How long is the train journey from Prague to Krakow?
The train ride from Prague to Krakow generally takes between seven to nine hours, depending on the service chosen. Direct services are faster, while connections extend travel time. The duration also varies with the type of train for some high-speed options reduce the journey time. Considering the distance between the two cities, the train provides a balance of comfort and speed.
Is the train from Prague to Krakow scenic?
Yes, the train journey from Prague to Krakow is scenic, especially as it winds through the hilly landscapes of the Czech Republic and Poland. YouтАЩll go through a variety of vistas, including rolling hills, dense forests, and small villages. The route traverses the Moravian region and Silesian countryside. It's an enjoyable experience if youтАЩd like to get to see more of the beauty of Central Europe's countryside.
What are some recommended stops or attractions to visit along the road trip from Prague to Krakow?
Driving from Prague to Krakow offers opportunities to explore scenic and historical sites. Notable stops include the UNESCO-listed Kutn├б Hora, the charming town of Olomouc, and the beautiful town of ┼аtramberk. DonтАЩt forget to try the townтАЩs signature desert ┼аtramberk Ears.
What is the best time of year to travel from Prague to Krakow by car for the most scenic experience?
The best time to take a ride from Prague to Krakow is during late spring, summer, and early autumn. Traveling during these periods not only means passing through the Czech and Polish landscapes and towns at their most colorful, but also having good weather conditions to explore on the way.
Is there a sleeper train from Prague to Krakow?
Yes, there is a sleeper train service available from Prague to Krakow, which is a convenient overnight travel option. It is ideal if you are looking to save on accommodation for a night and make the most of your travel time. The sleeper trains offer various accommodation options ranging from seats to couchettes and sleeping cars, depending on different comfort preferences and budgets.
What is the best way to travel from Prague to Krakow?
The best way to get from Prague to Krakow is by a door-to-door private car service. With this option, you have the flexibility to explore as many towns and cities as youтАЩd like and spend your time without worrying about parking, fuel costs, driving, and vignettes. Your driver picks you up from your exact location, takes you to the door of your accommodation and helps you with your luggage. Alternatively, you can go for a sleeper train for a more cost-effective choice.
YouтАЩll spend some good time in Prague drinking Czech beer, walking through the Charles Bridge, and stuffing yourself with svi─Нkov├б and gul├б┼б. Why not expand your trip more into Eastern Europe to continue exploring the neighbor of the Czech Republic? Plan your car trip from Prague to Krakow, through which youтАЩll get to meet different regions of the country before you enter Poland and its hilly landscapes and towns full of history.
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The distance between these two big cities is around 332 miles (535 km), which takes five and a half hours more or lessтАФsurely this is without the stops and possible traffic jams around Prague and Brno. But donтАЩt let the distance scare youтАФthe ride will be so comfortable and fun with the stops youтАЩll take that itтАЩll feel way shorter.
So youтАЩll start the journey from the capital and its surroundings will quickly turn into vast fields of the Czech countryside. Heading towards Brno, the second-largest city in the country, youтАЩll be passing the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands with small Czech villages on either side of the way. Be especially sure you are looking out of the window around Moravia since the rolling hills are bright yellow with rapeseed fields around here. Then, the route will take you past the Silesian Beskids, a mountain range forming the Czech-Polish border.
LetтАЩs talk about the stops you need to take because simply itтАЩs a pity to miss them. Start with Kutna Hor├б, a small town but a very memorable one. It used to be a very rich trade center thanks to its extensive silver deposits. Walk up to the Cathedral of St. Barbara, one of the buildings that was funded by the wealth the town accommodated at the time.
After Kutna Hor├б, continue to Olomouc, another UNESCO heritage town that is known as a thriving student hub since there is the Palack├╜ University of Olomouc.
