The road distance from Krakow to Budapest is about 224 miles, which should take between 6 and 6.5 hours driving at a safe speed. However, the time of day and season can influence the duration of the journey.
How long is the train from Krakow to Budapest?
The average train journey from Krakow to Budapest takes 9 hours and 4 minutes. The fastest train takes 7 hours and 55 minutes. An indirect train stopping at Pardubice or Bratislava Hlavna can take upwards of 10 hours.
How do you get from Krakow to Budapest?
There are four ways you can get from Krakow to Budapest. Public transport, including trains and buses, is a budget-friendly way to travel. Daytrip is the easiest mode of transportation, and a connecting flight is the quickest.
Is one day enough to see Budapest?
Budapest is a large city with an abundance of things to do, so you'll never be able to see the city in just one day. You need three full days to experience the highlights and five overnight stays to relax in the famous baths and appreciate the local culture.
Is Budapest cheap to visit?
Budapest is an affordable European city for tourists. Due to its ever-growing popularity, it doesn't have rock-bottom prices like its neighboring countries, Serbia and Romania. However, you can still find meals in reasonably priced restaurants for under โฌ10 and pints of local beer in bars for just โฌ2.50.
Is Budapest safe for tourists?
Budapest is an extremely safe city for tourists, even at night. The area consistently scores highly on the global safety index. As of 2024, it's at 76, making it ideal for solo and female travelers. But like every big city, you should be vigilant about pickpocketing outside tourist attractions.
Only four decades ago, driving from Krakow to Budapest was considered dangerous and unworthy. Very few foreign visitors would cross into Hungary, a nation bordering on Yugoslavia, and even less into the Soviet satellite state of Poland. Today, however, it's one of the most thrilling and scenic car trips across the entire continent!
As you bounce over the last of Krakow's historic cobbled streets, you can say goodbye to the colorful medieval old town and look ahead to fairytale villages dropped beneath the soaring Tatra mountains. These surreal images continue throughout the 224-mile epic road trip until towering landmarks such as Buda Castle and the Citadel come into view.
With various terrains, endless turns, and the entire nation of Slovakia standing between Krakow and Budapest, traveling between the two cities isn't a walk in the park. As a result, we created this extensive guide so you know how far, the modes of transportation, and everything else you need to enjoy this breathtaking voyage across Eastern Europe!
About Budapest
After getting from Krakow to Budapest, you'll be entering Hungary's political, cultural, and economic capital. It's also the most populous urban space nationwide, home to over 1.78 million people. To find the city on a map, follow the Danube River to the north of the nation, just 32 miles from the Slovenian frontier.
Official language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian forint
Time Zone: GMT+1
Climate: humid temperate
Plug type: types C and F
Peak tourist season: June to August
History of Budapest
Today, Budapest is a bustling metropolis, but it started as a small Celtic settlement. Once it fell into the hands of the Romans in the 1st century AD, it was renamed Aquicum and began to thrive.
For centuries, the region suffered bloodshed, battles, and changed rulers. The Ottoman and Mongol armies were the most notable armies to conquer the lands.
In the 1800s, there was a twist in fortune. It became the dual capital of one of Europe's most impressive empires, Austria-Hungary. This period saw much financial and cultural wealth, which still lingers throughout the city today.
The Shaping of the Landscape
In the 19th century, Budapest experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, becoming one of Europe's leading cities. The 1848 Hungarian Revolution shaped the nation's identity. Yet, the most significant development from this period was the construction of the Chain Bridge, the first permanent one to connect Buda and Pest.
In the 20th century, Budapest faced turbulent events such as World War I and II, including the Siege of Budapest. The city also endured communist rule under Soviet influence until the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989.
Modern Budapest
Today, Budapest is a melting pot of cultures, with energy running through the veins of every street. Friendly locals, lively cafes, and late-night bars paint the town red from Monday to Sunday year-round. The festivals, events, and concerts constantly create a carnival atmosphere in town.
