Private car transfer
from Warsaw to Krakow

It all begins as Warsaw's jungle of communist and medieval buildings thins into leafy roads sandwiched by rustic villages. Poland's smooth A4 motorway and sprawling farmlands move as one while gliding over the softly flowing landscape. You can't help but lay back in silence as the unspoiled views of the nation's lush greenery paint stunning pictures from your car window.

The further you drive into the country's heartland, the more the terrain begins to climb. The straightforward cruise is now weaving through the rolling hills, with traditional Polish towns peeking from the sprawling fields. If you turn off the highway, you'll experience authentic Polish culture in cities like Czestochowa, where fewer tourists have stopped to appreciate it en route. Even a stop at the side of the road allows you to breathe in the country air and admire the blue skies above, stretching as far as the eye can see.

The road begins to narrow, and towering trees guide you into Krakow's cultural tapestry as you approach the city. You'll start in Krakow's new town, but as you venture to its heart, modern shopping centers make way for cobbled lanes and Baroque-style buildings like those out of a fairytale. Once the soaring St. Mary's Basilica stands proudly outside your window, you'll know you've reached the end of this epic voyage!

The road trip from Warsaw to Krakow can be a relaxing, scenic, and action-packed adventure all at once. But that's if you know how to travel between the cities. Luckily, we created this exciting travel guide with tips, tricks, and everything to know for traveling from northern to southern Poland in 2024!

The city sits along the banks of the Vistula River in Lesser-Poland Voivodeship and is renowned for its diverse architecture and unique food scene. It's no surprise when you discover that the city lies only 70 miles (112.5 km) from the Czech Republic and 65 miles (104.5 km) from the Slovakian frontiers.

Krakow's location is essential to its popularity today. But it's also a reason for its dark past.

The Legend of Krakow

Just like a fairytale, Krakow's history begins with tales of folklore. Legend states that the ruler Krakus built a settlement on Wawel Hill. Unknown to him, a fire-breathing dragon resided in the cave beneath the rocks.

Many knights died trying to slay this beast, terrorizing the settlement. Until one day, a shoemaker named Skuba tricked the dragon into consuming toxic gasses concealed in a sheep. The water from the Vistula River couldn't stop the burning sensation, and as a result, it died, freeing the village from terror.

In the 1900s, Bronisław Chromy constructed a statue commemorating the beast, which you can still see breathing fire every 5 minutes today!

Krakow's past

With a town now free from mythical creatures, the Vistulan tribe flourished immediately due to its strategic place on the trade route from Western Europe and the Middle East. During the Middle Ages, travelers would exchange goods in the Main Market Square and rest up for the night in guesthouses before continuing their journey.

Krakow became the capital of the Polish Kingdom by the 11th century. Since it was the seat of kings during the Renaissance, locals built several vital landmarks, such as the Wawel Castle, New Cloth Hall, and mansions along Kanonicza Street.

However, Poland's luck ran out during Nazi Germany's crusade across Europe during World War II. Krakow was one of the most affected cities during this tragic period, when Hitler sentenced over 1.1 million Jews, Poles, and other minorities to death in the nearby Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Even when the Soviet Union "liberated" the city after the war, it fell under its control until the empire collapsed in 1991.

Modern Krakow

Today, travel experts constantly rank Krakow as one of the best European cities. The city welcomes over 11 million visitors annually to its blend of historical and contemporary neighborhoods.

The Old Town is surreal, littered with brick walkways, colorful buildings, and historical attractions, which have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the day, the Main Market Square comes alive with street performers and visitors shopping for souvenirs in the awe-inspiring Cloth Market Hall. At night, locals and tourists mix in the lively Jewish district, home to vodka-filled parties and hearty street food stalls.

Although Krakow proudly displays its history, it's not stuck in the past. Many modern shopping centers, universities, and parks sit along the city's outskirts. Trendy bars and restaurants pop up almost every week, so you're spoiled for choice when choosing where to relax after a day packed with sightseeing!

