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Is Poland Expensive?

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  • Is Poland expensive?

How expensive is Poland?

How expensive is a one week trip to poland, how expensive is a two week trip to poland.

  • How expensive is a one month trip to Poland?

Is it expensive to backpack in Poland?

Are hotels expensive in poland.

  • How expensive are activities in Poland?

Is food expensive in Poland?

Is transportation expensive in poland, is poland expensive to visit.

Poland is not only a popular destination, but it is also fairly affordable. Compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a very affordable country to visit. It's ranked in the top 10% of countries in Europe for its affordability, and is comparable to destinations such as Russia and Belarus.

Poland is not as popular with tourists as other countries, but you'll find a nice selection of destinations at a range of prices. Krakow is one of the most expensive places to visit. However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, you can check out Lodz.

poland daily travel expenses

On average, visitors spend about $64 per day during their visit to Poland (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Poland here .

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Poland costs around $449 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $898.

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Poland will cost around $898 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $1,796.

How expensive is a month long trip to Poland?

On average, a one month trip to Poland costs about $1,925 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $3,849.

poland daily travel expenses

Poland is a popular backpacker destination with more than 60 hostels around the country. Hostels cost, on average, $15 per night for a dorm. (See hostel prices in Poland here .) In particular, many backpackers head to Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk. You'll find the most expensive hostels in Gdansk, which average $16 a night. The cheapest hostels are in Wroclaw which average $15 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Poland.

  • $14 for a dorm bed at Greg & Tom Hostel in Krakow more details
  • $22 for a dorm bed at Oki Doki Old Town Hostel Warsaw in Warsaw more details
  • $9 for a dorm bed at Hostel Mamas & Papas in Gdansk more details

When analyzing the price of hotels in Poland , they're very affordable compared to the rest of the world. The average price is $51 per night for a decent hotel room. Keep in mind that places like Lodz are more expensive, averaging around $54 per night. But fear not, there are budget-friendly destinations like Poznan where you can book a room for an average of $41 per night.

Hotel Wentzl

Hotel polonia palace.

poland daily travel expenses

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Poland?

Activities and things to do in Poland can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $9 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

  • Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup Viator $ 131
  • Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup: $131
  • Majdanek Concentration Camp & Lublin Full Day Private Tour from Warsaw: $299
  • Gdansk: Winter Kayaking Tour: $45
  • Retro Fiat Self-Drive Undisovered Tour in Warsaw: $53
  • Private Day Tour to Zakopane and Tatra Mountains from Krakow: $118
  • Krakow Jewish Quarter and Ghetto Tour with local historian PhD: $245
  • Krakow: Extreme Off-Road Quad Bike Tour with BBQ Lunch: $119
  • Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow with Tasting and Funicular ride: $86

Food in Poland can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $16 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • The 10 Tastings of Krakow With Locals: Private Food Tour Viator $ 110
  • The 10 Tastings of Krakow With Locals: Private Food Tour : $110
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $113
  • Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $155
  • Szczecin: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour : $178
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97

poland daily travel expenses

Local transportation in Poland can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $6 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Poland can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $26 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Poland

If you're planning a trip to Poland, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Is Poland Cheap? The Cost of a Trip to Poland in 2024

  • March 7, 2024

Cost of travel in Poland

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Poland is well-known as one of the cheapest destinations to travel to in Europe – but are the prices in Poland really as low as everybody says? Is Poland cheap to visit?

When I first heard these rumours I was sceptical too. However, after going on three different trips to Poland now, to Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw, and Gdansk, I can now officially confirm that, yes, it is cheap to travel to Poland , no matter what your travel style is!

It’s important to note when I refer to “cheap”, I definitely don’t mean bad quality. In fact, Poland is one of the best countries in Europe when it comes to fun and exciting travel experiences! Poland is just great value for money, and there’s nothing wrong with that AT. ALL!

In this blog post, I’m going to provide a comprehensive, detailed guide to prices in Poland , and how much travel costs there, to help you decide on how much money to take to Poland.

All of these examples are pulled from my extensive travels in Poland over the years. I’ll also include examples of prices I have actually paid in Poland, to give you some examples of what things cost for tourists.

Top tip: The Polish Zloty (PLN) is the money used in Poland , but I have listed most of the prices in this post in Euros to keep everything simple.

Where I’ve Been In Poland

Ella wearing a pink coat and hat whilst travelling in Poland with the Warsaw Christmas Markets in the background. These are some of the cheapest Christmas Markets in Europe.

Obviously, Poland is a huge country, and prices aren’t the same across the entire country. In general, though, Poland is not expensive for tourists and prices are generally low. 

I have visited Poland once in summer , once in autumn , and once in winter , and it’s fair to say that the cost of accommodation is definitely higher in summer, and drops quite a bit in winter.

If you can brave the winter in Poland , you can make some big savings!

Here is where I’ve visited in Poland so far, including how long I spent there:

Gdansk: 4 days, 3 nights

Krakow: 5 days, 4 nights (steal my Krakow itinerary here! )

Wroclaw: 2 days, 2 nights (steal my Wroclaw itinerary here! )

Poznan: 2 days, 2 nights (steal my Poznan itinerary here! )

Warsaw: 1 day, 0 nights

Bringing me to a grand total of 14 days spent in Poland!

Obviously, I haven’t travelled across the entirety of Poland (that would take months!) but I have definitely spent more time there than most travellers.

I have visited enough places in Poland to get a good feel for the prices, and how much your Poland trip should cost.

Crowds of people enjoy a sunny day during a weekend in Krakow, with the prominent twin spires of the Gothic-style St. Mary's Basilica towering in the background against a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Price of Accommodation in Poland

Across all Polish cities you can expect to spend around €35 to €40 per night for either a hotel room or an entire apartment.

Hostels cost an average of €12 per night for a bed in a dorm room, but these prices climb during summer when the Interrailers hit Poland’s hostels.

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter when you travel, but luckily, in Poland, it’s nothing to lose sleep over.

There are a tonne of budget accommodation options in Poland, and the quality of the budget accommodation in this country is second to none.

In most other countries in Europe, €40 per night for a hotel room would get you a dingy, damp room in a dodgy area of the city. In Poland, I could easily get a hotel room of similar quality to something I’d normally pay €80 per night for in a Western European city like Madrid !

I found accommodation in Warsaw and Krakow to be *slightly* more expensive than other cities in Poland, given that they’re the most popular tourist cities to visit, but they’re not too different. Overall Krakow is cheap still, and so is Warsaw.

Winter in Poland can be brutal, so I noticed that the cost of accommodation in Poland drops slightly during this time, probably to entice visitors. Poland is one of my favourite places to go for a budget Christmas Markets trip in Europe!

Although it’s a cold and dark time of the year to visit, winter could be the perfect solution if you want to visit Poland on a tight budget!

Interior of an apartment in Poznan in Poland. Budget hotels and accommodation are easy to find in Poland.

My Recommendations For Budget Accommodation:

These are the places I have stayed in Poland, and I can recommend all of them!

Gdansk : I visited Gdansk with a friend and we stayed at this budget-friendly hotel . We were very impressed with its proximity to the city centre, which was just a short walk away from the hotel, and Gdansk’s famous WW2 Museum, which we could see from our window!

At around €47 per night split between the two of us, so €23.50 each . I can definitely recommend this place if you’re visiting Gdansk on a budget.

Krakow : I visited Krakow solo and decided to stay at this kick-ass hostel . Not only did it include free breakfast, free dinner, and an hour of free beer each night, but I also met a tonne of new friends – I highly recommend it for solo travellers.

Its location was perfect, right in the middle of Krakow’s Old Town. For just €15 per night for a bed in a 6-person dorm, I found it to be brilliant value!

Wroclaw : In Wroclaw I stayed in these amazing apartments , just a 6-minute walk from the centre of town. I found there were more budget accommodation options in Wroclaw and Poznan than Krakow and Gdansk, probably because these cities are less famous with tourists.

I also found the quality you get for what you pay for is slightly better. My boyfriend and I had our own kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom, all for €50 per night , so €25 each .

Poznan : I stayed in this incredible apartment with my boyfriend that we never wanted to leave! The decor in this place was just stunning, and when I saw that huge bathtub it was love at first sight!

I paid €45 per night , and since I was travelling with my boyfriend we split the price between the two of us, so €22.50 each . This was (again) crazy good value. The apartment was right on the city’s main square. You simply couldn’t get a better location!

The average cost of accommodation in Poland is €22.50 per day.

Colourful facades of traditional European architecture under a clear sky in Wroclaw Poland. The intricate details of sculptures and ornate designs adorn these historical buildings, highlighting the rich heritage and architectural beauty.

Cost of Food & Drink in Poland

The cost of food and drink in Poland for tourists is very low. That’s good because chances are you’ll be eating and drinking a lot of it.

Polish alcohol and food is just irresistibly delicious!

The famous St Martin's Croissant in Poznan Poland, one of the most iconic foods from Poland. Cost of food in Poland is very cheap.

A coffee and a pastry at a Polish bakery will cost around €2 . If you can skip the coffee (which I certainly can’t!) you can get a good quality pastry for around €0.50 . Coffee at a higher-end coffee shop will cost you around €2.50 .

For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with heading to a bakery . There are lots to choose from in each Polish city, and they serve lots of pastries and coffee. You probably won’t recognise most of the pastries, or know what’s inside them, but that’s part of the fun!

If you’re staying in one place for a while, the most affordable breakfast you can get will be from the supermarket, where you can purchase cereal and milk, or bread and jam, for next to nothing.

Lunch and Dinner

Traditional Polish pierogi on a plate with a side of sour cream. Part of the reason the cost of travel in Poland is so low is thanks to all the affordable Polish food!

Expect to spend around €6 on lunch at an affordable restaurant in Poland, with a couple Euros extra if you’re having drinks too. The cost of food in Poland for tourists is generally low.

Portions are generally large, so I recommend eating a meal at a restaurant for either lunch or dinner and then having something light for the other meal – you’ll be too full otherwise!

I didn’t notice much of a price variation for food and drink across Poland (although, surprisingly, beer was very slightly more expensive in Krakow – but obviously still cheap).

Across the whole of Poland you’ll find the cheapest food in Milk Bars ( bar mleczny ) which are canteen-style cafes serving traditional food.

Here are some examples of what I paid for different dishes in Poland:

  • Zurek soup served in a bread bowl (Wroclaw) = €5.70
  • Huge pork knuckle dish (Poznan) = €9.25
  • Plate of 8 pierogi (Warsaw) = €5.75
  • Cheese, noodle and bacon soup (Zakopane) = €3.30
  • Schabowy, a Polish version of Schnitzel (Gdansk) = €6.40
  • Plate of Pierogi Ruskie at a Milk Bar (Krakow) = €1.60

My top tip is to always ask the locals where they eat. This little trick led me to the best pierogi spot in Poznan, tucked away from the usual tourist trail and with some of the cheapest prices in town!

Cost of Drinks in Poland

Man smiling holding a 1 litre glass of beer in Konspira restaurant Wroclaw. The beer prices in Poland are some of the cheapest in Europe.

The cost of beer in Poland is great! The average price of a beer in a bar in Poland is around €2.40 , whilst from the supermarket beer will cost around €0.75 .

Beer is cheap in Poland, and you can find it everywhere. It’s even cheaper from the supermarket too! It’d be criminal to miss out on trying some Polish vodka whilst you’re in Poland, but the good news is that’s also very affordable.

