Help with Warsaw/Krakow!!
Jul 13th, 2004, 11:39 AM
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Help with Warsaw/Krakow!!
Hi, I'm organising a trip to Poland in October. We are flying into Warsaw on Sat 2nd. I need to go directly to either the bus station or train station to travel to Krakow for 3 nights. Then back to Warsaw for 2 nights and then home. I need information on the following:
1. How should we get from Warsaw airport to the train/bus station?
2. Would you recommend the 'Europajski Hotel' in Krakow or another hotel. I thought 'Europajski' as it is near the station.
3. Day trips from Krakow?
4. Holiday Inn or Novotel Centrum in Warsaw? - or another near bus/train station?
5. Do I have to reserve a seat on the train in advance and if so, how?
6. Suggestions for 1.5 days in Warsaw. What should we do/see? Are their open top bus tours?
Any information would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance!!!
1. How should we get from Warsaw airport to the train/bus station?
2. Would you recommend the 'Europajski Hotel' in Krakow or another hotel. I thought 'Europajski' as it is near the station.
3. Day trips from Krakow?
4. Holiday Inn or Novotel Centrum in Warsaw? - or another near bus/train station?
5. Do I have to reserve a seat on the train in advance and if so, how?
6. Suggestions for 1.5 days in Warsaw. What should we do/see? Are their open top bus tours?
Any information would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance!!!
Jul 13th, 2004, 12:10 PM
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We stayed at the Europajski (sp?) 2 years ago. We liked it for some of the same reasons you state - close to the train and bus station as well as the square plus a good value.
We were there for 8 days plus 2 down to Zakopane. We went in April and enjoyed all the wonderful sights.
Bus/Train station: If you could walk out the front door and walk across the street, you'd be there. The only reason you can't is because there's a set of tracks or highway. So you just turn right, go over the passenger-only bridge and you're almost on the steps to the train station.
Day trips: We went to Auschwitz by bus and went to Czestohowa (sp) to see the Black Madonna another day (via train). Both those were 'day' trips taken from the bus/train station.
We also went to the salt mines using a van/bus but this wasn't a day event. WE used LP as our primary guide as well as info off the net.
It's a great place and we hope to get back soon. Enjoy.
We were there for 8 days plus 2 down to Zakopane. We went in April and enjoyed all the wonderful sights.
Bus/Train station: If you could walk out the front door and walk across the street, you'd be there. The only reason you can't is because there's a set of tracks or highway. So you just turn right, go over the passenger-only bridge and you're almost on the steps to the train station.
Day trips: We went to Auschwitz by bus and went to Czestohowa (sp) to see the Black Madonna another day (via train). Both those were 'day' trips taken from the bus/train station.
We also went to the salt mines using a van/bus but this wasn't a day event. WE used LP as our primary guide as well as info off the net.
It's a great place and we hope to get back soon. Enjoy.
Jul 14th, 2004, 11:18 PM
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Just one week ago we have returned from OUR trip, so memories are still fresh. Here are some answers based on our experiences:
1. There is a regular bus going into town, but do yourself a favour (more precisely to your luggage) and take a taxi. Walk out of the arrivals hall and wait in line for one of the radio taxis. Ignore offers for a taxi as you step out of customs. At 23:30 (11.30 pm) we payed 36 zl to get to central Warsaw.
2. We stayed at the Polonia in Krakow, also across from the Main Station sq. Liked it very much: pleasant atmosphere, good Polish breakfast (owesome dark bread/rolls, herring + cream/onion, lots of fresh/live (i.e. uncooked) vegetable - not sure weather this will suit the palate of the regilar American), very quiet room (we asked for a room facing the back).
3. The central station serves both trains and busses. Busses wait in the center of the parking lot, each one displaying its destination. You'll find this very helpful catching your bus.
4. In Warsaw, we stayed at the Europejski. Next time in Warsaw we'll stay there again; need more be said?
5. Intercity trains require a reservation. Even if they didn't, would you take a risk of getting off a transatlantic flight and being told there are no seats on your selected departure? PKP-Intercity who is the operator of the Warsaw-Krakow train will accept reservations via email. Emailthem (in English) at: [email protected] .
Make sure you specify as many details as possible - time of day,
smoking preferences, class type etc. You may consult the train time table first, at http://www.rozklad.pkp.pl/cgi-bin/new/query.exe/en
6. We spent our Warsaw weekend by visiting the weekend flea market Kolo (or was it Kola?), by going to the National Jewish Theater, and by hearing a Chopin concert at Lazienki (weekend at 16:00). THe rantal car company which I used later will also give Warsaw tours. You might want to check with them: http://www.lrc.com.pl/
1. There is a regular bus going into town, but do yourself a favour (more precisely to your luggage) and take a taxi. Walk out of the arrivals hall and wait in line for one of the radio taxis. Ignore offers for a taxi as you step out of customs. At 23:30 (11.30 pm) we payed 36 zl to get to central Warsaw.
