Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The International Book Fair in Krakow is a premier event dedicated to the publishing and bookselling industry, organized since 1997. This year's theme celebrates the 90th anniversary of poet Agnieszka Osiecka, emphasizing the importance of literature in fostering human connections.
The fair will feature numerous exhibitors, including both Polish and international publishers, and is open to the general public, making it a vibrant hub for literary exchange. International Book Fair in Krakow takes.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The 29th International Book Fair in Krakow takes place from October 22 to 25, 2026, at EXPO Kraków.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a significant gathering for the publishing industry, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The fair is organized by Targi w Krakowie Ltd., known for hosting prominent literary events.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include publishers, authors, booksellers, and literary professionals, influencing the book market.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online, with various ticket options for different visitor categories.
Why visit
Attendees can explore a wide range of books and meet authors, publishers, and industry professionals. The fair offers unique networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends in publishing. Visitors can participate in various events, including author signings, panel discussions, and workshops, enhancing their understanding of the literary world.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the fair provides unparalleled visibility to a diverse audience of book lovers and industry professionals. Exhibitors can showcase their latest titles and engage directly with potential buyers. The event serves as a platform for launching new products and fostering partnerships within the publishing community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Publishers looking to expand their market reach
Booksellers seeking new titles and authors
Librarians interested in the latest literary trends
Authors promoting their works and connecting with readers
Students and educators exploring educational resources
Literary agents scouting for new talent
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Publishing houses showcasing new releases
Book distributors and wholesalers
Cultural institutions promoting literary initiatives
Authors presenting their latest works
Educational publishers targeting schools and libraries
Media companies covering the event
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fiction and non-fiction books across genres
Children's literature and educational materials
Digital media and e-books
Publishing services and technology
Literary magazines and journals
Merchandise related to books and authors
Location & Facilities
Venue
EXPO Kraków
9 Galicyjska Street, 31-586 Kraków
Facilities
Parking
EXPO Kraków in Kraków typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: EXPO Kraków in Kraków typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at EXPO Kraków for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
22 – 25 October 2026:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
General admission
Normal ticket (Thursday-Friday)
5General admission
Normal ticket (Saturday)
7General admission
Normal ticket (Sunday)
6General admission
Discounted ticket for students and children
3
Who runs the show
Organisers
Targi w Krakowie Sp. z o.o.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Kraków, Poland
Why it matters
On 2026-10-22 to 2026-10-25, International Book Fair in Krakow in Kraków covering Fiction and non-fiction books across genres, Children's literature and educational materials, Digital media and e-books, gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Kraków John Paul II International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
3-star
Kraków Airport (KRK) area4.6
Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport
4-star
Kraków Airport (KRK) area4.5
DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Center
4-star
Kraków city centre4.6
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
5-star
Kraków city centre4.5
Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments, Krakow
4-star
Kraków city centre4.5
Park Inn by Radisson Krakow
4-star
Kraków city centreLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. PLN 90-130 one way (25-35 min)
Best forKraków John Paul II International (KRK) to EXPO Kraków
Metered taxi or pre-booked transfer from the terminal forecourt. Confirm the meter or fixed price before departure; show the driver ul. Galicyjska 9. Fares are approximate and depend on traffic.
airport rail + tram
Estimated costApprox. PLN 12-17 rail plus PLN 4-6 tram/bus single ticket
Best forKRK terminal to Kraków Główny, then tram/bus to EXPO Kraków
Cheapest reliable route: train to the main station, then a city tram or bus south-east to the Podgórze/EXPO area. Allow 50-70 minutes total with a change and keep tickets validated.
tram / bus
Estimated costApprox. PLN 4-6 per single 20-minute ticket
Best forKraków city centre to EXPO Kraków
ZTP Kraków tickets are sold in machines and via the Jakdojade app; validate on boarding. Exact route numbers change with works, so use live journey planning on the day.
rideshare (Bolt / Uber / FreeNow)
Estimated costApprox. PLN 30-50 per trip
Best forKraków old town or Kazimierz to EXPO Kraków
Usually cheaper than a street taxi for city-centre trips and convenient for evening returns; expect surge pricing after the Saturday public day closes.
24-hour transit pass
Estimated costApprox. PLN 22 per 24-hour pass
Best forKraków city-wide tram and bus network
Good value if you are making three or more journeys a day between hotel, EXPO Kraków and evening meetings; buy and activate in the app or at a ticket machine.
parking
Estimated costApprox. PLN 20-40 per day
Best forEXPO Kraków on-site car park, ul. Galicyjska 9
On-site parking is available and fills early on Saturday; check the venue or organiser site for current tariffs and payment method before driving in.
