What is the best way to get from Krakow to Prague?
The most economical way to travel from Krakow to Prague is by bus, and the quickest option might be by plane. However, you can make the most of your journey by choosing a private car service like Daytrip. This way, you will be able to explore the best that the route has to offer as you drive to your destination in a comfortable car.
Is there a sleeper train from Krakow to Prague?
Yes, you can book a sleeper train from Krakow to Prague overnight. These services are offered by Eurail and Polrail. Trains depart both during the day and at night, so you can choose what is more convenient for you.
Is the train from Krakow to Prague scenic?
Yes! While it is not recognized as one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the views from Krakow to Prague are worth it. As you drive to Prague, you will enjoy views of lovely villages, forests, and hills along the way.
How long is the train journey from Krakow to Prague?
Although it depends on the train company you opt for, a train will take you from Krakow to Prague in approximately 6 hours.
Can you fly from Krakow to Prague?
Yes, both cities have an airport, and there are direct flights from Krakow to Prague. While the flight takes just above 1 hour to reach Prague, you have to bear in mind the wait time and other external factors that may delay the flight.
What is the driving distance from Krakow to Prague?
The driving distance from Krakow to Prague is 335 miles (540 km). This trip can be driven in approximately five hours and 20 minutes.
Prague is a charming fairytale-like city that cannot leave you indifferent. Although Paris is often called the most romantic city in the world, Prague is not far behind. The gothic towers, the Vltava river weaving its way through the city, lovely parks, and even a garden where white peacocks live. Nothing can beat PragueтАЩs charm. Your journey from Krakow to Prague will be filled with unforgettable moments.
As you leave Krakow and start approaching Prague, you will be greeted by scenic views of the Polish countryside: wavy hills, rich meadows, and small villages. Before crossing the border of Poland, Katowice is a city that is worth a stop, although often overlooked. Once you enter the Czech Republic, make sure you donтАЩt miss Ostrova, which is located close to PolandтАЩs border and has the highest city hall tower in the country. Another stop-worthy city between Krakow and Prague is Olomouc, which is proudly home to the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column.
About Prague
Located in the heart of Europe, Prague is a popular choice for travelers. The golden city attracts visitors with its charming Old Town, incredible nightlife, and amazing Czech cuisine. PragueтАЩs cobblestoned streets radiate elegance, while its diverse yet perfectly matching architecture creates aesthetically pleasing views. It is a city that will make you fall in love, which is hardly unexpected, given that many famous writers, including Franz Kafka, called it their home. This is Prague, a city that will remain in your heart forever.
A brief history of Prague
Prague's story begins with the Celtic tribe known as the Boii, the first settlers in the area where the city now stands. The city is situated in the historical region of Bohemia, a name derived from these early Celtic inhabitants. In 870 AD, Prague Castle was constructed, and since then has been a symbol of Czech history and culture.
Then, in the 10th century, Vy┼бehrad Castle was built, yet another important event in the history of the Czech Republic, as it was located in a strategically advantageous position. In the 13th century, Prague became a town, and slowly, it grew into one of Europe's main trade centers. In 1526, Prague became a part of the Austrian Empire, as the Habsburg dynasty took over both the city and Bohemia region.
In 1918, Austria-Hungary collapsed, leading to the formation of independent Czechoslovakia, with Prague as its capital city. During World War II, Prague was under German control. In 1968, Prague was invaded by the Soviet Union, but in 1993, Czechoslovakia divided into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Unlike other central European cities, Prague did not suffer major damage during the war, which is why it has remained its elegance to this day.
From Krakow to Prague: travel tips
A trip from Krakow to Prague is relatively short, but there are a few things that will ensure your trip to the enchanting Prague is as seamless as possible.
Have some Czech crowns in your pocket
The local currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (CZK). Although most places accept cards, the exchange rate in touristy areas can be quite harsh. You can bring some crowns for smaller purchases or create a Revolut card, which offers better exchange rates than traditional banks.
Be prepared for tipping
Although tipping is not mandatory, it is a nice way to show your appreciation for the service. Tourists are usually expected to give at least a 10% tip, or you can round up the bill. If you take a guided tour, make sure you tip the guide, especially if itтАЩs a free tour.
Keep an eye on your belongings
While generally Prague is safe, it is quite crowded, so be aware of pickpockets, especially in the metro and other public transport.
How to get from Krakow to Prague
To ensure your Krakow to Prague transfer is smooth, here is an overview of the most common ways to reach the golden Prague.
From Krakow to Prague by bus
The most budget-friendly way to visit Prague is by bus. Here are two of the most popular bus companies that offer a route from Krakow to Prague:
Flixbus: If you purchase your ticket in advance, you can get it for as low as $15 (CZK 349). The journey takes 8 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours.
Leo Express: A Czech company that provides tickets starting from $24 (CZK 550) for routes with a transfer in Ostrava and $40 (CZK 915) for direct connections. The duration of the direct connection journey is around 6 hours.
