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Car trip from Budapest to Krakow
Western Europe has always dominated the continent's tourism charts. Only two cities, Athens and Prague, feature in Europe's top 10 most visited cities annually. All that means is that you have fewer tourists to contend with on your car trip from Budapest to Krakow!
After cruising along the banks of the Danube and waving goodbye to the Buda Castle District, the sprawling plains of north Hungary's landscape open before you. The quaint villages and unspoiled nature feel like a 19th-century expedition with postcard views to amuse you for the 6-hour adventure.
The further north you travel, the higher the jagged terrain soars into the heavens. Whether it's summer or winter, the Tatra Mountains' white peaks plant themselves between colorful medieval towns, castles, and cathedrals, making for a surreal yet contrasting experience. Once you arrive at your hotel's front door in Krakow, you have a fascinating city blessed with historical and cultural treasures to uncover.
On a stunning voyage that could take over six hours, you need a comfortable and reliable service to ensure an unforgettable experience. That's why we created this extensive guide on getting from Budapest to Krakow in 2024!
About Krakow
Poland's medieval capital is the final destination of your breathtaking drive from Budapest to Krakow. Although it's the nation's second-largest city, it's second to none for nightlife and culture. You'll find yourself perpetually entertained by its mix of historical landmarks and pub crawls, such as the Oskar Schindler Museum and the many vodka bars.
Unfortunately, Krakow's location along the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship meant it was a hotbed for war and violence throughout its history. But it's also vital in shaping the locals' unique ways of life and the food scene you can see in the 21st century.
### Historic Krakow
Krakow's first permanent settlement dates back to the 4th century. Legend has it that the then-ruler Krakus established a town on Wawel Hill, home to a fire-breathing dragon called Smok Wawelski.
After finally defeating the beast, the city was free to flourish along a significant trade route from Western Europe to the Arabic world. It grew so rapidly that it became the capital of the Kingdom of Poland by the 1000s.
The Renaissance brought even more financial and cultural wealth by constructing the Wawel Castle and St. Mary's Basilica. But it wasn't long before the nation suffered many years of bloodshed and violent events. Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Nazi Germany all conquered the region until it was free from communism after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
### Modern Krakow
Despite its location in the eye of centuries of turbulence, Krakow is one of the best-preserved cities from World War II. It was one of the Nazi headquarters, so they didn't destroy buildings like in other Polish cities, such as Gdansk and Warsaw. As a result, you can see many original buildings still standing, unlike the previously rebuilt and redecorated old towns of other cities.
Today, the city blends its historic buildings and cobbled lanes with a youthful and lively energy. There's a thriving food and drink scene, covering anything from lavish cocktail bars and Michelin-star restaurants in the Old Town to rustic pub ruins and on-the-go street food stalls in the Jewish District!
Language: Polish
Currency: Zloty
Climate: temperate-ocean
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and E
Peak tourist season: mid-June to early September
From Budapest to Krakow: travel tips
No matter how beautiful the trip from Budapest to Krakow is, a 6-7-hour journey can feel tedious. But with our expert travel tips, you'll wish the journey would never end!
Prioritize comfort
Whether you're getting a transfer or public transportation, being uncomfortable for 6 hours can sour the travel experience. If you opt for public transportation, spend a few euros more for a first-class seat or extra legroom when traveling by bus.
Alternatively, you can book Daytrip's private door-to-door car service. Riding in a modern car, you can stretch your legs, recline your seat, and adjust the thermostat to combat the summer heat. Plus, with Daytrip you're not cooped up for the whole ride. You can stop for sightseeing, or just stretch your legs!
### Do your homework
Due to Poland's stormy past, residents are extremely proud of their traditions and ways of life. Learning some basic phrases, the tipping cultures, and even how to behave in public will go a long way toward receiving a warmer welcome.
If you reserve a seat with Daytrip, you can chat with your English-speaking driver to uncover the secrets. Although they're not official tour guides, they're passionate and have in-depth local knowledge you won't find in a travel blog. You can also bring a travel guide to help you unwind in silence.
### Plan in advance
It's easy to be like the thousands of visitors who book transportation at the last minute. But they often sit in regret for the entire road trip from Budapest to Krakow.
First, plan your stops. There are endless sightseeing opportunities en route, including the entirely preserved medieval town of Banska Stiavnica and Oravsky Hrad, the original home of Nosferatu.
Next, book your tickets more than 30 days in advance. Krakow and Budapest are sought-after tourist destinations for locals and foreigners, so companies over-inflate the price of a ticket at the last minute.