Here are some examples of what I paid for different drinks in Poland:

  • 1-litre glass of Pilsner beer (Wroclaw) = €4
  • 500ml glass of Lech beer (Poznan) = €2.85
  • Can of Tyskie Beer from Supermarket (Gdansk) = €0.70
  • 500ml glass of Żywiec beer (Krakow) = €2.65
  • Single shot of Hazelnut vodka (Poznan) =  €1.30

Price of Activities in Poland

The imposing Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland, stands tall against a backdrop of blue skies and fluffy clouds. Entry is cheap, meaning that your average daily travel budget for Poland and Warsaw can be incredibly low.

Most things to do in Polish cities are very cheap – museums typically cost just a couple of Euros to enter.

This is a pleasant surprise compared to cities in Western Europe, where you can easily spend over €100 in just one short break on museum admission alone!

There are some more expensive museums to enter, but they are always the bigger, famous museums of Poland that you simply can’t miss. Museums like this cost around €8 to enter.

Examples of these more expensive museums are the WW2 museum in Gdansk, the Warsaw Uprising Museum in Warsaw and the Schindler’s Factory in Krakow.

Polish Old Towns are delightfully pretty, and you can explore those for free . There is also no shortage of beautiful parks, viewpoints and war memorials, and other things you can do for free , which also have a lot to offer as cultural attractions. 

Wooden mountain hut in Zakopane Poland in summer.

There are a few big-ticket attractions in Poland and you’ll probably pay for a tour to visit them. These activities are therefore more expensive, but, again, absolutely worth it. Surprisingly, most of these attractions are day trips from Krakow .

On these day tours, you can expect to pay between €45 and € 70 , but usually that includes pretty much everything for the day.

Examples of day tours you can’t miss include visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp from Krakow, visiting the mountain town of Zakopane from Krakow, and visiting Ksiaz Castle from Wroclaw.

So yeah, the cost of travel in Poland when it comes to activities and things to do is generally cheap.

Price of Transportation in Poland

The yellow exterior of the Wroclaw main train station surrounded by snow. Travelling in Poland in winter is not as expensive as in the summer.

City Public Transportation 

Aside from Warsaw, which is a huge city, most cities in Poland are walkable , with Poznan, Gdansk and Wroclaw in particular being perfect for exploring on foot.

For this reason, once you’ve arrived in a city, you shouldn’t really need to use public transportation all that often. 

Accommodation outside of the city centre may be *slightly* cheaper but, given the already cheap accommodation prices, it’s not worth the extra hassle and potential cost of having to buy transportation tickets into the city every day.

Warsaw is a whole different beast, and unless you want to walk 20km per day during your trip you’ll have to use transportation.

However, public transportation routes between different attractions were rarely direct, so I opted to use the app FreeNow to book taxis. It seems to be more popular in Poland than Uber, and it’s very, very cheap.

I’ve used FreeNow in three different Polish cities, and I’ve always been very happy with it. To give you an idea of prices, here’s what I paid for a few different journeys.

Bear in mind that I was travelling with my boyfriend when I used FreeNow, so we got to split these prices!

  • Taxi in Warsaw (3.5km) = €3.25
  • Taxi in Poznan (3km) = €4
  • Taxi from Warsaw centre to Airport (10km) = €7.63

Intercity Trains

The exterior of the ICCC PKP Intercity train at a train station in Poland. Getting around the country in Poland is very cheap.

When it comes to getting from place to place in Poland, the train system is comprehensive, usually reliable, and cheap.

You can buy first or second class tickets, but I have always opted for second class and it’s absolutely fine. 

To give you an idea of prices, here is what I paid for a few train journeys in Poland:

  • Single ticket from Wroclaw to Poznan (2 hours) = €8.20
  • Single ticket from Poznan to Warsaw during peak time (2 hours) = €21
  • Single ticket from Rzeszow to Krakow (1 hour 30 minutes) = €6.90

Buses and Planes

You can also use buses to get from city to city via Flixbus and other similar operators, but from my experience they’re not much cheaper than the train and take longer. 

Internal flights do exist in Poland, but for some reason it’s much cheaper to fly internationally.

For this reason, unless you’re in a rush or need to cover a large distance it’s better to take the train.

If you book at least a few weeks in advance you’ll find internal flights for around €35 .

Flights to Poland

Visitors stroll through the main square of Wroclaw Poland, flanked by a charming row of pastel-coloured buildings under a clear blue sky. One of the most affordable things to do on a budget trip to Poland is simply wandering around and enjoying its beauty.

The cost of your flights to and from Poland can either be the biggest expense of your trip, or less than it’ll cost you to get to the airport, depending on where you’re flying from.

From the UK and other European countries you can fly to Poland for as little as €3 each way . 

Yes. I’m not kidding! I’ve genuinely seen flights this cheap!

It can be cheaper to fly to some of Poland’s lesser-known destinations, such as Wroclaw, Bydgoszcz or Poznań, since the demand for these flights is lower, but you’ll still find crazy-cheap flights to Krakow and Warsaw.

My number one tip for flights to Poland from Europe is to book them around 4-6 weeks in advance .

From my experience, this is the sweet spot.

Any further in advance and I find that Ryanair’s prices are higher. You can definitely book flights closer to the date (even a few days in advance) for very cheap, but obviously that’s a risky move.

From the US, chances are you’ll fly into Warsaw, and you can get return flights for as low as $500 if you’re savvy.

I find all my flight deals through Skyscanner, so I recommend that you hop over there to get a better idea of how much flights will cost from your city. 

Intricate brickwork adorns the historical architecture of Gdansk, Poland, showcasing pointed gables and arched windows, a testament to the city's rich past.

Cost of Travel Insurance For Poland

If you need a reliable provider that covers loads of activities and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then  SafetyWing  is for you. It’s one of the most popular policies for adventurous travellers and backpackers worldwide.

Plus with prices starting from just €30 for 30 days (that’s less than €1 per day!), it won’t break the bank either!

Click here to get a quote from SafetyWing!

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is delayed or cancelled, if any of your devices are lost or damaged, or if the airline loses your luggage, which happens alarmingly frequently!

Average Travel Insurance cost = €30 for 1 month (€1 per day!).

Ella at the Krakow Castle in autumn. It's very easy to keep your travel costs low in Krakow since there are so many free things to do, making Krakow cheap to visit.

Daily Budget For Travel in Poland

Okay, so how cheap is Poland to travel around? Bringing all the sections of this post together, let’s calculate a budget for a typical day of travel in Poland: 

  • Budget hotel room shared with somebody else = €22 each
  • Breakfast and coffee at a bakery = €2
  • Lunch and dinner at Polish restaurants (not including drinks) =  €15
  • Four beers at a bar or restaurant (hey, I’m not judging!) = €10.80
  • Entry to one big museum, and other free attractions = €8

Total average Poland travel cost for one day = €57.80

Obviously, this is a budget based on basically doing whatever you want, without worrying about money too much.

If you’re budget-conscious you could definitely cut your daily spending money for Poland down to €25 per day . You’d do this by staying at hostels, only eating at Milk Bars, only visiting free or very cheap attractions and buying your beer from the grocery store.

So… Is it cheap in Poland? YES!

FAQs About Prices in Poland

Is poland a cheap country.

Poland is very cheap to visit when compared to most other countries in Europe. Poland is not expensive for tourists, and things like food, drinks, transportation, hotels and activities are all relatively cheap.

Is Vodka Cheap in Poland?

Vodka is very cheap in Poland since it’s such an essential part of Polish culture! From the supermarket, the price of Vodka in Poland is around 45 zloty (€10) for a 700ml bottle! From a bar, the price of a vodka shot in Poland is around 11 zloty (€2.50).

How Much Should I Take to Poland for 3 Days?

If you’re travelling on an average budget: staying in budget hotels, drinking a moderate amount and doing a mixture of free and paid attractions, you should take around €180 to Poland for 3 days.

Why is Poland so Cheap?

Compared to many other European countries, Poland is so cheap due to its lower cost of living, lower wages, and economic struggles over the years that have kept prices down.

The country was under communist rule between 1952-1989, which also had a considerable impact on the economy.

Additionally, the Poland currency, the Zloty, is weaker than many other European currencies, making prices in Poland more budget-friendly options for tourists.

It’s important to note that the cost of living in Poland has been on the rise in recent years, with prices for tourist establishments like restaurants, bars, hotels and activities increasing even in the last year.

How Much Does a Trip to Poland Cost?

A trip to Poland (not including flights) will cost around €60 per day if you’re travelling on a budget. If you’d prefer to go on a few nights out, sample more sophisticated restaurants, or go on a few day tours, a more realistic Poland trip cost is €85 per day.

What is the Cheapest City in Poland to Visit?

For tourists, Wroclaw is the cheapest city in Poland to visit. That’s because it’s relatively unknown to international tourists, so accommodation, restaurant and activity prices are not as inflated as they are in bigger tourist destinations like Krakow and Warsaw.

Is Poland Expensive to Visit?

I’m sure, as you can see, that Poland is not an expensive country to visit for tourists from Western Europe, the USA and Australia, which is where most of my lovely readers are based.

So, how expensive is Poland? Not very expensive at all!

Hopefully you now have some clarity on how much you’ll need to budget for a trip to Poland. As you can see, prices across the board are very low, and for these prices you still get amazing quality. Poland is a cheap country to visit.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your trip to Poland!

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Is Poland a cheap country to visit? You bet! Poland is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel to, and in this post we'll go over how to budget for a trip to Poland, the average cost of travel per day, and some suggested places to visit in Poland!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Poland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Colorful and historic architecture in Poland on a sunny summer day

Poland is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe . With its incredible history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cheap food, world-class museums, wild nightlife, and plentiful nature, Poland is a budget-travel paradise. It has everything you’ll find in Western Europe — but for half the price and with half the crowds!

Most travelers visit Krakow or spend a day or two in Warsaw before departing to a neighboring country. While that’s better than nothing, Poland has so much more to offer.

From beautiful parks to medieval cities to cheap beer to rugged coastlines, you can spend weeks here and still only scratch the surface.

Best of all, there are far fewer tourists here than elsewhere in Europe so it’s easy to have a more local, more authentic experience.

Use this travel guide to Poland to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this budget-travel paradise!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Poland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in poland.

view of Krakow's waterfront, Poland

1. Visit Auschwitz

Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of a former concentration camp used by the Nazis during World War II. Approximately 1.3 million people were sent here and an astounding 1.1 million of them were killed. When the camp was liberated in 1945, there were just 7,000 people there, many of whom were incredibly ill or sick. A visit here is sobering but shouldn’t be missed. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and keep in mind you’re allowed to take photographs but be considerate that this is a somber place. Admission is free, but the experience is much more meaningful with a guide who can provide context. Expect to pay around 550 PLN for a guide.

2. Explore Krakow

Krakow is a student city and one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country (people love coming here to party). This city is beautiful, inexpensive, and is filled with plenty to do. Be sure to check out the castle, the nearby salt mines, and underground ruins. The Christmas market in December is amazing too!

3. See Wroclaw

Wroclaw is one of Poland’s lesser-known destinations. Home to some amazing architecture, this small city is beautiful, inexpensive, and free of crowds. Be sure to see the Raclawice Panorama, which depicts the Battle of Raclawice that took place during the Kosciuszko Uprising in the 1790s.

4. Wander through Bialowieza National Park

This national park on the Belarus border contains the last remains of a primeval forest that once covered most of Europe. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, and remarkably, the only place where European bison still live in the wild. Bialowieza National Park is the oldest in Poland. Stretching 105 square kilometers (40 square miles), it’s thriving with biological diversity. Visitors can hike, walk, and bike in nature and you can also try unique local cuisine from Bialowieza, which is influenced by nearby Belarus and Ukraine. Some local favorites include Pielmieni meat dumplings, Mrowisko sweet cakes, and Zubr (bison) beer. Admission is 16 PLN. If you want a guide, expect to pay around 250 PLN.

