Visiting Krakow by Car in 2026: LEZ, Parking and Public Transport

Last checked: 16 September 2026.

What to know before you arrive

Since 1 January 2026, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), known locally as the Strefa Czystego Transportu or SCT, has covered approximately 60% of Krakow. A vehicle registered abroad must be entered in the city system before it first enters the zone, even if it meets the required emission standard. Check and register the vehicle at sct.zdmk.krakow.pl.

For a visit to the historic centre, it is often easier to leave the car at a Park and Ride facility and continue by tram. The Old Town is easy to explore on foot, while on-street parking is regulated across much of central Krakow.

Can your car enter the zone?

The general requirements for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes are:

• petrol, including LPG: Euro 4 or manufactured in 2005 or later;
• diesel: Euro 6 or manufactured in 2014 or later.

Compliant vehicles registered in Poland are normally identified automatically. This does not apply to a vehicle registered in France, Belgium or another country. Its owner must upload a copy of the registration document and provide the make, model, year of manufacture and Euro emission standard.

Do not rely solely on the first-registration year when the registration document gives a precise Euro standard. Check the result on the official portal before travelling and keep the registration confirmation.

What if the car is too old?

A transition period from 2026 to 2028 applies to non-residents whose vehicles do not meet the requirements and do not qualify for an exemption. In 2026, entry costs PLN 2.50 per hour; paying for two consecutive hours permits the vehicle to travel in the zone for the rest of that day. A monthly pass costs PLN 100 in 2026. Charges rise in subsequent years, and the paid-entry option is due to end after 31 December 2028.

Exemptions include a vehicle registered by the holder of a valid EU disabled parking card, certain journeys for specialist medical treatment, historic vehicles and special vehicles such as camper vans. Exemptions are not necessarily automatic: registration and supporting documents may be required.

Important: an LEZ entry payment does not cover parking. These are two separate systems.

Parking in central Krakow

The Paid Parking Zone is divided into subzones A, B and C. Since 30 April 2026, subzone A generally operates from 9 am to 10 pm, Monday to Sunday, with exceptions for specified shopping Sundays and public holidays. Subzones B and C generally operate from 9 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. Always follow the street signs and information on the nearest parking meter.

Parking meters offer several languages and require the vehicle registration number. Failure to pay can lead to an additional charge of PLN 400, reduced to PLN 200 when paid within seven days under the city’s rules.

The easiest option: Park and Ride

P+R car parks are located by tram termini and major interchanges. They let visitors continue by public transport instead of searching for a space in the centre. Rules and accepted tickets differ between facilities, so read the information at the entrance. Payment machines at barrier-controlled sites accept cashless payments only.

The city states that the Mydlniki, Swoszowice and Górka Narodowa P+R facilities can be reached using designated access routes. Check the LEZ map and your route before leaving.

Trams and buses: which ticket should you buy?

Time-based tickets are usually the most convenient choice for visitors. At the time of checking, a full-fare ticket costs PLN 4 for 15 minutes, PLN 6 for 30 minutes or one journey, PLN 8 for 60 minutes and PLN 9 for 90 minutes. A 24-hour ticket costs PLN 20 for zone I or PLN 25 for zones I, II and III. The 48-hour and 72-hour tickets for all three zones cost PLN 40 and PLN 55 respectively.

Tickets are sold from machines and through apps including iMKA, mPay, moBILET, SkyCash, Jakdojade and zbiletem.pl. Validate a paper ticket immediately after boarding. In an app, you will normally need to enter or scan the vehicle number displayed inside the tram or bus.

Foreign discount entitlement is not automatic. Students at foreign schools or universities who are under 26 need a valid named ISIC card to use the reduced fare described by the city.

A sensible plan for a first visit

Before leaving, check the vehicle at sct.zdmk.krakow.pl, register any foreign plate, choose a car park or P+R in advance and review current public-transport disruptions. In the centre, use trams and walk between the main railway station, the Old Town, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz.

Prices, operating hours and zone boundaries may change. Check the official city websites on the day of travel. In an emergency in Poland, call 112.