Hi Jac,
When you arrive into Krakow airport there are three options for getting into Krakow itself.
1. The airport train shuttle - cheap as chips
Turn right out of the airport and there is usually a small bus that will take you to the station. If not don't panic as it's only a 5minute walk anyway. After having turned right, just keep walking and you will see the station on your right after about 200m or so. Once on the train find the guard/ ticket collector and ask for a ticket.
2. The bus - even cheaper than chips a mere 4zloty last time I did it if my memory serves me right
The bus leaves from right outside the airport front (exit airport and turn right, walk about 50 steps and bingo). You need to purchase a ticket before you travel at the machine, at the bus stop. Someone will help you, if you ask, with getting the right ticket - most people in Krakow will happily speak English too. Once on the bus and ONLY when the bus sets off, make sure you validate your ticket in one of the ticket punching machines. The reason I say this is because your ticket will be valid for 40mins from the time you punch it. Guess how I know about this
3. Taxi - not as expensive as UK but still in comparison to bus or train, expensive. It really will only cost about 10GBP to get into Krakow. It isn't expensive in Poland... as you will discover.
Getting to Zakopane:
1. Bus (coach) - preferred option and cost me 21 Zloty (3GBP) return! Buses go very regularly from the bus station which is located just behind the railway station (Cracow Glowny). Buy a ticket before you travel in the bus station concourse. Once in Zakopane (about 1.5hrs travel time) the bus station is outside the main town but it is not a long walk and it is very picturesque!
2. Train - this takes an absolute age to get to Zakopane and although not an arm and a leg for the ticket, it is much more than the bus. I can't remember the frequency of the trains but I think every other hour and on your return you need to head for the Bialystok trains, but I would advise the bus option personally.
Can't help with accommodation other than Trip Advisor or Booking.com that's who I have used before. The only place I stayed was the Radison Blu on the edge of the Planty (Park which runs all the way around the town center). Very nice hotel but geared for tourists and charges accordingly
As for eating in Krakow, there are so many places it is untrue. I tend to walk to the south of the town and head for Kazimierz. There are lots of small restaurants and places to eat. You can get a pretty good impression from Trip Advisor. I have eaten here:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g274772-d1749958-Reviews-Restauracja_Starka-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.htmlThe food and service was excellent.... Ooooo and I got a free Polish Hazelnut Vodka... gorgeous!!
Many of the eateries around the main square in Krakow are a little more expensive, but it still won't break the bank!
These websites may help:
https://www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/krakow-airport_36403vhttp://www.krakow-info.com/transpor.htmZakopane is much smaller and I was only there for a day, but you won't struggle to find what you need there.
I'm sure you will have an amazing time in Poland. I have been numerous times and I love it. It is cheap to eat, drink and travel (if you know how) and the people can't do enough for you. [/size]If you have any questions then PM me and I will try to help more if I can.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Lee