5. Discover Warsaw

Explore the old and new towns, see the castle, binge on pierogis, and visit the city’s amazing museums that highlight the struggles of the Warsaw Uprising and the ghettoization of the Jews during World War II. Be sure to spend time wandering Warsaw’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history, art, culture, and science. Savor a hearty Polish meal at one of the many ‘milk bars’ and check out Hala Koszyki, a funky food market hall with nearly 20 different eateries and many tasty offerings.

Other Things to See and Do in Poland

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new destination is take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. Walkative offers free tours in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan, and a few other cities around the country. These tours provide much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guides at the end!

2. Tour the Szczecin underground tunnels

These concrete tunnels lie beneath the city of Szczecin in northwest Poland (near the border with Germany). The tunnels were designated as a bomb shelter in the 1940s and then used as a fallout shelter during the Cold War. Located 17 meters (56 feet) below ground, here you can see artifacts from World War II and learn how the shelter was used during the war. You’ll also learn how the tunnels were reinforced during the Cold War to survive a nuclear attack. Tours last around an hour and admission is 38 PLN. It can get cold in the tunnels so bring a sweater.

3. Visit a national park

Poland has 23 different national parks. Ojcowski National Park (near Krakow) is a small park filled with stunning caves and castles while Slowinski National Park (on the Baltic Coast), Biebrzanski, Narwianski, and Poleski National Parks (all located in the northeast) offer great bird watching. Bialowieza National Park (near Belarus) is where you can see Europe’s only wild bison. They’re a great way to get away from the crowds and stretch your legs, especially in the summer when the weather is nice, or in the fall when the leaves are changing. There are usually lodges and campgrounds near each park as well if you want to disconnect for a few days.

4. Explore Wawel Castle

This site in Krakow is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in all of Poland. Castles here are rare as most were mostly destroyed over the years (the vast majority of which being destroyed during World War II). Built in the 13th century under the order of King Casimir III, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an art museum that has medieval tapestries, the former Polish crown jewels, and Ottoman Empire treasures. Admission ranges from 5-46 PLN depending on what you want to see. On Mondays in the summer, free tickets are available for the Crown Treasury and Armory. There are seasonal discounts from September to October as well for the Dragon’s Den, Sandomierska Tower, and The Lost Wawel archeological exhibition, and The Church of St. Gereon.

5. Visit the Wooden Churches

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the country, The Wooden Churches of Southern Lesser Poland consists of six Roman Catholic churches that reflect various periods of religious architecture in Poland: from Medieval to Gothic, Rococo, Baroque, as well as the occasional onion dome and Greek cross. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the interiors of these UNESCO churches were intricately painted and carved by hand, with every inch of the church a veritable work of art. Dress appropriately when visiting as these are sites of religious worship.

6. Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine

This mine produced table salt and was first used in the 13th century. It became one of Krakow’s main industries and was in use until 2007. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can marvel over the cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals — all carved out of salt and stone by the miners. The mines reach depths of over 300 meters (984 feet) and are also home to contemporary works of art. The mine is just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside the city. Admission is 109 PLN.

7. Stroll through Gdansk

Formerly known as Danzig, Gdansk is a beautiful coastal city in northern Poland. Much of the city was rebuilt after World War II but you can still find plenty of history here. Be sure to spend some time wandering the old town and checking out the local markets and small artisan shops. And don’t miss the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city’s towering 16th-century gothic church. There’s also an excellent World War II museum here too.

8. Admire Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Located an hour from Krakow, this Catholic monastery dates back to the 17th century. Built in the Mannerist (Late Renaissance) architectural style, it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1999. Surrounding the monastery are over 5 kilometers (3 miles) of pilgrimage routes and 42 chapels and churches which have been in regular use for over 400 years. Tours are free (though they must be booked in advance) and last around an hour. Donations are welcome.

9. Head to Lublin

Lublin is eastern Poland’s main city. It was an important trading and military center during the Middle Ages. It developed its own architectural style at the end of the 16th century, which has become known as the Lublin Renaissance as rulers here brought in many Italian architects to expand the city. Be sure to visit the castle, the monastery, and the old town (which is sometimes called “Little Krakow” owing to its similarities with Krakow’s old town). There’s also the sobering State Museum that illuminates the atrocities of the death camps of World War II.

10. See the world’s tallest pope statue

Located 2.5 hours south of Warsaw in Czestochowa, this statue of Pope John Paul II (who was born in Poland) stands 13.8 meters (42 feet) tall and is made of fiberglass. There really isn’t much else to see here but it makes for a quirky photo op if you’re in the area!

11. Visit the Exploseum

This abandoned Nazi explosive plant, founded by Alfred Nobel (the inventor of dynamite), is now a museum open to the public. Here visitors learn about Alfred Nobel, his company, what life was like for Polish residents during the German occupation, weapons used during the war, as well as modern weapons of war. It’s an interesting and eye-opening museum. Tucked away in Bydgoszcz (3 hours north of Warsaw), the museum takes 1-2 hours to explore. Admission is 17 PLN and includes a guide. Children under 6 are not allowed to enter.

12. Visit the Churches of Peace

These are the biggest timber-framed churches in Europe. Located in Jawor and Swidnica (near Wroclaw), they were built in the mid-17th century and were the first Lutheran churches constructed in Roman Catholic Poland. Since the churches were not Catholic, they were only allowed to be built from wood and could not have steeples or bells (Lutherans were not allowed to construct stone churches that could compete with the dominant religion). Today they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Admission is 12 PLN and an audio tour is available. Just be sure to dress appropriately.

13. See the World War II Museum in Gdansk

The Museum of the Second World War opened in 2008 and is one of the best museums in the country. It’s an immersive experience that really opens your eyes to the death and destruction that the war unleashed — in Poland and beyond. In addition to the weapons, clothing, letters, and maps there is an entire recreated street to give you a palpable sense of what it would have been like to live through the worst of the war. Admission 25 PLN. For an extra 2 PLN, you can also see their temporary expositions.

14. Explore the Tatra Mountains

This mountain range, part of the Carpathian Mountains, is located near the border of Poland and Slovakia. It’s here where you’ll find Tatra National Park (a protected UNESCO site), a great destination for hiking. Spanning over 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), there are plenty of day hikes available ranging from 2-12 hours. While you can’t camp in the park, there are mountain huts if you book in advance (they cost 35-70 PLN per night depending on where you stay). Make sure you check the weather before you go and bring ample water and sunscreen for your hike.

15. Take in the Warsaw Rising Museum

This museum is a tribute to the people of Warsaw who fought and died for Polish independence. Opened in 2004, the museum is home to hundreds of artifacts from the uprising of 1944, when Polish citizens rebelled against German occupation. The uprising lasted 63 days and was the largest resistance movement during World War II. Some 15,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed, as well as 2,000-17,000 German troops. There are weapons, clothing, letters, and interactive films that shed light on one of the most important events in Polish history. Admission is 25 PLN.

16. Tour Schlinder’s Factory

Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist who saved over 1,200 Jews during the war. His story was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film, Schindler’s List . Located in his actual factory in Krakow, this museum offers a thorough trip through the history of World War II, highlighting how he saved so many people during the war while bankrupting himself in the process. Admission starts at 10 PLN or 72 PLN for a guided tour. There are a number of limited free tickets on Mondays.

  For more information on specific cities in Poland, check out these guides:

  • Krakow Travel Guide
  • Warsaw Travel Guide

Poland Travel Costs

A wide, regal palace surrounding by green grass on a sunny day in Warsaw, Poland

Accommodation – A bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds costs 55-95 PLN per night. Private rooms cost 120-200 PLN. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is available at many hostels too.

Budget two-star hotels start at 150-275 PLN per night. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels also include a simple free breakfast as well. For a three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 300-500 PLN.

Airbnb is available throughout the country with private rooms starting at 75 PLN per night while entire homes/apartments cost at least 100 PLN. Prices are usually double these numbers, however, so be sure to book early to find the best deals.

There are plenty of campgrounds throughout the country for those traveling with a tent. Expect to pay around 40 PLN per night for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity. Wild camping is tolerated if you’re in the mountains and as long as you are not in a national park (camping in national parks is strictly prohibited in Poland).

Food – Polish meals are quite hearty, usually containing potatoes, meat (pork and chicken), and seasonal produce like beets or cabbage. Stews and soups (like borscht, a beet soup) are popular and can be found at most local restaurants. Pierogis are also a common staple and can be found everywhere for cheap. For some traditional Polish food, try beef tongue or pork knuckles. The country also has lots of traditional desserts too, like paczki (a Polish donut) and makowiec (poppy-seed cake).

Most cheap meals of traditional cuisine (served at local restaurants called bar mleczny or “milk bars”) cost around 35 PLN. For a three-course meal with a drink and table service, expect to pay around 75 PLN. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 25 PLN for a combo meal.

A large pizza costs around 25-30 PLN while Chinese food costs around 15-20 PLN. Zapiekanki , a popular Polish street snack that’s like a pizza on a baguette, costs 5-6 PLN.

Beer costs 8-12 PLN, while a glass of wine is a minimum of 12 PLN. A latte or cappuccino is around 11 PLN. Bottled water is 5 PLN.

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay around 150-165 PLN per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal vegetables, and some meat. Local markets are the cheapest places to buy fresh produce. Biedronka is a cheap grocery store that’s everywhere.

Backpacking Poland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 175 PLN per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do some cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 PLN to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of 330 PLN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals at cheap milk bars, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the Uprising Museum or taking a tour of Auschwitz.

On a “luxury” budget of 600 PLN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever guided tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in PLN.

Poland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Poland is a very affordable country so there aren’t too many tips out there to help you save. You won’t be spending a lot of money anyways unless you go out of your way to spend money. That being said, there are still a few extra ways you can save money while you visit Poland:

  • Eat at milk bars – You’ll get a taste of Poland at a mleczny (milk bars). Hearty pierogis, homemade soups, plenty of meat, and a local beer usually cost around 30 PLN. While they are a no-frills choice, the food is tasty and filling.
  • Get a tourist card – Certain cities, like Krakow and Warsaw, offer tourist cards that provide unlimited public transportation and free or discounted museum access. If you plan to see lots of sites, be sure to go to the local tourism office and pick up one of these cards. They usually cost 100-160 PLN.
  • Take advantage of train specials – Poland has various special train tickets that can save you money during your visit. For example, the Weekend Ticket ( Bilet Weekendowy ) is available for several train lines and lasts from Friday night at 7pm to Monday at 6am and allows for unlimited trips within Poland. It’s a great way to see the country if you need to cover a lot of ground in a short time!
  • Watch your drinking – Cities like Krakow are known for their parties, pub crawls, and long nights out. These can add up quickly, so watch how much you drink. Start off by grabbing your favorite drinks from a grocery store first whenever possible. You’ll save a ton that way.
  • Take a free walking tour – Free tours from companies like Walkative can be found in Poland’s larger cities. They are a great way to explore the city while learning about the history, culture, and architecture. Just be sure to tip!
  • Use ridesharing apps – Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar are a great way to get around the country for cheap. You simply download the app, find someone looking for passengers, pay a small fee, and go! Everyone is rated and verified, and it’s usually more convenient (and cheaper) than other forms of transportation. For travel within a city, use Uber. It’s cheaper than the local taxis.
  • Stay with a local – While accommodation is not expensive in Poland, Couchsurfing is a great way to lower your accommodation costs. Not only will you save money by getting a free place to stay but you’ll also be able to make a local friend and get insider knowledge about the country.
  • Bike share – For 10 PLN, you can register for Vetrulio, a bike-rental company in Warsaw. After you sign up, bike use is free for 20 minutes, making it essentially free to bounce around the city during your visit. After 20 minutes (up to the first hour) it’s just 1 PLN and then 3 PLN for the next hour.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Poland is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Poland

Accommodation in Poland is very affordable. Even if you don’t want to do the whole hostel thing, you can find really comfortable and inexpensive hotels throughout the country. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Poland:

  • Oki Doki Old Town (Warsaw)
  • Warsaw Centrum Hostel (Warsaw)
  • Greg and Tom Hostel (Krakow)
  • Let’s Rock (Krakow)
  • Slowgate Hostel (Gdansk)
  • Mleczarnia Hostel (Wroclaw)

How to Get Around Poland

view of Krakow's historical city square with people walking around on a sunny day

Public transportation – Buses and trams are the most common ways to get around in each city. Only Warsaw has a subway system. Public buses and trams cost around 3-5 PLN for a one-way ride, depending on how far you go. For a single-day pass, expect prices to start at 15 PLN per person. In Warsaw, a three-day public transportation pass starts at 36 PLN.