The city proudly preserves its past, and historical structures like the Parliament Building and St. Stephen's Basilica still litter the cityscape. But it also has one eye on the future. Each year, Budapest strengthens its name as a sustainable city by preserving its city parks and becoming one of Europe's most livable cities.
From Krakow to Budapest: Travel Tips
Although the drive from Krakow to Budapest is beautiful and adventurous, getting here will take six hours. To help you enjoy every last minute, use our insider travel tips compiled by our travel experts and professional drivers!
Book Tickets in Advance
Krakow to Budapest is one of the most popular backpacking and interrail routes in Europe. Tickets for your preferred time and date can sell out if you wait until the last minute. In addition, you can save up to 50% by booking online and more than 30 days before your departure.
Go Sightseeing
Sightseeing is the best way to break up such an extensive trip. And you are spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring cities and attractions. En route, you can visit the mystic Oravsky Hrad Castle or refuel with a traditional hearty soup in Slovakia's second-largest city, Kosice.
Research Budapest
Six hours is more than enough time to research the bustling Hungarian capital. Bring a guidebook and note the sights you want to see, the opening hours, and the entry fees.
You can also educate yourself on cultural differences and a few basic phrases. If you book a private door-to-door service with Daytrip, your English-speaking driver can fill you in on the best things to do when you get to Budapest.
How to Get From Krakow to Budapest
There are four ways to get from Krakow to Budapest. Each has its own unique advantages, so look below to uncover which best suits your needs and preferences!
A Flight From Krakow to Budapest
As of 2024, there is no direct flight from Krakow to Budapest. However, several daily connecting flights can get you from John Paul II International Airport Krakรณw-Balice to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in as little as 3.5 hours.
LOT Polish Airlines is the most popular operator on this route, with a transfer at Warsaw Airport. The price drastically varies depending on the season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. However, you should expect to pay between โฌ60 and โฌ120 one-way.
Train From Krakow to Budapest
The train is the most popular way to travel from Krakow to Budapest. Polish State Railways (PKP) and Hungarian State Railways (MรV) offer an efficient, reliable, scenic, and overnight service between the cities, with prices starting at โฌ19.
On board, you'll find modern conveniences, free wifi, a cafe, and comfortable seating. Remember to reserve your seats as soon as possible since this service is in high demand, especially during the summer with interrail users.
Journey time: 9 hours, 4 minutes
Changes: Direct trains available
First train: 12:58 a.m.
Last train: 10:39 p.m.
Frequency: 7 per day
Bus From Krakow to Budapest
The bus is another cheap way to travel from Krakow to Budapest. Seats with budget-friendly firms such as Flixbus and Eurolines go for just โฌ15.99. But the low costs do come at a price.
The lack of legroom and compact seats can be problematic over such a long distance. The journey can last between 6.5 and 9 hours because of the various routes and stops.
Your arrival station is the most vital thing to acknowledge when booking the bus. To save money on station fees and keep ticket prices down, many budget providers stop at Budapest Mexikรณi and Nepliget, situated a few miles from downtown Budapest.
Daytrip From Krakow to Budapest
If you're looking for a relaxing, convenient, and comfortable ride from Krakow to Budapest, Daytrip is the mode of transportation for you!
Daytripโs private door-to-door service has its perks before the six-hour voyage begins. From โฌ86, you can select your preferred vehicle, departure time, and arrival address. Your professional English-speaking driving will also help with any bags you're traveling with. You don't have to worry about setting an early alarm clock to give yourself enough time to reach the station for an unpleasant 6 a.m. bus.
Although a private, sanitized, smoke-free car feels luxurious, it's not much of an adventure. So we let you stop at unmissable attractions en route, like Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Poland's most popular devotion center, or the small village of Vlkolinec, trapped in a time warp.