How to get from Budapest to Krakow
Although a distance of 200 miles lies on the road from Budapest to Krakow, there are plenty of transportation methods to choose from. Luckily, each has its advantages, so consider your needs and preferences when deciding how to get from Budapest to Krakow!
Bus from Budapest to Krakow
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Krakow. It's also the most popular mode of transportation for locals and international visitors touring Europe on a budget.
RegioJet and Flixbus both operate the route from Budapest to Krakow and have multiple bus departures daily. Go online to check the day and night timetables and purchase a ticket from Nepliget Bus Station to MDA Bus Station. You'll need to take a bus or taxi to Nepliget Bus Station, as it's 3.5 miles from downtown Budapest. Once you arrive in Krakow, you'll be conveniently dropped off in the heart of the new town.
Shortest journey: 6 hours, 15 minutes
Average journey: 6 hours, 45 minutes
Lowest price: €19.98
Average price: €34
Earliest departure: 6:00 AM
Last departure: 11:59 PM
### Train from Budapest to Krakow
Due to the mountainous terrain wedged between Budapest and Krakow, the train is the slowest mode of transportation. The service is primarily used by those traveling with an Interrail Pass. So, seats in the second-class carriage are often crowded in the summer.
OBB, PKP Intercity, and Polregio are all train providers that operate on this route. So, the duration, number of stops, and cost can drastically vary. But booking your train ride from Budapest Nyugati Station to Krakow Main Station as early as possible will help you get the best fares.
Shortest journey: 7 hours, 53 minutes
Average journey: 9 hours, 13 minutes
Lowest ticket price: €29.99
Average ticket price: €77
Earliest direct departure: 5:30 AM
Latest direct departure: 7:30 PM
### Daytrip private car service from Budapest to Krakow
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most convenient, and most comfortable way to travel from Budapest to Krakow. In six hours, your professional driver will sweep you through the rolling hills of Slovakia and escort you to your new accommodation in Poland. Don't worry about trekking across town to reach departure points or dragging suitcases over bricked lanes because your driver will meet you at your front door and help with any luggage.
But the best has yet to come. Daytrip's party piece is the ability to stop and visit some extraordinary landmarks along the 200-mile road trip. You can seek a blast from the past at the ancient village of Vlkolinec or enjoy the historic buildings in Kosice, the largest city in eastern Slovakia!
Seats from: €86
Sanitized vehicle
English-speaking driver
Prepared for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer support
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
Things to do when you get to Krakow
Poland's second city is one of the most attractive in Eastern Europe. Over 14 million people flock here for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the endless things to see and do. After driving from Budapest, be sure to put these unmissable attractions on your itinerary for when you get to Krakow!
### Walk the Royal Route
The Krakow Royal Route may be the most fascinating of all of Europe's grand walking trails. The 1.2-mile strip through the heart of Krakow's UNESCO-listed historic center is a tour of the city's highlights, from its starting point in Matejko Square to its final destination in Wawel Castle. You'll also discover other historical gems, including St. Florian’s Gate, Market Square, and Kanonicza Street.
You can stroll the entire length while stopping to appreciate the stunning landmarks and architecture in around an hour. Or, if you want to remain in the vacation spirit, take a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic voyage.
### Explore Wawel Castle
Conveniently located at the end of the Royal Route is Wawel Castle. This mesmerizing structure combines stylish baroque buildings with robust red brick walls. From the top, you can admire views overlooking the Vistula River, and if lucky enough to be here in December, marvel at the winter wonderland concealed under a blanket of thick white snow.
Although some attractions, like its art collections and cathedral, require a fee, you can enter the castle grounds for nothing. And if you want to discover a hidden gem, have a little adventure and uncover the Dragon's Den!
### Soak up the atmosphere in the Jewish District
The Jewish District, or Kazimierz, is the pulse of the city's vibrant nightlife scene. However, it was once a separate town outside Krakow's city limits until it conjoined with its neighbor in the 1800s.
The eerie walkways have transformed into a melting pot of cultural activity. During the day, you can visit world-renowned synagogues or notable Jewish showrooms, including Oskar Schindler's Factory and the Galicia Jewish Museum. When the sun goes down, head to a restaurant to sample the mouthwatering local cuisine of pork knuckle, soups, and dumplings before heading to a hip bar for a traditional-flavored shot of vodka or an ice-cold local beer!
### Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines
Though technically in another city on the outskirts of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine will be one of the first things to appear when you search for Krakow online.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating underground labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and chapels carved entirely of salt. You can get a guided tour to explore this unique attraction, marveling at the intricate salt sculptures and learning about the history of salt mining in the region.
You can hire a 30-minute taxi from the bus station or take the local train for as little as €1.20 each way!
When is the best time to visit Krakow?
