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| Cracow
Getting Around |
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Public Transport
Cracow is served by a network of bus and tram routes operated by MPK between 0500hrs and 2300hrs. Local trains serve the outer suburbs of the city.
Bus and tram tickets are inexpensive, but if a change of vehicle is required, it is better to buy a one-hour ticket. The charge for buses that crosses the city limits is a little more than normal charge. Night buses are available. Tickets may be purchased at kiosks or at retail outlets or from the driver (though this costs extra). Tickets should be punched in the boxes inside the tram or bus. A ticket has to be punched for each large piece of luggage (free with a pass). For detailed information on municipal public transport call (012) 9150.
Passes are available for 1 day and 1 week. Students will be offered a 50% discount on standard prices upon presentation of an ISIC card. Anyone caught without a valid ticket will receive an on-the-spot fine.
Taxis
Taxis are metered and can be found at taxi ranks, which are located in the squares on the perimeter of the Old Town. Alternatively, taxis can be hailed on the street – those with a hail light and displaying a telephone number and company name usually charge reasonable rates. Others should be avoided.
However, it is cheapest to order a taxi by telephone. Reputable companies include: Express Taxi (tel: (012) 9629 or (0800) 11 11 11), Barbakan Taxi (tel: (012) 9661), Mega Taxi (tel: (012) 9625) and Wawel Taxi (tel: (012) 9666 or (0800) 400 400). It is wise to check how much the trip will cost before entering the taxi. Rates go up after 2200hrs and on Sundays. There is no baggage charge but a tip of 10% is appreciated.
Driving in the City
The city centre is mostly closed to traffic and there are very few car parks in the immediate vicinity. There is one near Wawel on ulica Powisle, and others on ulica Karmelicka, plac Szczepanski and plac Biskupi. Parking is charged by the hour or by the day, but it is very difficult to find a space. Visitors might be able to get a temporary parking permit from their hotel. It may also be possible for non guests to get a space at one of the Orbis hotels (Continental, Cracovia or Wanda). Parking on the street can be of problem due to the various parking restrictions, especially near the centre. Traffic can be heavy and this is intensified by narrow streets and trams. Traffic jams occur on the ring of the Aleje, which encircles the Planty.
Car Hire
Avis, ulica Lubicz 23 (tel: (012) 629 6108), and Hertz, Hotel Cracovia, aleja Focha 1 (tel: (012) 429 6262), have rental offices in the city. Other operators include Budget, ulica Radzikowskiego 99/101 (tel: (012) 637 0089), and Joka, ulica Starowislna 13 (tel: (012) 429 6630). National also has a desk at the airport (tel: (012) 639 3286).
Drivers must be at least 23 years of age and have a valid driver’s licence and International Driving Permit.
Bicycle Hire
The branch of the Jordan Tourist Bureau, ulica Dluga 9 (tel/fax: (012) 421 2125), provides bicycles for rent. A passport and a deposit is required.
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