Things to Do When You Get to Budapest
The fascinating sites and landmarks on the ride from Krakow are just a sneak peek into the endless things to do when you get to Budapest. If you want to see the highlights, put our favorite attractions on top of your Hungary travel itinerary!
Visit the Buda Castle District
No matter how many times you travel from Krakow to Budapest, the Buda Castle District will lure you in with its breathtaking beauty.
Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the National Gallery, and the iconic Fisherman's Bastion are all located within its borders, overlooking the Danube River. Some other museums require a fee, but you can roam the cobbled streets and sit in the gardens for free!
Explore City Park
City Park is more than your average urban green space in a city center. This vast public space spans over 300 acres and has something to offer everyone.
Once you arrive, you're greeted by stunning views of Vajdahunyad Castle and a glimmering lake filled with paddle boats in the summer and ice skaters in the winter. One of Budapest's most visited attractions, Szรฉchenyi Thermal Bath, also sits on the east side of this garden.
Get Lost in the Jewish District
The Jewish District is the heart of Budapest's nightlife, with its distinct character of rustic and rundown-looking buildings. Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, vendors, and street performers all line the lively lanes.
When the sun is out, you can admire the Jewish Synagogue before recharging at Gozsdu, a food court home to various types of cuisine. At night, you must indulge in the famous pub ruin scene. Szimpla Kert, Doboz, and Instant-Fogas are some of the most well-known.
Eat Your Way Through the Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall sits at the bottom of Budapest's main shopping avenue, Vaci Street. You'll know you're here once the beautiful and colorful tile roof is within sight.
Inside, you can pick up a local souvenir to remember the experience. But it's also one of the best spots for a traditional meal. Upstairs, you'll uncover several street food stalls selling delicacies such as goulash and langos. Or you can buy fresh goods in the downstairs market and enjoy a picnic at a nearby park.
๊ฐ๋ ๊ธธ์ ์ด ๋ช ์๋ค์ ๋ฐฉ๋ฌธํ์ธ์
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
With over a million pilgrims per year, this UNESCO-listed park is one of Poland's most popular devotional centres and one of Europe's most interesting landscape and architectural projects.ย Architectural, cultural and pilgrimage parkย
Oravsky hrad
Orava Castle was used as the location of Count Orlokโs Transylvanian castle in the original 1922 Nosferatu movie and is one of Slovakiaโs foremost national monuments.ย The Original Home of Nosferatuย
Vlkolinec
Vlkoklinec is a small village in Central Slovakia where historical traditions, houses, lifestyles, and crafts are still preserved today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.ย Where time stands stillย
Kosice
Kosice is the largest city in eastern Slovakia. With its lively past and distinguished street art scene, it's no wonder why the city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013.ย Historic treasure troveย
Banska Stiavnica
The completely preserved medieval town of Banka Stiavnica is famous for its silver mining and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.ย A medieval silver townย
Esztergom
Esztergom sits on the bank of the River Danube on the border with Slovakia and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungaryย The cradle of Hungaryย
โWe used the service for the first time after a lot of research. While I had some concerns about the long trips by car and I could not be any happier. We had multiple transfers. the first one from Budapest to Krakow, Second from Krakow to Zacopane (including a tour of the Salt mines) and the third one from Zacopane back to Budapest. We had two drivers, Thomas and Stanislaw. Both of them were timely and extremely professional at all times. The trip by road included the country sides and Mountains of Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. I would do this again on any trips shorter than 6 hours. It was safer that flying during covid and much more comfortableโ
โWe used DayTrip to get from Budapest to krakow. The transfer took 6 hours and was perfect. Our driver, Stas, was exactly on time. He was friendly, helpful and nice. He told us a lot about the road and about Poland. He found a great place to stop for lunch on the way. I would definitely take another trip with him. The car (bmw 3GT) was a quite nice one and in great condition. No complaints, no problems, even no suggestions. Thank you, Stas and daytrip!โ
โWe LOVED our trip with Tomasz S from Krakow to Budapest. He was an absolute professional from start to finish, and a true gentleman. Tomaszโs priority at all times was that we were always comfortable. He was so easy and friendly to spend time with tooโฆ. full of smiles and laughter - always wanting us to be at ease and happy. At the same time he was completely in tune with what we needed and when. If he could sense we wanted to just rest and read he would create a quiet atmosphere, with low relaxing music playing - very peaceful. But then when we had questions, Tomasz was always obliging and willing to answer anything and everything.
