers should check the official ZDMK app page, which identifies applications that can be used without a Polish phone number.
Do I need to display a parking ticket?
When paying at a parking meter, the machine prints a ticket and ZDMK recommends placing it behind the windscreen as protection in case of a system problem.
When paying using an approved mobile application, there is no requirement to display a paper confirmation or sticker.
What happens if I do not pay for parking?
Failure to pay the required parking fee can result in an additional fee of 400 PLN.
If the additional fee is paid within seven days from the date the notice was issued, it is reduced to 200 PLN.
What is the cheapest paid parking zone in Krakow?
For visitors without Karta Krakowska discounts, Subzone C has the lowest municipal parking rates, starting at 7 PLN for the first hour.
Where can I park overnight in Krakow?
Krakow has private, underground and guarded parking facilities suitable for overnight parking. Many hotels and apartments also provide parking for guests.
Plan Your Krakow Trip in Minutes
Book the essentials for your stay in Krakow – hotel, airport transfer, and the city’s most popular tours – before the best options sell out.
- Arrive without stress: Book your Krakow airport transfer for a direct ride from John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice to your hotel.
- Reserve the most popular tours: Secure your spot on the Auschwitz tour, the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, or the Schindler’s Factory tour.
- Need ideas for your trip? Explore our recommended itineraries and top Krakow attractions, including Wawel Castle, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Peak season tip: Auschwitz tours are often in high demand in summer, on weekends, and around holidays. Book early for the best choice of dates and start times. For backup options, see last-minute Auschwitz tours.
Most Popular Bookings
Auschwitz Tour
Best to book in advance during peak season.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
One of the most popular half-day trips from Krakow.
Schindler’s Factory Tour
A top museum experience in Krakow.
Check current prices, access arrangements and opening hours directly with the parking facility or accommodation.
Official Krakow Parking Information
Parking rules can change, so it is worth checking the official city information before driving into central Krakow.
- Krakow Paid Parking Area – official ZDMK information
- Current parking hours and fees
- Official interactive parking map
- Mobile parking applications
- How to use Krakow parking meters
Read also other useful articles about Krakow:
