Where to Park in Kraków? – Locations, Prices & Practical Tips

Exploring Kraków by car can be convenient, but finding the right place to park—especially near the historic city center—can be tricky. If you’re searching for terms like “Kraków city center parking”, “where to park in Kraków near the Main Square“, or “cheap parking Kraków”, this article will help.

We’ve prepared a complete guide to Kraków’s parking zones, locations, prices, and practical advice. You’ll also learn which parking lots are suitable for cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, vans, and even camper vans.

🚦 Paid Parking Zones in Kraków – What You Need to Know

Kraków has an extensive Paid Parking Zone (Strefa Płatnego Parkowania – SPP), covering most of the Old Town (Stare Miasto), Kazimierz, and parts of the Podgórze district.

⏰ Operating Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  
• Sundays and holidays: Free parking (except during major public events)
  

💸 Price Zones:

• Zone A – 6 PLN/hour
  
• Zone B – 5 PLN/hour
  
• Zone C – 4 PLN/hour
  

🔌 Electric vehicles can park for free in all zones without special permits or stickers.

🅿️ Tip: Always follow street signs and painted markings. Kraków strictly enforces parking rules, and fines or wheel clamps are common for violations.

🚗 Where to Park Near Kraków’s City Center?

1. Galeria Krakowska + Kraków Main Train Station

📍 See location
💰 Free for first 15 minutes, then:

• 7 PLN for up to 2 hours
  
• 10 PLN for each additional hour
  
• 80 PLN daily max
  

🕒 Open 24/7, covered, secured
✅ English signs available, card payments accepted
🚘 For: passenger cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles (designated spaces)

2. National Museum Parking – Aleja Mickiewicza

📍 View on map
💰 6 PLN/hour
🚶 10-minute walk to the Main Square
✅ Quiet area, less crowded than Planty or Karmelicka
🚘 For: cars, short-term tour buses, bicycles

3. Autosave Parking – Przemysłowa Street

📍 Location
💰 9 PLN/hour
🕒 Open 24 hours
✅ Monitored entry, ideal for Kazimierz area
🚘 For: cars, vans, delivery vehicles, short-term campers

4. Starowiślna Street Parking

📍 Map
💰 5 PLN / 30 minutes, 90 PLN / 24h
🚶 Walking distance to Kazimierz and Planty
🚘 For: cars, small trailers (limited space), electric vehicles

5. Galeria Kazimierz

📍 Location
💰

• 1 hour free for everyone
  
• 2 hours free with a receipt (min. 40 PLN)
  
• 3 hours free for Cinema City, gym, or dance studio clients
  
• Then: 5 PLN/hour
  

🚘 For: cars only (no LPG vehicles), limited motorcycle space
✅ Secure, indoor, English signage available

6. Karmelicka Street – Unattended Lot

📍 View location
💰 8 PLN/hour, 80 PLN/day
🚘 For: passenger cars only
⚠️ No staff or security, but popular due to central location

7. Zamoyskiego Street – Stare Podgórze

📍 Map
💰 Starts from 5 PLN for 1 hour hour (varies by day and zone). Full pricing below:

🚶 Walkable to Wawel Castle and Kazimierz via the Piłsudski Bridge
🚘 For: cars, motorcycles, short-term camper vans (no camping facilities)

🆓 Is Free Parking in Kraków Possible?

Yes – but usually outside the city center. If you’re okay with using public transport for the last stretch, consider:

1. Park and Ride (P+R) Czerwone Maki

📍 See on map
💰 10 PLN/day – includes unlimited city transport (MPK) for 1 person
🎫 Free parking if you hold a valid MPK, train, or city bike pass
🚘 For: cars, vans, electric vehicles
🚌 Direct tram and bus connections to downtown Kraków

2. Bagry Lake Parking

📍 View map
💰 Free of charge
🚘 For: cars, bicycles, motorcycles
🌞 Best in good weather – far from the center, but perfect for relaxing near the water

3. Traficar and Carsharing Services

If you’re using Traficar or another carsharing service, you can park for free in selected paid zones (A and B). These spots are marked in the app and do not require additional payment.

🚘 For: carsharing users only

📍 Closest Parking to the Main Square (Rynek Główny)

Looking to park as close as possible to Kraków’s Main Square? These are your best options:

• Galeria Krakowska – 10-minute walk
  
• National Museum – 10 minutes via Aleja Mickiewicza
  
• Starowiślna Street – 15 minutes through the Planty park
  
• Karmelicka – 10 minutes to Szewska Street
  

⚠️ Note: Direct parking at the Main Square is restricted to residents, official services, and electric vehicles only.

🛞 Which Vehicles Are Allowed Where?

✅ Summary – Best Parking Options in Kraków

If you want comfort and proximity to the city center, choose:

• Galeria Krakowska
  
• Starowiślna Street
  
• Autosave Parking
  

Looking for cheap or free parking?

• P+R Czerwone Maki
  
• Karmelicka Street
  
• Bagry Lake
  

Need 24-hour options for a full day or weekend stay?

• Galeria Krakowska and Starowiślna are perfect choices.
  

🎯 After You Park – Visit These Attractions in Kraków

🚀 Once you’ve parked in the city center, don’t miss Pixel Planet – an exciting, interactive entertainment zone located right at Rynek Główny 30.

🎢 Or explore House of Attractions – a unique space offering 15 different indoor experiences under one roof, just steps from Grodzka and Floriańska Streets.

🅿️ Both locations are easy to reach from any parking spot listed above, and staff speaks English.