Bus – Poland has an extensive bus network so you can easily travel around the entire country by bus if you’re on a budget. Flixbus (and its partner company, Polski Bus) are the best options as they have comfortable buses for affordable prices. For example, the 4-hour journey from Warsaw to Krakow costs around 44 PLN while the 7-hour ride to Gdansk from Warsaw costs around 50 PLN.

The buses have bathrooms, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi, making them a good choice for budget travelers.

Train – While trains aren’t as cheap as buses, they’re a good option for long-distance trips. There are several different companies operating trains here with a variety of train types. The three most important to travelers are the ExpressInterCity Premium (EIP), ExpressInterCity (EIC), and InterCity (IC).

The EIP trains are fast and operate between major cities. They have first-class and second-class seats and reservations are mandatory. These are the newest trains and have a dining car if you’re looking to eat during your trip. They can be pricey if you book on the day, so try to book in advance for the best prices.

EIC trains also run between major cities but are a little slower. They are still perfectly safe and comfortable, with a dining car and business class seats available. Since the services aren’t as great, the prices here are lower than on EIP trains. There are first- and second-class seats as well.

IC trains are the cheapest of the three but also the slowest as they make more stops. They have basic amenities such as power outlets.

InterRegio (IR) trains are another option as they stop in most medium-sized cities. There are no first-class or seat reservations here, so they can be a bit busier and sometimes won’t have space for luggage. But they are affordable!

The train from Warsaw to Gdansk costs around 175 PLN and takes around 2.5 hours while the 2-hour train from Warsaw to Krakow is just 50 PLN.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Flying – Flying around Poland is relatively cheap thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair. From Warsaw, you can get to pretty much any city in the country for under 325 PLN, round trip.

For example, Warsaw to Krakow takes just under an hour and costs 280 PLN while Warsaw to Gdansk takes an hour and costs 180 PLN.

It’s also easy to get to/from Poland via plane as Wizz and Ryanair fly all over the continent. You can find flights for as little as 50 PLN to destinations all around Europe if you book early and are flexible.

Rideshare – BlaBlaCar is the best ride-sharing option for intercity travel. It’s cheap and fast, and drivers are verified and have reviews so it’s quite safe. Just make sure you have flexible plans as drivers are often late or change their plans entirely.

Car rental – Car rentals start at 75 PLN per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must have had their license for at least one year and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for citizens of certain countries.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Poland

The best (and most popular) time to visit Poland is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs between 17-25°C (63-77°F) during this time (and a 1-3 degree difference between Gdansk in the north to Krakow in the south).

The summer is also the busiest time of the year for tourism, though and you’ll only really notice it in the main tourist cities (such as Warsaw and Krakow).

The shoulder season of late April-May and September-October are great times to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). You’ll beat the crowd and have much milder temperatures. There’s more rain in the spring but you’ll get the stunning autumn colors in the fall which makes for a scenic backdrop to your trip.

Winter in Poland can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around -1°C (30°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) overnight. Snow is common, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you plan on going skiing or taking part in other winter activities such as visiting the Christmas markets.

How to Stay Safe in Poland

Poland is a very safe country. The risk of theft or getting pickpocketed is much lower here than it is in other parts of Europe. Of course, you should always keep your valuables secure and out of sight when riding public transportation and while you’re in popular tourist areas.

Taxi scams are rare, but always make sure your driver is using the meter. If they aren’t, ask them to stop and find a taxi that will. To avoid fake taxis, have your hotel/hostel staff call a taxi for you to ensure you aren’t scammed.

ATM skimming (when criminals attach a covert device to an ATM that can steal your information) can occur here, so always make sure you use verified ATMs. If you can, go into the bank to withdraw your money (as opposed to using outdoor ATMs, which are easier to tamper with).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle here, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Poland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Poland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Krakow price guide | calculating the daily costs to visit krakow.

The daily costs to visit Krakow. How to estimate your budget for food, hostels, hotels, attractions, alcohol, and more.

poland daily travel expenses

Krakow is one of Europe’s hidden gems (although it is starting to become much more well-known). We like to think of it as a cheaper and less fancy version of Prague. Krakow’s cheap alcohol, accommodation, and food have made it a popular destination for budget travelers looking for something a little different.

In this Krakow travel price guide, we’ll outline the estimated travel expenses for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other common expenses so you can better budget your trip to Krakow.

This Krakow Price Guide is part of our  City Price Guide Series  where we break down the travel costs of Europe’s most popular cities.

AVERAGE DAILY COST FOR VISITING KRAKOW

For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $30-$50/day to visit Krakow. These prices are based on what you’ll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler.

If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another $30-$50/night depending on your stay. These prices also don’t include things like big nights out at the bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc.

Poland’s currency is the  Zloty but we’ve listed most prices in US dollars for simplicity. The actual prices will vary based on the current exchange rate.

AVERAGE DAILY COST OF BUDGET TRAVEL IN KRAKOW: $45

  • Attractions:  $6 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
  • Breakfast: $2.50
  • Dinner: $10
  • Treat (dessert/beer/wine): $2
  • Transportation:  $1
  • Accommodation (hostel):  $20

AVERAGE DAILY COST OF FRUGAL TRAVEL IN KRAKOW: $29

  • Attractions:  $3 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
  • Breakfast: $0 (free hostel breakfast)
  • Lunch: $4 (traditional Polish food, ethnic street food, takeaway shop fare, or similar)
  • Dinner: $8 (make your own meal in the hostel or grab something cheap)
  • Transportation:  $0
  • Accommodation (cheap hostel bed):  $13

KRAKOW ATTRACTION AND MUSEUM PRICES

Almost all attractions in Krakow are affordable so it won’t hurt your budget to see a few different things. Be sure to check out Plac Nowy, which is brimming with flea markets and antique bazaars. The most expensive attraction for most people is the Auschwitz tour (it’s worth the money).

  • St. Mary’s Basilica :  $3.50
  • Wawel Cathedral :  $5
  • Wawel Royal Castle :  each exhibit has a separate ticket ranging from $4-$7
  • Galicia Jewish Museum :  $5
  • Museum at Market Square :  $6
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine :  $26
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau :  day trip from Krakow, around $35 for a bus tour
  • Salt Mine & Auschwitz combo bus tour:  $70
  • Walking tour:  Free (but you should tip the guides) or $16 (for paid tours)
  • Bike tour:  $24

KRAKOW FOOD PRICES

Traditional Polish food is hearty and cheap. You can even find non-Polish food at reasonably affordable prices in Krakow.

Also, note that the biggest meal of the day is usually around 3 pm and dinner is normally fairly light. Like any city, try avoiding tourist traps if you want the best prices and quality. Furthermore, Krakow is going through a bit of a youthful resurgence so you’ll find lots of hip new restaurants opening up often. Read more of our strategies for  Eating and Drinking in Europe on a Budget .

BUDGET BREAKFAST PRICES IN KRAKOW: $2-$5

  • Many hostels will offer a free simple breakfast that normally consists of cereal, bread/croissant, and maybe milk, coffee, tea, or juice (some hostels will offer more and some less).
  • Coffee & pastry: $3-$5
  • Yogurt with fruit or muesli: $2.50
  • Cottage cheese (savory): $3.50
  • Traditional obwarzanek (similar to a bagel or pretzel): $.50

BUDGET-FRIENDLY BREAKFAST PLACES:

  • Milkbar Tomasza : Traditional no-frills milkbar with cheap breakfast options.
  • Smakolyki : Traditional breakfast to dinner.
  • Bagelmama : Bagels with various toppings.
  • Frania Cafe : They’ll do your laundry and serve you a tasty breakfast and other goodies.
  • Coffee Kiosk : A tiny place that serves coffee, muffins, and other pastries.
  • Nowa Prowincja : Hot. Chocolate. Ohh, and they have other traditional Polish meals (breakfast to dinner to drinks).
  • Chimney Cake Bakery : Traditional Polish bakery.
  • NapNap Cafe : Breakfast, brunch, and coffee.

BUDGET LUNCH PRICES IN KRAKOW: $3-$8

  • Super budget travelers can make a super cheap lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit from any grocery store for a few dollars.
  • Pierogi: $3-$4 (for a plateful)
  • Meal at a “milk bar” cafeteria (basically a holdout from the communist times): $2.50-$5
  • Sandwich: $3
  • Cheap takeaway meals (like a kebab with fries): $4.

BUDGET DINNER: $6-$15

  • You should be able to find dinner at a restaurant in a less touristy part of town for around $6-$15.
  • An above-average three-course meal with wine at a restaurant will cost around $20.
  • For $25-$35, you can have an excellent three-course meal at a fancy restaurant.
  • Many of the options from the Budget Lunch section above also apply to dinner.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY LUNCH AND DINNER RESTAURANTS

  • Polakowski Self-Service Restaurant : No-frills traditional Polish home cooking at cheap prices.
  • Mleczarnia : Traditional Polish food in a homey setting.
  • Przystanek Pierogarnia : Perogies!
  • Pierogarnia Krakowiacy : Perogies again!
  • Kielbaski pod hala targowa : Polish sausage food truck.
  • Kuchnia Polska Gaska : Homecooked Polish goodness.
  • Kuchnia u Doroty : Delish traditional Polish food and big portions.
  • Bar Grodzki : Old school, no-frills Polish food.
  • Chata : Even more great Polish food.
  • Vegab : Vegan wraps if you need a break from all that heavy Polish food.
  • Moaburger : New Zealand-style burgers.
  • GOGO BURGER : Burgers.
  • M22 Beef’N’Chips : Burgers and fries.

DRINKS AND ALCOHOL PRICES IN KRAKOW

  • Pint of standard beer at a bar/restaurant: $2
  • Pint of beer from a grocery store: $.80
  • Bottle of (drinkable) wine from the grocery store: $5
  • Cocktail at a club: $4-$5
  • 750ml bottle of vodka from a bar: $25
  • Espresso: $1-$2

KRAKOW TRANSPORTATION PRICES

Although there’s no subway, Krakow does have buses and trams (but the old city is very walkable). These prices are for Zone 1, which will cover just about everything you need. If you want to get to/from the airport by bus, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for Zone 2 (just slightly more expensive).

Tickets for bus and tram:

  • One journey: $.85
  • Two journeys (for one person): $1.5

Short-term Tickets:

  • 20 minutes: $0.75
  • 40 minutes: $1
  • 60 minutes: $1.35
  • 90 minutes: $1.60

Day passes:

  • 2-day: $6.40
  • 3-day: $9.65
  • 7-day: $12.85

Bus from airport to city:  $1.07 (one-way bus ticket for Zone 2)

Taxi from airport to city (Krakow Airport Taxi):  $24

KRAKOW HOSTEL, HOTEL, & RENTAL APARTMENT PRICES

Krakow is a city filled with multiple amazing hostels — and they’re cheap. For whatever reason, the hostels in Krakow are some of the nicest we’ve seen in Europe. Additionally, hotels and rental apartments are also very affordable.