2. We stayed at the Polonia in Krakow, also across from the Main Station sq. Liked it very much: pleasant atmosphere, good Polish breakfast (owesome dark bread/rolls, herring + cream/onion, lots of fresh/live (i.e. uncooked) vegetable - not sure weather this will suit the palate of the regilar American), very quiet room (we asked for a room facing the back).
3. The central station serves both trains and busses. Busses wait in the center of the parking lot, each one displaying its destination. You'll find this very helpful catching your bus.
4. In Warsaw, we stayed at the Europejski. Next time in Warsaw we'll stay there again; need more be said?
5. Intercity trains require a reservation. Even if they didn't, would you take a risk of getting off a transatlantic flight and being told there are no seats on your selected departure? PKP-Intercity who is the operator of the Warsaw-Krakow train will accept reservations via email. Emailthem (in English) at: [email protected] .
Make sure you specify as many details as possible - time of day,
smoking preferences, class type etc. You may consult the train time table first, at http://www.rozklad.pkp.pl/cgi-bin/new/query.exe/en
6. We spent our Warsaw weekend by visiting the weekend flea market Kolo (or was it Kola?), by going to the National Jewish Theater, and by hearing a Chopin concert at Lazienki (weekend at 16:00). THe rantal car company which I used later will also give Warsaw tours. You might want to check with them: http://www.lrc.com.pl/
Jul 15th, 2004, 05:22 AM
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Martina,
As to your transport from the Warsaw airport to the central train station, using "Radio Taxi" is a correct move, but don't hassle yourself by going out of the arrivals hall ---Radio Taxi has a booth right in the middle of the arrivals hall (which is so small you won't believe this is a major city airport).
Tell the Radio Taxi personnel your destination and they will have someone accompany you to one of their taxis. This will further fend off the gauntlet of drivers who would love to grab you for a lot more than the standard fare.
We stayed in Krakow at the Hotel Pollera, which is inside the walls of the old town. We were very satified and would stay there again. It is 2 blocks from the train station. (Check their web site for "special rates" for stays of 2 nights or more.) We took one of their two suites, and it included a large foyer, living room, bedroom and a marble bathroom, with tub, shower, bidet, toilette, and double vainity.
(A lot of "old world luxury" for a moderate price!)
We selected the Pollera because it was not on the ring road (traffic and bus fumes) that encircles the Old Town.
Because of its location, you get the quiet of being off the ring road, along with the short walk to the train/bus station and to the sites of the old town.
You can take a public van from outside the train station to the Wieczlika Salt Mines. You don't need a guide service for this excursion. It is cheaper and fun to experience traveling with the local population.
If you go by train to Auschwitz, don't miss Berkineau (?). It is about a mile away from Auschwitz, and you can get there by taxi. The two sites are completely different experiences. The facilities at Auschwitz are all made of brick---which gives it the look of an industrial complex. Birchineau is constructed of wood--like most other of the concentration camps, and gives a more accurate feel of the living conditions of the average prisoner.
(Think "Schindler's List".)
While in Krakow, do walk south to the Jewish Ghetto (about 8 blocks from the main square). Visit the synagogue and Jewish cemetary, and have lunch at one of the surrounding "kosher" restaurants. An enlightening afternoon!
We had a car upon leaving Krakow, so I can't be of help on other "day trips".
However, if you can get a "one day" bus trip to Zakopane --go, it is a lovely mountain resort town with lots of "highlander" flavor and inexpensive shopping for handicrafts and amber jewelry. The Tatra scenery and local architecture is also impressive. I believe that most day trips to Zakopane include a raft ride down the river---a traditional experience that is great fun! (Take water shoes or flip-flops---the bottom of these "raft boats" are a bit wet!)
In Warsaw, we stayed at the Holiday Inn, but had a buffet breakfast at the
Novotel Centrum (used to be the Forum Hotel). Both are within two blocks of the train station. Pick which one suits your pocketbook. Both are equally well-appointed.
Do reserve your seat in advance--you will be traveling on a Saturday and the trains could be very full. Take the other poster's advice on this issue. Wise move! There is a train ticket office in the airport Arrival's Hall----when you arrive, check to see if you can pick-up your reserved tickets there. It would save you time upon arrival at Central Station. (The ticket office is to the right when you are facing the exit doors to the street.)
