Several tour options exist for visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oswiecim, Poland. Budget-conscious travelers can join a standard guided group tour ($37.45), though it can feel crowded with up to 30 people. We love the Krakow departure option ($85.99) – it’s well-organized with hotel pickup and provides ample time at both sites (2 hours at Auschwitz I, 75 minutes at Birkenau). For history enthusiasts, the private tour ($482.46) offers the most comprehensive experience with detailed historical context and personalized attention. While fast-track options are available, they don’t always deliver on the promise of shorter wait times. Let’s explore the top tours we recommend for visiting this important historical site.
Key Points
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Entry Ticket ($37.45) provides a comprehensive experience, though the group size is limited to 30 and there are some communication issues.
- The From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour ($85.99) offers a more convenient option with pickup from accommodation, a knowledgeable guide, and flexible cancellation policy.
- The Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour includes shuttle transportation, official museum guides, and audio support, but may not be wheelchair accessible.
- The Private Tour from Kraków ($482.46) provides a more personalized experience with in-depth commentary from a licensed guide and flexible itinerary.
- The Fast-Track and Museum Entry Tours offer the opportunity to skip lines and receive guided tours, though there are some logistical issues reported.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket With Guided Tour
Although visitors can explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial on their own, the Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour provides a comprehensive experience led by a professional guide. The tour, which starts from the memorial’s entrance, is priced at $37.45 per person and has a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, the luggage policy limits bags to A4 sheet size, and modest attire is expected.
However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting poor communication regarding start times and a risk of last-minute cancellations, which aren’t refundable.
Travelers have also faced difficulties in reaching customer support, though some have managed to enter the memorial independently after cancellations. Therefore, it’s advisable to approach this tour with caution, considering alternative arrangements or visiting the memorial independently if time-sensitive.
Read our full review: Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket With Guided Tour Review
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From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Pickup Options
For travelers seeking a comprehensive and guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial, the “From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Pickup Options” offers a convenient and informative experience.
The tour, priced from $85.99 per person, includes pickup from your accommodation in Krakow and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle to the historic site. The guided tour lasts approximately 7 hours and covers both Auschwitz I for 2 hours and Auschwitz II-Birkenau for 75 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the original barracks, gas chambers, and the Arbeit Macht Frei gate.
The knowledgeable guide provides valuable historical context and personal stories, enhancing the understanding of the 1.3 million individuals murdered at the camp. The tour includes entry fees and an optional lunch package.
Flexibility is offered, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup times ranging from 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This tour provides a comprehensive and insightful experience for those wishing to learn about the tragic history of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Read our full review: From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Pickup Options Review
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Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket
The “Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket” offers travelers a comprehensive and immersive experience at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The tour is led by an official museum guide and includes shuttle bus transportation between the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites. Admission tickets are included, and the experience is delivered with full guided commentary and headphones for clear audio.
The meeting point is at the Stanisławy Leszczyńskiej 11 address in Oświęcim, Poland, where travelers will find a Gr8way representative holding a sign. The tour starts at 11:30 am and returns to the same meeting point.
All fees and taxes are covered, and online prebooking is available. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, and infants must sit on laps.
Participants must present a valid ID for entry, and the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and the lowest price is guaranteed.
Read our full review: Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket Review
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Kraków: Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour & Transportation
This private tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau offers travelers a comprehensive and immersive experience, with private transportation provided from Kraków.
The tour package includes a 7-hour visit, with 3.5 hours dedicated to a guided tour of the historic site. Priced at $482.46 per person, the tour accommodates groups of up to 30 people and provides round-trip transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
During the tour, visitors will explore the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps, including significant sites such as barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria.
A licensed guide will provide in-depth commentary on the victims’ stories and the camp’s history. Participants can expect to be picked up from their accommodation in Kraków and dropped off after the tour.
The tour offers flexibility, with a reserve now and pay later option available. Participants must provide their full name and contact details, and the itinerary is subject to change with the exact start time communicated a day in advance.
Read our full review: Kraków: Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour & Transportation Review
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Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers
Although this fast-track Auschwitz-Birkenau tour lacks included transportation, it provides a comprehensive and efficient guided experience at the historic site.
The tour offers a fast-track ticket for a guided visit, allowing participants to skip the lines and explore both Auschwitz I and Birkenau with a professional, English-speaking guide. The experience includes two separate walking tours spanning around three hours, with an entrance ticket, guide, and tour attendant provided.
While the tour’s logistical details have received mixed reviews, with some issues reported regarding timing and communication, the quality of the guides and the informative storytelling have been praised by many participants.
Travelers should be prepared for the emotional impact of the tour and advised to clarify transport details upon arrival to avoid confusion.
Read our full review: Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers Review
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Auschwitz-Birkenau: Museum Entry Ticket With Guided Tour
One of the most popular Auschwitz-Birkenau tours is the Museum Entry Ticket with Guided Tour, which provides visitors with a comprehensive and immersive experience at this historic site.
The 3.5-hour tour includes entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, with a live English-speaking guide leading visitors through the grounds. The tour begins at either Auschwitz I or Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with 105 minutes spent at the former and 75 minutes at the latter.
Visitors can learn about the lives of camp prisoners and view exhibitions in the barracks. The tour is non-refundable, and booking in advance is essential due to new guidelines.
Based on 124 reviews, the overall rating for this tour is 4.3/5, with common praise for the guide’s knowledge and helpfulness, though some issues have been reported related to meeting points and timing.
With its comprehensive itinerary and educational focus, the Museum Entry Ticket with Guided Tour offers an impactful and meaningful exploration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau site.
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Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
The Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of this historic site. Located in Oswiecim, Poland, the 3.5-hour guided tour offers insights into the tragic history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp.
During the tour, visitors are accompanied by a professional licensed guide provided by the museum, who shares their knowledge and helps visitors pay respects to the victims.
The tour includes entrance tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, as well as all fees and taxes. However, visitors must arrange their own transportation to and from the museum. The meeting point is at the Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau, and confirmation of the tour time is received one day prior.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, reviews are mixed. Some praise the knowledgeable guides, while others complain about organization, long wait times, and communication issues.
Read our full review: Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Review
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Sum Up
Oswiecim, home to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, offers a range of guided tours to explore this somber historical site. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including entry tickets with guided tours, private tours, and fast-track tickets. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the tragic events that took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau and pay respects to the millions who suffered and lost their lives there.