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A guide to Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances: What to expect and how to enter the salt mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a world-famous tourist destination located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland. The mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting subterranean salt chambers, ancient salt sculptures, and even an underground lake. To make your visit a smooth one, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to enter this iconic salt mine. Read on to know all about the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances.

Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

How to enter Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances

Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances explained

Daniłowicz Shaft entrance

This entrance serves as the gateway to the Tourists Route of the mine. Here, visitors can explore the mesmerizing chambers adorned with intricate salt sculptures and witness the underground wonders that have captivated visitors for centuries.

How to reach? Visitors can easily reach the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance by car, bus, or train from Krakow. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes by car and slightly longer by public transportation.

Timings: The tourist route to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Average wait time: If you don’t have your tickets booked in advance, you might have to wait about 30 minutes to an hour to get your tickets and head inside the salt mine. The best thing to do is book your Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets online and choose either a guided tour or skip-the-line tickets. This way, you can enter the attraction in about 5 to 10 minutes.

Facilities: The entrance is equipped with ticket counters, restrooms, lockers, an ATM, and a cafe. Please note that these facilities, except the cafe, are located on the surface at the entrance and not underground.

Accessibility: Limited accessibility

Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance

Regis Shaft entrance

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Regis Shaft offers access to the Miners' route of the mine. Delve into the heart of the salt mine and discover the labyrinthine tunnels where miners toiled for generations, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of their labor.

How to reach? Similar to the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance, you can reach the Regis Shaft entrance by car, bus, or train from Krakow. It's a short journey from the Krakow city center, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Timings: The Regis Shaft entrance is open from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Average wait time: If you don’t have your tickets booked in advance, you might have to wait about 30 minutes to an hour to get your tickets and head inside the salt mine. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long waits.

Facilities: The entrance is equipped with essential amenities like ticket counters, restrooms, and lockers. Please note that these facilities are located on the surface at the entrance and not underground.

Accessibility: No

Wieliczka Salt Mine disabled access

The Daniłowicz Shaft entrance has a wheelchair-friendly elevator, granting access to the Tourist Route. While a significant portion of the salt mine caters to those with reduced mobility, it's worth noting that not all areas are accessible. Due to the mine's natural formation and age, some parts may pose challenges with uneven terrain. Nonetheless, efforts are made to ensure inclusivity wherever possible.




How to enter Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
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From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
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4 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included
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zł234.66
From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour
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11 hr.
Guided tour
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Hotel pickup
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zł392.23
Combo (Save 5%): Wieliczka Salt Mine + Schindler's Factory Guided Tour
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Guided tour
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zł197.60
Wawel Castle, Cathedral and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Lunch
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7 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included
Meals included
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zł569.63

Frequently asked questions about Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances

How many Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances are there?

There are two entrances to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, each offering its unique experience. The Daniłowicz Shaft Entrance allows visitors to explore the Tourist Route, while the Regis Shaft entrance is designated for the Miners' Route, offering a deeper dive into the miners' life.

What is the average wait time at the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance?

The wait time at the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance can vary depending on the season and time of day. On average, expect to wait anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance is used for guided tours?

Both entrances, the Daniłowicz Shaft and the Regis Shaft are used for Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tours. However, you'll have to choose the entrance depending on the specific route (Tourist Route or Miners' Route) you want to explore.

Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do visitors with disabilities use?

Visitors with disabilities are encouraged to use the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance, which provides accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The Tourist Route at this entrance is also designed to accommodate visitors with special needs.

Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do I use if I have already purchased tickets?

If you've already purchased tickets for the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, you can use either entrance, depending on the route you wish to explore. 

Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do I use if I don’t have tickets?

If you haven't purchased salt mine tickets in advance, you can still use either entrance to the mine. However, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

To minimize wait times at the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances, consider visiting during off-peak hours, typically early mornings or late afternoons. Additionally, purchasing your tickets online in advance allows you to bypass ticketing lines and proceed directly to the entrance.

What time should I visit Wieliczka Salt Mine to avoid waiting in line?

To avoid long wait times, aim to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine during weekdays and outside of peak tourist seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience without the hassle of long queues.

Is there a lift in the salt mines, Krakow?

Yes, there is a lift (elevator) in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow. The lift is primarily used for transporting visitors back to the surface after the tour. However, to begin the tour, you will typically need to descend a long staircase. The lift is not usually used for descending into the mine, so you should be prepared for this initial walk down.