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About Krakow
Traveling from Prague to Krakow is definitely worth it for countless reasons. Krakow is the intellectual capital of Poland, where you can find historical buildings, a castle, numerous galleries and permanent exhibitions, pretty restaurants of traditional as well as international cuisines. The cityтАЩs roots go back to the 7th century, so walking through the city is like being in an open museum showcasing KrakowтАЩs history.
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You pass the Baroque buildings and are met by a medieval stone church in the corner; you gaze at the Gothic Polish architecture of St. MaryтАЩs Basilica while the historical Cloth Hall behind you dates back to the Renaissance. This revel of history is especially felt where youтАЩll see the basilica and the hall; The Main Market Square. We can easily say that this is the heart of Krakow since it is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe.
And then there is the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral standing on Wawel Hill. Walking from the main square towards the river, your way will naturally lead you to climb up the hillтАФfollowing the crowds always helps. The combination of these buildings joined together with different architectural styles, the red bricks making up most of the castle and ramparts, and the Cathedral are a feast to eyes.
From here when you walk down to the pedestrian lanes by the river, youтАЩll be greeted by the famous dragon statue Smok Wawelski - the explanation for why every individual stand is selling dragon plushies. Legend has it that there used to be a dragon whose den was by the Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, growing stronger and more dangerous every day.
So King Krakus helplessly decided to announce a competition to defeat the dragon, with his daughter as the prize. A sharp shoemaker beat the dragon by stuffing a sheepskin with sulfur, which made the dragon drink water until it exploded. So, thatтАЩs the dragon youтАЩll watch breath fire every five minutes - or if you send an SMS commanding it. ItтАЩs especially nice to watch it at night.
While continuing your walk by the river towards the ferris wheel youтАЩll see on the other side, consider passing the bridge and having a balloon ride - donтАЩt worry about where to find it, itтАЩll be right in front of you. If you are not into being high above the city, then your next destination will be the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz.
ItтАЩs the cultural and young center of Krakow. It buzzes with hipster cafes, galleries, clubs, and vintage shops of all kinds. You can also stop by the Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery. This district recently has become even more famous for its annual Jewish Culture Festival.
So, just by this brief introduction, you might have already gotten the feeling that Krakow is not just a city, but an experience on its own. Come and explore the well-preserved past and the lively present!
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From Prague to Krakow: travel tips
Your trip from Prague to Krakow will be a smooth one for sure if you take into consideration some of our travel tips. Take a look!
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Have the right documents and currency with you
Make sure your travel documents are up to date. While both the Czech Republic and Poland are part of the European Union, it's good to carry a valid ID or passport. The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), and Poland uses the Polish z┼Вoty (PLN). Although some places might accept euros, have local currencies for small purchases and more rural areas.
If you are drivingтАж
Choose a car that's comfortable for long drives and check the rental agreement for cross-border policies. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a vignette for Czech highways and that you're familiar with both countries' driving laws. Arrange the parking in Krakow before you set off or book your accommodation with a parking option.
Stay connected and navigated
Have a reliable GPS system or offline maps downloaded, as some areas between Prague and Krakow might have spotty mobile data coverage. Consider buying a local SIM card or make sure your mobile plan covers roaming in both countries.
Learn a few local phrases
English is widely spoken in the bigger cities of the Czech Republic and Poland, but learning a few basic phrases in Czech and Polish can make the locals happy and feel appreciated. It also shows that you respect their cultures as a foreigner.
Pack the essentials
Weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and be prepared for rain or sunshine. Also, carry a first-aid kit, water bottles, snacks, and any medications you might need.
Plan your stops beforehand
If you are driving, research your route before the trip. While the most direct route via the D1 and A1 motorways is efficient, exploring detours through small Czech and Polish towns and villages means a richer travel experience. Plan rest stops and fuel breaks, especially in more remote areas where it is harder to find resting places.
Stay safe and informed
Be up-to-date about the road conditions and any travel advisories. Keep an emergency number list handy. In the Czech Republic and Poland, the general emergency number is 112.
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How to get from Prague to Krakow
The travel time can be long when you are getting from Prague to Krakow, but there are indeed many ways you can do it. See the option to get to Krakow from Prague and choose the one that is the best for you!