One thingโฆ we felt terrible we had no cash currency on us when we left Tomasz (not prepared, sorry), so we couldnโt give him a tip. But please, please pass on we thought he was the absolute โbestโ driver and delightful company we have every had.
Thanks Tomasz. You are a champion!โ
โMy husband and I still remember the wonderful service Stanislav provided us with
transporting us from Krakow to Budapest .
Stanislav arrived early ,the Vito Mercedes van was very comfortable, well equipped and clean. Stanislav was delightful and very informative showing us interesting landmarks along the way.At the end of our long journey we were sad feeling like we were parting with an old family friend. We cannot recommend Daytrip and in particular Stanislav enough ! In the future , when we are in Europe, hopefully our paths will cross again! Safe travels Stanislav!โ
โWe drove from Cesky Krumlov to Krokow and then later on to Budapest using DayTrip. This is a very time efficient way to travel and also very pleasant. Our drivers were very careful drivers and pleasant people to be with. We got to see the local scenery and understand they local social and political environment in a way that we would never have done otherwise. I would certainly use this service again. It is very well administered.โ
โWe booked a driver through Daytrip to go from Budapest to Krakow with a 2 hour excursion to Banska Stiavnica. We could not have been more pleased. Grzegorz Z. was prompt, professional and a very pleasant individual with which to spend the day. We were originally going to take the train, but decided to do this instead which turned out to be a great decision. I'd definitely consider using Daytrip again.โ
โOur group of 3 had a recent trip from Budapest to Krakow. As the whole the trip was excellent. We saw far more and had far greater convenience than other modes of transport available to us. While it is a little more expensive the convenience and the side trips made up for that easily.
The driver was waiting outside our door before the appointed time. He assisted with our luggage both before and after the trip was completed. He interpreted the language in both side stops we made and gave excellent advice on where to obtain meals and comfort stops.
I highly recommend people take advantage of the side trips offered, especially if it an area not visited before.โ
โ.Daytripwas an excellent way to get from Krakow to Budapest. Much better than dealing with a train station or airport. Our driver was very professional and courteous. We enjoyed two recommended sightseeing stops along the way and arrived at out hotel relaxed and happy.I will definetly use this service again.โ
โWe used Daytrip for the first time ever and it wonโt be the last. Our fabulous driver Stanislaw collected us on time from our accommodation in Budapest and drove us to Krakow Poland right to the front door of our hotel, around 8 hours including a stop for lunch. He spoke English and was able to keep us informed along the way. A really lovely and comfortable way to travel, thoroughly recommended!โ
โBooked 2 trips - first from Budapest to Krakow then 2 days later, from Krakow to Prague and we had Stanislaw (or โStasโ for short) as our driver for both trips.
Stas was a safe and steady driver and was also very professional! And dressed smartly in a suit! Prior to the journey, he had already read up on relevant the road situations (there was a marathon in Krakow the day we arrived with some road diversions).
Car was cleaned and well-maintained. He also had water prepared for us for the drive. And spoke very good English.
He gave us useful tips about Krakow and Prague. And because Stas wasnโt allowed to drive his car right into the old town square (in Krakow), he walked us from the car (1 street away) to the hotel.
From Krakow to Prague, we stopped by Kutna Hora where he showed us the relevant sites and waited by the car til we were done. It didnโt matter that we took longer than the initial estimate of 90min as listed on DayTripโs website.
Will definitely recommend!โ