I don't know the answer to "open top" bus tours. While in Warsaw for about 1 1/2 days, we went to Wawel Palace by taxi. At the Palace, you are assigned a guide by requested language. We arranged ours in advance by e-mail on their internet site. That southern area surrounding the palace was gardened, green and quite pretty.
You will have your guidebook to follow for seeing the sites of the Old Town, which is quite small ---and doesn't take more than a 5 or 6 hours, including the churches, castle, museums and some shopping along the main boulevard and in the old town square.
We went to hear the symphony orchestra at Lazienski Hall----very inexpensive seats and a great performance--go if there is something on tap while you are in town.
As to your transport from the Warsaw airport to the central train station, using "Radio Taxi" is a correct move, but don't hassle yourself by going out of the arrivals hall ---Radio Taxi has a booth right in the middle of the arrivals hall (which is so small you won't believe this is a major city airport).
Tell the Radio Taxi personnel your destination and they will have someone accompany you to one of their taxis. This will further fend off the gauntlet of drivers who would love to grab you for a lot more than the standard fare.
We stayed in Krakow at the Hotel Pollera, which is inside the walls of the old town. We were very satified and would stay there again. It is 2 blocks from the train station. (Check their web site for "special rates" for stays of 2 nights or more.) We took one of their two suites, and it included a large foyer, living room, bedroom and a marble bathroom, with tub, shower, bidet, toilette, and double vainity.
(A lot of "old world luxury" for a moderate price!)
We selected the Pollera because it was not on the ring road (traffic and bus fumes) that encircles the Old Town.
Because of its location, you get the quiet of being off the ring road, along with the short walk to the train/bus station and to the sites of the old town.
You can take a public van from outside the train station to the Wieczlika Salt Mines. You don't need a guide service for this excursion. It is cheaper and fun to experience traveling with the local population.
If you go by train to Auschwitz, don't miss Berkineau (?). It is about a mile away from Auschwitz, and you can get there by taxi. The two sites are completely different experiences. The facilities at Auschwitz are all made of brick---which gives it the look of an industrial complex. Birchineau is constructed of wood--like most other of the concentration camps, and gives a more accurate feel of the living conditions of the average prisoner.
(Think "Schindler's List".)
While in Krakow, do walk south to the Jewish Ghetto (about 8 blocks from the main square). Visit the synagogue and Jewish cemetary, and have lunch at one of the surrounding "kosher" restaurants. An enlightening afternoon!
We had a car upon leaving Krakow, so I can't be of help on other "day trips".
However, if you can get a "one day" bus trip to Zakopane --go, it is a lovely mountain resort town with lots of "highlander" flavor and inexpensive shopping for handicrafts and amber jewelry. The Tatra scenery and local architecture is also impressive. I believe that most day trips to Zakopane include a raft ride down the river---a traditional experience that is great fun! (Take water shoes or flip-flops---the bottom of these "raft boats" are a bit wet!)
In Warsaw, we stayed at the Holiday Inn, but had a buffet breakfast at the
Novotel Centrum (used to be the Forum Hotel). Both are within two blocks of the train station. Pick which one suits your pocketbook. Both are equally well-appointed.
Do reserve your seat in advance--you will be traveling on a Saturday and the trains could be very full. Take the other poster's advice on this issue. Wise move! There is a train ticket office in the airport Arrival's Hall----when you arrive, check to see if you can pick-up your reserved tickets there. It would save you time upon arrival at Central Station. (The ticket office is to the right when you are facing the exit doors to the street.)
I don't know the answer to "open top" bus tours. While in Warsaw for about 1 1/2 days, we went to Wawel Palace by taxi. At the Palace, you are assigned a guide by requested language. We arranged ours in advance by e-mail on their internet site. That southern area surrounding the palace was gardened, green and quite pretty.
You will have your guidebook to follow for seeing the sites of the Old Town, which is quite small ---and doesn't take more than a 5 or 6 hours, including the churches, castle, museums and some shopping along the main boulevard and in the old town square.
We went to hear the symphony orchestra at Lazienski Hall----very inexpensive seats and a great performance--go if there is something on tap while you are in town.
Jul 15th, 2004, 06:24 AM
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There is a bus service from the Warsaw airport (terminal 1) to Krakow twice a day. It's Polski Express.
Here is their website, unfortunately it's only in polish:
<b>http://www.polskiexpress.pl/</b>
Here is their website, unfortunately it's only in polish:
<b>http://www.polskiexpress.pl/</b>
Jul 16th, 2004, 12:57 PM
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Thank you all very much for your information. It's been a great help.