Prague to Krakow by car
Driving from Prague to Krakow is quite a popular option. Your trip stretches a distance of approximately 332 miles (535 km) and driving takes around five and a half hours, without the resting and exploring stops. You would mainly follow D1, the highway connecting Prague to Krakow, going towards Brno, Olomouc, Ostrava, and Katowice before arriving in Krakow. Keep in mind that with this option, youтАЩll need to take care of fuel costs, vignettes, parking as well as driving in different countries with different signs and rules.
Prague to Krakow by train
There are many different ways to get to Krakow by train. RegioJet and Deutschebahn operate direct train services to Krakow. Most of these connections are sleeper trains, meaning they start the journey in the evening, travel overnight and arrive in Krakow in the very early morning hours. Czech Railways also offer connections with overnight options but these trains often require a change in Ostrava. Train rides, with and without change, last around five to seven hours.
Prague to Krakow by bus
It is possible to travel to Krakow by bus with several different operators offering connection. Most of the options Flixbus has require change in Katowice or Brno, although there is usually one direct option a day. With changes, the bus ride takes somewhere between eight to ten and a half hours. There are also overnight bus rides you can choose from.
Prague to Krakow by plane
Taking a plane from Prague to Krakow is one of the most direct options if we donтАЩt count the ground transportation to and from airports, and extra waiting times before and after check-ins. The flight itself only lasts one hour and ten minutes typically.
Prague to Krakow by private car service
Booking your seat with a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip not only means ultimate comfort and luxury but also a pretty direct trip full of interesting stops along the way. Plan the places youтАЩd like to stop by beforehand, add them to your itinerary when booking your trip, type in the exact addresses youтАЩd like to be picked up and taken to, and then you are good to go!
Your knowledgeable local driver whoтАЩd be happy to give you tips and insights about the region, will take care of all the other details around your trip. The only thing left for you to do will be to enjoy the journey!
Things to do when you get to Krakow
After you finally get from Prague to Krakow, and settle in your accommodation, there wait for you the days full of exploring this amazing city! When it comes to Krakow and the richness it offers, we are confident that you wonтАЩt run out of things to do. Here are a few recommendations from us that might interest you:
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Eat pierogi under the Starry Night
In the heart of the historical Jewish Quarter, there is a tiny restaurant that specializes in all kinds of pierogi, a traditional Polish dish that is basically filled dumplings, called Mr. Vincent. The restaurant is decorated as a tribute to the famous painter Van Gogh, his paintings and his favorite colors. One of the two rooms of the restaurant has a ceiling painted as his most renowned work, Starry Night.
The other roomтАЩs bright yellow walls are dotted with the remakes of his sunflower and field paintings. After you get used to this magical atmosphere, there comes the time to dive into the wide selection of pierogies. You can order a mix option to try most of the flavors and fillings. DonтАЩt forget to have a mug of Borscht, a traditional Polish soup, next to your dish.
Embark on a dark journey with a Polish painter
Reachable shortly through a tram ride from the center, there is Nowohuckie Culture Center where the permanent exhibition of a private collection of Zdzis┼Вaw Beksi┼ДskiтАЩs unmatched works. This unusual painter, sculptor, and photographer created some of the gloomiest, darkest, and most mysterious examples of dystopian surrealism.
In this exhibition, going through a small hall, youтАЩll be welcomed by black walls with only paintings hung on them lit. A deep and enigmatic music in the background will accompany you while you take a long stroll through the halls. When you leave the gallery, you will feel still in awe, almost misplaced. So donтАЩt miss the works of this amazing artist!
Sip a cocktail and have a bite at Hevre
Simply another gem in the Jewish Quarter, and it is definitely not hidden! This lovely bar/restaurant is set in what used to be a synagogue and this fact only creates a beautiful and vintage atmosphere with the big round chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Hevre stands out as a fantastic spot for enjoying a coffee, sharing a meal with friends, or simply soaking in the unique vibes and decor of the venue. It's a great destination for both afternoon hangouts and evening outings. The place supports local artists, often hosting live performances, particularly on weekend evenings.
