10 Best Driving Routes Near Krakow
Routes26 lutego 202512 min czytania

10 Best Driving Routes Near Krakow

Discover Małopolska behind the wheel – our favorite routes from Shiro Car Rent. From Zakopane to Eagle's Nests Trail, through scenic serpentines and picturesque roads.

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Introduction

Sometimes the best way to really experience Małopolska is to simply... get in a car and drive forward.

At Shiro Car Rent, we love those moments when Krakow is in the rearview mirror and ahead of us begins a road through hills, forests and serpentines. We've gathered 10 routes that give the most driving pleasure — whether you're driving a compact city car or a sports machine.

1. Krakow → Zakopane (via Rabka and Nowy Targ)

Distance: ~110 km
Travel time: 2–2.5 h

Traditional route but still one of the most beautiful. Tatra views from the road between Nowy Targ and Zakopane can amaze every time.

➡️ Perfect for drivers who want to combine driving with mountain recreation.

Krakow Zakopane route by car with Tatra view
photo: Krzysztof Baraniak - Fotografia

2. Eagle's Nests Trail (Krakow → Ojców Park → Ogrodzieniec Castle)

Distance: 90 km
Travel time: ~2 h

One of the most picturesque roads in Poland. Winding sections through Prądnik Valley, rocks, castles and calm asphalt.

➡️ Perfect route for driving and photography enthusiasts.

Ogrodzieniec Castle on Eagle's Nests Trail, Małopolska
photo: Anna Piernikarczyk PolskieSzlaki.pl

3. Krakow → Lanckorona → Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Distance: 40 km
Travel time: ~1 h

Charming, winding roads through small villages, fields and forests. In Lanckorona, it's worth stopping for coffee and a walk through old wooden streets.

Lanckorona market square aerial view by car from Krakow
photo: Anna Piernikarczyk PolskieSzlaki.pl

4. Krakow → Rożnowskie Lake (via Nowy Sącz)

Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 2.5–3 h

Route with long sections perfect for smooth driving. Worth planning a lakeside stop — perfect place for a picnic and photos.

view of Rożnowskie Lake from the road
photo: mynaszlaku.pl

5. Krakow → Zalipie – "The Painted Village"

Distance: 100 km
Travel time: ~2 h

Road through picturesque fields and small towns, and at the end a unique place full of colorful painted houses.

house in Zalipie Małopolska car route from Krakow
photo: Ewelina Gac

6. Krakow → Czorsztyn → Niedzica (route along Czorsztyn Lake)

Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 2.5 h

Winding, scenic sections along the lake. Castles, bridges and serpentines along the way — paradise for every driver.

Niedzica Castle and Czorsztyn Lake view from road
photo: zamekniedzica.pl

7. Krakow → Kryspinów → Alwernia → Tyniec

Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 1 h

Short, pleasant route perfect for an afternoon trip. In Tyniec, you can stop by the Vistula River or visit the monastery.

Tyniec monastery view from road by car from Krakow
photo: Zygmunt Put Zetpe0202

8. Krakow → Limanowa → Szczawa → Nowy Sącz

Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2.5–3 h

Road with beautiful bends, especially between Limanowa and Szczawa. For sports driving enthusiasts — a must-try.

road through Beskid Wyspowy mountains near Limanowa
photo: GDDKiA

9. Krakow → Wadowice → Zator (Energylandia)

Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1–1.5 h

Perfect route for a family weekend or spontaneous trip with friends. Combination of pleasant road and tourist attractions.

Zator Energylandia car route from Krakow
photo: Energylandia

10. Krakow → Stary Sącz → Piwniczna-Zdrój

Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 3 h

Scenic, peaceful route through valleys and hills, perfect for a full-day trip. In Piwniczna — great restaurants and mountain atmosphere.

view of Poprad and road to Piwniczna by car from Krakow
photo: kopanina.pl

Practical tips for the trip

  • Check the weather – especially in mountains, conditions can change quickly
  • Fill up before departure – fuel in the city is usually cheaper
  • Bring snacks and water – always good to have something on hand
  • Plan stops – for photos, food and rest
  • Check car condition – tire pressure, fluid levels

What car to choose for Małopolska routes?

For mountain serpentines (Zakopane, Piwniczna):

  • SUV – stable on curves, safe
  • Sports car – if you want driving pleasure

For peaceful routes (Lanckorona, Tyniec):

  • Compact – economical, comfortable
  • Estate – if traveling with family

For long distances (Rożnowskie Lake, Piwniczna):

  • Sedan – comfortable on long routes
  • SUV – spacious and safe

Conclusion

Whether you fancy a short trip or a full-day adventure — within 150 km of Krakow you'll find hundreds of kilometers of perfect driving routes.

At Shiro Car Rent we offer cars that will work on all of them — no deposit, flexible conditions and quick pickup at your chosen location.

➡️ Book online and hit the road today!

Article tags:

RoutesMałopolskaKrakowTripsWeekend

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