I along with 3 friends are travelling to Krakow at the start of November, we are visiting Auschwitz, what is the best way to get there from the city centre??
Oświęcim is 75km west of Kraków and is served by frequent buses (1.5hrs, 10-15zł) which leave from the station at ul. Bosacka (E-1) and two early trains (1,5hrs, 7zł) daily.
Some buses drop you off at Auschwitz Museum, others will leave you at Oświęcim train station from where local buses N°2, 3, 4, 5, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 (tickets at the kiosk, 1.20zł) go to the museum. The two camps are 3km apart. Buses leave for Auschwitz II - Birkenau every hour from the car park of Auschwitz I. Alternatively, take a taxi between the two for 10zł. Waiting minibus taxis run by Malarek Tours can take you back to Kraków - a group of eight would pay 25-35zł/person.
Most of the hotels will organise a round trip if you are prepared to pay more money.
I was in krakow and I went there by train - it is cheap and direct! Give it a go! Also, don't pay for the guided tour - buy the information booklet and go round there yourself - its just as good but you can go round there t your own pace instead of being stuck in a group, which is a bit annoying!