Safe & comfortable sleeper trains link Krakow with Prague, Budapest & Vienna...

I want go from Krakow to...

       Select your destination... ----------- Most popular ----------- Amsterdam Auschwitz (Osweicim) Berlin & Germany Bratislava Budapest Kiev Lviv Moscow Munich Paris Prague Venice, Florence, Rome, Italy Vienna Vilnius Warsaw Zurich, Geneva, Switzerland ---------- All destinations --------- Somewhere else in Poland... Amsterdam Athens & Greece Auschwitz (Osweicim) Barcelona Basel (Basle) Belgrade Berlin Bern (Berne) Brasov Bratislava Brussels Bruges (Brugge) Bucharest Budapest Cannes Cologne Copenhagen Dubrovnik Dusseldorf Faro Florence Frankfurt Geneva Gothenburg Hamburg Helsinki Innsbruck Interlaken Istanbul Kiev & Ukraine Lausanne Linz Lisbon Ljubljana London & UK Luxembourg Luzern (Lucerne) Lviv Malmo Milan Monaco-Monte Carlo Montenegro - Podgorica, Bar Montreux Moscow Munich Naples Nice Nuremberg Oslo & Norway Paris Porto Prague Riga Rome St Moritz St Petersburg Salzburg Sighisoara Sofia Split Stockholm Stuttgart Tallinn Thessaloniki Timisoara Venice Verona Vienna Vilnius Warsaw Zagreb Zermatt Zurich

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      Krakow Glowny station information

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This page explains how to travel by train from Krakow to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2022.  Suggested hotels in Krakow.

Before you buy your tickets...

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a €35 point-to-point ticket online?".  Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.

European train travel FAQ...

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Krakow to Warsaw & other destinations in Poland...

• Polish Railways - Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP) - has spawned two separate companies, PKP Intercity (www.intercity.pl) for long-distance trains and Przewozy Regionalne (Polregio) (polregio.pl) for regional trains.

• You can book Polish domestic trains such as Krakow to Warsaw at www.intercity.pl.  You print your own ticket.

  English button top right, and you'll need to use the Polish spellings of cities such as Krakow and Warszawa.  You pay online with a credit card and print your own ticket.  A number of seat 61 correspondents have successfully booked this way.

• The best trains are the EIP (Express InterCity Premium) used mainly on the Gdynia - Warsaw - Krakow route, these are bullet-nosed high-speed pendolino trains, although in Poland they don't tilt into curves.

  EIC (Express InterCity) and IC (InterCity) trains are the next best, with modern air-conditioned carriages hauled by a separate locomotive or sometimes fast electric units with restaurant car.

  TLK trains (Twoje Linie Kolejowe, which means Your Railway Lines) are ordinary express trains usually using older carriages.

  Seat reservation is compulsory on all EIP, EIC, IC & TLK trains, this comes included in the ticket.

• Alternatively, you can book Polish trains with highly-recommended Polish train ticketing agency www.polrail.com who can arrange tickets for travel within Poland or for international trains starting in Poland, for example Warsaw to Moscow, or Krakow to Prague.

What are the trains like?

EIP trains:  Krakow to Warsaw in 2h19 at up to 200 km/h...

Introduced in 2014, the very best trains on the Polish network are modern bullet-nosed pendolinos like this, although in Poland they don't tilt into the curves as they do elsewhere.  They operate on the Krakow-Warsaw-Gdynia route at up to 125mph, with faster operation planned in the future.  Reservation is compulsory and they have a bar-bistro car.

EIC & IC trains...

EIC & IC trains are the next rank down.  Many are now operated by modern electric units like this...

EIC & IC trains, classic type...

Other IC and EIC trains consist of comfortable locomotive hauled carriages like this, some open-plan, some with classic 6-seat compartments and side corridor.

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Krakow to Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

• Local trains run from Krakow Glowny to Oswiecim every couple of hours taking 1h30 or so for the 64 km, fare 11 zlotys (€2.38) each way.

• Use Polish Railways timetable site rozklad-pkp.pl (click EN for English) or the Polregio site polregio.pl (click the UK flag for English) to check train times & fares.  Tip:  There are some 3-hour gaps in the timetable, so check your train times beforehand!

• No reservation is necessary or possible for these local trains, you can just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.  They cannot sell out.  Easy! Alternatively, just to save time, you can buy online at polregio.pl.

• Auschwitz I is an ex-Polish army barracks in the town of Oswiecim itself about 20 minutes walk from the station - turn right outside the station then steer left into town.  The infamous Arbeit Macht Frei sign is here.

• Auschwitz-Birkenau II was a purpose-built concentration camp outside the town, about 25 minutes walk from the station - turn right, then turn right again at the first major road bridge across the railway.

• The museum's website is auschwitz.org.

• There are also regular buses between Krakow and Oswiecim.

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Krakow to London...

• See the London to Poland page for train times, fares and how to buy tickets.

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Krakow to Paris from €66.90...

Option 1, Krakow to Paris using the Krakow-Vienna sleeper then high-speed trains to Paris...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The train has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  If you have a 1st class onward ticket, you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary tea & coffee & WiFi.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Frankfurt by ICE-T train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:15 and arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 15:36.

  The ICE-T train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Tip:  If you fancy a beer in Frankfurt, Sam's Sportsbar (www.samssportsbar.de) at the far end end of the concourse near platform 24 is a nice quiet place to wait between trains.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Step 3, travel from Frankfurt to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 16:56, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 20:41.

  This 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 2, Krakow to Paris with overnight stop in Berlin...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two. 

  Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class, or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. 

  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Paris, for example leaving Berlin Hbf 07:28, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 16:54.

  By all means book a later departure, check times for your date at www.bahn.de.  Berlin to Frankfurt is by ICE train withrestaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Frankfurt-Paris is by impressive 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 

  Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Buy a Berlin-Paris ticket at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  Tip:  Change Duration of transfer from standard to at least 30 minutes to get a more robust connection, and look for a journey with only 1 change.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

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Krakow to Nice, Cannes, Monte-Carlo...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with compartments, some open plan.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book with reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Day 1, travel from Vienna to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:27 & arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 08:34.

  This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

  Tip:  If you like, you can check the formation of this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

  Enjoy a few hours in Venice - St Mark's Square is only 25 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia station, via the Rialto bridge.

• Day 2, travel from Venice to Ventimiglia on the French border, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 11:48, changing at the magnificent Milan Centrale onto a Frecciabianca train, arriving Ventimiglia at 18:54.

  It's a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and Ventimiglia, through Savona and San Remo.

