Kraków John Paul II International Airport Guide
Kraków John Paul II International Airport sits 11 km west of Kraków in the village of Balice, in southern Poland. It is the country's second-busiest airport after Warsaw Chopin, handling 11.1 million passengers in 2024 — an 18% increase from the prior year. A single terminal opened in December 2016 replaced the older facilities and now operates around the clock, with a direct rail link to Kraków Główny station taking approximately 17 minutes.
The airport is named after Pope John Paul II, who served as Archbishop of Kraków from 1963 to 1978 and was born in nearby Wadowice. Construction of the current runway began in the 1960s, with scheduled civil flights starting in 1967. In 2024, the airport announced plans for a new terminal to address growing passenger volumes, with route coverage spanning four continents and 166 scheduled connections operated by 27 airlines.
Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air dominate traffic, alongside network carriers LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Long-haul services include Emirates and Qatar Airways. The airport serves as a gateway to southern Poland's major attractions, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Tatra Mountain resorts.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 35 listed options at Kraków John Paul II International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Kraków John Paul II International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 11M passengers (2024)1 runwayopened 1967
- Location
- 50.078, 19.785
- Operator
- John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport Ltd.
Terminals
1 terminalKraków John Paul II International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Terminal (T1/T2), handling both international and domestic flights for around 10 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Terminal (T1/T2)Mixed
Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, easyJet, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM
Nearby cities
4 citiesKraków John Paul II International Airport is closest to Kraków (15 km east), and also serves Wieliczka, Wadowice and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Kraków15 km east
- Wieliczka28 km southeast
- Wadowice43 km southwest
- Tarnów97 km east
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for Kraków John Paul II International Airport?
Where is Kraków John Paul II International Airport located?
Where is Kraków John Paul II International Airport located?
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What services are available at Kraków John Paul II International Airport?
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