Weather
Late October in Kraków is cool autumn weather. Expect daytime highs typically around 8-14 C and night temperatures around 3-7 C, with a realistic chance of rain on several days and roughly 40-50 mm across the month. Mornings can be misty and halls and trams are warm, so layers work better than a single heavy coat. Sunset falls around 17:20-17:40 by 25 October, so plan evening walks accordingly. Values are climatological estimates; confirm the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Kraków has strong 4G/5G mobile coverage across the city and at EXPO Kraków. EU visitors can use roam-like-at-home on their home tariff; non-EU visitors can buy a prepaid SIM from Orange, Play or T-Mobile at the airport or in city-centre shops, usually with ID. Venue Wi-Fi is typically available in halls and meeting areas but can be congested at peak times, so download the schedule, floor plan and any rights catalogues before arrival and keep a power bank for long stand days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and language
A simple 'dzien dobry' opens most conversations in shops, hotels and taxi desks, and 'dziekuje' is thank you. English is widely spoken in central Kraków and at the fairground, but exhibitor stands run by smaller Polish publishers may operate mainly in Polish, so bring a contact who can bridge the language or use a translation app for detailed rights talks.
Paying and tipping
Kraków is heavily cashless, with contactless cards accepted at stands, cafes, trams and ticket machines. A small amount of PLN cash helps at independent book stands and markets. In restaurants a tip of around 10 percent is normal; check whether service is already included on the bill.
Fair etiquette
The book fair mixes trade and public audiences. On publisher stands, ask before handling display copies, and do not block the front table during a scheduled author signing. Rights meetings are usually pre-booked and time-boxed, so arrive on time and keep printed catalogues ready.
Hours and Sunday trading
Poland has restrictions on Sunday trading for many retailers, although fair stands and cultural events operate under their own rules. Check opening hours for city bookshops and museums if you are extending your stay around the Sunday fair day.
Getting around politely
Queue for trams and ticket machines, validate tickets on boarding, and give up priority seats. Trams can be crowded after the halls close, so allow a few extra minutes or walk to a different stop if the first service is full.
Autumn city rhythm
Late October is a normal working month in Kraków, not a holiday peak, so restaurants and trams are busy with residents rather than tourists. Evenings are cool and dark early, so plan dinners close to your hotel or along well-lit tram routes.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: KRK
Captured round-trip economy samples for the 22-26 October 2026 window include London at roughly PLN 817-1,566, Dubai at roughly PLN 3,209, New York at roughly PLN 3,040, Singapore at roughly PLN 2,983, Tokyo at roughly PLN 6,914 and Sydney at roughly PLN 5,953, all including taxes and fees for one adult. Kraków John Paul II International (KRK) is a single-terminal airport with direct European links and one-stop connections via Warsaw, Frankfurt, Munich or Amsterdam for long-haul origins. Book six to ten weeks ahead for the best fare mix, allow at least two hours for connections, and remember that checked bags and seat selection may cost extra. Fares fluctuate, so re-check prices and baggage rules before ticketing.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Kraków John Paul II International (KRK). Allow road or rail time to EXPO Kraków; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near EXPO Kraków: Kraków Airport (KRK) area: Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport; Kraków Airport (KRK) area: Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport; Kraków city centre: DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Center.
Ride-hail: Bolt, Uber and FreeNow operate in Kraków and are widely used for trips between the old town, Kazimierz and EXPO Kraków. At Kraków Airport, follow signs to the designated ride-hail pick-up area outside the terminal rather than hailing at the taxi rank. Expect roughly PLN 30-50 for a city-centre to fairground trip and possible surge pricing after the Saturday public day closes. Confirm the car and price in the app before getting in.
Public transit: Kraków's tram and bus network is managed by ZTP Kraków. Single 20-minute tickets cost around PLN 4-6, with 24-hour passes around PLN 22, sold at ticket machines, in the Jakdojade app and at some kiosks; validate paper tickets on boarding. EXPO Kraków sits in the Podgórze district and is served by tram and bus routes from the centre, but route numbers and stops change with engineering works, so use live journey planning on the day. The airport rail link to Kraków Główny connects to the city network, making a rail-plus-tram combination the cheapest way from KRK to the fairground.
Parking: EXPO Kraków has on-site parking accessed from ul. Galicyjska. Approximate day rates are around PLN 20-40, paid on site, but tariffs and payment methods should be confirmed with the venue before driving in. The car park fills early on Saturday, the busiest public day, and during build-up and breakdown windows. If you are staying in the city centre, a tram or taxi is usually simpler than driving and parking at the halls.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October (autumn)
Temperature: Approx. 3-7 C at night and 8-14 C by day; confirm the forecast before travel
Seasonality: Autumn is changeable in Kraków, with frequent showers and roughly 40-50 mm of rain spread across the month. Daylight shortens noticeably during the fair, with sunset around 17:20-17:40 by 25 October, and morning mist is common.
Packing: Pack layers rather than one heavy coat: a warm mid-layer, a waterproof outer jacket, an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for concrete exhibition halls, and a scarf or light gloves for cool evenings. Bring a universal power adapter for Polish type E sockets, a power bank for long stand days, and a foldable tote or small trolley if you plan to buy books.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at International Book Fair in Krakow usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Days 14-12: Confirm the 22-25 October 2026 dates against the organiser schedule page and decide which days you need for trade meetings versus public browsing.