  Fares start at €38.90 in 2nd class or €59.80 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this journey at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, this keeps all your bookings together in one place, small booking fee).  It's ticketless, you just quite the booking reference on board.  You can also book at www.trenitalia.com, but you'll need to use Italian-language city names.

• Day 2, travel from Ventimiglia to Menton, Monte Carlo, Nice, Antibes or Cannes by TER local train, leaving Ventimiglia at 19:25, arriving Monte Carlo at 19:55, Nice Ville at 20:23 & Cannes at 21:08.

  The fare is a fixed-price €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

  Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.  You can also book at the French Railways website, en.oui.sncf (in €, more fiddly).

  You'll find full details of the journey from Verona & Milan to Nice with photos & tips on the Nice to Italy by train page.

Milan to Ventimiglia by Frecciabianca train.  Here, a Frecciabianca boards at the magnificent Milan Centrale.

2nd class.  Larger photo.		1st class.  Larger photo.

Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes by TER local train.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes...

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Krakow to Brussels from €46.90...

Option 1, Krakow to Brussels by daytime trains with overnight stop in Berlin - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.  Enjoy an evening in Berlin.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Brussels, for example leaving Berlin Hbf at 06:46, changing at Cologne Hbf and arriving Brussels Midi at 13:35.

  But by all means have a leisurely breakfast and book the later 08:46 or 10:46 departures.  You travel on superb ICE trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

• How much does it cost?

  Krakow to Brussels starts at €46.90 in 2nd class, €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• How to buy tickets...

  Buy tickets at German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  To get the overnight stop in Berlin, click Add intermediate stops, enter Berlin Hbf and a suitable stopover duration, say 14 hours, I have set up this link to bahn.de for you.  Increase or decrease the stopover duration to get the train you want from Berlin to Brussels.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 2, Krakow to Brussels using the Krakow-Prague sleeper & onward trains to Brussels...

• Step 1, take the sleeper train from Krakow to Prague, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 07:55 next morning. 

  This train has a safe & comfortable air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed sleepers with washbasin, and a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  Morning tea or coffee is included in the fare in the sleepers.  Have a full breakfast in Prague.

  Advance-purchase fares start at €29 with couchette in 6-berth, €39 with couchette in 4-berth, €39 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper or €49 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or around €75 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.

  Book this train at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems booking at cd.cz, book via reliable Polish agency www.polrail.com with tickets collected in Warsaw.  Polrail's website only shows full-price full-flex fares, but will (I am told) refund the difference if they find advance-purchase fares available.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Alternatively, you could take the daytime train from Krakow to Prague Hlavni & stay overnight in Prague, see the Krakow-Prague timetable here.

• Step 2, travel from Prague to Brussels, leaving Prague Hlavni at 10:43, change Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.

  Use the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz to book from Prague to Brussels, but (and this is the important bit) you must click More options then click Travel via and put Cheb in the via box.

  You may see fares from as little as €29 (about 757 Czech Koruna) via a route with 3 changes at Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt.  Or treat yourself to first class from €43, about 1096 Koruna.  You print your own ticket.

  There's nothing cut-rate about the trains:  You travel on a swish air-conditioned regional train from Prague to Cheb and from Cheb to Nuremberg, then by top-quality high-speed ICE train from Nuremberg to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Brussels, complete with bistro-restaurant cars and beer on tap, see the photos here.

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Krakow to Amsterdam from €37.90...

Krakow to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Berlin...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.  Enjoy an evening in Berlin.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Amsterdam by Intercity train with bistro car, see the timetable, photos & travel tips here.

  For example, on Mondays-Saturdays you can leave Berlin Hbf at 06:34, arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 13:00 or there are later trains.

• How much does it cost?

  Krakow to Amsterdam starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• How to buy tickets...

  Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. 

  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  To get the overnight stop in Berlin, click Add intermediate stops, enter Berlin Hbf and a suitable stopover duration, say 14 hours, I have set this link to Bahn.de up for you.  Increase or decrease the stopover duration to get the train you want from Berlin to Amsterdam.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

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Krakow to Luxembourg from €37.90...

Option 1, Krakow to Luxembourg using the Krakow-Vienna sleeper & onwards trains - the most time-effective option...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The train has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  If you have a 1st class onward ticket, you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Luxembourg, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:15 by ICE-T train, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto a Intercity train & Koblenz onto a regional train, arriving Luxembourg at 20:24.

  Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 2, Krakow to Luxembourg with an overnight stop in Berlin - if you prefer day trains & hotel to a sleeper train...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.  Enjoy an evening in Berlin.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Luxembourg with a range of possible departures, for example leaving Berlin Hbf 07:04, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and Koblenz arriving Luxembourg at 15:24.  But by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later train.

• How much does it cost?

  Krakow to Luxembourg starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• How to buy tickets...

  Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  To build in the overnight stop in Berlin, click Add intermediate stops and enter Berlin Hbf as a via station with a suitable stopover duration, say 14 hours, in the hh:mm box.  I have set up this link to Bahn.de for you, just enter the number of passengers and your date of travel.  Increase or decrease the stopover duration to get the train you want from Berlin to Luxembourg.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

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Krakow to Zurich & Switzerland...

Option 1, Krakow to Switzerland using the Krakow-Vienna sleeper...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The train has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead. You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  If you have an onward 1st or business class ticket you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf, with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by smart Austrian railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:30 & arriving Zurich HB at 17:20.

  This is a relaxing and scenic journey through the wonderful Arlberg Pass on a train with a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video here.  Change in Zurich for all other destinations in Switzerland.

  Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in €). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Option 2, Krakow to Switzerland using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 & arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with classic 6-seat compartments, some with open plan seating.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book through reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:25 and arriving Zurich HB at 08:20 next morning.

  The train has double-deck sleeping-cars with 1 & 2 berth sleepers with washbasin, 1 & 2 berth deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet and a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin.  It has 4 & 6 berth couchettes and ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares, more fiddly).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Option 3, Krakow to Switzerland with an overnight stop in Vienna...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with classic 6-seat compartments, some with open plan seating.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book through reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Stay overnight in Vienna.  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, Graetzl Hotel, Hotel Schani Wien.

• Day 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by smart Austrian railjet train, for example leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:30 arriving Zurich HB at 17:20.

  Earlier or later departures are also possible, trains run every 2 hours.  It's a relaxing and scenic journey through the Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video here.  Change in Zurich for all other destinations in Switzerland. 

  Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book from Vienna to any station in Switzerland at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, overseas credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices, more fiddly).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

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Krakow to Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Krakow to Venice using the Vienna-Venice sleeper - a time-effective option...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with compartments, some open plan.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book with reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:27 & arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 08:34.