From Krakow to Prague by train
Another way to get from Krakow to Prague is by train. There are two primary railway operators:
─Мesk├й dr├бhy (Czech railway): tickets cost starting from $22 (CZK 509), and the duration of the journey is 6 hours.
PKP Intercity (Polish railway): second-class tickets cost starting from $16 (CZK 367), and the approximate travel time is 6 hours.
You can choose between the EuroNight Chopin or Polrail overnight trains, which typically depart in the evening or late at night. By traveling overnight, you can save on accommodation costs and maximize your daytime exploration, avoiding travel during daylight hours. For more information on ticket prices and departure times, check out Eurail or PolrailтАЩs official website.
From Krakow to Prague by plane
Krakow and Prague are popular destinations, which is why they are also well connected by plane. You can fly from Krakow to Prague by Ryanair. The flight duration is just over one hour, but keep in mind that you have to arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure, and there can be possible delays. Ticket prices start from approximately $40 (CZK 918).
From Krakow to Prague by car service
While the previous options might be tempting, the most convenient and comfortable way to get from Krakow to Prague is by private car service, such as Daytrip.
You will be greeted by a local English-speaking driver who will take care of your luggage, share with you the nicest spots to visit in Prague and its surroundings, as well as make stops at your previously selected locations, which is not possible with any of the modes of transportation mentioned above. Booking a car trip with Daytrip will also ensure that you get to Prague on time and without any hassle in just 5 hours and 20 minutes.
It is not just a transfer, Daytrip will elevate your overall travel experience and make this trip memorable. Secure your seat in a comfortable sedan for $174 (3,981 CZK).
Things to do when you get to Prague
As you reach Prague, you are probably eager to explore all the charming corners of it. This enchanting city is a destination that you will never forget! Here are some recommendations that will make your trip to Prague special.
Admire the Astronomical Clock
It is a well-known fact that PragueтАЩs cobblestoned Old Town is truly charming, no matter the season. One of the most impressive landmarks in PragueтАЩs Old Town is the Astronomical Clock. Installed in 1410, it is famous for being the oldest astronomical and functional clock in the world. The clock has an intricate mechanism that tells the time and displays astronomical information. Make sure to visit it on the hour, as from 9 AM to 11 PM, you can witness a show featuring the 12 apostles.
Go on a boat trip
Do you want to relax after your trip from Krakow to Prague but donтАЩt want to miss out on exploring the city? A sightseeing cruise is the perfect plan! You will see some of the best views of the city as the cruise weaves through the Vltava River and takes you under the famous Charles Bridge. We suggest going on the little boat trip before sunset to catch the golden hour, which shows Prague in a magical light.
Explore PragueтАЩs unusual architecture
Prague is also known for its distinctive architecture, which has been surrounded by debates and controversies over the years. Some believe that it does not complement Prague's historical charm, while others argue that it adds a unique spark to the city. One of Prague's most famous contemporary buildings is the Dancing House, built in 1996 to symbolize the transition from the post-Communist period to a new era of freedom and democracy.
Taste the authentic Czech beer
If you enjoy beer, you must try authentic Czech beer when visiting Prague, as it is an integral part of Czech culture. U Flek┼п is one of the most famous places for beer tasting and is one of the oldest breweries in Prague. It also offers tours! It's a great spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
When is the best time to visit Prague
Prague is a great destination all year round, as each season offers something unique. If you want to hide from the crowds but enjoy pleasant weather, the best time to visit Prague is from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the temperatures range from 50┬░F to 68┬░F (10┬░C to 20┬░C) or even 77┬░F (25┬░C), if you are lucky.
Spring and autumn are the perfect times to explore Prague. In these seasons, you will enjoy either blooming flowers or trees slowly painting their leaves golden tones.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, there can be few people not aware of the horrors of Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp.┬аThe Symbol of the Holocaust┬а
Stramberk
The town and municipal reserve of ┼аtramberk earned its nickname through its location and its unique collection of eightieth and nineteenth-century timber houses.┬аThe town nicknamed тАШMoravian BethlehemтАЩ┬а
Zbrasov
No need to wrap up too warm when visiting the beautiful caves at Zbra┼бov as regardless of the weather outside, they maintain a comfortable all-year-round temperature of 57┬░F.┬аThe warmest caves in the country┬а
Olomouc
Yet to reach the dizzying tourist heights of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, Olomouc nevertheless has much to offer visitors.┬аThe Historical Capital of Moravia┬а
Cesky Sternberk
Currently owned by a descendent of the castleтАЩs original founder, ─Мesk├╜ ┼аternberk is a classic example of a gothic bohemian castle.┬аA Castle Kept in the Family┬а
Kutna Hora
Marvel at some of the most beautiful and unique architecture in the Czech Republic at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.┬аMint Condition┬а
тАЬArriving from overseas we were not able to prebook the train from Krak├│w to Prague. Instead we did a private door to door car transfer. Our driver Blazej was professional, personable and easy to get along with. This was an exceptional service which we would use again.тАЭ
тАЬWe were planning a trip through Europe recently in which we were flying into Munich and flying out of Berlin. We were wondering if we should take trains or rent a car between our scheduled stops in Munich, Prague, Krakow, and Berlin. And, we wanted to do a custom, all day trip out of Prague to two small towns in Saxony, Germany, with a return to Prague. Then we found Daytrip and it was just what the doctor ordered! On-time pickups (when we wanted to go!) and dropoffs at our hotels, professional and personable (and safe) drivers, bottled water (sometimes cookies), and a place to charge your phones. A special shout out to our four wonderful drivers: Jakub L. (Munich to Prague with a stop in Pilsen for the Pilsner Urquell brewery), Matej M. (custom trip out of Prague to Saxony), Mike I. (Prague to Krakow), and Wojciech (Krakow to Berlin) for showing us Central Europe and describing their countries to us along the way. A consistent experience is very important in this type of business and Daytrip provided the same consistency for us trip after trip after trip. I look forward to using Daytrip again on future visits to Europe and beyond.тАЭ
тАЬWe had read about Daytrip on TripAdvisor. It had good reviews and we decided to take a chance. We were not disappointed. The drivers were very pleasant. They were on time and the cars were clean and comfortable. Taking a car was much easier and quicker. It was well worth the extra expense to travel this way. We would highly recommend this company.тАЭ
тАЬWe recently used Daytrip twice during a holiday in Europe, travelling from Prague to Krakow and later from Krakow to Vienna. We chose Daytrip after considering other options such as air, train and rental car, and we are very pleased with our choice. Booking online was easy, and Daytrip confirmed all the details a couple of days ahead of the pickup. The service was exactly as advertized on the firm's website. Both our drivers arrived at our hotel at the agreed time, and proved polite and agreeable during the trip. In both cases, the service was direct, without any extra sightseeing, and we were delivered right to our next hotel in the city centre. The cars were spotless and the drivers very competent. As we had been on a river cruise earlier in our holiday, we had a bit more luggage than usual, and it was very nice to just hand the suitcases over to the driver and be transferred doorstep to doorstep. We would definitely use Daytrip again.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Kristine B рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWe wanted to see the country as we headed to Krakow and decided to use Daytrip. We are so pleased we did. Our PhD candidate driver was skilled, personable and well informed about our stops and about both the Czech Republic and Poland. We enjoyed seeing the countryside and small towns, and our stops in Kutna Hora and Olomouc were worthwhile. Our driver knew the very best restaurant in Olomouc, where we had perhaps our finest meal on the trip (as well as a great mug of tank beer). It is worth the money to use this service.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Thomas B рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWife liked :
non smoking vehicle
Clean vehicle
Helped with our luggage
Blazej answered our many cultural questions
Responsive to break requests
Inquired about lunch break
Stopped so we could take a photo of border
I liked:
Re Blazej:
Prompt
Responded to our text the day before
Spoke good English
Car was exactly what we expected.
Guided us to good restrooms
Avoided traffic jams
Except for road construction coming out of Prague, the Polish roads were fantastic (much better than in the US!)
He was great.
I would use daytrip in the future for city to city trips if < 8 hrs and no direct flight or good train service, ie Prague to Krakow.
Door to door is really convenientтАЭ
тАЬWe used Daytrip to get from Krakow to Prague with a stop in Auschwitz and from Budapest to Zagreb. The drivers were on time, friendly and answered all our questions about the area we were driving through. The main office was quick to respond to all my emails and answered all my questions. ItтАЩs of course more expensive than train or bus but it saves time and the hassle of transferring from train or bus station to accommodations. I will use again for future holidays.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Joannie V рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬThis is the second year we have used Ondaytrip in Europe. This year we travelled from Nuremberg to Cesky Krumlov and were lucky he was allocated to us again from Prague to Krakow. Both trips were excellent. He was on time, pleasant and took us to our destinations smoothly. Highly recommended.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Kate S рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWe decided to append a trip on our own to Prague at the end of an organized Berlin to Krakow tour. After some online research before leaving home we booked a ride with Daytrip. We were extraordinarily pleased with our Daytrip experience. Our driver, Wojciech, was at our hotel at the appointed time. His 5 series BMW sedan was spotless, comfortable, and well maintained, he was efficient and courteous throughout the trip, and he spoke perfect English. We would rate the entire experience A+ and will absolutely look to Daytrip the next time we need private transportation in Europe or any of the other areas in which they operate.тАЭ
тАЬFirst time we used MyDaytrip.com so did not know what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded. I found out two days before that advance reservations were needed for Auschwitz-Birkenau, so we made a last minute change so we could get to Auschwitz very early the next morning for the few "walk in no tour" spaces available. No thanks to my "East Europe Lonely Planet Guide" that made no mention that you had to have reservations and you need to make them weeks in advance"
Our driver Michal W picked us up promptly at 8A from our "Botel" . When he found out that Auschwitz was a high priority for us and that we were hoping to just get in without a tour in the morning he immediately made some calls and got us reservations for that afternoon. It was a push to get there by 2P - but we made it and Michal help make a trip a success. Thanks Michal and MyDayTrip.com!!!тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Doug K рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
