skiski6

We know there are many Fodorites on this board with a lot of knowledge. Please, we need some help.

My husband and I will be travelling from Krakow to Budapest in September. We would like to take the overnight train and get a first class berth for 2. What is the best way to book this at a good price? Should we wait until we get to Prague to buy our tickets - 8 days before we will be taking the train from Krakow to Budapest - or when we get to Krakow - 4 days before taking the train to Budapest? Or do we need to book it on line now?

Iris

PeterB

Depends which part of september ... vacations end at the begining of september ... as for when to buy and what be cheapest ... probably from krakow since there you can also get any current promotions ...

PalenQ

i think it may depend on the type of sleeping accomm you want - a double may be available when the cheapest - 2nd class 6-person couchettes may not. the pricier the sleeping accomm the easier to book IME

You'll save money buying in the country - you can also try in Prague as it may be about the same perhaps - in the U.S. i always advise calling BETS (800-441-9413) for their expertise, chance to talk to a live expert and lack of some of RailEurope's fees (even though they work thru them) for this type of order. But i would wait till i'm there - but many would want to pay a bit more ahead and make sure and just have to show up at the train. At times RailEurope can be surprisingly competitive though so always price them at least - but it's hard to say what prices would be in the countries - at least i don't know any online sources for this in local currency.

Polish_lodgings

There's one overnight train from Krakow to Budapest. The best way to buy a ticket is when you're in Krakow. It isn't possible for you to book it on line because you would need to have an account in one of Polish banks. However, if you have a friend in Poland they could buy a ticket for you. I've found that Polish Rails had introduced buying tickets for a third person this year. The train goes every day so you may not have problems with getting a ticket. On the other hand, students in Poland have holidays at that time so the train may be crowded. Especially that they get 40% discount on a ticket. No discount for you, I'm afraid, unless you want to buy a return ticket. The journey takes nearly eleven hours.

Fidel

Have you considered flying?

Padraig

An overnight flight?

vancojo

I would also look into flying. I've taken this train--and despite having the highest priced coach--it was not at all comfortable--also the level of service was much less than what we experienced on a Paris to Rome overnight train--example no coffee trays in the morning, no offers to help you make up your coach. In addition, you are stopped at each border--out of Poland, into Slovakia, out of Slovakia, into Hungary--don't count on much sleeping. And I recall the train ticket was not inexpensive.

On the other hand--we loved Krakow and would go back to Budapest in a minute--have a great time!!

SomewhereOutThere

One more vote for flying! We traveled from Krakow to Budapest in May on Malev Air Flight 847 - Leaves Krakow at 4:05P, arrives Budapest at 4:55P. Very nice flight - Krakow is a small airport - not stressful. We paid $187.90 each with taxes & fees for a May flight. You can't book online for delivery outside Poland...must call their office or go through a travel agent...and must get paper tickets. But, it really is a great option.