Yes, you can smoke at Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK): after security in the outdoor smoking area on the non-Schengen side, reached through the corridor to Gates 19–24 beside the Sky Lounge restaurant, and before security at the airport’s designated area in front of the entrance to the VIP Terminal. On the Schengen side, ask staff whether the glass cabin opposite Gate 1 is still open.

Flying from Katowice instead? See where to smoke at Katowice Airport.

After Security: Non-Schengen Zone (Gates 19–24)

On the non-Schengen side, after passport control, go through the Sky Lounge restaurant to the corridor leading to Gates 19–24; since May 2026 these gates have their own pre-departure building with an outdoor smoking area, which travellers described in May 2026 as open-air with a little cover. Once through passport control you cannot return to the Schengen zone.

After Security: Schengen Zone (Gate 1)

On the Schengen side, a glass smoking cabin stands opposite Gate 1; ask staff after security whether it is still open. On 16 July 2026 a reader wrote that the cabin’s doors did not close and the smoke went into the hall.

Glass smoking cabin branded IQOS on the Schengen side of Kraków Airport, July 2026The glass smoking cabin on the Schengen side, photographed by a reader on 16 July 2026

Before Security (Landside)

Before security, smoking is allowed outside the building only. The airport’s designated smoking area in the public zone is in front of the entrance to the VIP Terminal; ask staff to point you to it.

Vaping

Kraków Airport publishes no vaping rule, so ask staff before you vape in a smoking area or anywhere in the terminal.

Summary

AreaSmokingNotes
Non-Schengen zone (after passport control)YesOutdoor smoking area, corridor to Gates 19–24, beside the Sky Lounge restaurant
Schengen zone (after security)Ask staffGlass cabin opposite Gate 1; on 16 July 2026 a reader wrote that its doors did not close
Before security (landside)YesDesignated area in front of the VIP Terminal entrance; outside the building only
VapingAsk staffThe airport publishes no vaping rule

For Poland’s airport smoking rules and vaping law, see our Poland airport guide.

Last updated:

Smoker Tips and Reviews

2 entries from travelers

Add yours →
★ 1/10 Anonymous Traveler

The doors do not close.

Translated from Ukrainian — show original

Двері не закриваються

Smoking area at Krakow (KRK) airport — Двері не закриваються
★ 1/10 Anonymous Traveler

The doors do not close, all the smoke goes into the hall!!!!

Translated from Ukrainian — show original

Двері не закриваються, весь дим йде в зал!!!!

Smoking area at Krakow (KRK) airport — Двері не закриваються, весь дим йде в зал!!!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke after security at Kraków Airport?

Yes, on the non-Schengen side: the smoking area after security is outdoors, reached through the corridor to Gates 19–24 beside the Sky Lounge restaurant, after passport control. On the Schengen side, ask staff whether the glass cabin opposite Gate 1 is still open; on 16 July 2026 a reader wrote that its doors did not close.

Where is the smoking area at Kraków Airport?

After security, in the non-Schengen zone: go through passport control, then through the Sky Lounge restaurant to the corridor leading to Gates 19–24. Before security, the airport’s designated area is in the public zone, in front of the entrance to the VIP Terminal.

Can you smoke before security at Kraków Airport?

Yes — outside the building only; the airport’s designated area in the public zone is in front of the entrance to the VIP Terminal.

Can you vape at Kraków Airport?

Kraków Airport publishes no vaping rule, so ask staff before you vape in a smoking area or anywhere in the terminal.

Does Kraków Airport have one terminal?

One passenger terminal handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, and since May 2026 non-Schengen passengers wait for Gates 19–24 in a separate pre-departure building beyond passport control, where the outdoor smoking area is.

Can I smoke during a layover at Kraków Airport?

Yes, if your onward flight is non-Schengen: the outdoor smoking area by Gates 19–24 is past passport control. On a Schengen connection, ask staff whether the glass cabin opposite Gate 1 is still open; once through passport control you cannot return to the Schengen zone.