There's never an unpleasant time to travel from Budapest to Krakow. In the summer, you can relax on the riverside with a refreshing beverage, and in the winter, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere mixed with the smell of roasted chestnuts and bright lights from the Christmas markets.
However, spring is the best time to appreciate all of the city's offerings. The average daily high temperatures reach 70° Fahrenheit by May, allowing you to enjoy a coffee on the terrace and walking tours without sweltering under the beating summer sunshine.
The city parks also come alive as plants bloom, giving the greenery a pop of color. You can appreciate the tranquil settings as fewer tourists are in town compared to the peak period from mid-June to the beginning of September.
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Questions & Answers about Traveling from Budapest to Krakow
The shortest driving distance from Budapest to Krakow is around 244 miles, which can take as little as 6 hours. However, weather conditions and arriving during Krakow's notorious rush hour traffic between 3 and 6 PM can add an extra hour to your voyage.
The cheapest adult train ticket from Budapest to Krakow starts at €29.99. However, several companies operate on this route. So prices can vary. In addition, the departure date and time, and how far in advance you book can influence the ticket cost.
As of 2024, there are three ways you can get from Budapest to Krakow, and each has its benefits. Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable way to transfer between the two cities, while the bus is the cheapest way to travel, and the train offers scenic views.
Yes, there's one daily night train from Budapest to Krakow. The carriage leaves Budapest-Nyugati at 7:30 PM and arrives the following morning in Kraków Głowny at 6:28 AM. A one-way ticket will cost around €76 for a second-class seat or €156 for a one-person bed.
Krakow and Poland, in general, are considered very safe for locals and tourists, including female and solo travelers. As of 2024, the city has a low crime rate and scores 68 out of 100 on the safety index. However, you still need to be vigilant for pickpockets at tourist attractions and avoid unlit streets when walking at night.
As of 2024, no direct flight connects Budapest to Krakow. Lufthansa offers connecting flights between the cities with layovers at Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, or Zurich. The trip will take between 6 and 8 hours after factoring in the time getting to and from the airport and waiting for check-in and security. Tickets cost €100 to €150, without factoring in airport transfers.
Visit these sights on the way
Esztergom
Esztergom sits on the bank of the River Danube on the border with Slovakia and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary The cradle of Hungary
Banska Stiavnica
The completely preserved medieval town of Banka Stiavnica is famous for its silver mining and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. A medieval silver town
Kosice
Kosice is the largest city in eastern Slovakia. With its lively past and distinguished street art scene, it's no wonder why the city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Historic treasure trove
Vlkolinec
Vlkoklinec is a small village in Central Slovakia where historical traditions, houses, lifestyles, and crafts are still preserved today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where time stands still
Oravsky hrad
Orava Castle was used as the location of Count Orlok’s Transylvanian castle in the original 1922 Nosferatu movie and is one of Slovakia’s foremost national monuments. The Original Home of Nosferatu
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
With over a million pilgrims per year, this UNESCO-listed park is one of Poland's most popular devotional centres and one of Europe's most interesting landscape and architectural projects. Architectural, cultural and pilgrimage park
Verified reviews from 3,733 travelers who booked this route
May 12, 2026
"Our driver, Sergiusz, was outstanding. This was my first trip to Europe and not rent a car. He help change my mind about renting. He got us to our destination with care and taking traffic congestion in stride."
Brad O.
United States
Dec 27, 2025
"Jerome was great. Patient and friendly with my family. On time and easy to communicate with. The trip was a great day with a stop at the Orava castle. "
Odin O.
United States
Oct 1, 2025
"Richard was a great driver. Really nice guy, interesting to talk to, good explanation of what we were seeing, and he is a smooth driver. I felt very safe. "
Jens H.
United States
Sep 16, 2025
"Driver was so friendly. Very good and safe driver. He stopped when we needed. He offered water. Overall, excellent experience. Thank you."
Alicia B.
United States
Sep 14, 2025
"Roman was an excellent driver in all aspects. He had all the details figured out for our 6.5 hour trip. And even though it was raining, we felt quite safe with his driving. "
Deborah W.
United States
Sep 4, 2025
"Krystian was an outstanding driver and companion. He was attentive to our needs and in good spirits throughout our day together. He went out of his way to give us an experience of the settings of life as we passed through Slovakia and then into Poland, the land of our grandmother. "
Jeffery T.
United States
Dec 28, 2024
"Thank you. The trip was comfortable and the driver was extremely pleasant and nice! Vety clean vehicle and very enjoyable ride."
Nicole L.
Canada
Dec 26, 2024
"Superb service! I would recommend this very highly, our driver Susan was so professional and friendly."
