VA_walker

What is the best way to get to Czestochowa from Krakow for 2 non-Polish speaking travelers? We will be in Krakow for 4 days in May waiting for our tour to begin. We don't really want to rent a car, because of the language barrier, and the problems we have heard of with car thefts. How long a trip is it; is there a train; is it better to hire a driver?

PeterB

Train will probably be your best option - or tours offered by hotel ... by train it is 2hr trip one way and you can check time tables here ->http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en or http://rozklad.pkpik.pl/bin/query.exe/en?

Bus: http://www.komunikacja.krakow.pl/pks...8a68d5bda6f02c

or better bus: http://www.polskiexpress.pl/rozklad/kreator.php

city links
http://www.krakow.pl/en/
http://www.czestochowa.pl/languages/en?set_language=en

GSteed

Trains will be ok..some risks. Check Polska Express Bus. Usually safest. Car theft problem is overrated. A car and driver is a pleasant way to travel..use the hotel concierge. Use daylight trains.

tmh

VA Walker: I don't speak the language and made it on the train just fine. I did write down phrases so that if I was stuck, I could point to it in my planner. They were very helpful.

There are taxi drivers all around the trian station that will offer rides but I ofund the distance and thier offers less than appealing. Ask our hotel if they have any recommednations. They know the best people to use although not necissarily the least expensive.

joegri

VA_walker: We drove all over Poland last year to big cities, small cities, remote villages, highways (there are a few) and country roads and had no difficulties. We are not Polish and don't speak the language, but we had good maps and did a lot of prep before we left. We were in Poland 35 days and with much help from the two Gentlemen that have already provided you with information, PeterB and GSTEED, we loved it. One thing they told us was to park in secured parking, not on the street. We did that religously and had no problem. It is a wonderful country to see, to drive in (a bit slow), and to experience.
To get to Czestochowa from Krakow, we took the Eagle's Lair Trail (or the road that runs adjacent) and it is just beautiful; scenic gorges, valleys, woods and caves, it is a scenic wonderland. There are a number of castle ruins and palaces in route which only add to the spectacular scenery. I would highly reccomend it. Have a great trip.