Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride

Traveling from Krakow to Zakopane offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Poland’s most famous mountain resort. This day trip promises a well-rounded experience: scenic views, cultural insights, and the chance to indulge in regional specialties. Based on traveler reviews and detailed itineraries, we’ll help you decide whether this tour is worth your time and money.

What makes this trip appealing? First, the stunning panoramic views from the Gubaówka funicular ride are a major highlight. Second, the tasting of traditional oscypek cheese and regional drinks offers a tasty glimpse into highlander culinary traditions. Lastly, the vibrant atmosphere of Krupówki Street provides a lively setting to shop, relax, and soak in Zakopane’s unique charm.

One possible consideration is the duration — at 11 hours, it’s a full day, so travelers should be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. It’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic landscapes, local culture, and a comfortably paced sightseeing day. If you prefer more leisure or local exploration on your own, this guided trip strikes a good balance.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Group Travel: Organized transport from Krakow makes logistics simple.
• Authentic Food Experiences: Cheese tasting and regional drinks give a genuine taste of highlander traditions.
• Stunning Views: The funicular ride to Gubaówka offers some of the best mountain vistas in the area.
• Free Time Flexibility: Ample free time in Zakopane allows for self-guided exploration of Krupówki.
• Cultural Insights: Visiting the oldest mountain hut and local cheese producers enriches your understanding of local culture.
• Value for Money: The $96 price includes guiding services, tickets for the cable car, and tastings, offering good value for a full-day experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Early Departure

The tour kicks off at a conveniently located Kiss&Ride, where a comfortable bus or minivan whisks you away from Krakow’s busy streets. The early start means you’ll beat some of the crowds and enjoy a smooth two-hour drive through Lesser Poland’s scenic countryside. Onboard, your guide, likely a knowledgeable local, will set the tone, sharing tidbits about Zakopane’s history and the highlander way of life.

Zakopane Guided Tour

Once in Zakopane, the group gets about two hours for a guided tour. You’ll visit a charming mountain cottage where you can sample oscypek cheese, a smoked, sheep’s milk delicacy that’s both tasty and visually intriguing — often beautifully crafted into intricate shapes. The guide ensures you learn about traditional cheese-making methods and regional customs, adding depth to the tasting experience. From reviews, like Kana from the UK, who praised the “fun (and tasty) experience,” it’s clear that this part of the trip offers authentic flavor and cultural insight.

Gubaówka Funicular Ride

Next comes the highlight for many — the funicular ride to Gubaówka. This two-hour segment includes the ride itself and time at the summit. The cable car takes you up to a vantage point where panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains unfold. From the reviews, the views are unforgettable, and the experience is well worth the ticket price. At the top, you’ll find shops and snack stalls, perfect for soaking in the scenery and snapping photos.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Free Time on Krupówki Street

After descending, you’ll enjoy around three hours of free time on Zakopane’s Krupówki Street. This bustling promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, giving you a chance to browse souvenirs, try regional snacks, or simply relax. Reviewers have noted that the time feels just right — long enough to explore without feeling rushed. Many comment that the atmosphere is lively and authentic, with opportunities to pick up handcrafted souvenirs or sample local drinks.

Return Journey

In the late afternoon, the group boards the vehicle for the three-hour return trip to Krakow, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on your day. Though it’s a long day overall, the smooth transportation and guided commentary make it manageable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $96 per person covers many essentials, making it a solid value. Included are guide services, a ticket to the cable car, and tastings of cheese and local alcohol. Visiting an authentic mountain hut adds a personal touch, helping you feel connected to highlander traditions.

However, some expenses are on you — thermal pools, dinner, and train tickets aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to extend your experience. The tour also doesn’t include the cable car ticket separately, so confirm costs beforehand to budget properly.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot on uneven surfaces and cobblestones.
• Bring cash — some shops and stalls may prefer cash payments.
• Pack weather-appropriate clothing — mountain weather can change swiftly, even in summer.
• Capture the views — a camera or smartphone is essential for the stunning vistas.
• Allow ample free time — to explore Krupówki at your own pace and soak in the local atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a structured, informative day without the hassle of planning transport. It’s great for those interested in local food, mountain scenery, and cultural sights but don’t want to spend days in transit. It suits first-time visitors to Zakopane and those looking for a balanced mix of guided and free time.

If you’re after adventure-packed activities like thermal pools or mountain hikes, you might find this trip a bit limited. But for a rundown of Zakopane’s highlights and traditional charm, it’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

This Zakopane day trip from Krakow offers a well-rounded experience that combines breathtaking mountain views, delicious regional foods, and a lively, authentic atmosphere. The included guide and free time make it flexible and enjoyable, especially for those new to the area.

The value for money is clear, with guided tours, scenic rides, and tastings all bundled into one affordable package. It’s ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their day without stressing over logistics, and who are eager to discover the highlander culture and stunning landscapes of southern Poland.

While it’s a full day, the variety of experiences and the relaxed pace make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a cultural enthusiast, this trip to Zakopane is likely to leave you with memorable stories and beautiful photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The trip begins early in the morning from the Kiss&Ride location, allowing for a full day of sightseeing.

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane?
The journey takes approximately two hours, providing a comfortable ride through scenic Lesser Poland.

What does the guided tour in Zakopane include?
It typically covers visits to traditional mountain huts and a chance to learn about highlander traditions and cheese-making.

Is the cable car ride included in the price?
Yes, your ticket to the Gubałówka funicular is included, giving you access to the top for panoramic mountain views.

How much free time do I get in Zakopane?
Expect about four hours of free time to explore Krupówki Street, shop, eat, and relax.

Are meals included?
No, meals aren’t included, but you’ll have opportunities to purchase snacks and regional drinks during the free time.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The views from Gubałówka and Zakopane are photogenic and worth capturing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, but check with the provider about age restrictions for the cable car or other activities.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchairs due to the terrain and transportation arrangements.

This Krakow to Zakopane day trip with a funicular ride provides an excellent way to experience Poland’s mountain culture, stunning scenery, and lively local scene—all in one memorable day.

You can check if your dates are available here: