Sleeper train from Krakow to Budapest

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

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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 2024.

bullet pointBefore 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 buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 Senior fares (over 60)

 

 Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

 

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

  

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

  

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

  

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

  

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

  

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

  

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

  

What to do when things go wrong...
Krakow to Warsaw & other destinations in Poland

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, 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 200 km/h (125 mph), with faster operation planned in the future.  Reservation is compulsory and they have a bar-bistro car.

EIP train   2nd class seats on a PKP InterCity EIP train

An EIP train.  Photos courtesy of www.vagonweb.cz

 

2nd class seats.
EIP train, side   EIP bar car   Table for two in EIP 1st class

Clean & electric EIP train.

  

Bar car.

  

1st class table for two.

EIC & IC trains

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

Intercity train at Krakow Glowny   Intercity train 2nd class

Intercity train at Krakow Glowny.

2nd class seats.
Intercity train 1st class   Intercity train bistro-bar

1st class seats.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Bistro-bar, run by caterers WARS.

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.

A Warsaw to Krakow InterCity train at warsaw Centralna   A 6-seat compartment on a Warsaw to Krakow train

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Krakow to Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

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Krakow to London

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Krakow to Paris from €66.90

Option 1, Krakow to Paris in a single day, possible daily except Saturdays

Option 2, Krakow to Paris using the Berlin-Paris sleeper - 3 times a week

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity Wawel seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Photo courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Berlin to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 3, Krakow to Paris using the Krakow-Munich sleeper then high-speed trains to Paris - daily departures

Modern Polish sleeping-car

The modern Polish air-conditioned sleeping-car on the sleeper train Chopin.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper in 3-berth mode, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 5, Krakow to Paris with overnight stop in Berlin

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity Wawel seen here about to leave Krakow Glowny.  Photo courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.

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Krakow to Nice, Cannes, Monte-Carlo

Option 1, Krakow to Cannes or Nice using the Berlin-Paris sleeper

Option 2, Krakow to Monaco, Nice or Cannes using the Vienna-Venice sleeper

Krakow to Vienna train

Step 1, Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, seen here at Vienna Hbf.
2nd class seats in an open-plan car   2nd class seats in 6-seat compartments

2nd class seats in an open-plan saloon.  One of the two Austrian Krakow-Vienna cars is like this.  Larger photo.

  

2nd class seats in a compartment.  The other Austrian Krakow-Vienna car is like this. Larger photo.
Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna to Venice by Nightjet:  A Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjets.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Nightjet couchette car.
Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.
Italian InterCity train

Step 3, Venice to Milan and on to Ventimiglia by Intercity train.  Above, an Intercity at the magnificent Milan Centrale.
2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

  

1st class.  Larger photo.
TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 4, Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes by TER local train.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.
Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

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

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Krakow to Brussels from €49.90

Option 1, Krakow to Brussels in a single day

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Photo courtesy of Rob Romans.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.

Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
ICE3neo at Brussels Midi

Step 2, Berlin to Cologne & Cologne to Brussels by ICE.  Above, an ICE3neo at Brussels Midi.  More about ICE trains.  Photo courtesy of Christian Hunt.

ICE3neo at Cologne   ICE3neo at Cologne

Restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

  

1st class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.
ICE3neo at Cologne   Meal on an ICE3neo

2nd class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

  

Food and a beer!

Option 2, Krakow to Brussels using the Berlin-Brussels European Sleeper - 3 times a week

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity Wawel seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
Sleeping-car

Step 2, Berlin to Brussels by European Sleeper.  This is the stainless-steel sleeping-car about to leave Berlin Hbf. Click the interior photos for larger images.

Sleeping-car set up as a single   European Sleeper 5 berth couchette

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a single.

  

5-berth couchette compartment.

Option 3, Krakow to Brussels using the Berlin-Brussels Nightjet sleeper - 3 times a week
The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity Wawel seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Berlin to Brussels by Nightjet.  Above, a Nightjet sleeper at Berlin Hbf.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Couchette car.

Option 4, Krakow to Brussels by daytime trains with overnight stop in Berlin - departures every day

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Krakow to Amsterdam from €49.90

Option 1, Krakow to Amsterdam in a single day

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin by EuroCity train seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Photo courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train

Step 2, Berlin to Amsterdam by Intercity train.  More about these Intercity trains.
1st class compartment on the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train   1st class compartment on the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train

1st class compartment.

  

2nd class.

Option 2, Krakow to Amsterdam using the Berlin-Amsterdam European Sleeper - runs 3 times a week

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

Step 1, Krakow to Berlin on the EuroCity Wawel seen here at Krakow Glowny.  Courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
Sleeping-car

Step 2, Berlin to Amsterdam by European Sleeper.  This is the stainless-steel sleeping-car about to leave Berlin Hbf. Click the interior photos for larger images.

Sleeping-car set up as a single   European Sleeper 5 berth couchette

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a single.

  

5-berth couchette compartment.

Option 3, Krakow to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Berlin - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers, departures every day

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Krakow to Luxembourg from €37.90

Option 1, Krakow to Luxembourg in a single day

Option 2, Krakow to Luxembourg using the Krakow-Munich sleeper & onwards trains

Option 3, Krakow to Luxembourg with an overnight stop in Berlin - if you prefer day trains & hotel to a sleeper train

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Krakow to Zurich & Switzerland

Option 1, Krakow to Switzerland using the Krakow-Salzburg sleeper

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Krakow to Salzburg by sleeping-car.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the Chopin.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper in 3-berth mode, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a double, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.
A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Salzburg to Zurich by railjet via the Arlberg Pass.
Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

  

Restaurant.  In 1st & business, you're served at your seat.
First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

  

Economy class.
View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg:  View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the left hand side as the railjet crosses the river after leaving Salzburg Hbf.

Cutting across Germany:  From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here.  All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory!  Such a train is called a Korridorzug.

Kufstein station and castle   Lunch is served at your seat in first & business classes

Kufstein:  The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.

Above right, lunch is served.  In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.

Scenery in the Tirol

Mountains near Innsbruck.  The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.

Scenery on the Arlberg route

River Inn:  Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Ötzal & Landeck.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Arlberg Pass:  Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Arlberg Tunnel:  Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884.  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.

Schaan-Vaduz station   Sargans Castle

Liechtenstein:  The train cuts across Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through Schaan-Vaduz station.

  

Sargans castle:  Watch out for hilltop castles, this is the one at Sargans.
The lakes between the Austrian border and Zurich

Swiss lakes:  Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zürichsee.

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

Krakow to Vienna train

Step 1, Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, seen here at Vienna Hbf.
2nd class seats in an open-plan car   2nd class seats in 6-seat compartments

2nd class seats in an open-plan saloon.  One of the two Austrian Krakow-Vienna cars is like this.  Larger photo.

  

2nd class seats in a compartment.  The other Austrian Krakow-Vienna car is like this. See larger photo.
Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Step 2, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet, overnight while you sleep.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car arrived at Zurich. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.
   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

  

Stairs to pair of lower compartments

  

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact it is.
    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

  

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

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

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Krakow to Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

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

Krakow to Vienna train

Step 1, Krakow to Vienna by EuroCity train, seen here at Vienna Hbf.
2nd class seats in an open-plan car   2nd class seats in 6-seat compartments

2nd class seats in an open-plan saloon.  One of the two Austrian Krakow-Vienna cars is like this.  Larger photo.

  

2nd class seats in a compartment.  The other Austrian Krakow-Vienna car is like this. Larger photo.
Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Rome sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Couchette car.
Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

Option 2, Krakow to Florence & Rome using the Vienna-Rome sleeper - with an afternoon in Vienna

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

The Nightjet sleeper to Florence & Rome, boarding at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjets.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 3, Krakow to Venice using the Krakow-Vienna sleeper

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Krakow to Vienna by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.
A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Venice by railjet.  This is the afternoon railjet to Venice about to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about Vienna-Venice railjets.
Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

  

Business class.  About business class.
Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

  

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

The afternoon railjet to Venice, about to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about Vienna-Venice railjets.
Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

  

Business class.  About business class.
Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

  

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Krakow to Barcelona & Spain

Option 1, Krakow to Spain using the Berlin-Paris Nightjet sleeper train, 3 times a week - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Berlin to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.
Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo.  Video of deluxe room

  

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

  

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.
6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

  

4-berth couchettes.

  

Nightjet couchette car.
TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris to Barcelona by TGV.  Here, a TGV Duplex is boarding at Paris Gare de Lyon.  More about the Paris-Barcelona train journey.
TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

  

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.
First class a TGV Duplex upper deck   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

  

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.
Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

  

View from the train, passing Béziers.
Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

Option 2, Krakow to Barcelona with an overnight stop in Cologne

Option 3, Krakow to Barcelona via Geneva

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Krakow to Lisbon & Portugal

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Krakow to Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg & Germany

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

The train from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny

The Wawel from Krakow to Berlin, about to leave Krakow Glowny.  Photos courtesy of Rob Romans.
2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.

2nd class compartment.

  

1st class compartment.
Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car of the type used on the Wawel.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.
Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

  

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.
Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin Hbf

The Wawel at Berlin Hbf.

Option 2, Krakow to Berlin via Warsaw from €37.90

EIP train   2nd class seats on a PKP InterCity EIP train

Step 1, by EIP train Krakow to Warsaw.  Courtesy of www.vagonweb.cz

 

2nd class seats on a bullet-nosed EIP.
EIP train, side   EIP bar car   Table for two in EIP 1st class

EIP train.

  

The on board cafe-bar.

  

1st class.
Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 2, by EuroCity train from Warsaw to Berlin with air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class coaches, most with compartments and side corridor like this, others with open-plan seating.
1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

  

2nd class compartment.

Option 3, Krakow to Berlin by sleeper train via Stettin

Polish sleeping-car   Polish 2-bed sleeper in day mode

Polish sleeping-car.

  

2-bed sleeper, day mode.

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Krakow to Munich, Stuttgart, Nuremberg & Southern Germany

Option 2, Krakow to Munich by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Warsaw & Krakow to Munich by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin at Vienna Hbf.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 3, Krakow to Germany with overnight stop in Prague

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Krakow to Vienna, Salzburg & Austria from €32.90

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

Krakow to Vienna train

The Krakow to Vienna Porta Moravica at Vienna Hbf.
2nd class seats in an open-plan car   2nd class seats in 6-seat compartments

2nd class seats in an open-plan saloon.  One of the two Austrian Krakow-Vienna cars is like this.  Larger photo.

  

2nd class seats in a compartment.  The other Austrian Krakow-Vienna car is like this. Larger photo.

Option 2, Krakow to Vienna, Linz, Salzburg by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Warsaw & Krakow to Austria by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin at Vienna Hbf.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 3, Krakow to Vienna using the Krakow-Bratislava sleeper train - often cheaper than option 2 and with a more civilised arrival time!

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Krakow to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia

Option 1, Krakow to Copenhagen in a single day

Option 2, Krakow to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this train.

6-berth couchettes.

Larger photo.
Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.
Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 3, Krakow to Copenhagen, Malmö, Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm by train, with overnight stop in Berlin

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo.  Larger photo.
An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm Central.  More about X2000 trains.
1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

  

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.
Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

  

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.
On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 4, Krakow to Copenhagen, Malmö or Stockholm by overnight ferry from Poland to Sweden

Ferry Stena Spirit, Gdynia-Karlskrona   Cabin on the Gdynia-Karlskrona ferry

The ferry Stena Spirit, at Gdynia.  Photos courtesy of railguideeurope.com.

  

2-berth cabin.  Larger photo.

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Krakow to Helsinki & Finland

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

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.
Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

  

Gym with a view.

  

Sauna.

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

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Krakow to Prague from €15

Option 1, Krakow to Prague by sleeper train

The sleeper train from Prague to Krakow & Warsaw

Krakow to Prague by sleeper.  Above, the Czech sleeping-car to Krakow boarding at Prague Hlavni.  More about this train.
City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper   City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.  Enlarge photo.

  

Same sleeper with berths folded away & seats folded out.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without the shower & toilet.

  

Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, but with a bit more floorspace & shower & toilet instead of washstand.

  

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

Option 2, Krakow to Prague by daytime train

Czech bistro car

The Cracovia's 1st class & bistro car.  Courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry.
Czech bistro car   2nd class open saloon seats

1st class seats, in the bistro car on one side of the central kitchen

  

2nd class open-plan seats.  There are also seats in classic 6-seat compartments.
Dinner in the bristro   Czech bistro car

Enjoy an inexpensive meal with wine in the bistro.