• Language: Polish
• Currency: Polish Zloty
• Climate: temperate oceanic
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and E

Pack the essentials

No matter how beautiful and exhilarating the drive from Warsaw to Krakow, four hours in a vehicle can feel overwhelming. So, pack a light backpack with a few essentials to overcome any hurdles en route.

In the summer, you'll need sun protection such as sunscreen and sun hats, as the sun's rays can still penetrate the glass windows. Pack rainwear and an umbrella, as the weather can change in the blink of an eye during the winter. But no matter the time of the year, bring plenty of water and snacks for the road!

Consider the time

Warsaw and Krakow are both busy cities. In fact, Warsaw consistently ranks in Europe's top 25 most traffic-congested cities. You'll save valuable time, which you can spend sampling Polish dumplings, by traveling outside the rush hour traffic of 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.

You should also avoid traveling at night. Many museums and sights between the cities will close by 6 PM. If the sun sets, you can't admire the lush nature en route.

Do your homework

Krakow is arguably Europe's most fascinating city for visitors. But with popularity comes tourist traps. So, when you're not exploring cities or gazing upon the Polish countryside, do your homework to find establishments where you can sample the original flavors of Poland.

Chat with your English-speaking driver if you opt for Daytrip's private door-to-door service. Although they're not an official tourist guide, they have extensive local knowledge you can't find in a travel vlog. Alternatively, you can read a reliable guidebook to learn Polish tipping cultures and basic phrases.

Explore more of Poland

Since Warsaw and Krakow are two of Poland's most popular cities, many tourists overlook the hidden attractions on route. But if you're a keen traveler, you won't want to miss the ancient Inowlodz Castle, Konewka Bunker, the sight of Hitler's most famous assassination attempt, and Europe's most infamous dark tourism destination, Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Check their schedule and prices before you leave Warsaw. Most importantly, book a transportation provider that stops at sights!

Flights from Warsaw to Krakow

A flight is the fastest way to travel from Warsaw to Krakow. LOT Polish Airlines offers several daily connections from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Krakow John Paul II International Airport in under an hour. However, this doesn't include the duration of airport transfers and the 1.5–2-hour wait for security checks.

As with all flights, you must check times and book your tickets at least a month in advance for the lowest fares. Also, if transiting with luggage, ensure your bags are within the 50x40x23 cm allowance.

• Cheapest/average cost: $42.30-$52 (€39-€48)
• Average flight duration: 55 minutes
• First/last departure: 10:25 AM-10:55 PM

Trains from Warsaw to Krakow

The train is the most popular way for local and international visitors to travel from Warsaw to Krakow. PKP Intercity offers a quick, reliable, and affordable service. However, you should book tickets in advance during the summer, as carriages can sell out with backpackers utilizing interrail passes.

Multiple daily direct trains are available. However, not all services leave from the same point. Carriages depart from Warszawa Sluzewiec and Warszawa Central. Both are downtown, but double-check your ticket to ensure you're at the correct station, especially when catching a night train.

• Cheapest/average price: $9.75-$17.35 (€9-€16)
• Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 19 minutes; 2 hours, 34 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:36 AM-10:49 PM

Bus from Warsaw to Krakow

The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Warsaw to Krakow. But due to the modern conveniences of the train, it's not the most popular mode of travel for backpackers.

Flixbus is the primary operator, with over 20 direct routes daily. However, you can also get an indirect service to explore alternative cities between Warsaw and Krakow.

Arguably, the biggest headache of booking a ticket is deciding where to depart from. Warsaw has 11 bus stops dotted around town. So first, you must uncover which is the most convenient for you. Although there are three terminals in Krakow, most arrive in Krakow MDA, the most central.

• Cheapest/average cost: $9.25-$16.25 (€8.50-€15)
• Fastest/average duration: 3 hours, 35 minutes; 4 hours, 5 minutes
• First/last departure: 12:20 AM-11:59 PM

Daytrip private car service from Warsaw to Krakow

Daytrip’s private car service is the best way to travel from Warsaw to Krakow if you value ease and comfort during your vacation. You decide when you want your driver to pick you up, so there's no need to set a dreadful 6 AM alarm. In addition, you choose where to get collected, so you don't have to arrange a taxi to the station. You won't lift a finger, as your English-speaking driver will handle your bags!