  This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  If you like, you can check the formation of this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

Option 2, Krakow to Venice using the Krakow-Vienna sleeper...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 & arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The Chopin has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.  In the sleeper, morning tea or coffee is included.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  If you're interested, you can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Poland, click IC - the train is called the Chopin which leaves Warsaw with cars for Vienna, Prague & Budapest.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  You've time to have a look around Vienna.  If you have a 1st class onward ticket you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf in the hour before your onward train, with complimentary tea, coffee & soft drinks.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Venice by railjet train leaving Vienna Hbf at 12:25 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 20:05.

  The air-conditioned railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It takes the beautifully scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route from Vienna to Graz, a real treat - see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semmering_railway.  Treat yourself to lunch with wine as the mountains glide by.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more photos, tips, and a video of the journey.

  Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 in 1st class or €54.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Option 3, Krakow to Italy using the Krakow-Vienna & Vienna-Rome sleeper trains, with a free day in Vienna...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 & arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The Chopin has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.  In the sleeper, morning tea or coffee is included.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  If you're interested, you can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Poland, click IC - the train is called the Chopin which leaves Warsaw with cars for Vienna, Prague & Budapest.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

• Spend the day in Vienna.  Left luggage is available.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train.

  A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Vienna Hbf at 19:23 and arriving Bologna Centrale 05:20, Florence SMN 06:19 & Rome Termini 09:2) with a portion to Milan Porta Garibaldi arriving 08:10.

  Another Nightjet sleeper train leaves Vienna Hbf at 21:27 and arrives Venice Santa Lucia at 08:34.

  These comfortable Austrian Nightjet trains have an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

  Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Option 4, Krakow to Italy by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Vienna...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with compartments, some open plan.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book with reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Stay overnight in Vienna.  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel & Hotel Schani Wien.

• Day 2, travel from Vienna to Venice by railjet train through the wonderfully scenic Semmering route, leaving Vienna Hbf at 06:25 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 14:05, or there's a later departure at 12:25 arriving 20:05.

  The railjet has a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the railjet information page

  Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 in 1st class or €54.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

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Krakow to Barcelona & Spain...

Option 1, Krakow to Barcelona with an overnight stop in Cologne...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16, change in Berlin for a high-speed ICE train to Cologne, arriving 22:09.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car - treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.  The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at seats & free WiFi.

  Fares from Krakow to Cologne start at €37.90 in 2nd class, or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book from Krakow to Cologne at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

  I recommend changing Duration of transfer from standard to at least 30 minutes, look for journeys with just 1 change.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

• Stay overnight in Cologne.  Starting with the cheapest, hotels near to Cologne Hauptbahnhof with good reviews include the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.

• Day 2, travel from Cologne to Barcelona, leaving Cologne Hbf at 08:44 by Thalys to Paris Gare du Nord, change stations by taxi or metro, then take the 15:12 TGV Duplex from Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona Sants arriving 21:54.

  This afternoon Paris-Barcelona TGV should run all year round, but due to covid-19 it will only run from 14 June to 30 September 2022.

  Thalys trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Thalys guide.  How about lunch at the amazing Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon between trains?  The 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, book an upper deck seat for the best views.  It's a comfortable & scenic journey, click here for the sights to see on the way.

  Cologne to Paris starts at €35 in 2nd class or €71 in 1st class.

  Paris to Barcelona starts at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book each train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website en.oui.sncf (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking normally opens 120 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your smartphone.

• Stay overnight in Barcelona.  Hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews:  Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, recommended), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).

• Day 3, travel from Barcelona to other Spanish cities by high-speed train.

  For Madrid:  AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from €35.

  For Cordoba & Seville:  Take the direct AVE-S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Cordoba 13:12 & Seville Santa Justa at 14:02.  Fares start at €53.  Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the 15:50 AVE S112 high-speed train to Cordoba & Seville.

  For Malaga:  Take the 09:00 AVE high-speed train to Madrid Atocha arriving 11:45, then the 13:00 AVE high-speed train to Malaga Maria Zambrano, arriving 16:05.  Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the direct 15:50 AVE S112 high-speed train to Malaga.

  For Granada:  A direct AVE S112 high-speed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Granada at 14:52.

  For Valencia & Alicante:  EuroMed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:15 Mondays-Fridays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:55 & Alicante 12:45 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 12:55 & Alicante 14:48.  Fares from €23.

  For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo, there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here.

  Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, both very easy to use, small booking fee), www.petrabax.com (in $, also easy to use, small mark-up) or Spanish Railways' own site www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, see this advice on using it).  You'll find cheap Promo and Promo+ fares if you book in advance.  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Krakow to Barcelona via Geneva...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The train has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead. You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  If you have an onward 1st or business class ticket you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf, with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

• Day 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:30 & arriving Zurich HB at 17:20, change for Geneva.

  This is a relaxing and scenic journey through the wonderful Arlberg Pass on a train with a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video here.  Change in Zurich for all other destinations in Switzerland.

  Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  Book from Vienna to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in €). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

• Stay overnight in Geneva.  Hotels with good reviews near the station include Hotel Cornavin Genève, Hotel Les Arcades, ibis Styles Geneva Gare.  Hotels in Switzerland can be expensive, if you're on a budget you can book budget private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station using www.hostelworld.com.

• Day 3, travel from Geneva to Barcelona, leaving Geneva at 11:30 by TER regional train, change trains at Lyon Part Dieu (arrive 13:25, depart 14:28) onto the afternoon AVE-S100 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 19:33.

  The AVE train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You'll pass Béziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Montpelier & Perpignan, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks, and get great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see the photos & information here.

  The Geneva-Lyon fare is a fixed-price €29.40.  Lyon-Barcelona fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class, these fares vary like air fares.

  Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website en.oui.sncf (in €, more fiddly, no fee).  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

• Stay overnight in Barcelona.  Hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews:  Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, recommended), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).

• Day 4, travel from Barcelona Sants to any Spanish destination next morning by high-speed train, check times & buying a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.  You print your own ticket.

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Krakow to Lisbon & Portugal...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Barcelona in 2 days with an overnight stop in Cologne, as shown above.

• Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid in 2h40 by AVE high-speed train.

• Stay overnight in Madrid.  The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.

• Step 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by train as shown in detail on the Madrid to Lisbon page.

• Change in Lisbon for trains to Porto or Faro & the Algarve, booked separately at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt.

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Krakow to Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg & Northern Germany from €27.90...

Option 1, Krakow to Berlin by EuroCity train Wawel - the recommended daytime option...

• The direct Krakow-Berlin EuroCity train Wawel makes a welcome return from the start of the new timetable on 13 December 2020.

