Practical information before your Museum visit
Addresses, documents, security checks, luggage and travel between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, for groups with a confirmed visit.
Before you use these instructions
This information applies to group visits on the Museum grounds once the visit has been finally confirmed. Sending an inquiry to Auschwitz Memory Paths is not a booking or an Entry Pass. Your final message provides the exact time, meeting point and agreed travel arrangements; the Museum rules in force on the day of the visit take precedence.
A standard visit includes Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau and begins at the former Auschwitz I camp.
- Visitor Service Centre: 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street, 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland.
- GPS coordinates: 50.029787, 19.204869.
- The Museum recommends entering Więźniów Oświęcimia Street from Legionów Street (DW 933).
- Paid parking is available next to the Centre; luggage storage is also available nearby.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Allow time to walk from the car park, gather the group and complete the security check. The assigned Museum educator-guide meets the group at the location stated in the final confirmation, usually at the Visitor Service Centre.
Everyone entering the Museum grounds undergoes a security check. Luggage may be inspected, and anyone who refuses the check will not be admitted.
- have a personalised Entry Pass ready for every participant;
- bring a valid photo ID where required by the Museum rules;
- check that the details on the Entry Pass match the identity document;
- do not treat an inquiry receipt as an Entry Pass.
Luggage and prohibited items
The maximum bag or backpack size allowed on the Museum grounds is 35 × 25 × 15 cm. Leave larger luggage in your vehicle or use the luggage storage near the Visitor Service Centre.
- do not bring weapons, dangerous items or substances that may threaten people or protected property;
- do not bring or consume alcohol in areas open to visitors;
- do not enter under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants;
- follow the instructions of the Museum Guard, educator and Museum staff.
Auschwitz I and visit duration
The visitor entrance to Auschwitz I is at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street. A standard guided visit covering both parts lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
To see the grounds and exhibitions properly, the Museum recommends allowing at least about 90 minutes for Auschwitz I and the same amount of time for Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The exact division of time, route and access to buildings depend on the confirmed programme, current conditions and the educator-guide’s instructions.
Travel to Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are approximately 3.5 km apart. Standard Auschwitz Memory Paths packages include a return transfer from Kraków to Oświęcim. Visits without a transfer are quoted individually. Check the final confirmation for the arrangements between the two parts of the Museum and the group pickup points.
- a free Museum shuttle runs between the two sites; check whether it is suitable for your group and confirm the current arrangements before the visit;
- groups using their own car or coach may use the paid car parks at both sites;
- Auschwitz II-Birkenau: 12 Ofiar Faszyzmu Street, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland;
- the entrance to the Auschwitz II-Birkenau car park is from Męczeństwa Narodów Street.
Checklist before departure
Museum procedures may change. Before departure, read the final Auschwitz Memory Paths confirmation and the current rules published by the Museum.
- confirm the date, time and exact meeting point;
- prepare the Entry Passes and required identity documents;
- plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early;
- limit luggage to 35 × 25 × 15 cm;
- arrange travel between the two sites and the group’s collection point after the visit;
- check the current Museum rules on the day of the visit.