KRAKOW HOSTEL PRICES: $10-$22/NIGHT

You should budget about $16/night per person for a decent hostel — although many hostels raise their prices on the weekend. Remember, these prices are for a bed in a shared dorm room. Expect to pay $40-$60/night for a private room. Here’s our Guide To The Best Hostels in Krakow  if you want to learn more.

We book our hostels through  Hostelworld  because they have the best selection of hostels.

KRAKOW BUDGET HOTEL PRICES: $35-$90/NIGHT

A decent quality budget hotel will cost you around $55/night but the quality gets nicer starting at $80/night.

I suggest checking out  Booking.com  to see hotel prices for your dates since they’re always changing.

KRAKOW RENTAL APARTMENT PRICES: $50-$100+/NIGHT

Krakow has a decent amount of rental apartments throughout the city. They can be a good option for large groups or travelers who want a little more space (and a kitchen). On the other hand, you may also have to deal with inconvenient check-in processes and things like extra cleaning fees and service charges. For short stays, we prefer hotels/hostels but rental apartments can be a nice option for longer stays. Airbnb is always popular but you can sometimes find cheaper/better options on our list of  Airbnb Alternatives .

READ MORE ABOUT THE COST OF VISITING EUROPE

Check out our guide on  How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe  to learn more about budgeting your entire trip (including many more city price guides).

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Poland Travel Costs – A Budget Friendly European Destination

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Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated countries . With its abundance of beautiful landscapes, remarkable cities, delicious food, infamous history and world class museums, Poland seems like a no brainer when it comes to places to visit on your next trip to Europe .

Oh, I did forget to mention one very important detail regarding travelling to Poland…it is the perfect country to visit if you’re on a budget !

Anyone looking to travel, subconsciously plans a budget for travelling, whether you think you do, or not.

Read more: What Solo Travel Has Taught Me

“Ok, well, if I take the cost of this meal, divide it by 3, it’ll give me an approximate number that will equal Canadian dollars!”

Anywhere I travel, I’m always looking to save a few bucks, but while travelling through Poland, I found that I didn’t have to budget as much as I would have, say in Austria for example.

Read more: How I Spent 3 Weeks Travelling Solo Around Poland

Read more: What To See & Do In A Day In Rzeszów, Poland

The prices in Poland were absolutely incredible. More incredible than I initially thought to be honest. Actually, I’ll go right out there and say it. Travelling through Poland is cheap!

Before heading to Poland, I read a few blogs online to see how prices compared and I came across one blog that mentioned that for 6 days in Poland, the blogger spent approximately $645 USD. This was JUST on hotels!

I thought that was absolutely absurd because the amount that I spent on hotels, chalets, apartments and guesthouses for 3 full weeks in Poland just coasted around the $1,000 CAD mark.

I don’t know where that blogger was staying, but I can assure you that you definitely do NOT need to spend that kind of money to have comfortable, clean and affordable accommodations in Poland.

Yes, prices will vary depending on the city you stay in, the location within the city, the time of year etc. That’s a given. With a little research, planning and yes, a bit of budgeting, you can plan a trip to Poland without breaking the bank . Here is a full guide on Poland travel costs and how to plan a visit to this budget friendly European destination .

Read more: Spending A Day In Opole, Poland

My flight to Poland was to depart YYZ (Toronto) and arrive in WAW (Warsaw). Now because of the Rona mess, my initial flight was cancelled for April 2020, which I booked back in February 2020. I was given a full refund and then I re-booked my flight for October 2020, plus I extended my stay by about two weeks. The total cost of my flight was $1,076 CAD , which included a carry-on bag and a checked luggage. The cost of the flight was the most expensive portion of my trip. I suggest using Kayak to search for flights. I’ve always found the best deals through them.

Accommodation

Poland has any type of accommodations to suit your style, needs and wants. If you’re into top of the line hotel chains, they’ve got it! Into staying at a cozy mountain chalet? They’ve got that too. Are you more into staying at hostels and meeting people during your travels? Yup, Poland’s got those. Whichever accommodation style floats your boat, you’re bound to have no problems finding what you’re looking for…and at a really great price. I stayed in the heart of Warsaw three separate times and the most I paid was $80 CAD a night for a full sized apartment. I also stayed in an incredibly stunning wooden chalet in Zakopane for two nights, which included homemade breakfasts and only paid $108 CAD total. The cheapest place I stayed was in a large loft-like room right in the heart of Bielsko-Biała ‘s Old Town square with a view of the Beskidy mountains in the distance and I only paid $28 CAD ! Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean it will be shit. I made sure to pre-book all my accommodations before leaving Canada and paid for them in advance, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about that extra cost tacked onto my credit card later on when I arrived home. The cost of my accommodations was the second highest cost of my travels in Poland and came in at about $1,012.00 CAD .

Read more: Discovering Beautiful Zakopane – Poland’s Most Popular Mountain Village

Read more: One Day In Bielsko-Biała – A Unique Polish City Off The Beaten Path

Transit costs are extremely affordable while travelling in Poland. I walked pretty much everywhere and only took trains and buses while changing cities, which saved me a ton of cash. My transit costs were the third highest cost while travelling in Poland for three weeks , but for the price and distance I travelled in Poland, in any Western European country, it would’ve cost me an arm and a leg. For a total of three weeks in Poland, I didn’t even pay $270 CAD , which is INSANE compared to how much I was paying in Western European countries when I had visited years prior. Taxis are also really cheap and if you really need to catch a cab, you won’t need to be worried that you’ll get ripped off. Just like my accommodations, I pre-booked and paid for all of my train tickets before leaving Canada and had them paid off my credit card before leaving for Poland, which made sure I didn’t have any additional charges accumulate on my card while travelling. I used cash ( złoty ) if I had to pay for a bus, or taxi if absolutely needed.

Read more: Getting Around Poland By Public Transit – A Comprehensive Guide To Polish Trains & Buses

Here is an approximate breakdown of the three highest costs I had in Poland:

If you like to eat and eat well, Poland is the place to visit. While in Poland, you can eat like a King/Queen and for cheap. I couldn’t believe the size of the portions I’d get placed in front of me and for the cost. I always made sure to tip and even tipping well, the total price of the bill usually wouldn’t exceed $20 CAD . I think the most expensive meal I ate in Poland cost me about $22 CAD . Another great place to eat in Poland is within a B ar Mleczny , or Milk Bar in English. Now don’t get it twisted, the place doesn’t just serve up milk. A bar mleczny is a Polish cafeteria, which during the Communist era, provided government-subsidized traditional Polish cuisine at a low cost. Although the typical milk bar had a menu based around dairy items (hence the name), these establishments generally also served other non-dairy traditional Polish dishes as well.

Read more: Traditional Polish Foods & Drinks That You Need To Try

Drinking in Poland can definitely be done on the cheap. I’m not condoning my readers to go out and get wasted, but…in case you feel inclined to do so, you can probably get drunk for less than $15 CAD . A half litre glass of Polish beer (in the touristy city centre) will run you about 9PLN , which equates to about $3 CAD . A shot of vodka in a sports bar in a major city will typically run about 9PLN as well. If you want to get your drink on for even cheaper, then head to any local shop where a cold beer can be purchased for about $1 CAD , sometimes less, depending on the city/town you’re in.

Read more: Top Mistakes First Time Solo Travellers Make

Read more: How to stay safe as a solo traveller

Tipping in Poland isn’t required, but it’s nice to give a little extra to those that served you, especially if the service was good and if the server was nice and friendly. In busier cities with more tourists, the usual tipping percentage for restaurant meals range from about 10-15% of the total bill. Most of the time I would give 15% , but sometimes if the service was exceptional, I’d give 20% . I always had cash ( złoty ) on hand, so I’d slip them an extra bill for good service, which was always received really well, especially during times when tourism was at a near halt. If I grabbed a coffee at a c afé, I typically wouldn’t tip, but if I had some extra small coins, I’d throw them in the “tip” bucket if there was one on the counter.

Read more: The Ultimate City Guide To Visiting Kraków, Poland

Entertainment

Now, my entertainment cost for my trip was pretty non-existent. I didn’t do much when it came to entertainment. I never went to clubs, or partied because they were closed during my time of visit and it’s just not my thing to begin with, especially while travelling solo. LOL

Read more: How To Spend The Perfect Day In Wrocław, Poland

Read more: The Trip That Opened My Eyes To Solo Travel

Poland is home to so many world class museums and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t visit at least one of them. During my visit, I had the chance to see Auschwitz – Birkenau with a guide that included hotel pick up & drop off, which cost me 108 PLN ($36 CAD) . The entry to Auschwitz is free, but I highly recommend a guided tour to really grasp the history behind what you are looking at. I also visited the Warsaw Uprising Museum , which I spent approximately two hours wandering around and at the cost of 25 PLN ($8.30 CAD) it can’t be beat. If you plan on being in Warsaw on a Sunday , entry to the museum is free. Another museum I visited was the Oskar Schindler Factory in Kraków, which cost me 26 PLN ($8.70 CAD) . While visiting Poznań, I booked a tour and baking class at Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania to try the infamous and decadent St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal świętomarciński) for the cost of 27 PLN ($9 CAD) for the English tour . Most of the museum visits were booked in advance and paid in cash (złoty) upon arrival, except the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which I just walked up to the booth and asked for a ticket and paid.

Read more: A Present Walk Through Yesterday’s History – A Visit To Auschwitz-Birkenau

Read more: How To Spend A Day In Poznań: Poland’s Best Kept Secret

Read more: The Ultimate City Guide To Visiting Warsaw, Poland

Another great option for saving money on museums, restaurants, admission to climb church towers and other great perks, is by purchasing a City Card for the city in which you are visiting. Most larger cities, such as Warsaw , Kraków , Gdańsk and Wrocław offer tourists the option of purchasing a card for 24 hours, 48 hours and even 72 hours and by purchasing the card, you’ll save some money when you visit attractions, museums etc. Most entries are actually included in the cost of the City Card, so you’ll definitely get the best bang for your buck if you have a lot of things to do and see on your list. I was graciously gifted a 24 hour City Card by the Gdańsk Tourism Board during my stay and was able to use it for the day I was visiting.

Miscellaneous

During my trip through Poland, I didn’t really have any other miscellaneous costs to be perfectly honest. I bought a few souvenirs for myself and for family and friends, a pack of socks, a shirt, a new wallet and a new pair of boots because mine were absolutely destroyed and had to be replaced. In Zakopane, I treated myself to a visit to a Beer Spa for a relaxing sauna and beer bath for 240 PLN ($80 CAD) . Upon arrival into Poland, I purchased a Polish SIM card at the airport for my phone, which only cost me 15 PLN ($5 CAD) for 15 days and over 2G of data, calls etc. I had to top it off towards the end of my trip, but it only added an extra $4CAD charge. I never used my debit, or credit card for any purchases. If I didn’t have cash, I didn’t spend anything. I brought approximately 1,320 PLN ($440 CAD) with me and  I made one stop at an ATM to withdraw 500 PLN ($165 CAD) with 5 days left of my trip and I still had money left over in the end. I saved a lot of money by not having a lot of unnecessary added costs.