  This comfortable EuroCity train leaves Krakow Glowny at 10:16 every day, arriving Berlin Hbf 17:16.

  Same-day onward connections are possible to Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt & Cologne.

• Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Buy tickets from Krakow to anywhere in Germany at www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Tip:  If you'd like an overnight stop in Berlin before travelling onwards to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg & so on, click Add intermediate stops and enter Berlin Hbf as a via station with a stopover duration of (say) 12 hours or longer in the hh:mm box.

The bar counter...		Decent food, served on proper china...

Option 2, Krakow to Berlin via Warsaw from €37.90...

• This takes significantly longer - and usually costs a bit more - than taking the direct Krakow-Berlin Wawel.  However, if you absolutely have to be in Berlin 2 or 3 hours earlier than the time the Wawel arrives, or leave Krakow an hour or two later than the Wawel leaves, it's an option...

• You take a fast InterCity Express (EIC) or bullet-nosed InterCity Express Premium (EIP) or older TLK train from Krakow Glowny to Warsaw Centralna in as little as 2h19, then a comfortable EuroCity train from Warsaw Centralna to Berlin Hbf in around 5h30.  I recommend allowing at least 40 minutes in Warsaw between trains in case of any delay.

• Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class, €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• To find times and buy tickets, use the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.

  Tip:  To see journeys via Warsaw Centralna with 1 change and a robust connection, (1) click Add intermediate stops and enter Warsaw Centralna as a via station with a stopover duration of 40 minutes in the hh:mm box, and (2) click More means of transport and change both drop down boxes from admit changes to direct connections.  Easy when you know how!

  Why not stop off for a few hours in Warsaw?  Perhaps have lunch in the old town between trains.  Simply enter the number of hours you want in the hh:mm box.  The Palace of Culture is just across the road from Warsaw Centralna station, and Warsaw's old town square is just 20 minutes walk away.  For lunch, I heartily recommend the U Fukiera restaurant on the inner square, www.ufukiera.pl.

• Change in Berlin for Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Cologne - you can book from Krakow to anywhere in Germany at www.bahn.de.

Option 3, Krakow to Berlin by sleeper train via Rzepin - cheap, safe, comfortable, convenient & time-effective!

• Step 1, travel overnight by sleeper train leaving Krakow Glowny around 21:38 and arriving Rzepin at 07:30 next morning.

  The fare is 111 zlotys (€26) with a couchette in 6-berth, 211 zlotys (€47) for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper, or 397 zlotys (€87) for a single-bed sleeper all to yourself, a bargain.

  Book this train at the Polish Railways website www.intercity.pl.  Booking in Poland opens 30 days ahead.

  Tip:  Have dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants.

• Step 2, travel from Rzepin to Berlin by EuroCity train, leaving Rzepin at 08:23, arriving Berlin Hbf at 09:51.

  Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

  Book at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland normally opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.

• Change in Berlin for Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt and so on.  You can book from Rzepin to anywhere in Germany using www.bahn.de.

Option 4, Krakow to Berlin by sleeper train via Stettin - a variation on option 3 above...

• Step 1, travel overnight by sleeper train leaving Krakow Glowny around 21:38 and arriving Szczecin Glowny at 09:09 next morning.

  The basic fare is 62 zlotys (€15) plus 33 zlotys (€8) for a couchette or 141 zlotys (€33) for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper).

  Book this train at the Polish Railways website www.intercity.pl.  Booking in Poland opens 30 days ahead.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

• Step 2, travel from Stettin (Szczecin) to Berlin by regional train, leaving Stettin Glowny at 10:06 and arriving Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 11:54.

  By all means see something of Stettin and take a later train.  The fare is around €29, even bought at the station on the day, if you use a Brandenburg-Berlin Ticket.  You can check times & prices at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.

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Krakow to Munich, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, & Southern Germany...

Option 1, Krakow to Germany using the Krakow-Prague sleeper...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Prague by EuroNight sleeper train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 07:55.

  This train has a modern air-conditioned Czech Comfortline sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, plus three deluxe 1, 2 or 3 bed compartments with en suite toilet & shower, see the photos below.  It also has a couchette car with economical 4 & 6 bunk compartments.

  Advance-purchase fares start at €29 with couchette in 6-berth, €39 with couchette in 4-berth, €39 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper or €49 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or around €75 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.

  Book this train at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems booking at cd.cz, book via reliable Polish agency www.polrail.com with tickets collected in Warsaw.  Polrail's website only shows full-price full-flex fares, but will (I am told) refund the difference if they find advance-purchase fares available.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

• Step 2 for Munich:  Travel from Prague to Munich by air-conditioned express leaving Prague Hlavni at 09:38 and arriving Munich Hbf at 15:18.

  By all means spend a morning in Prague and take a later train, see the Prague to Munich timetable here.

  Fares start at €15 in 2nd class or €35 in 1st class, these are limited-availability advance-purchase.  Not that there's much difference between classes on these trains, I'd stick with 2nd.

  Book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.

• Step 2 for Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Stuttgart:  Book from Prague to your German destination at Czech Railways www.cd.cz and print your own ticket.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.  I'd allow at least 1 hour in Prague between trains just in case of delay.

Option 2, Krakow to Germany with overnight stop in Prague...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Prague on the Cracovia, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:52 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 17:52.

  The Cracovia has a bistro car with draught beer on tap and power sockets at all seats, see the Krakow to Prague page for photos & information.

  Fares start at €15 in 2nd class or €35 in 1st class.  These are limited-availability advance -purchase fares.

  Book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Stay overnight in Prague.  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Esplanade Hotel (5-star), Falkensteiner Hotel Maria (4-star), Chopin Hotel (3-star).  To stay in the old town, try the Ventana Hotel or Old Town Square Hotel (both 5-star), Grand Hotel Prague, Hotel Rott (both 4-star), Zlatý kůň Golden Horse (3-star).  For dinner in Prague, consider a 6 minute 550m walk to the Restaurant Zvonice (www.restaurantzvonice.cz) which gets great reviews, see walking map.  It's usually open until midnight, ideal if you're catching a sleeper.  Feedback appreciated.

• Step 2 for Munich:  Travel from Prague to Munich by air-conditioned express train, the first one leaves Prague Hlavni at 05:38 arriving Munich Hbf 11:18, but they run every two hours so by all means take a later one, see the Prague-Munich timetable here.

  Fares start at €15 in 2nd class or €35 in 1st class, not that there's much difference between classes on these trains, I'd stick with 2nd.  These are limited-availability advance -purchase fares.

  Book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Step 2 for Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Nuremberg:  Book from Prague to Frankfurt, Stuttgart or Nuremberg at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your smartphone.  Tip:  Click More options, click Travel via and enter Cheb in the via box to see cheap fares and avoid travel by bus.  More information here.