After leaving the Warsaw skyline behind, you can take a break during the 3-hour, 50-minute journey with our optional sightseeing packages. The Discalced Carmelites Monastery would be impossible to visit while traveling by public transportation. And Nieborowie Palace is so far off the tourist map that you'd likely miss out on this breathtaking structure. Choose where you want to visit while your professional driver stays behind to mind your suitcases!

• Seats from: $63 (€58)
• Flexible schedule
• Private door-to-door service
• Equipped for kids and those with limited mobility
• Complimentary water
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Lose yourself in Kazimierz District

Once the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz is now a bohemian neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafes, and street art. It's a melting pot of cultures, with synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and kosher restaurants alongside trendy bars and boutiques.

You can explore landmarks like the Old Synagogue, which houses a Jewish history museum, and the Remuh Synagogue, with its nearby cemetery. Kazimierz is also the nightlife hub, with live music venues and atmospheric bars catering to all tastes.

Climb up Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle was once the royal residence. But today, it's open for the public to explore. Although some attractions inside the complex, such as guided tours or entering the Wawel Cathedral, cost a small fee, you can roam the area for less than a penny.

You can't miss the structure, as it dominates the Vistula River. It also hangs over the statue commemorating the city's mythical beast. And if you're searching for a hidden gem, keep an eye out for the Dragon Den!

Venture into the Wieliczka Salt Mines

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is just a stone's throw from Krakow's city boundaries. And it's easily accessible thanks to the train that costs only $1.30 (€1.20)!

Its underground labyrinth extends over 180 miles (290 km) and features intricate chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely of salt. Some of its highlights include the Chapel of St. Kinga, decorated with chandeliers and altarpieces made of salt crystals, and the awe-inspiring St. Kinga's Chapel, where even salt makes up the floor.

Relax in Planty

Planty is the city's most central park, encircling the famous old town. The old city walls once stood here, but after they were demolished due to the excessive cost of repairs and maintenance, the city turned the space into an urban paradise.

You'll find plenty of locals meeting with friends and enjoying a picnic on a warm evening. Or grabbing snacks from the stalls dotted around the space. In the winter, a dusting of snow covers the leafy walkways, and frosty grass crunching beneath your feet replaces the lush greenery.

Spend the evening at Forum Przestrzenie

Do you want to have a unique travel story away from the tourists while sampling delicious food and drinks? Then put Forum Przestrzenie in your timetable!

This abandoned hotel is now a beloved spot for locals to hang out along the riverside. During the daytime, you can recharge in one of the many eateries before admiring the city from above in a hot-air balloon. But consider staying until the evening, when the outdoors turns into a festival with DJs, plenty of drinks, and even more laughs!

Wander the Main Market Square

The Main Market Square is Krakow's heart and soul, and the centerpiece of its UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Its upbeat energy, postcard-perfect buildings, and tasty restaurants sum up everything great about this city.

As it's Europe's largest medieval square, you won't be surprised to find an abundance of activities here. The Cloth Hall is the centerpiece, but you can also go underground to explore the Rynek Museum and learn more about the city's past. Although St. Mary's Basilica is beautiful from the outside, you should also head inside to admire the spectacular architecture.

However, most people agree that spring is the best time to travel overall. You still get the glorious sunshine, and since it's the first time locals can eat and drink outside for months, there's a bubbling atmosphere running through the streets. It's also much easier to enjoy this setting compared to the summer since there are far fewer visitors in town. Temperatures are pleasant but can be a little chilly—ranging from 47°-67° Fahrenheit (8.3°-19.5° C).

If you're fortunate enough to visit during Easter, you can experience the festive market at the main square, adorned with rustic wooden chalets. But there are also other events during spring, such as Juwenalia, Lajkonik, and even a chocolate festival!

Finally, spring is a much cheaper time to visit. Hotels, tour operators, and even transportation companies offer significant deals to attract customers after the quiet winter months. The more you save, the more you can put towards the vibrant nightlife scene!