Option 3, Krakow to Prague Leo Express day train from €13.70

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Krakow to Budapest & Bratislava

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

The Budapest to Krakow train

The northbound Budapest-Krakow through cars at Katowice attached to the rear of the Prague-Krakow Cracovia.
1st class compartment on a Hungarian EuroCity train   One of the Budapest to Krakow through cars

One Budapest-Krakow car has 6-seat compartments like this.  Click the images for larger photos.

  

...the other Budapest-Krakow car has open-plan seats, wheelchair space, bike compartment.

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

The Polish sleeping-car from Budapest to Warsaw

The modern Polish sleeping-car on the Warsaw-Krakow-Budapest train at Budapest Nyugati.
Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

  

Standard sleeper in 3-berth mode, can also be set up as a single or double.

  

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

  

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.
Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train   Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train

Polish couchette car on the Warsaw-Krakow-Budapest train with 4 & 6 berth compartments.

  

6-berth couchettes. Larger photo

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Krakow to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania from €46.30

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

The Budapest to Krakow train

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.
1st class compartment on a Hungarian EuroCity train   One of the Budapest to Krakow through cars

One Budapest-Krakow car has 6-seat compartments like this.  Click the images for larger photos.

  

...the other Budapest-Krakow car has open-plan seats, wheelchair space, bike compartment.
Dacia Express sleeping-car

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
Washbasin   Dacia Express sleeper compartment   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

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.
Dacia Express couchette car

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

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

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

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest

The morning train from Budapest to Bucharest at Budapest Keleti, with modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages.
Bar car on the Budapest-Bucharest train   2nd class Romanian InterCity coach

One of the three carriages includes a bar complete with bar stools.

  

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

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

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

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Krakow to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Krakow to Belgrade using the Krakow-Budapest sleeper train - starts running from 24 November 2024

Option 2, Krakow to Belgrade by daytime trains with overnight stop - starts running from 24 November 2024

Option 3, Krakow to Belgrade with overnight stop in Zagreb - currently involves a bus

  • 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 was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.

    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.

    While the train is suspended, take a bus from Zagreb to Belgrade

    It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.

    A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 09:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 14:30.

    The fare is around €20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.

Option 4, Krakow to Belgrade with overnight stop in Budapest - slower, but by train all the way, runs until 23 November 2024

  • Day 1, travel from Krakow to Budapest by train, leaving Krakow Glowny at 11:12 & arriving Budapest Nyugati 19:49.

    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.  Just stick 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 when 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 phone.

    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.  The highly-recommended 3-star T62 Hotel is across the road from Budapest Nyugati and a traveller's favourite.  The cheaper 3-star Star Inn Budapest Centrum is few minutes walk away.  The 4-star Radisson Blu Béke Hotel is one block away.

  • Day 2, travel from Budapest to Belgrade as shown on the Budapest-Belgrade page.

    You leave Budapest Nyugati at 05:50, change at Szeged, Subotica & Novi Sad, arriving Belgrade Centar at 20:27.

    All direct Budapest-Belgrade mainline trains remain suspended until at least 2025 while the line is modernised for 200 km/h operation.  However, in 2024 it's possible for the determined traveller to reach Belgrade on local trains via this somewhat round-about route.  It's a long but interesting journey, with time for lunch in Subotica.

Serbian local train of the type used between Subotica and Novi Sad

Serbian local train of the type used between Szeged & Subotica and Subotica & Novi Sad.  They are air-conditioned, 2nd class only, with toilets.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

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Krakow to Sofia

Option 1, Krakow to Sofia via Bucharest

  • Day 1, take the overnight sleeper from Krakow to Budapest, as shown above.

  • Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bucharest on the sleeper train Muntenia, leaving Budapest Keleti at 15:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 08:42.

    The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats.  A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

    Fares start at €40 with a couchette in 6-berth or €47 with a couchette in 4-berth.  These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares

    Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.

    If you want the comfort & privacy of a proper sleeper from Arad to Bucharest, (1) book a 2nd class seat from Budapest to Arad from €17 using bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.  (2) Now book berths in a 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper from Arad to Bucharest Nord at the Romanian domestic website bilete.cfrcalatori.ro and print your own ticket.

  • Day 3, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown in the Bucharest>Sofia section of the Trains from Bucharest page.

    You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:47 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:21 after a pleasant day meandering across the Danube and through the river valleys of Bulgaria.  In summer it's direct, in winter you have to switch trains at Ruse.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

    The fare is around €34.