Martin L.
United States
Oct 15, 2024
"We enjoyed our trip with Tomas very much. He was informative, good to speak to, a good driver and very accomodating.
"
Sue D.
Australia
Oct 14, 2024
"Michael was an exceptional driver, very friendly and personable. He was knowledgeable and entertaining, and
Happy to accommodate a short break for snack and bathroom stop. "
Glenda W.
Australia
Oct 7, 2024
"The trip is great. The host driver Balint is unfailingly polite, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. I highly recommend Balint and Daytrip for city to city ride. "
Sumitro W.
Singapore
Aug 25, 2024
" I can honestly say that the beauty of driving through Slovakia on our way to krakow was at least matched by our conversation with your driver , Michal W. If the rest of your drivers are like this man, then your company will go from strength to strength. A fantastic experience was had by all."
Adrian C.
Ireland
Jun 6, 2024
"Hello, our driver Kacper was amazing! We had a great time with our trip and sight seeings along the way! He went above and beyond not just being a driver but he was so kind enough to pay our meal in Euros cash for our lunch because the restaurant only wants cash and we don’t have enough Euros, that was very impressive, some situation like this happened because of travelling but we were in good hands. We appreciate the gesture. We will definitely highly recommend to our family and friends to use your company. I also forgot my earbuds in the car and Kacper was so kind enough to stop at our hotel the next day and give it to the reception before our flight. Wow! the best customer service overall!
"
Anafelma S.
United States
May 11, 2024
"Our trip from Budapest to Krakow was amazing. What made this so was our driver Radek. If we were able to we would give him 6 stars. His vehicle was comfortable and clean, he was very well prepared and most of all he was very welcoming and entertaining. We would definitely use Radek again and recommend him to anyone."
Mark R.
Australia
Apr 29, 2024
"Dominik was excellent. On time, good driver, nice car, spoke good Englais, patient and polite. A very nice person. No complaints at all"
Thomas G.
United States
Mar 11, 2024
"Marketa,
I have nothing but great things to say about your company & my experience. I had some questions arise prior to leaving. I sent emails that were very quickly acknowledged, responded to & concerns resolved. Everyone was respectful & kind.
Our trip from Budapest to Krakow as well as return trip back to Budapest were with same driver. Przemyslaw N. He was lovely. He was polite, helpful with luggage, prompt. He chatted & answered questions but we were all ok with some quiet as well. His driving was very safe & professional. He made sure we were comfortable.
It was 6 hrs each way so a bit of time in car but it also offered the opportunity to appreciate countryside we would not have seen otherwise.
I would definitely recommend your company to others & consider using it again should we find ourselves in similar circumstances. We wish you continued success. Sue "
Susan W.
United States
Nov 24, 2023
"Honestly one of the best decision i've made for my trip. To be honest i was skeptical at first but i had to give it a go due to the trip consideration and i cannot be more glad that i did this.
I would like to express my appreciation to Kamil our driver who not only accommodated to our last min changes but was patient and professional in all way shape and form, discussing the itinerary with him was a breeze, he was responsive and very well-versed in English. Prior to the trip i highlighted that my group would like to try the different local cuisine along the way and although it was not part of the plan he made the arrangement and brought us to an amazing Slovak restaurant where we had an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
Daytrip would be perfect if you do not want to (1) waste the day checking in early to the airport for a flight or (2) be stuck on a long journey train not being able to experience what's outside along the way which was my main consideration. Daytrip gives us the flexibility to travel comfortably and be able to explore attractions along the way so to me that's the best balance.
Thank you Daytrip Team and especially Kamil for this wonderful experience. Truly appreciative. "
York Huan T.
Singapore
Nov 15, 2023
"Our trip was great! The vehicle was very modern and comfortable and our driver Michal was lovely. He was very friendly, professional and helpful and made our trip very enjoyable.
"
Natalia L.
Australia
Nov 14, 2023
"Our driver was Gyula. He was very friendly and interesting to talk with and we enjoyed our trip with him. He was on time and his car was clean and comfortable, which was great since it was a long trip with two stops (Vlkolinec and Oravsky Hrad). This was our 2nd of four trips with Daytrip.com, and we couldn't be more happy with the customer service and our drivers. It was definitely a great decision to use this service instead of taking trains between each city."
Jodi K.
United States
Oct 25, 2023
"pleasant surprise, since this was the first time we used your services. Our driver showed up on time with a very nice black Mercedes. We understood what you mean by VIP treatment. Kamil was a very careful driver, explained us about the sights on the way, gave us lots of information about Poland and Krakow and pointed to a great restaurant up in the mountains we were driving through, A great trip!"