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Krakow to Vienna, Salzburg & Austria from €32.90...

Option 1, Krakow to Vienna by daytime train - the leisurely daytime option...

• Every day, a EuroCity train leaves Krakow Glowny at 13:58 and arrives Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with compartments, some open plan.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.  Change at Vienna Hbf for Salzburg Hbf.

• Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book with reliable agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.  You cannot book this train at the Polish Railways website.

Option 2, Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train - safe, comfortable & time-effective...

• A safe & comfortable EuroNight sleeper train called the Chopin leaves Krakow Glowny at 22:57 every night arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  It has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, see the photos below.  In summer June-August and at Easter, Christmas & New Year it also has a couchette car with 4 & 6 bunk compartments.  In the sleeping-car or couchettes this train is a comfortable, safe and time-effective option.

• Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  If using www.thetrainline.com and no sleepers appear, click Semi-flex at the top instead of Cheapest.  If using oebb.at and it says Please choose a different service when trying to select a couchette or sleeper, scroll back up to the fares section, click More services and select the higher-priced fare instead of the cheapest sparschiene price.  It means couchettes and/or sleepers are no longer available in conjunction with the cheapest Sparschiene rates.

  Alternatively, you can book through reliable booking agency www.polrail.com, their booking system is at booking.polrail.com.  You can then collect tickets in Warsaw.  Polrail always shows full price, but tell me they will offer the cheap advance-purchase fares if they find them available.

• If you like, you can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Poland and click IC and look for the Chopin.

• Change in Vienna for fast railjet trans to Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck.  Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, overseas credit cards no problem) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, but more fiddly) and print your own ticket.  See the Vienna to Salzburg page for photos & details.

• Tip:  In Krakow, look on the departure boards for a train shown as going to Bohumin, as that's where the various portions of this night train for Vienna, Budapest & Prague split up.  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

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Krakow to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia...

Option 1, Krakow to Copenhagen, Malmö, Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm with overnight stop in Berlin...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:16 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:16.

  The EuroCity train is comfortable and air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  The 3-star InterCity Hotel (my favourite) or Meininger Hotel are right next to Berlin Hbf, a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or 15 minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, relatively inexpensive with good reviews.  The Steigenberger Hotel is more upmarket, also right next to the station with great reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous & historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate.  If you're on a tight budget, the cheaper Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or see www.hostelworld.com.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Copenhagen, leaving Berlin Hbf at 06:38, changing at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Copenhagen at 13:33.

  You travel from Berlin to Hamburg by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then Hamburg to Copenhagen by Danish IC3 Intercity train with free WiFi whilst in Denmark, no catering car so bring your own food & drink.

  A later option is available if you're only going as far as Copenhagen, Malmö or Gothenburg, leaving Berlin Hbf 10:38, arriving Copenhagen at 17:33.  If you're going to Oslo or Stockholm, stick with the earlier one.

  An altered timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the Berlin to Copenhagen section for details.

• Step 3, travel from Copenhagen to Sweden or Norway...

  If you're going to Malmö, travel from Copenhagen to Malmö Central by Öresund train, these leave 2 or 3 times each hour taking 39 minutes, using the impressive Öresund fixed link.

  If you're going to Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Goteborg Central by Öresund train, these leave every hour taking 3h53, using the impressive Öresund fixed link.

  If you're going to Stockholm, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 and arriving Stockholm Central at 19:36 (times may vary).  The X2000 train crosses the water from Denmark to Sweden over the impressive Öresund fixed link.  An altered Berlin-Stockholm timetable applies from 18 June to 21 August 2022, see the Berlin to Stockholm section for details.

• Step 4 if you're going to Finland, stay overnight in Stockholm and travel from Stockholm to Helsinki as shown here.

• How much does it cost?

  Krakow to Copenhagen starts at €51.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.

  Copenhagen to Stockholm starts at 195 SEK (€20).

  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

• How to buy tickets...

  Book from Krakow to Copenhagen at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  To get the overnight stop in Berlin, click Add intermediate stops, enter Berlin Hbf as a via station and a stopover duration of 12 hours in the hh:mm box.  I have set up this link to Bahn.de for you, just change the date to your date of travel and enter the number of passengers.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  Book from Copenhagen to Malmo, Gothenburg (Goteborg Central) or Stockholm at Swedish Railways www.sj.se, or if you have any problems, Omio.com.

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Krakow to Helsinki & Finland...

Option 1, Krakow to Helsinki using the Finnlines ferry from Germany...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Rzepin by sleeper train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 20:38 and arriving Rzepin at 07:30.

  This is a Polish domestic sleeper train with comfy Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and 6-berth couchettes.

  The basic fare is around 60 zlotys (€15) plus 33 zlotys (€8) for a couchette or 141 zlotys (€33) for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper).

  Book this at the Polish Railways website www.intercity.pl.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Day 2, travel from Rzepin to Hamburg, leaving Rzepin at 08:23, changing at Berlin Hbf and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 12:21.

  Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or smartphone.

  Booking from Poland opens 60 days ahead.  I recommend changing Duration of transfer from standard to at least 45 minutes.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

  Enjoy an afternoon in Hamburg.

• Day 2 in the early evening, transfer from Hamburg to the Travemünde ferry terminal by train & bus and sail from Travemünde to Helsinki with Finnlines, see the Hamburg to Helsinki section for detailed instructions.

  The ship normally boards from 22:30 to 24:00 and arriving Helsinki Vuosaari ferry terminal at 09:00 2 nights later (on Day 4 from Krakow).  Go to www.finnlines.com to check sailing dates, times & to book the ferry.

Option 2, Krakow to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Stockholm by train as shown above.

• Step 2, travel from Stockholm to Helsinki either by direct overnight cruise ferry, or by daytime or overnight ferry to Turku and connecting train to Helsinki as shown on the Trains & ferries from Stockholm page.

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Krakow to Prague from €15...

Option 1, Krakow to Prague by sleeper train, see the Prague to Krakow by train page...

• There is a safe, comfortable & convenient sleeper train from Krakow to Prague, leaving Krakow Glowny every night at 22:57 and arriving at Prague Hlavni station at 07:55 next morning.  In the comfort of a sleeper this is a time-effective and recommended option, see the Krakow to Prague sleeper train page for full details & photos.

Option 2, Krakow to Prague by daytime train, see the Prague to Krakow by train page...

• A daytime train called the Cracovia leaves Krakow Glowny every day at 10:52, arriving Prague Hlavni at 17:52.

  It has comfortable air-conditioned carriages with power sockets at all seats, and a bistro car with draught beer on tap, or by all means take your own picnic, see the Prague to Krakow by train page for full details & photos.