Discover Zakrz├│wek Lagoon
Just a short distance from Krakow's city center lies the Zakrz├│wek Lagoon, outside of the touristic areas and interests. This artificial lagoon was formed from a flooded limestone quarry and is known for its clear turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
ItтАЩs a popular spot for locals during the summer, offering a nice spot for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving, with underwater attractions including submerged trees and artificial reefs. The area around the lagoon is great for walking and biking and also for picnics! Do check the local regulations regarding swimming and diving, as they can change.
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When is the best time to visit Krakow
Krakow is a city that welcomes visitors throughout the year, with each season offering its own charm and activities. The optimal period for planning your trip from Prague to Krakow is between May and September, when the weather is perfectly warmтАФnot too hot, not too coldтАФwhich is ideal for exploring the old town, historical sites, and relaxing in parks.
During this time there are also numerous cultural and artistic events, including music and theater festivals, so the spring and summer months are a vibrant time for cultural immersion. Autumn and winter bring colder, rainier weather, but the city remains beautiful, especially with the Christmas markets and cultural events like theater and film festivals. These cooler months offer a different appeal, with winter sports, cozy cafes, and the opportunity to experience Krakow's festive atmosphere.
Marvel at some of the most beautiful and unique architecture in the Czech Republic at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.┬аMint Condition┬а
Cesky Sternberk
Currently owned by a descendent of the castleтАЩs original founder, ─Мesk├╜ ┼аternberk is a classic example of a gothic bohemian castle.┬аA Castle Kept in the Family┬а
Olomouc
Yet to reach the dizzying tourist heights of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, Olomouc nevertheless has much to offer visitors.┬аThe Historical Capital of Moravia┬а
Zbrasov
No need to wrap up too warm when visiting the beautiful caves at Zbra┼бov as regardless of the weather outside, they maintain a comfortable all-year-round temperature of 57┬░F.┬аThe warmest caves in the country┬а
Stramberk
The town and municipal reserve of ┼аtramberk earned its nickname through its location and its unique collection of eightieth and nineteenth-century timber houses.┬аThe town nicknamed тАШMoravian BethlehemтАЩ┬а
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, there can be few people not aware of the horrors of Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp.┬аThe Symbol of the Holocaust┬а
тАЬArriving from overseas we were not able to prebook the train from Krak├│w to Prague. Instead we did a private door to door car transfer. Our driver Blazej was professional, personable and easy to get along with. This was an exceptional service which we would use again.тАЭ
тАЬWe were planning a trip through Europe recently in which we were flying into Munich and flying out of Berlin. We were wondering if we should take trains or rent a car between our scheduled stops in Munich, Prague, Krakow, and Berlin. And, we wanted to do a custom, all day trip out of Prague to two small towns in Saxony, Germany, with a return to Prague. Then we found Daytrip and it was just what the doctor ordered! On-time pickups (when we wanted to go!) and dropoffs at our hotels, professional and personable (and safe) drivers, bottled water (sometimes cookies), and a place to charge your phones. A special shout out to our four wonderful drivers: Jakub L. (Munich to Prague with a stop in Pilsen for the Pilsner Urquell brewery), Matej M. (custom trip out of Prague to Saxony), Mike I. (Prague to Krakow), and Wojciech (Krakow to Berlin) for showing us Central Europe and describing their countries to us along the way. A consistent experience is very important in this type of business and Daytrip provided the same consistency for us trip after trip after trip. I look forward to using Daytrip again on future visits to Europe and beyond.тАЭ
тАЬWe had read about Daytrip on TripAdvisor. It had good reviews and we decided to take a chance. We were not disappointed. The drivers were very pleasant. They were on time and the cars were clean and comfortable. Taking a car was much easier and quicker. It was well worth the extra expense to travel this way. We would highly recommend this company.тАЭ
