blackdogphoto

We are flying into Budapest, driving to Krkakow and then onto Prague. We would like to spend a night on the road between these cities. Any suggestions?

rex

I have no idea how valid this is - - but on a previously planend trip (2001, and I had to cancel it eventualy), I was advised that there are advantages of going through Austria and the Czech Republic, rather than the more obvious (more direct) route through Slovakia.

In that context, Gyor (hardly out of Budapest, and certainly not half way) or Olomouc (CR) look attractive.

I am curious - - have you found a car rental source that isn't charge an exorbitant fee for returning a Hungarian car in the Czech Republic?

Best wishes,

Rex

tomboy

FYI, the expressway that goes north from Bratislava toward Poland is the equal of any in the US. Traffic quite light, as well.

rex

Worth knowing. But the viamichelin.com route doesn't use that highway at all.

It (the viamichelin routing) does seem like a reasonable route, if the estimates are meaningful - - 237 miles in 4 hrs 55 mins.

Via Bratislava looks like it would add 50% to the distance; Olomouc, another 20% on top of that?

GSteed

Please check the highways M has suggested. We have tried some direct (map) routes and had a most difficult time on them. Small towns and narrow roads. The highway through Slovakia is excellent. You might consider entering Poland to take in Zakopane.

blackdogphoto

In response about renting the car..
We found through autoeurope that Avis is the only company that will rent to us, and the one way charge is $400. It seems they won't allow the tiny econo cars or the luxury cars (Mercedes) to do the trip, but we wanted a medium size car anyways.

My question is, if we take the major highway, will we miss out on some scenic little towns along the way?
We plan on spending the night on the road between Budapest and Krakow.
Any advice on the Tokaji region?

GSteed

Consider Trencin, Slovakia. Another suggestion. Leave main highway and visit town nearby. Posted limits restrict travel speed. Secondary road speed may be as slow as 30mph. City speed is usually 60kph. Austrians return from northern Slovakia on main highway at near air speeds!