• Fares start at €15 in 2nd class or €35 in 1st class.  These are limited-availability advance -purchase fares.

• Book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Option 3, Krakow to Prague Leo Express day train from €13.70, see the Prague to Krakow by train page...

• Leo Express (www.le.cz) runs a high-quality air-conditioned train between Krakow & Prague in competition with Czech and Polish Railways.  It now runs 4 times a week, see the Prague to Krakow by train page.  Book online at www.le.cz.

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Krakow to Budapest & Bratislava...

Option 1, Krakow to Bratislava & Budapest by EuroCity train - the leisurely daytime option...

• A train leaves Krakow Glowny at 10:52 every day & arrives Bratislava Hlavna 17:02 & Budapest Nyugati 19:34. 

  The train consists of two 2nd class seats cars which leave Krakow attached to the Krakow-Prague Cracovia as far as Bohumin, then get coupled to the Warsaw-Budapest EuroCity train Batory. 

  The Krakow-Bratislava-Budapest through cars are comfortable, modern & air-conditioned with 2nd class seats.  One car has classic 6-seat compartments, the other has open-plan seating.  If you insist on going 1st class you will have to switch trains at Bohumin at around 13:25 where the through car is switched between trains.  I recommend sticking with 2nd class which is absolutely fine in these comfortable modern cars.

  A Czech bistro car is available from Krakow to Bohumin and a Hungarian restaurant car is available from Bohumin to Budapest.

• Fares start at €20 if booked in advance online.  It is not possible to book 1st class online.

• Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.

  Tip if going to Bratislava:  Warsaw/Krakow to Bratislava tickets aren't sold online, as neither Polish nor Slovakian railways have enabled online sales.  But there's a  simple solution, book from Warsaw/Krakow to Budapest using the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu and simply get off in Bratislava.  This is perfectly legitimate and as you'll get a cheap advance-purchase fare, it's the cheapest option.

  If you have any trouble with www.mavcsoport.hu you can book with recommended Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at booking.polrail.com) who can arrange ticket collection in Krakow.

Option 2, Krakow to Bratislava & Budapest by sleeper train - safe, comfortable & time-effective...

• A EuroNight sleeper train leaves Krakow Glowny at 22:57 every night arriving Bratislava Hlavna at 05:54 & Budapest Nyugati at 08:20.

  The Chopin has a modern air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two 1 or 2 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower.  It also has a couchette car with economical 4 & 6 bunk compartments.  In the sleeping-car or couchettes this train is a comfortable, safe & time-effective option.

• Bought at the station, full-price fares per person per bed are €92 in 6-berth couchettes, €96 in 4-berth couchettes, €96 in a 3-bed sleeper, €103 in a 2-bed sleeper, €173 in a single-bed sleeper.

  Cheap SparNight fares are available in limited numbers (as few as one sleeper berth per train!) from €39 in couchettes and €74 in a 2-bed sleeper, but must be booked more than 3 days before departure, preferably more.  However, in this direction they cannot be booked online, only at the station.

• To book, either buy at the station (there's almost always places available) or pre-book through reliable Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at booking.polrail.com) who can arrange ticket collection in Krakow.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  Update:  PKP are short of sleeping-cars at the moment, so on this route they cannot guarantee that the latest type of sleeping-car with the two deluxe compartments as shown below won't be substituted by a regular sleeping-car without the two deluxe compartments.  For this reason they've stopped taking bookings for the deluxe compartments, all compartments are booked as standard compartments, you may of course get lucky and end up in a deluxe!

• Tip:  In Krakow, look on the departure boards for a train shown as going to Bohumin, as that's where the various portions of this night train for Vienna, Budapest & Prague split up.  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

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Krakow to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania from €46.30...

Option 1, Krakow to Romania using a sleeper from Budapest - fastest option...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Budapest by train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:52 & arriving Budapest Nyugati 19:32.

  The train consists of two 2nd class seats cars which leave Krakow attached to the Krakow-Prague Cracovia as far as Bohumin, then get coupled to the Warsaw-Budapest EuroCity train Varsovia.

  The Krakow-Bratislava-Budapest through cars are comfortable, modern & air-conditioned with 2nd class seats.  If you insist on going 1st class you will have to switch trains at Bohumin at around 13:25 where the through car is switched between trains.  I recommend sticking with 2nd class.  A Czech bistro car is available from Krakow to Bohumin and a Hungarian restaurant car is available from Bohumin to Budapest.  In Budapest, transfer to Keleti station.

  Fares start at €20 if booked in advance online.  It is not possible to book 1st class online.

  Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.

  If you have any trouble with www.mavcsoport.hu you can book with recommended Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at booking.polrail.com) who can arrange ticket collection in Krakow.

• Step 2, travel from Budapest to Romania on the Dacia Express, leaving Budapest Keleti at 23:10 arriving Sighisoara 10:34, Brasov 13:35 & Bucharest Gara de Nord 16:04.

  The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus several with en suite shower & toilet, a Romanian couchette car with 4-berth & 6-berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat...

  Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your smartphone.

Step 1, Krakow to Budapest by train.  Above, these are the northbound Budapest-Krakow through cars seen at Katowice attached to the rear of the Prague-Krakow Cracovia...

Hungarian Railways are starting to use their latest international cars on this route, with power sockets, wheelchair provision, bike spaces and an unusual interior layout with some open-plan seats with tables for four and several 5-seat semi-compartments like the one shown above right.  Click the images for larger photos.  Photos courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com.

Step 2, Budapest to Romania by sleeper train Dacia Express...  The Dacia Express has one or at peak times two air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-cars, seen here at Bucharest.  You can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Sleepers:  Each compartment can be sold as a single, double (as here) or triple.  Most compartments have a washbasin as shown, two compartments have a shower & toilet.  Beds fold away to form a private sitting room for day use.  Larger photo.				Couchettes:  4 & 6-berth, bedding is provided.  Larger photo.

The Dacia Express has one couchette car, seen here at Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

The Dacia Express en route to Bucharest...  Photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Enjoy lunch and a beer in the bar car, as a bar-bistro is attached to the Dacia Express in Romania between Simeria & Bucharest.  Larger photo.  Photos courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom & @_DiningCar.

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest...  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Option 2, Krakow to Romania with an overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer daytime trains & hotel to sleepers...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Budapest by train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:52 & arriving Budapest Nyugati 19:34.

  The train consists of two 2nd class seats cars which leave Krakow attached to the Krakow-Prague Cracovia as far as Bohumin, then get coupled to the Warsaw-Budapest EuroCity train Varsovia.

