Only about 7km west from the Old Town, Wolski Forest is one of the Kraków's closest and easiest escapes. Essentially a giant, hilly nature preserve on the city's outskirts, there are very few roads through the forest, but the Zoo's presence at its centre makes this the most logical and popular point of access.

By Bus

Car access to Las Wolski is restricted to those with special permits. On weekdays you have to pay 15zł to go all the way to the Zoo entrance; on weekends cars are only permitted as far as a parking lot 1km from the Zoo, which also costs 15zł (for first 5hrs, 3zł/hr after that); from there you can follow a path to the Zoo, or catch bus 134 which stops there.

Given the restrictions, it's more sensible to take the bus. Bus 134 leaves from ‘Cracovia Stadion’ (ul. Kałuży) near the Błonia every 30mins starting at 04:40 and takes passengers to the Zoo at the very centre of the forest in about 15mins. You can take bicycles on the bus, but don't expect a special place to store them.

To the right of the Zoo entrance you’ll find a map of all the trails in the area, the most popular of which is the red trail which leads north to Piłsudski Mound, and south to the Camaldolese Monastery; alternatively, take the yellow trail southwest to visit Przegorzały Castle and the U Ziyada Restaurant. Before you set out, however, make sure to take a look at the timetables at the bus stop and have a plan for your return into town; unless you're headed to Przegorzały (there is a bus stop below the castle), your best option is likely to return to this spot to catch the bus back to the Old Town.

Bus 109 also makes the trip to Las Wolski from 'Cracovia Stadion' Mon-Fri every 40mins from 05:04-22:15, and on weekends from 06:47-18:32, dropping off at Przegorzały Castle ('Przegorzały').

For up-to-date bus schedules, check jakdojade.pl/krakow.

By Taxi

If you prefer taking a taxi, the trip from the Old Town to the Zoo will likely cost 35zł and take 30mins; to Przegorzały Castle 20-35zł, 20mins. Bear in mind that it's best to ask and establish a general price beforehand in order to avoid surprises. Try iCar: (+48) 12 653 55 55. Uber and Bolt are also available.
 

By Bike

Las Wolski is extremely popular for cyclists, and offers plenty of trails (both paved and unpaved) if you've got a hearty mountain bike. This is a great way to explore the different destinations inside the forest, but the cycling journey to Las Wolski from the centre is a worthwhile adventure in itself, which takes in plenty of sights along the way. Start from Wawel and head west along the river to the Norbertine Monastery, then up ul. Św. Bronisławy, which turns into Al. Waszyngtona and takes you past Kościuszko  Mound; the Zoo is about a 20min scenic ride through the woods from there (3.4km). The entire route from the Castle to the Zoo is about 8km and would take less than 45mins if you didn't stop to smell the history and culture along the way.