тАЬWe recently used Daytrip twice during a holiday in Europe, travelling from Prague to Krakow and later from Krakow to Vienna. We chose Daytrip after considering other options such as air, train and rental car, and we are very pleased with our choice. Booking online was easy, and Daytrip confirmed all the details a couple of days ahead of the pickup. The service was exactly as advertized on the firm's website. Both our drivers arrived at our hotel at the agreed time, and proved polite and agreeable during the trip. In both cases, the service was direct, without any extra sightseeing, and we were delivered right to our next hotel in the city centre. The cars were spotless and the drivers very competent. As we had been on a river cruise earlier in our holiday, we had a bit more luggage than usual, and it was very nice to just hand the suitcases over to the driver and be transferred doorstep to doorstep. We would definitely use Daytrip again.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Kristine B рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWe wanted to see the country as we headed to Krakow and decided to use Daytrip. We are so pleased we did. Our PhD candidate driver was skilled, personable and well informed about our stops and about both the Czech Republic and Poland. We enjoyed seeing the countryside and small towns, and our stops in Kutna Hora and Olomouc were worthwhile. Our driver knew the very best restaurant in Olomouc, where we had perhaps our finest meal on the trip (as well as a great mug of tank beer). It is worth the money to use this service.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Thomas B рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWife liked :
non smoking vehicle
Clean vehicle
Helped with our luggage
Blazej answered our many cultural questions
Responsive to break requests
Inquired about lunch break
Stopped so we could take a photo of border
I liked:
Re Blazej:
Prompt
Responded to our text the day before
Spoke good English
Car was exactly what we expected.
Guided us to good restrooms
Avoided traffic jams
Except for road construction coming out of Prague, the Polish roads were fantastic (much better than in the US!)
He was great.
I would use daytrip in the future for city to city trips if < 8 hrs and no direct flight or good train service, ie Prague to Krakow.
Door to door is really convenientтАЭ
тАЬWe used Daytrip to get from Krakow to Prague with a stop in Auschwitz and from Budapest to Zagreb. The drivers were on time, friendly and answered all our questions about the area we were driving through. The main office was quick to respond to all my emails and answered all my questions. ItтАЩs of course more expensive than train or bus but it saves time and the hassle of transferring from train or bus station to accommodations. I will use again for future holidays.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Joannie V рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬThis is the second year we have used Ondaytrip in Europe. This year we travelled from Nuremberg to Cesky Krumlov and were lucky he was allocated to us again from Prague to Krakow. Both trips were excellent. He was on time, pleasant and took us to our destinations smoothly. Highly recommended.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Kate S рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWe decided to append a trip on our own to Prague at the end of an organized Berlin to Krakow tour. After some online research before leaving home we booked a ride with Daytrip. We were extraordinarily pleased with our Daytrip experience. Our driver, Wojciech, was at our hotel at the appointed time. His 5 series BMW sedan was spotless, comfortable, and well maintained, he was efficient and courteous throughout the trip, and he spoke perfect English. We would rate the entire experience A+ and will absolutely look to Daytrip the next time we need private transportation in Europe or any of the other areas in which they operate.тАЭ
тАЬFirst time we used MyDaytrip.com so did not know what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded. I found out two days before that advance reservations were needed for Auschwitz-Birkenau, so we made a last minute change so we could get to Auschwitz very early the next morning for the few "walk in no tour" spaces available. No thanks to my "East Europe Lonely Planet Guide" that made no mention that you had to have reservations and you need to make them weeks in advance"
Our driver Michal W picked us up promptly at 8A from our "Botel" . When he found out that Auschwitz was a high priority for us and that we were hoping to just get in without a tour in the morning he immediately made some calls and got us reservations for that afternoon. It was a push to get there by 2P - but we made it and Michal help make a trip a success. Thanks Michal and MyDayTrip.com!!!тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Doug K рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