  The Krakow-Bratislava-Budapest through cars are comfortable, modern & air-conditioned with 2nd class seats.  If you insist on going 1st class you will have to switch trains at Bohumin at around 13:25 where the through car is switched between trains.  I recommend sticking with 2nd class.

  A Czech bistro car is available from Krakow to Bohumin and a Hungarian restaurant car is available from Bohumin to Budapest.

  Fares start at €20 if booked in advance online.  It is not possible to book 1st class online.

  Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.

  If you have any trouble with www.mavcsoport.hu you can book with recommended Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at booking.polrail.com) who can arrange ticket collection in Krakow.

• Stay overnight in Budapest.  For an inexpensive hotel with great reviews next to Budapest Keleti station, try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel or the inexpensive Baross City Hotel just across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away.  More hotels in Budapest.

• Day 2, travel from Budapest to Romania by comfortable air-conditioned Intercity train.  These link Budapest Keleti with Cluj, Timisoara, Craiova, Sibiu, Sinaia, Brasov & Ploesti.  It's an all-day daytime run across Transylvania, see the Trains from Budapest page for details.

  Fares start at €26.30 in 2nd class or (on trains which have 1st class) €40.50 in 1st class.

  Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your smartphone.

The morning train from Budapest to Bucharest at Budapest Keleti, with modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages...

On the left, the daytime train to Bucharest is about to leave Budapest Keleti...		Comfortable 2nd class seats in an air-conditioned Romanian carriage.  Larger photo.

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Krakow to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik...

Option 1, Krakow to Vienna by sleeper, on to Ljubljana & Zagreb by daytime train. - time-effective and scenic...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train Chopin, leaving Krakow Glowny at 22:57 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:00.

  The train has the most modern type of air-conditioned Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin plus two deluxe compartments with 1 or 2 berths & en suite toilet & shower.  In summer and other peak times there's a Polish couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  The train also has ordinary seats.

  Fares start at €39.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €49.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €54.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €69.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.

  Book the sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  Tip:  For dinner in Krakow before you board the sleeper, see suggested restaurants here.

  Tip:  If you have a 1st class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Ljubljana by EuroCity train Emona, leaving Vienna Hbf at 07:58 and arriving Ljubljana at 14:00.  For Zagreb, change at Zidani Most and arrive Zagreb at 17:07.

  The Emona has comfortable air-conditioned Slovenian and Austrian carriages and an elegant restaurant car serving snacks, meals, beer and wine.  The journey is a treat, it travels via the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz then passes through more great scenery into Slovenia.

  Fares start at €29.90.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Step 3 for Split & Dubrovnik:  Take the sleeper train from Zagreb to Split and a bus from Split to Dubrovnik, as explained here.

Option 2, Krakow to Ljubljana & Zagreb with an overnight stop in Vienna - if you prefer day trains and hotel to a sleeper train...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 13:58 & arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:49.

  The train consists of comfortable Austrian coaches, some with classic 6-seat compartments, some with open plan seating.  A restaurant car runs in the train between Bohumin (around 16:40) and Vienna.

  Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

  If you have any problems with www.oebb.at you can also book with recommended ticketing agency www.polrail.com, although prices may be higher.

 Polrail can arrange ticket collection in Poland, or tickets can be sent overseas for a fee.

• Stay overnight in Vienna.  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, Graetzl Hotel & Hotel Schani Wien.

• Day 2, travel from Vienna to Ljubljana by EuroCity train Emona, leaving Vienna Hbf at 07:58 and arriving Ljubljana at 14:00.

  For Zagreb, change at Zidani Most and arrive Zagreb at 17:07.

  The Emona has comfortable air-conditioned Slovenian and Austrian carriages and an elegant restaurant car serving snacks, meals, beer and wine.  The journey is a treat, it travels via the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz then passes through more great scenery into Slovenia.

  Fares start at €29.90.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

  Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

• Step 3 for Split & Dubrovnik:  Take the sleeper train from Zagreb to Split and a bus from Split to Dubrovnik, as explained here.

Option 3, by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Budapest - an alternative to option 2, slightly slower but can be cheaper...

• Day 1, travel from Krakow to Budapest by train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 10:52 every day and arriving Budapest Nyugati 19:34.

  The train consists of two 2nd class seats cars which leave Krakow attached to the Krakow-Prague Cracovia as far as Bohumin, then get coupled to the Warsaw-Budapest EuroCity train Varsovia.

  The Krakow-Bratislava-Budapest through cars are comfortable, modern & air-conditioned with 2nd class seats.  If you insist on going 1st class you will have to switch trains at Bohumin at around 13:25 where the through car is switched between trains.  I recommend sticking with 2nd class.  A Czech bistro car is available from Krakow to Bohumin and a Hungarian restaurant car is available from Bohumin to Budapest.

  Fares start at €20 if booked in advance online.  It is not possible to book 1st class online.

  Buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.

  If you have any trouble with www.mavcsoport.hu you can book with recommended Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at booking.polrail.com) who can arrange ticket collection in Krakow.

• Stay overnight in Budapest.

• Day 2, travel from Budapest Deli to Ljubljana or Zagreb by train as shown on the Trains from Budapest page.

  Book this at the Hungarian Railways www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.

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Krakow to Belgrade, Sofia & Montenegro...

Option 1, Krakow to Belgrade & beyond via Zagreb...

• Step 1, take the overnight sleeper from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train as explained above.

• Step 2, spend a pleasant morning in Vienna, then take the afternoon EuroCity train Croatia from Vienna to Zagreb as explained here.

• Stay overnight in Zagreb, I suggest the Esplanade Hotel, Palace Hotel or Central Hotel, all near the station with good reviews.

• Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.

  This train is still currently suspended due to Covid-19.

  It's 2nd class only, with two comfortable Serbian air-conditioned cars.  There's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. 

  The fare is around €29, buy at the station or pay on the train as this cannot be booked online.

• Step 4, if you're heading for Sofia spend the night in Belgrade - I recommend the historic Hotel Moskva - and leave for Sofia next day, see the Belgrade to Sofia page for details.

• Step 4 for Montenegro, transfer to Topcider station and take the sleeper train to Podgorica or Bar, see the Belgrade to Bar page for details.

Option 2, Krakow to Sofia via Bucharest - currently the best option from Krakow to Sofia...

• Step 1, take the overnight sleeper from Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train as explained above.

• Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest, overnight to Bucharest and onwards to Sofia, as shown in the Vienna to Sofia section.

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Krakow to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn...

• Day 1, take a train from Krakow to Warsaw in as little as 2h19 as shown above.  I'd allow at least an hour between trains in Warsaw.