Does anyone else know anything about the bus from Warsaw airport to Krakow. It would save me going into the city if I could go directly from the airport. Thanks again.
Does anyone else know anything about the bus from Warsaw airport to Krakow. It would save me going into the city if I could go directly from the airport. Thanks again.
Jul 16th, 2004, 01:11 PM
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Here are the schedules for the Warsaw airport to Krakow runs.
<b>Bus #8407
Warszawa (Lotnisko Okêcie) 09:20 09:20 - Leaves the airport
Rawa Mazowiecka 10:25 10:25
Brzeziny 11:00 11:00
Lodz 11:30 12:00
Piotrków Trybunalski 12:50 12:50
Czêstochowa 14:15 14:15
Bêdzin 15:15 15:15
Sosnowiec 15:25 15:25
Katowice 15:40 15:40
Kraków 17:05 </b>
and the second one:
<b>Bus #8413
Warszawa (Lotnisko Okêcie) 15:20 15:20 - leaves the airport
Rawa Mazowiecka 16:25 16:25
Brzeziny 17:00 17:00
Lodz 17:30 18:00
Piotrków Trybunalski 18:50 18:50
Czêstochowa 20:15 20:15
Bêdzin 21:15 21:15
Sosnowiec 21:25 21:25
Katowice 21:40 21:40
Kraków 23:05 </b>
From what I saw on their website they use modern intercity coaches. No prices listed on the website, but it does say that regardless where you buy tickets (advance, ticket offices or the driver) the price is the same.
For price quote, they give this e-mail address:
<b>[email protected]</b>
include the routing in the e-mail.
That's all I could tell you as I have never used their services. A friend that has, told me that it was your typical luxury bus service.
<b>Bus #8407
Warszawa (Lotnisko Okêcie) 09:20 09:20 - Leaves the airport
Rawa Mazowiecka 10:25 10:25
Brzeziny 11:00 11:00
Lodz 11:30 12:00
Piotrków Trybunalski 12:50 12:50
Czêstochowa 14:15 14:15
Bêdzin 15:15 15:15
Sosnowiec 15:25 15:25
Katowice 15:40 15:40
Kraków 17:05 </b>
and the second one:
<b>Bus #8413
Warszawa (Lotnisko Okêcie) 15:20 15:20 - leaves the airport
Rawa Mazowiecka 16:25 16:25
Brzeziny 17:00 17:00
Lodz 17:30 18:00
Piotrków Trybunalski 18:50 18:50
Czêstochowa 20:15 20:15
Bêdzin 21:15 21:15
Sosnowiec 21:25 21:25
Katowice 21:40 21:40
Kraków 23:05 </b>
From what I saw on their website they use modern intercity coaches. No prices listed on the website, but it does say that regardless where you buy tickets (advance, ticket offices or the driver) the price is the same.
For price quote, they give this e-mail address:
<b>[email protected]</b>
include the routing in the e-mail.
That's all I could tell you as I have never used their services. A friend that has, told me that it was your typical luxury bus service.
Jul 17th, 2004, 03:39 AM
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Martina,
As evidenced by those bus schedules, they wander you about. Eight hours to Krakow from Warsaw airport is not going to save you any time---even if you could make one of those two bus connections.
The average time time to Krakow is 2 to 2 1/2 hours by train. The fares are very inexpensive, as are the Radio Taxis into town.
As evidenced by those bus schedules, they wander you about. Eight hours to Krakow from Warsaw airport is not going to save you any time---even if you could make one of those two bus connections.
The average time time to Krakow is 2 to 2 1/2 hours by train. The fares are very inexpensive, as are the Radio Taxis into town.
Jul 17th, 2004, 04:18 AM
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also stayed at the hotel polonia in krakow.
would definitley stay again.
went to some fabulous "peasant (farm)kitchen" restaurant. dont remember the namein polish, but it has a pitchfork on the door outside. they have music, and looks like a barn inside. fun place. everyone must know it.
and ventured up to a beautiful palatial home turned into lovely atmospheric restaurant.. just outside the city center area up towards residential area.
will try to find the names of these places. we took bus and walked a bit, but hotel was convinced we needed a taxi. they had a harpist and doormen in period dress. great food, and the most luxurious part of our meal scene.
also saw a play in polish.. (dont speak it) but it was very good and you could tell the actors were excellent.
great prices last minute .
a trip to krakow and many parts of poland is a reflection on history and suffering. i bought a small book in jewish ghetto and reading it and re-tracing the steps of the anguished was very moving.
saw schindler's factory from outside.