Read more: The Day I Experienced True Polish Kindness

Read more: 2 Days In The Quaint Mountain Village Of Poronin, Poland

Read more: How To Spend One Day Exploring Gdańsk, Poland

If you’re looking to travel to Europe, but want to stick to a budget, why not consider visiting Poland? Most travellers tend to visit Warsaw and Kraków before heading to another country, but there is so much to see and do in Poland and at a really great cost that won’t break the bank. What are your favourite budget friendly countries to travel to in Europe? Let me know in the comments below. xo

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  • Legal notice

Expenses relating to business travel by entrepreneurs and employees

Business travel by employees and entrepreneurs entails certain costs. See what travel expenses you need to bear as an employer. See how to settle the costs of business travel – by you or by your employees.

What are employees travelling on business entitled to

If you send an employee to travel on business, you must bear the related expenses.

Business travel is understood as the performance of an official task at the employer’s request, away from the place where the employer’s registered office is located or away from the regular place of work.

The conditions for payments made to employees for domestic and international business travel may be set out in:

  • a collective agreement
  • remuneration regulations
  • employment contract.

If your company is not covered by a collective agreement or you are not required to establish remuneration regulations, these conditions may be set out in an employment contract.

If your company does not have its own rules in this regard, the Regulation of the Minister for Labour and Social Policy of 25 October 2022 amending the Regulation on amounts due to an employee of state or local government budgetary units for business travel applies.

For domestic and international travel , the employee is entitled to:

  • an allowance (the equivalent of increased food costs for domestic travel, and the equivalent of food costs and other petty expenses for international travel)
  • reimbursement of the costs of transport, journeys by means of local transport and accommodation, as well as other documented expenses, determined or recognised by the employer, depending on justified needs.

As an employer, you must specify the means of transport for business travel , both domestic and international. The employee is entitled to reimbursement of the transport costs incurred, documented by tickets or invoices indicating the ticket price.

You may consent to the employee using his or her own passenger vehicle or, for example, motorcycle for both domestic and international travel.In such a situation, you must multiply the number of kilometres travelled by a rate per kilometre and reimburse the employee for the costs calculated in this manner.

The rate depends on the type of vehicle .

It cannot be higher than the rate set out in the Regulation of the Minister for Infrastructure of 25 March 2002 on the conditions for determining and reimbursing the costs of using passenger vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds not owned by employers for business purposes , i.e.:

  • PLN 0.89 for passenger vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 900 cm3
  • PLN 1.15 for passenger vehicles with an engine capacity exceeding 900 cm3
  • PLN 0.69 for motorcycles
  • PLN 0.42 for mopeds.

You must also reimburse the employee for other travel expenses , provided that they were necessary and were documented by the employee. They may include fees for baggage, travel by toll roads and motorways, parking in paid parking zones and parking spaces.

The costs of domestic travel by employees

The allowance for domestic business travel is PLN 45 for 1 day of travel . This is the minimum rate, but you may set a higher one in your company.

If the employee’s travel lasts:

  • less than 8 hours – the employee is not entitled to the allowance,
  • from 8 to 12 hours – the employee is entitled to 50% of the allowance,
  • more than 12 hours – the employee is entitled to the full allowance.

If a domestic business travel lasts longer than 1 day, the employee is entitled to the full allowance for each day, and to 50% of the allowance for an incomplete but commenced day, up to 8 hours.

The allowance is reduced if food is provided free of charge to the employee. This also applies to stays in hotels offering accommodation and board. You must deduct 25% of the allowance for breakfast, 50% for dinner and 25% for supper.

Accommodation

You must reimburse the employee for the fee for hotel accommodation, confirmed by a bill. However, the amount for an overnight stay cannot exceed 20 times the amount of the allowance (PLN 900).

If you did not provide accommodation for the employee and the employee does not provide a bill for accommodation, that person will be entitled to a lump-sum payment of 150% of the allowance.

The costs of international travel by employees

In companies that have not put in place their own arrangements for calculating allowances for international business travel (e.g. in remuneration regulations), the rates set out in the Regulation of the Minister for Labour and Social Policy of 25 October 2022 amending the Regulation on amounts due to an employee of state or local government budgetary units for business travel are used to calculate the allowances .

The amount of the allowance for international travel depends on which country the employee goes to . For example, the allowance amounts to EUR 49 for Germany, EUR 41 for Ukraine and GBP 45 for the United Kingdom.

Please note! You may determine other limits than those set out in the legislation. For example, you may set out different allowances for different countries, regions etc. in remuneration regulations, or adopt a fixed amount regardless of which country employees go to. Just remember that the minimum amount of the allowance for international travel cannot be lower than the allowance for domestic business travel. This means that the rate of the allowance for domestic business travel is the minimum rate. If you determine an allowance exceeding the limit indicated in the mentioned-above regulation and pay it to the employee, the surplus will constitute revenue on which the employee will pay tax.

  • up to 8 hours – the employee is entitled to 1/3 of the allowance,

Important! The duration of international travel is calculated:

  • for travel by land – from the moment when the employee crosses the Polish border on the way to another country until the moment when the employee crosses the Polish border on the way back
  • for travel by air – from the moment when the aeroplane takes off from the last airport in Poland on the way to another country until the moment when the aeroplane lands at the first airport in Poland on the way back
  • for travel by sea – from the moment when the vessel (ferry) leaves the last Polish port until the moment when the vessel (ferry) arrives at the first Polish port on the way back.

The employee is not entitled to the allowance if they receive a payment for food equal to the amount of the allowance during international travel. If the payment is lower than the allowance, the employee is entitled to compensation up to the amount of the allowance.

If full board is provided free of charge, the employee is entitled to 25% of the allowance.

The amount of the allowance is reduced by the cost of food provided free of charge (also in respect of hotel services), assuming that breakfast constitutes 15% of the allowance, and dinner and supper constitute 30% of the allowance each.

The employee is entitled to reimbursement of accommodation costs incurred during international travel, confirmed by a bill, but only up to the limit set in the Regulation of the Minister for Labour and Social Policy of 30 June 2022 amending Regulation on amounts due to employees of state or local government budgetary units for business travel .

A separate limit is set for every country, for example EUR 170 for Germany and EUR 200 for Belgium.

Jacek was sent to Ukraine on business by his employer. He spent 2 nights in a hotel, for which he paid EUR 240 in total (2 x EUR 120). The employer will reimburse him for the entire amount, as he did not exceed the limit of EUR 180 a day for Ukraine.

In justified cases, you may reimburse the employee for higher costs, confirmed by a bill. If the employee does not provide a bill for accommodation, they are entitled to a lump-sum payment of 25% of the limit.

You do not reimburse accommodation costs if you provide free accommodation for the employee by yourself or a foreign contractor does so.

At the place of destination abroad (and at the place where the employee spent the night), the employee is entitled to a lump-sum payment equal to the amount of one allowance to cover the costs of journeys to and from a railway station, bus station, airport or seaport.

For a one-way journey, the lump-sum payment is 50% of the allowance . The employee is entitled to a lump-sum payment of 10% of the allowance for each commenced day of international travel to cover the costs of journeys by means of local transport.

Please note! The employee is not entitled to the lump-sum payments if they travel on business in a company car or a private vehicle or if free transport is provided.

Medical treatment costs

If the employee falls ill during international travel, you must reimburse that employee for the costs of medical treatment abroad, provided that they are documented and were necessary . The employee cannot seek reimbursement of the costs of medicines, for example, that they did not need to purchase abroad. Reimbursement of the costs of plastic surgery and beauty treatment or the costs of purchasing orthopaedic prostheses, dentures or glasses also cannot be sought.

Important! The employee is entitled to 25% of the allowance for each day (24 hours) spent in a hospital or another medical centre during international travel.

Settlement of business travel by employees

For international travel, the employee must receive from you an advance payment to cover the necessary costs before departure. Its amount depends on a preliminary calculation of these costs. The advance payment may be made in a foreign currency or in PLN (subject to the employee’s consent) at the average PLN exchange rate announced by the National Bank of Poland on the date on which the advance payment is made.

After the return, the employee must settle the travel with you within 14 days . The employee should submit documents to prove the costs incurred, for example invoices for accommodation or tickets.

Important! The employee does not need to document how allowances were spent.

If a document (bill, invoice, ticket) could not be submitted, the employee must submit a written declaration stating the expense incurred and the reasons why it was not documented.

For the employee, an allowance is exempt from income tax up to the limit set in the legislation. You do not take it into account when calculating the income tax withheld for the employee. If, however, you pay an allowance exceeding the limit to the employee, the surplus will constitute revenue on which tax should be paid.

Such an allowance is a tax-deductible expense for the employer, also up to the limit set in the legislation .

An employer sent an employee on a 2-day domestic business trip. The allowances (PLN 90) paid to the employee will be a tax-deductible expense for the employer, and the employee will not pay personal income tax (PIT) on them.

As a rule, the employee does not pay tax on the reimbursed travel costs. If, however, a limit for such expenses is set in the legislation, the employee pays PIT on the surplus over the limit, and the surplus over the limit is not a tax-deductible expense for the employer.

The expenses reimbursed to the employee for using his or her own car will be a tax-deductible expense for you if:

  • they were documented in a mileage log maintained by the employee
  • they did not exceed the limit (for passenger vehicles: PLN 0.5214 per kilometre for an engine capacity of up to 900 cm3 or PLN 0.8358 per kilometre for an engine capacity exceeding 900 cm3; for motorcycles: PLN 0.2302 per kilometre).

Expenses over the limit are not a tax-deductible cost for the employer, and constitute revenue for the employee.

Jacek travelled on business in his own car with an engine capacity not exceeding 900 cm3. He travelled 500 km, and the employer paid him a mileage allowance of PLN 500. However, the employer will include only PLN 260.7 (PLN 0.5214 x 500) in tax-deductible expenses. The surplus over this amount, i.e. PLN 239.3, will constitute Jacek’s revenue.

Important! You will not be able to include expenses relating to business travel by the employee in tax-deductible expenses if you have chosen to pay lump-sum tax on registered revenues or fixed-amount tax. With these forms of taxation, costs cannot be deducted.

The costs of travel by entrepreneurs

Business travel as a tax-deductible expense.

As a rule, tax-deductible expenses are expenses incurred to earn revenue and to maintain or secure a source of revenue. Therefore, if you travel on business by yourself, you may deduct the expenses incurred for this purpose from revenue as tax-deductible expenses.

You should preserve all evidence that the travel was connected to your business activities, for example orders, purchase invoices and contractors’ offers gathered during that travel.

If you travel by means of public transport (train, bus, airplane), the ticket price will be an expense. There are no limits on the type and class of means of transport. However, as with other expenses, you must abide by the rule that expenses must be reasonably justified.

If you travel in a car which constitutes the company’s fixed asset, you will deduct 100% of the car expenses , provided that you maintain a mileage log.

If you do not maintain it, you will deduct 75% of the expenses.

Please note! In order to deduct 100% of tax-deductible expenses for PIT purposes, you must maintain records like those maintained for VAT purposes. They differ from records maintained for the purpose of settling business travel by employees in that, inter alia, you do not calculate transport costs (the number of kilometres travelled x the rate per kilometre).

If you use your private car (which is not the company’s property) for business purposes during travel, you do not need to maintain any mileage log. In such a case, you will deduct 20% of the car expenses.

Read how to maintain a mileage log.

While you cannot deduct food expenses actually incurred during business travel, you are entitled to an allowance of the same amount as an employee.

Józef is self-employed and provides engineering services. He accepted an order from a customer established in another province, as a result of which he needs to travel frequently. He is entitled to an allowance of PLN 45 for each day of travel. Assuming that he spends 16 days a month working for the customer, he will deduct PLN 480 (16 x PLN 45).