• Day 1, travel from Warsaw to Kaunas & Vilnius, leaving Warsaw at lunchtime, changing at Bialystok and arriving Kaunas in Lithuania in the evening, with connections to Vilnius, see the Warsaw to Vilnius page for details.  Warsaw-Vilnius costs around €24, buy a ticket at the station in Warsaw.

• Day 2, for onward travel from Vilnius to Riga, see here.

• Day 3, for onward travel from Riga to Tallinn, see here.

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Krakow to Lviv & Kiev...

Option 1, Krakow to Lviv & Kiev by direct sleeper train...

• There's a comfortable sleeper train leaving Krakow Glowny at 21:02 and arriving Lviv at 06:10 and Kiev at 17:14.

• The train has Ukrainian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments.  The fare for a bed in a 3-berth is around €42 to Lviv or €69 to Kiev.

• You can book online at Ukrainian Railways, booking.uz.gov.ua/en/.  Booking opens 30 days before departure.  You can only book beds in 3-berth compartments, if you want sole occupancy (or dual occupancy for two of you) simply book 3 tickets.  This is easy, as it asks you to select berths from a carriage plan when you book, so simply select three in one compartment.  You print your own ticket.

  Suggested hotels in Lviv:  The famous George Hotel or Grand Hotel.

Option 2, by fast daytime train - comfortable and cheap...

• You can travel from Krakow to Lviv or Kiev on one of two fast air-conditioned daytime connections:

  (1) Leave Krakow Glowny at 09:14, change at Przemysl (arrive 12:08, depart 13:10) and arriving Lviv at 16:00 and Kiev at 23:08.

  (2) Leave Krakow Glowny at 11:45, change at Przemysl (arrive 14:38, depart 15:45) and arriving Lviv at 18:35 and Kiev at 23:57.

  The Krakow-Przemysl trains are comfortable Polish Intercity trains.  The Przemysl-Lviv-Kiev trains are smart air-conditioned Ukrainian intercity electric trains, introduced in 2016.

  A 3rd connection is also available, this time using a conventional Ukrainian train between Przemysl & Lviv, en route to Odessa.

  (3)  Leave Krakow Glowny at 14:52, change at Przemysl (arrive 18:04, depart 18:59) and arriving Lviv at 22:40.

  First check current times for the Ukrainian train at www.uz.gov.ua/en/passengers/timetable.  Then check times for a suitable Polish connecting train at Polish Railways www.intercity.pl.

• Krakow to Przemysl costs around €9.  Przemysl to Lviv costs €7.10.

• First book the Przemysl to Lviv train at Ukrainian Railways booking.uz.gov.ua/en - if it works for you (or if it doesn't), let me know.  Then book the Krakow to Przemysl train at Polish Railways www.intercity.pl.

  Alternatively, you can order Krakow to Lviv tickets through highly-recommended Polish train booking agency www.polrail.com.  They charge a small fee, and either allow ticket pick up in Krakow or can send to any country worldwide.

Option 3, Krakow to Kiev via Warsaw...

• Take a fast InterCity train from Krakow to Warsaw (check times at www.intercity.pl) and pick up the overnight Kiev Express from Warsaw to Kiev, leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:48 and arriving Kiev at 11:00 next morning.

• This train has Ukrainian 1, 2 & 3 bed sleepers with washbasin.  Book the Warsaw-Kiev sleeper via agency www.polrail.com with ticket collection in Warsaw.  See more information about the Kiev Express and how to book it.

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Krakow to Moscow...

Option 1, Krakow to Moscow via Warsaw & Belarus

• An overnight sleeper train runs from Warsaw to Moscow every day, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 and arriving Moscow Belorussky at 16:58 next day.  You can check times at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru.

  Train currently suspended due to Covid-19

  This train uses impressive Austrian-built sleeping-cars with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers.  Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth.  The train consist of two or three sleeping-car which start their journey in Prague.  There's a bistro car in Poland and a Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow.

  You can book this train by contacting reliable Polish train ticketing agency www.polrail.com - their booking system is at booking.polrail.com.  Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide.

Alternatively, you can book with Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru although it's a little quirky and may not accept some overseas credit cards.

Don't forget to arrange both your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa as the train runs via Belarus. See my important update about travel to Russia through Belarus.

• Then book a connecting ticket from Krakow to Warsaw at the Polish Railways website www.intercity.pl.  I'd allow at least 2h in Warsaw between trains, just in case of delay.

Option 2, via Kiev - avoids the need for a Belarus visa...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Warsaw on any train you like, check times & buy tickets at www.intercity.pl.  You print your own ticket.  I'd allow at least an hour between trains in Moscow, ideally a bit more as you're catching a once-a-day sleeper.

• Step 2, travel from Warsaw to Kiev overnight on the Kiev Express, leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:48 & arriving Kiev at 11:00 next day, see details of fares & how to buy tickets here.  Enjoy a day in Kiev.

• Step 3, travel from Kiev to Moscow by overnight train leaving Kiev at 19:36 arriving Moscow Kievskaya at 10:09 next morning, see details of fares & how to buy tickets here.  Trains currently suspended due to Covid-19

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Krakow to Athens & Greece...

Option 1, by train via Belgrade...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Belgrade as shown above.

• Step 2, travel from Belgrade to Thessaloniki by sleeper train (summer only) and on to Athens by Intercity train as shown here.

Option  2, by ferry from Italy - these days, the more practical route...

• Step 1, travel from Krakow to Vienna by afternoon train and Vienna to Venice by Nightjet sleeper, as shown above.

• Step 2, take a train from Venice to Bari, an overnight ferry to Patras, and bus+train combo to Athens as shown here.

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Krakow to Istanbul...

• Travel from Krakow to Budapest by overnight sleeper or daytime train as explained above.

• In Budapest, pick up the journey to Istanbul explained in detail on the London to Istanbul page.

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Hotels in Krakow

Recommended hotels in Krakow...

The 4-star Hotel Francuski is only 9 minutes walk from Krakow Glowny (main station) and 8 minutes walk from Krakow's old town square (Stare Miasto).  It boats free WiFi, art nouveau grandeur and gets great reviews.  The Hotel Unicus & Hotel Imperial are not far from the Hotel Francuski and similarly priced.  For something slightly cheaper, try the Hotel Europejski, just 6 minutes walk from the station, 8 minutes from Krakow's old town square.  For budget rooms, try B&B La Fontaine which is also well-located for the station and old town, or the Bubble Hotel which offers budget rooms and cheap beds in shared rooms.

Other hotel sites worth trying...

• www.tripadvisor.com is the place to find independent travellers' reviews of all the main hotels.

Backpacker hostels...

• www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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