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

Which entrance should you use at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

  • Use the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance for most visits.
  • Shortest queues (most days): Daniłowicz Shaft, especially with early time slots.
  • Skip-the-line/timed tickets: Daniłowicz Shaft, enter via the ticket holders’ lane.
  • Guided tours meet here: Daniłowicz Shaft, outside the main entrance.
  • Wheelchair access: Regis Shaft, which offers a step-free route and elevators.
  • All visitors go through security and arrive at least 15 minutes early.

How many entrances are there at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Wieliczka Salt Mine has two main visitor entrances, both located in the town of Wieliczka, just outside Krakow.

  • The Daniłowicz Shaft, near the town center, is the primary entrance for most tourists and guided tours. 
  • The Regis Shaft, slightly farther away, is mainly used for group access and visitors requiring step-free entry. Entry is ticketed and time-slotted, and all visitors pass security. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance & queues by ticket type

TicketUse this entranceSkips the ticket line?Notes
Tour + Skip-the-Line

Daniłowicz Shaft (ticket-holders / group lane)

Yes (ticket desk), no for security

Arrive ≤15 mins early; follow staff signage for guided groups.

From Krakow: Tour + Entry

Daniłowicz Shaft (group entrance)

Yes (ticket desk), no for security

Transfers included; meet your guide at the designated pickup point in Krakow.

Guided Tour with Lunch

Daniłowicz Shaft (group lane)

Yes (ticket desk), no for security

Entry time coordinated by guide after Wawel visit; lunch included.

Auschwitz + Wieliczka Tour

Daniłowicz Shaft (group lane)

Yes (ticket desk), no for security

Visit order may vary; follow your guide’s instructions closely.

Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances explained

Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance with flags and tower in Poland.

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 Regis Shaft entrance with historic architecture and mining tower.

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

Meet your guide at the right entrance, save time underground

Most guided and skip-the-line visits to the Wieliczka Salt Mine start at the Daniłowicz Shaft, where staff direct ticket holders straight to the correct group lane. Booking a guided tour with a timed slot helps you avoid ticket desk queues and ensures smooth entry at one of the busiest gates. Your guide handles coordination, so you can focus on the chambers, chapels, and sculptures below, without worrying about where to go.

Guide holding a brochure at the entrance of Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland.

Accessible entrances at Wieliczka Salt Mine

  • The Regis Shaft is the primary wheelchair-accessible entrance at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It offers a step-free route into the underground complex. It is equipped with elevators that transport visitors between levels, making it suitable for wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility. This entrance is typically used for special-access visits and organized groups, and access is coordinated in advance.
  • The Daniłowicz Shaft, the main public entrance, involves stairs and uneven underground paths and is not suitable for wheelchairs. While signage is clear at both entrances, tactile paving and braille signage are limited due to the historic nature of the site.
  • Visitors with certified disabilities may be eligible for discounted or free entry for one companion, depending on ticket type and documentation. It’s strongly recommended to contact the official Wieliczka Salt Mine administration in advance to confirm availability and access arrangements.

Security, bags & re-entry

Security officer conducting bag check at public event.
  • Mandatory security checks for all visitors; allow extra time during peak hours.
  • Large bags and suitcases are not allowed underground; carry compact daypacks only.
  • Paid lockers are available near the entrance for restricted items.
  • Photography gear may be checked; flash photography is prohibited.
  • No re-entry once you exit the mine after completing the tour.

Navigation between the entrances

The Daniłowicz Shaft and Regis Shaft entrances are about a 10–12 minute walk apart within the town of Wieliczka. From the Daniłowicz Shaft, follow Daniłowicza Street toward Plac Kościuszki, then continue straight to reach the Regis Shaft. The route is mostly flat and well signposted. Taxis are also available if you need a quicker or more accessible transfer between entrances.

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.

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