did not buy many gifts.. as usual. hard to find creative interestign things anymore.
the local museum was intresting. also bought the special transport/ museum restaurant/discount card at tourist office, which is where i found that great restaurant in palatial home.
great city. you will enjoy it.
had good food everywhere.
warning about salt mines.. try not to walk down those steps so quickly.. your toes and soles of feet will be killing you at night and you wont remember why.
if you are claustrophobic, the elevator ride back up might do you in.
would definitley stay again.
went to some fabulous "peasant (farm)kitchen" restaurant. dont remember the namein polish, but it has a pitchfork on the door outside. they have music, and looks like a barn inside. fun place. everyone must know it.
and ventured up to a beautiful palatial home turned into lovely atmospheric restaurant.. just outside the city center area up towards residential area.
will try to find the names of these places. we took bus and walked a bit, but hotel was convinced we needed a taxi. they had a harpist and doormen in period dress. great food, and the most luxurious part of our meal scene.
also saw a play in polish.. (dont speak it) but it was very good and you could tell the actors were excellent.
great prices last minute .
a trip to krakow and many parts of poland is a reflection on history and suffering. i bought a small book in jewish ghetto and reading it and re-tracing the steps of the anguished was very moving.
saw schindler's factory from outside.
did not buy many gifts.. as usual. hard to find creative interestign things anymore.
the local museum was intresting. also bought the special transport/ museum restaurant/discount card at tourist office, which is where i found that great restaurant in palatial home.
great city. you will enjoy it.
had good food everywhere.
warning about salt mines.. try not to walk down those steps so quickly.. your toes and soles of feet will be killing you at night and you wont remember why.
if you are claustrophobic, the elevator ride back up might do you in.
Jul 17th, 2004, 05:24 AM
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Suggestion: Fly into Krakow. Check out Saski Hotel. Wroclaw and Czestochowa may be more fun than Warszawa. Polski Express is a very good bus line. You could take the bus and stop at cities along the way to Krakow. You may be able to fly on Lot from Warszawa to Krakow. Let us know what you finally do!
Jul 17th, 2004, 05:43 AM
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Addendum: try <www.what-where-when.pl>
This is a travel magazine posting monthly specials about, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot.
This is a travel magazine posting monthly specials about, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot.
Jul 17th, 2004, 07:30 AM
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It has been many years since my visit to Poland but one thing that stands out more than anything was the emotional impact of walking through Auschwitz. Bring plent of tissue. I think it is an experience not to be missed. It reminds one of the atrocities that were committed back then and makes us realize they are still being committed now in other parts of the world.
Jul 17th, 2004, 09:02 AM
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In Krakow, I chose the Pollera over the Polonia--we just got back last week--and I would definitely select the Pollera again. The location is wonderful! As far as getting from the Warwaw airport to Krakow, I would take a taxi to the Warsaw train station (about a fifteen minute ride--we were charged 50 slotys for four people and luggage--about 12 dollars), then buy train tickets to Krakow. While in Warsaw, we took the city tour--hotels will have brochures for it. It was a 3 hour tour, on a small van with 13 other people, and it was a great use of our limited time. We toured many stops, including the palace in Lisenski park. Our guide was fabulous. I think the cost was 60 zlotys (about 15 bucks)--definitely a bargain. These tours aren't for everyone, but for my older parents who have difficulty walking long distances--and given our limited time--it was wonderful. The tour ends in Old Town where you have the option to stay, or be returned to your hotel. Taxis were very cheap in Warwaw. Our hotel was by the train station and it was a 4 dollar taxi ride to old town (for four of us). Have a great time! Try to learn a little Polish before you go--I found it very useful, especially when buying train tickets or talking to taxi drivers.
Jul 18th, 2004, 04:19 PM
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I also recommend the Hotel Saski. We stayed there last Oct and loved it. It is only a few minutes by taxi from the train, & about 10 minutes walk. It is located inside Old Town & 1/2 block from Rynek Glowny (Main Square). At the time we paid $93 for a triple including full breakfast, which was delicious. We preferred being in Old Town instead of near the train station.
Jul 20th, 2004, 12:45 AM
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More ideas: If practical, take Polski Express from Warsaw Airport. Stop over in Lodz, Czestochowa, Krakow and Zakopane. Return, stop in Kielce then return to Warsaw. Hotels are near bus stops. Use guide books in city. Lodz has prepared itineraries for 1-3 day visits. Yesterday we toured the main street of Lodz on their street bus. ulica Piotrkowska. Down one side back the other. 1 hour trip. About 50 cents each. Lodz also has 100s of bicycle rickshaws.