    Book this at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en.  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Krakow to Sofia via Belgrade

  • Not currently viable while the Budapest-Belgrade, Zagreb-Belgrade and Belgrade-Sofia trains remain suspended.

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Krakow to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

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

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

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Krakow to Lviv & Kyiv

Option 1, Krakow to Lviv & Kyiv by Regiojet - running in spite of the war, comfortable, easily booked online

  • Private open-access train operator Regiojet runs a comfortable daily train service from Krakow to Lviv & Kyiv:

    Leave Krakow Glowny at 05:05 every day, arriving Przemysl 07:33.  Leave Przemysl at 09:35, arriving Lviv 12:27 & Kyiv at 19:57.

    You travel from Krakow to Przemysl on a train run by Regiojet themselves (which starts in Prague), then from Przemysl to Lviv & Kyiv on a train run by partner UZ (Ukrainian Railways).  Regiojet sell this combo online as a fully-integrated service, making it easy to book.

    The Krakow-Przemysl train has comfortable air-conditioned seats with on-board refreshments, free bottled water, power outlets & free WiFi.  The Przemysl-Lviv-Kyiv train is a smart air-conditioned Ukrainian intercity electric train, introduced in 2016, with 1st & 2nd class and cafe counter, although Regiojet only have a seat allocation in 2nd class.

  • Krakow to Lviv starts at €24.80

    Krakow to Kyiv starts at €44.80

    Fares vary by date, check your date online.

  • Book at www.regiojet.com.

    Booking only opens a month or so ahead, so don't be impatient.  You print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Option 2, by fast daytime train - comfortable and cheap, but needs to be booked on two websites

  • You can travel from Krakow to Lviv or Kyiv on a fast air-conditioned daytime connection:

    Leave Krakow Glowny at 05:07, change at Przemysl (arrive 08:12, depart 09:35) arriving Lviv 12:27, Kyiv 19:57.

    Leave Krakow Glowny at 09:35, change at Przemysl (arrive 12:10, depart 13:45) arriving Lviv 17:24, Kyiv 05:01.

    The Krakow-Przemysl train is a comfortable Polish Intercity train. 

    The 09:45 Przemysl-Lviv-Kyiv train is a smart air-conditioned Ukrainian intercity electric train, introduced in 2016.

    The 13:45 Przemysl-Lviv train is a classic Ukrainian sleeper train with 2-berth & 4-berth compartments.

    First check current times for the Ukrainian train at www.uz.gov.ua/en/passengers/timetable (you may need a VPN set to a Ukrainian IP address).  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 around €8.

  • First book the Przemysl to Lviv train at Ukrainian Railways booking.uz.gov.ua/en - if it works for you (set your VPN to a Ukrainian IP address to access it).  Then book the Krakow to Przemysl train at the Polish Railways website 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.

06:50 Intercity train from Kiev to Lviv   1st class seats on the 06:50 train from Kiev to Lviv

Intercity train, Przemysl-Lviv-Kyiv.

  

1st class. Larger photo. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.
2nd class seats on the 06:50 train from Kiev to Lviv   Cafe countrer on the 06:50 Intercity train Kiev to Lviv

2nd class. Larger photo. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

  

Cafe counter. Larger photo. Courtesy DiscoverByRail.

Option 3, Krakow to Kyiv via Warsaw

  • Take a fast InterCity train from Krakow to Warsaw (check times at www.intercity.pl) and pick up the overnight Kyiv Express from Warsaw to Kyiv, leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:40 and arriving Kyiv at 12:17 next day.

    This train has Ukrainian 1, 2 & 3 bed sleepers with washbasin. 

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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 was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & the war in Ukraine.

    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 Kyiv - 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 Kyiv overnight on the Kyiv Express, leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:40 & arriving Kyiv at 12:17 next day, see details of fares & how to buy tickets here.  Enjoy a day in Kyiv.

  • Step 3, travel from Kyiv to Moscow by overnight train leaving Kyiv at 19:36 arriving Moscow Kievskaya at 10:09 next morning, see details of fares & how to buy tickets here.  These train were suspended due to Covid-19 and remain suspended due to the war in Ukraine.

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Krakow to Athens & Greece

Option 1, by train via Belgrade - not currently viable

  • There are currently no international trains to or from Greece.

Option  2, by ferry from Italy - these days, the only viable 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

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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.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

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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