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Getting to Kraków

By air

Kraków is served by Kraków Airport (John Paul II International Airport, KRK), about 12 km from the city, with direct flights from many European cities and onward links worldwide. Katowice Airport (KTW) is an alternative, about 1.5 hours away.

By train

Kraków Główny, the main railway station, has direct international connections — including Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Lviv — as well as frequent domestic trains from Warsaw and across Poland.

By car

Kraków is on the A4 and S7 motorways. Note that much of the Old Town is a car-free zone with limited parking, so a car is rarely needed in the city centre.

Once you’re in Kraków, see Venue for how to reach the ICE Congress Centre.

Where to stay

The hotels below have offered discounted rates to our participants in previous editions, and are all in the city centre within easy reach of the venue. Rates and booking details for 2027 will be confirmed here soon — in the meantime, this gives you a sense of well-located options.

  • Ibis Kraków Centrum ★★★ — Władysława Syrokomli 2
  • Novotel Kraków Centrum ★★★★ — Tadeusza Kościuszki 5
  • Golden Tulip Kraków Kazimierz ★★★★ — Krakowska 28
  • Golden Tulip Kraków City Center ★★★★ — Łobzowska 8
  • Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto ★★★★ — Pawia 18B
  • TRIBE Kraków Old Town ★★★★ — Worcella 8

Partner hotel rates and booking codes for 2027 — coming soon.

Finding accommodation yourself

Kraków has options for every budget. Useful resources:

Hotels: Booking.com · Expedia

Apartments: Airbnb · VRBO — often cost-effective if you’re travelling with colleagues

Hostels: Hostelworld

Visa & invitation letters

Poland is part of the Schengen Area. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Poland. Citizens of the EU and many other countries can enter without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Requirements vary by nationality and may change, so always check the official requirements for your country: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas

Invitation letters

An invitation letter for visa purposes is available to participants who have confirmed and paid their registration in full. The letter is issued on official PIEBM letterhead and includes the conference name, dates, venue and your details. It does not imply that the organizers provide any financial support.

To request one, email ai@piebm.org with confirmation of your in-person registration. Please check with your local embassy regarding which documents are required, as this can differ between delegates from the same country.

Apply early

Schengen visa processing can take several weeks. We recommend applying at least 45–90 days before the conference. Many embassies also require travel medical insurance covering your stay.

Please note

An invitation letter confirms your invitation to the conference. It does not guarantee that a visa will be granted — the decision rests entirely with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Good to know

Currency

Polish złoty (PLN)

Time zone

Central European Time (CET / CEST in May)

Power

Type E sockets, 230 V

Weather in May

Mild spring, typically 12–22 °C — pack layers and a light jacket