T-2
Fair day: Arrive at EXPO Kraków before the first session you care about, allow time for bag checks at the entrance, and keep the afternoon free for unplanned stand conversations.
Day 12
Buy the correct ticket tier for your days. Remember Thursday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday are priced separately, and the discounted student and child rate needs valid ID at the gate.
Day 11
Book flights into Kraków John Paul II International (KRK). October is a normal business travel month, but weekend seats around the Saturday public day fill earlier.
Day 10
Reserve a hotel for the 22-25 October window. Airport-area hotels suit early flights; city-centre hotels suit evening restaurant plans and tram access to EXPO Kraków.
Day 9
Sketch your stand route from the exhibitor list. Mark the publishers, distributors and English-language importers you must speak to rather than walking the halls at random.
Day 8
Check which author signings and premieres matter to you and note their day and stage so you do not miss a timed session.
Day 7
Plan your Kraków transit. Load the Jakdojade app, check tram and bus connections from your hotel to EXPO Kraków, and keep a contactless card ready for ticket machines.
Day 6
Prepare a book budget and a carry strategy. Publisher stands sell directly, and a foldable tote or small trolley keeps heavy catalogues and purchases manageable.
Day 5
If you are meeting rights or distribution contacts, confirm meeting slots by email and share your title list in advance.
Day 4
Pack for cool, wet autumn weather: layers, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes for concrete exhibition halls, and a universal power adapter for Polish type E sockets.
Day 3
Check the visa and travel document position for Schengen entry if you are travelling from outside the EU, and confirm any business invitation letter you may need.
Day 2
Download the schedule and floor plan to your phone, note hall opening times, and set a meeting point for any colleagues you are travelling with.
Day 1
Re-check your flight, hotel and ticket confirmations, charge power banks, and keep a printed copy of your hotel address in Polish for taxi drivers.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at EXPO Kraków
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2International Book Fair in Krakow registration concourse
EXPO Kraków
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
EXPO Kraków
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 5 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 5 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether International Book Fair in Krakow fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For International Book Fair in Krakow, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Fiction and non-fiction books across genres and Children's literature and educat solutions and benchmarking suppliers at International Book Fair in Krakow in Kraków.
Min. budget
$457.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Fiction and non-fiction books across genres and Children's literature and educat products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Kraków show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Targi Książki w Krakowie
- The official Polish name of the Kraków Book Fair, the annual autumn book trade and reader fair held at EXPO Kraków; the 2026 edition runs 22-25 October.
- Wydawnictwo
- Polish for publishing house. At the fair the word appears on stand signage and in the exhibitor list for publishers large and small, from literary imprints to educational and children's houses.
- Księgarnia
- Polish for bookshop. Independent bookshops and chain booksellers attend as buyers, and many also run stand sales of exhibitor titles during public days.
- Spotkanie autorskie
- An author meeting or signing session. These are scheduled throughout the fair on publisher stands and on programme stages, and are the main reason general-public visitors plan a day around a specific hour.
- Premiera
- A book premiere. Polish publishers time autumn releases to the fair, so many titles get their first public sale and author appearance at EXPO Kraków.
- Foreign rights
- Translation and territorial licensing rights sold by a publisher or literary agency. Rights meetings at the fair are booked in advance and usually run to a fixed 30-minute slot in a quieter meeting area.
- Rights catalogue
- A publisher's seasonal list of titles offered for translation, with synopses, page counts, formats and contact details for the rights manager. Bring printed or tablet copies to rights meetings.
- Frontlist and backlist
- Frontlist is the current season's new titles; backlist is the still-selling older catalogue. Exhibitors typically give frontlist the stand facade and keep backlist in catalogue form for buyers.
- Nakład
- Polish for print run. Rights and distribution conversations at the fair often start with the Polish print run and sales history of a title before terms are discussed.
- ISBN
- The International Standard Book Number that identifies a specific edition. Exhibitors should have ISBNs and price data ready for any title sold or catalogued at the stand.
- Dystrybutor
- A distributor who supplies bookshops and online retailers. Distribution and wholesale partners use the fair to review the next season's list rather than to browse single copies.
- Dzień targowy
- A fair day. The 2026 edition runs Thursday to Sunday, with the weekend days drawing the largest general-public crowds and the weekday days the heaviest trade and rights traffic.
- Bilet ulgowy
- A discounted ticket, offered for students and children. The organiser publishes the discounted rate alongside the normal Thursday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday ticket prices.
- EXPO Kraków
- The exhibition centre on ul. Galicyjska in the Podgórze district of Kraków that hosts the book fair, with halls, meeting space and on-site parking about 25-35 minutes by road from Kraków Airport.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Krakow book fair 2026
- book fairs in Poland
- literature events in Krakow
- publishing industry events
- International Book Fair in Krakow 2026
- International Book Fair in Krakow Kraków 2026
- International Book Fair 2026
- International Book Fair Kraków 2026
- Kraków Poland
- Fiction and non-fiction books across genres
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.