Company expenses, including allowances for trips, must be documented in order to be included in tax-deductible costs. Allowances are included in lump-sum costs . They are settled on the basis of internal evidence, which should contain at least the full name, the purpose of travel, the name of the place of destination, the number of hours and days of business travel (the date and time of departure and return), and the rate and value of allowances due.

Accommodation and local transport

You may settle accommodation expenses on the basis of an invoice or a bill. The limits applicable to employees do not apply to entrepreneurs.

If you use means of local transport during business travel, you must settle the amount of costs confirmed by a ticket or another document indicating the expense incurred. The lump-sum payments applicable to employees do not apply to entrepreneurs.

You may also deduct other business expenses, for example the purchase of tickets for various fairs, exhibitions and shows, in the amount indicated in an invoice or a bill.

Important! You cannot settle business travel expenses if you have chosen to pay lump-sum tax on registered revenues or fixed-amount tax.

How to convert costs in a foreign currency

If you received documents confirming expenses in another currency during travel, you must convert that currency into PLN. You must settle the expenses incurred (for example, a toll for using a motorway, a fee for accommodation) at the average exchange rate announced by the National Bank of Poland on the day preceding the day when invoices (other proof) documenting the travel costs were issued. You must convert allowances at the average exchange rate announced by the National Bank of Poland on the day preceding the day when internal evidence was issued.

Deduction of VAT from travel expenses

You may settle VAT for business travel on general terms, as in the case of other taxable transactions. Please remember that you cannot deduct VAT from catering and accommodation expenses . You may include non-deductible VAT on accommodation in tax-deductible expenses (gross amount).

You may deduct VAT on the basis of invoices and documents regarded as invoices in accordance with the relevant legislation, i.e., inter alia, single tickets confirming travel by a toll motorway or travel over a distance of at least 50 km.

The document:

  • should contain the reference number and the date of issue, the full name or company name of the taxable person, the taxable person’s identification number for tax purposes, information that makes it possible to identify the type of services, the amount of VAT and the total amount due
  • should be issued by a taxable person authorised to provide passenger transport services by standard-gauge railways, motor vehicles, seagoing vessels, inland and coastal waterway means of transport, ferries, airplanes and helicopters

You may deduct 100% of VAT from expenses relating to the use of a passenger vehicle if you use the car exclusively for business purposes and you submit a VAT-26 form to the revenue office. The use of the car exclusively for the needs of the company is confirmed on the basis of a mileage log for VAT purposes (like that for PIT purposes).

If you do not maintain a mileage log and you use the car for both your own needs and the needs of the company, you will deduct 50% of VAT.

Ask question (form)

A confirmation of the inquiry submission, information about the change of status and a response will be sent to the e-mail address indicated in the form. The maximum response time is 7 calendar days, 14 calendar days for inquiry requiring consultation with other offices. Show more .

The official inquiry form is part of the Polish Single Point of Contact www.biznes.gov.pl . The detailed scope of tasks carried out by the Single Point of Contact is regulated by Section III of the Law on Central Registration and Information on Economic Activity and the Entrepreneur Information Point. For more information, see the Legal Notes page.

The Contact Point does not provide advice on individual cases.

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Cost of Living in Poland

  • A family of four estimated monthly costs are 219,337.9руб (9,575.8zł) without rent.
  • A single person estimated monthly costs are 66,546.9руб (2,905.3zł) without rent.
  • Cost of living in Poland is, on average, 43.5% higher than in Russia .
  • Rent in Poland is, on average, 108.9% higher than in Russia .

Prices in Poland

poland daily travel expenses

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Business travel legislation in Poland: Overview of responsibilities | Infographic

Are you considering sending one of your employees on a business trip to or from Poland? If so, it is crucial to pay attention to several important factors to ensure compliance with all legal regulations. To help you understand the requirements and details of business travel, we have created an infographic that provides a basic overview of definitions and necessary steps.

Would you like to streamline and simplify your business travel processes and expense management? Explore our Payroll and HR portal, which offers a time-saving and transparent system for handling employee travel requests, approvals, reimbursements, and more. With automated data collection, notifications, and customizable workflows, our portal goes beyond expectations.

The duration of a business travel is calculated based on the number of calendar days from the employee’s departure from their permanent place of work to their return to either their permanent residence or workplace. Each day of the trip accounts for every 24-hour period spent during the trip.

During a multi-day business trip, the employee is entitled for an accommodation allowance. The specific amount is determined for each country where the trip takes place, considering the values established by law. There are three scenarios:

If the employer provides accommodation throughout the entire trip, the employee is not entitled to an allowance.

If the employee arranges and pays for their accommodation, they can submit an invoice for reimbursement. In such cases, the employee is granted an allowance equal to or greater than the amount set by law.

If the employee arranges and pays for their accommodation but doesn’t have an invoice for reimbursement, they are entitled to 25% of the legally established allowance.

Doing business in Poland?

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Work trip expenses, their amounts and compensation conditions in Poland

Work trip expenses are an important item of expenditure in the activities of the company and the entrepreneur. Compensation of expenses varies depending on the location of the work trip: within the country or in another country, its duration, the transport used and other conditions.

An employee who performs an official task on behalf of the employer outside the permanent place of work, according to the Labor Code, is entitled to compensation for expenses during such a work trip.

Conditions for compensation of work trip expenses :

  • A work trip should include the performance of a specific task with a written order from the employer (trip documentation, order), which indicates the place, dates and times of the trip, advance payment for the work trip, etc.
  • • The amount of compensation for trip expenses is established in the employment contract or in a collective agreement with the employer. If they are not established, then the amount of compensation for expenses must not be less than the corresponding compensation in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of January 29, 2013 on the amounts due to an employee working in a state or municipal institution for a business trip, as amended on June 30, 2022 ( Rozporządzenie Ministra pracy i polityki społecznej z dnia 29 stycznia 2013 r. ) w sprawie należności przysługujących pracownikowi zatrudnionemu w państwowej lub samorządowej jednostce sfery budżetowej z tytułu podróży służbowej).

What is compensated for an employee on a work trip :

1. Food expenses are paid in the amount applicable to the country of destination of the trip. If the trip takes place in Poland, then from July 2022 the amount of compensation for such expenses is PLN 38 per day. If to another country, for example, to Austria – 57 euros.

Travel expenses for food are listed below.

Table 1 – Compensation for food on a domestic work trip

As in the case of compensation of food expenses on domestic work trips, the compensation of such expenses on a foreign trip depends on the duration of the trip and the amount of compensation established by the employment contract, collective agreement or the above Decree. The amount of compensation for food expenses on a work trip abroad depends on the country of such a work trip, for example Austria – 52 euros, Czech Republic – 41 euros, etc. The rates are given in the Decree ( Rozporządzenie ) above.

Table 2 – Compensation for food while traveling abroad

2. Travel from the place of permanent place of work or place of residence of the employee to the place of work trip and back.

  • When traveling within the country , payments to cover the cost of travel on local transport are 20% of the base rate (PLN 7.6) per day. The employer can also cover such expenses in full if they are documented.
  • If the work trip lasts at least 10 days, the employee is compensated for travel expenses on the day off on the transport specified by the employer to the place of permanent or temporary residence and back.
  • When traveling abroad , travel expenses to and from a railway station, bus station, airport or seaport are compensated at a one-time base rate at the destination abroad and any other place abroad where the employee stayed overnight. If the employee has such transportation costs only in one direction, then they are compensated in the amount of 50% of the base amount.
  • To cover the cost of travel on local transport, 10% of the base amount is paid for each day of stay abroad.
  • The above expenses are not compensated if the employee:

– travels abroad in a company or private car, motorcycle or moped,

– has free transport,

– does not have the costs for which these payments are intended.

  • When using personal transport by an employee , travel expenses are compensated depending on the type of transport and the amount of mileage in kilometers, based on the vehicle's mileage. The rate for one kilometer is PLN 0.5214 (for vehicles with engine capacity up to 900 cm³) or PLN 0.8358 (for vehicles with engine capacity over 900 cm³). When paying expenses per kilometer at a higher rate, these expenses may not be exempt from personal income tax and social security contributions.

3. Accommodation .

  • When traveling within the country , expenses are paid in the amount of the hotel bill, but not more than twenty times the basic amount for one day (PLN 760). In justified cases, compensation for living expenses according to the invoice may be higher than this limit.
  • An employee who is not provided with free or paid accommodation is entitled to payment of such expenses in the amount of 150% of the base amount of PLN 57 in 2022.
  • When traveling abroad , expenses are paid in the amount indicated on the hotel invoice, within the limits specified in the appendix to the Decree ( Rozporządzenie ) indicated above.
  • If an accommodation bill is not submitted, the employee is entitled to an accommodation payment of 25% of the limit specified in this appendix.
  • In justified cases, the employer may agree to compensation of accommodation expenses with a confirmed invoice more than the established limit.

4. Other documented expenses .

In the event of an illness that occurred during a trip abroad, the employee is entitled to compensation of the documented necessary expenses for medical treatment abroad.

How is travel time determined? It depends on the type of transport when crossing the border.

1) ground – from the moment of crossing the state border on the way abroad until the moment it is crossed on the way back to the country,

2) air – from the moment the plane takes off from the last airport in the country until the plane lands on the way back at the first airport in the country,

3) maritime – from the moment the ship (ferry) leaves the last Polish port until the ship (ferry) calls on the way back to the first Polish port.

Example. The employee received a work trip task for 5 days in city A and 5 days in city B. Travel expenses in the company are paid in accordance with the current legal rules, a collective agreement on travel expenses has not been accepted. In city A, full board was provided, in city B – partial board, with breakfast paid. The employee used personal transport (a car with an engine capacity of up to 900 cm3).

Travel expenses will be compensated for:

1. Food expenses: 5 days x PLN 28.5 = PLN 142.5

2. Accommodation expenses: according to hotel bills, the employer pays.

3. Travel expenses: the vehicle has traveled 700 km. x 0.5214 = PLN 364.98

Total costs for worker's compensation: PLN 507.48

An advance payment before a work trip is made in the amount received as a result of the initial calculation of the costs for it, including in foreign currency or Polish currency at the exchange rate for a work trip abroad.

After the end of the work trip, payment of travel expenses must be made within 14 days. The employee provides a statement of expenses with supporting documents (invoices, receipts, etc.), which the employer compensates in the future. If there are no supporting documents for some expenses, then the employee provides the employer with a written statement about the expenses incurred and the reasons for their absence in the documentation.

Compensation for travel expenses to an employee is exempt from personal income tax and contributions to social and medical insurance (within the established limits).

From January 1, 2023, the basic rates for food, accommodation and travel on work trips within the country and abroad will be increased in accordance with the changes in the said Decree of October 25, 2022 ( Rozporządzenie od 25.10.2022 r. ).

Table 3 – Increase in basic travel compensations from 2023, PLN

Author: Natalia Grishchenko

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Beta version #

Calculation data - details about your abroad travel #, results - cash to pay out #, some facts #.

