How to get to Kraków and the LB-12 Conference Site:

Kraków can be easily reached from most European cities by various means of transportation.
 
By air
The John Paul II International and Domestic Airport Kraków - Balice (http://www.lotnisko-balice.pl/strona_en.html) is located in the outskirts of the city, but can be easily reached by taxi - 50 PLN (about 15 EUR), car (rentals are available at the airport) or local transportation: buses No 192 (every 40 min).
Traveling time is circa 35 min. Please purchase regular public transportation tickets (2,50 PLN/person and 2,50 PLN/luggage).
Alternatively, shuttle train service links the airport with the Kraków Glówny - the Main Railway Station in the city centre. On average, trains run every 30 minutes between 4 a.m. and midnight. The 12-kilometre long journey takes about 15 min. A single ticket costs 4 PLN. It can be purchased on board.
The Krakow-Balice Station is located app. 300 m from the passenger terminal, you can get there by foot (about 5 min. walk) or take a free shuttle bus service which operates between the terminal and the Krakow-Balice Station; this is a 3 minute trip from the airport terminal building.
 
By train
The city can be easily and comfortably accessed by train from all larger cities in Poland. For more information see the website: www.pkp.com.pl/ (page in polish).
 
By road
Several bus companies run regular international services to Kraków and many other cities in Poland. Kraków has direct access to the international motorways E40 and E77. Roads in Poland are marked with international traffic signs, and traffic regulations are similar to those in operation in other European countries.
 

Practical information

People
The population of Poland is 38 million. Over 1,8 million live in Warsaw - the capital of Poland. Polish is the official language. English and German are among the better-known foreign languages. The population is largely of Polish descent and more than 90% profess to be Roman Catholics.
 
Currency
The official Polish unit of currency is zloty; major convertible foreign currencies may be changed into Polish zlotys at banks, hotels and at private currency-exchange offices (kantors). In general, traveller's checks can be cashed and all major credit cards are accepted. 1 EUR = 3,80 PLN (Polish zloties), 1 USD=2,9 PLN, 100 JPY=2.23 PLN. There are many cash points located in vicinity of banks. They accept VISA and Master cards.
 
Climate
Poland lies in the zone of moderate climate, intermediate between the marine and continental climates and the weather can be rather changeable. For current information, see http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/PLXX0012.html
There is usually a beautiful warm weather in Poland in July. The temperature can be very high, ranging from 25 till 30 C.
 

More practical information for participants

Shops and banks
Food stores are generally open between 6.00 or 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Other shops tend to be open between 10.00 a.m. or 11.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Many are also open on Sunday. The chain and shopping malls are open long hours, usually from 8.00 a.m. to 10 p.m. or later on weekends. Poland is fast becoming a shopper's paradise. The most popular souvenir is amber from the Baltic sea. Poland is also known for its silver jewellery. Small family-owned galleries sell various products of handmade crafts and pottery. Regular banking hours are 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Banks, shops, restaurants and other public institutions stay open at lunchtime.
 
Electricity
Poland's power grid supplies 230V/50 Hz current; round, European-style, two pin plugs are used.
 
Telephones
Direct connections are available with almost all countries.
 
Car parks
Parking facilities are available at most hotels and downtown parking lots . Most of them are paid.
 
Insurance
The organizers will not take any responsibility for any kind of personal injury or property damage during the conference. Visitors are advised to make arrangements for their own personal insurance.