  • An employee who performs part of his/her job within a delegation (business travel) gets some fixed amount of cash per each day to cover cost of food, hotel and other necessary expenses. This kind of reimbursement is called "subsistence allowance" , "daily allowance" or "per diem" .
  • This page is focused on foreign travels (outside of Poland). If you need to calculate subsistence allowance during local travel (without leaving Poland) check out our other calculator: Polish travel allowance (national) . Also, you can check out recent and historical subsistence allowance rates in table: Polish travel allowance (national) table .
  • breakfasts (15% of allowance),
  • dinners (30% of allowance),
  • suppers (30% of allowance).
  • other expenses (25% of allowance).
  • If employee gets food from employer (i.e. he/she doesn't need to pay for food on his/her own), subsistence allowance is decreased according to the type of a meal, which is provided. If all meals are delivered (breakfast, lunch and dinner) daily rate is reduced to 25% .
  • If employee has hotel bill(s), he/she can get back incurred costs tax-free, but not more than limit assigned to the given country.
  • If employee paid for accommodation on his/her own, but he/she has no hotel bills, then he/she can get back 25% of limit assigned to given country.
  • If the employee uses public transport on his own, he may receive additional funds. This is an another fixed rate in amount of 10% of daily basic rate per each commenced day of delegation (as of 2021-06-26) .
  • The trasport lump sum applies only to local transport e.g. if the employee needs to travel from the train station to the hotel where the conference is held. Covering the costs of the main journey (e.g. a plane travel between countries) is a separate settlement , unless the transport have been provided by the employer.
  • If the employee uses his own vehicle for local journeys , it is possible to settle on the basis of the so-called mileage allowance payments .
  • Current daily subsistance allowance rates and hotel cost limits adjusted to different countries can be found in table: Polish travel allowance (foreign) table .
  • time below 8 hours is treated as 1/3 of day ,
  • time from 8 to 12 hours is treated as 1/2 of day ,
  • time above 12 hours is treated as full day .
  • Legal basis: Regulation of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of 29 January 2013 on receivables due to an employee employed in a state or self-government budgetary unit on a business trip (Journal of Laws of 2013, item 167).

Data up-to-date #

What is the meaning of each calculator field #.

  • Start time - date and time when business travel began e.g. train departure time,
  • End time - date and time when business travel ended e.g. time of return train arrival,
  • Take into account daylight saving time (DST) - this option causes that the current time zone (winter / summer time) according to the European Union directive UE 2000/84/EC is taken into account during the calculation. According to the regulation, on the last Sunday of March at 1:00 a.m. universal time (in Poland it is 2:00) clocks are moved forward one hour, and on the last Sunday of October at 1:00 a universal time (in Poland it is 3:00), o one hour back.
  • Destination country - destination country where the employee traveled,
  • Provided food - select which meals (breakfasts, dinners or suppers) are warranted by employer i.e. employe doesn't need to pay for them on his/her own,
  • Who paid for accommodation - select whether the accommodation was paid by the employer or whether the employee needed to arrange it on his/her own,
  • Who paid for local transport - select whether the local travels (e.g. between hotel and place of business meeting) was provided by the employer or whether the employee needed to arrange it on his/her own using public transport,
  • Claim date - the day on which the expense claim was made for a past travel. That date influences the currency exchange rate.
  • Exchange rate - used to convert calculated allowance from original currency (used in destination country) to polish złotys (PLN). According to the polish law, it should be average exchange rate on the day preceding the claim date. This value is filled automaticaly using official NBP (National Bank Of Poland) rates. However, you can enter your own value if you need.

History of changes, improvements and fixes to this calculator #

  • 2021-07-04 We added "local transportation" to the calculation.
  • 2018-03-15 You don't need to enter exchange rate manually anymore. From now, we get it for you using the official data provided by the National Bank of Poland. According to the polish law, the exchange rate is taken from the last business day preceding the claim date.

Tags and links to this website #

What tags this calculator has #, permalink #, links to external sites (leaving calculla) #.

  • wikipedia: per diem (subsistence allowance)
  • mpips.gov.pl: recent per diem rates on official government website

poland daily travel expenses

[Poland] Higher allowance per business travel day from 1 January 2023

On 14 November 2022, an ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy amending the per diem rate for business travel was published in the Journal of Laws. The plans for next year also include an increase in the rate of the so-called mileage allowance, a benefit to cover the costs of using private vehicles for business purposes.

Increase in allowance for domestic business travel

The ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 25 October 2022 amends the existing provisions on the employee’s entitlements for business travel.

From 1 January 2023, the domestic travel allowance to cover increased board costs is to be PLN 45 per day of travel. This is an increase of PLN 7 compared to the current rate of PLN 38 (in force since   28 July 2022 ).

Learn more: Higher allowance for domestic travel from 28 July

Along with the increase in the per diem for a day of domestic travel, the lump sum for accommodation and commuting will also increase:

Accordingly, as from 1 January 2023, an employee will be entitled to reimbursement of documented overnight accommodation costs for one hotel night, in an amount to be confirmed by a receipt, not exceeding 20 times the per diem rate, i.e., up to a maximum of PLN 900 (currently it is PLN 760).

Business travel abroad – changes after 29 November 2022

The ordinance on the amount of per diem for business travel abroad will enter into force 14 days after the date of its publication, i.e., from 29 November 2022. At that time, the new per diem rates per day for travel abroad and the limits for overnight stays in individual countries, which are set out in the Annex to the ordinance of the Minister of Family and Social Policy of 25 October 2022, will take effect.

For example, for travel to the UK, the per diem will be GBP 45 and the overnight limit GBP 220, and to the Czech Republic EUR 41 and EUR 120 respectively.

Mileage allowance to be changed in 2023

According to the draft ordinance presented by the Minister of Infrastructure of 11 October 2022 amending the ordinance on the use of passenger cars, motorbikes and mopeds not owned by the employer in order for the employee to carry out business activities, the so-called mileage will increase in 2023 and will be per km:

It is currently unclear when the new mileage rates will take effect. For the time being, it is only certain that the ordinance will enter into force on the first day of the month following the month of its publication.

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COMMENTS

  1. Poland Travel Cost

    How much does it cost to travel to Poland? You should plan to spend around $64 (zł259) per day on your vacation in Poland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average for one day: $16 (zł66) on meals; $5.96 (zł24) on local transportation; $69 (zł279) on hotels

  2. How much does a trip to Poland Cost?

    Visitors to Poland usually spend between $25 and $172 per day on average for one person and $50 to $345 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $65 (zł259) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may ...

  3. Is Poland Expensive to Visit?

    For two people, a two week trip would cost $1,796. On average, a one month trip to Poland costs about $1,925 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $3,849. Torun, Poland.

  4. Is Poland Cheap? The Cost of a Trip to Poland in 2024

    Four beers at a bar or restaurant (hey, I'm not judging!) = €10.80. Entry to one big museum, and other free attractions = €8. Total average Poland travel cost for one day = €57.80. Obviously, this is a budget based on basically doing whatever you want, without worrying about money too much.

  5. Poland Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Poland Travel Guide. Last Updated: April 18, 2024. Poland is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. With its incredible history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cheap food, world-class museums, wild nightlife, and plentiful nature, Poland is a budget-travel paradise. It has everything you'll find in Western Europe — but for half ...

  6. New rates for travel and other allowances payable for business

    With effect from 1 January 2023, the allowance payable to employees for domestic business travel will increase to 45 zloty per day. This amount has been 38 zloty since 28 July 2022. The new rate results from the recently promulgated regulation on allowances payable for business travel to those employed with a state or local government unit ...

  7. Krakow Price Guide

    AVERAGE DAILY COST OF FRUGAL TRAVEL IN KRAKOW: $29. Attractions: $3 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights) Food: $13. Breakfast: $0 (free hostel breakfast) Lunch: $4 (traditional Polish food, ethnic street food, takeaway shop fare, or similar) Dinner: $8 (make your own meal in the hostel or grab something cheap) Pastry: $1.

  8. Poland Travel Costs

    Here is a full guide on Poland travel costs and how to plan a visit to this budget friendly European destination. Read more: Spending A Day In Opole, Poland. Flights. My flight to Poland was to depart YYZ (Toronto) and arrive in WAW (Warsaw). Now because of the Rona mess, my initial flight was cancelled for April 2020, which I booked back in ...

  9. Prices in Poland. Cost of Living & Travel Budget Calculator

    from 44.95 USD to 53.09 USD. Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation). Average daily expenses were calculated on the basis of the prices of accommodation, food ...

  10. Higher allowance for domestic business travel

    Effective 28 July 2022, the allowance payable to employees for domestic business travel will increase to PLN 38 per day. This amount has been PLN 30 since 1 March 2013. The new rate results from the recently promulgated regulation on the benefits payable in connection with business trips to those employed with a state or a local government unit ...

  11. Poland travel budget, Prices and Cost of living in 2024

    Daily budget: $ 95 for 2 ppl. $ 40 per person. $ 15 per person. $ 14 per person. Total budget: $ 3202 * (12978 złoty) * Estimated local budget for 2 people for 2 weeks. This represents an average across the country (budget may vary depending on the city or region visited).

  12. PDF An increase in per diem rates

    As of July 28, the allowance for domestic travel is PLN 38 (up from PLN 30). As of January 2023, the allowance will be PLN 45 per day (an increase of 18%). The allowance during domestic travel is intended to cover increased food costs. The per diem payment is calculated for the time from the start of the domestic trip (departure) to the return ...

  13. Expenses relating to business travel by entrepreneurs and employees

    You must settle the expenses incurred (for example, a toll for using a motorway, a fee for accommodation) at the average exchange rate announced by the National Bank of Poland on the day preceding the day when invoices (other proof) documenting the travel costs were issued.

  14. Poland

    You have 14 days from the day you return from your business trip to settle the costs incurred during travel. All expenses connected with your business trip paid from your pocket must be submitted through our Oyster platform. ... OYSTER HR POLAND Sp. Z O.O. VAT ID (NIP): 77 92 52 44 77.

  15. Cost of Living in Poland. Prices in Poland. Updated Apr 2024

    Summary of cost of living in Poland: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,377.3$ (9,576.6zł) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 721.3$ (2,905.6zł) without rent. Cost of living in Poland is, on average, 42.0% lower than in United States. Rent in Poland is, on average, 53.5% lower than in United States.

  16. U.S. Department of State

    Foreign Per Diem Rates In U.S. Dollars DSSR 925 Country: POLAND Publication Date: 05/01/2024

  17. Business travel legislation in Poland

    1) For each full day of the business trip, the employee is entitled to the full per diem amount. 2) For the last day of the business trip, the allowance depends on the number of hours: a) If the duration is less than 8 hours, 1/3 of the daily per diem is granted. b) If the duration is between 8 and 12 hours, 50% of the daily per diem is granted ...

  18. Work trip expenses, their amounts and compensation conditions in Poland

    In case of full board. 25% of the base rate is compensated. 2. Travel from the place of permanent place of work or place of residence of the employee to the place of work trip and back. When traveling within the country, payments to cover the cost of travel on local transport are 20% of the base rate (PLN 7.6) per day.

  19. [Poland] Higher allowance for domestic travel from 28 July

    Higher travel allowance and lump sum rates from 28 July 2022. On 28 July 2022, according to the new provisions, the per diem for business travel within the country, as well as the lump sum for accommodation and the lump sum to cover travel expenses by local transport, will change. The table below shows the rates before and after 28 July 2022.

  20. PDF Expense: Travel Allowance Configuration Guide

    With a fixed type of travel allowance, the employee is reimbursed the fixed rate regardless of the actual amount of expenses. For example, assume that the fixed rate for meals (including incidentals) is 30 PLN per day. If the employee spends less than 30 PLN per day, the employee keeps the difference.

  21. CALCULLA

    An employee who performs part of his/her job within a delegation (business travel) gets some fixed amount of cash per each day to cover cost of food, hotel and other necessary expenses. This kind of reimbursement is called "subsistence allowance", "daily allowance" or "per diem".; This page is focused on foreign travels (outside of Poland). If you need to calculate subsistence allowance during ...

  22. [Poland] Higher allowance per business travel day from 1 January 2023

    The ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 25 October 2022 amends the existing provisions on the employee's entitlements for business travel. From 1 January 2023, the domestic travel allowance to cover increased board costs is to be PLN 45 per day of travel. This is an increase of PLN 7 compared to the current rate of PLN 38 ...